Top One-Year Online RN to BSN Programs for 2026
![Top One-Year Online RN to BSN Programs for [year]](https://media.nurse.org/cache/fe/56/fe5615d60a98e7f23d5690231e35b448.png)
Online RN to BSN programs are an excellent way for nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or an RN diploma to advance their education. These programs take less time to complete than a traditional BSN because they focus on courses directly related to nursing. In some cases, students can complete an online RN to BSN in just one year.
Nurse.org has compiled a list of the top 10 one-year online RN to BSN programs, including tuition, accreditation, and application deadlines. Read on to find a program for you!
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) offers a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. With 23 nursing school campuses across 14 states, AZCN provides convenient scheduling with general education night classes and in-person, online, and blended nursing courses. New BSN sessions start about every 8 weeks, giving you flexibility when beginning your nursing degree. Our program features small class sizes and NCLEX-RN exam preparation built-in. You’ll experience hands-on clinical practice, advanced simulation labs, and personalized support, to prepare you for your nursing career.
CCNE, ABHES
Hybrid
RN Not Required
Enrollment: 23 Campuses in 14 States (AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, MI, MO, NV, OH, SC, TX, UT, VA, WI)
Nurse.org’s Top 10 One-Year RN to BSN Programs
Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and we use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.
| School | Tuition | Program Length | Accreditation |
| Appalachian State University | $204.79 - $966.87 per credit hour | 12 months | CCNE |
| University of Utah | $12,000 total | 12 months | CCNE |
| The University of Toledo | $13,638.90 total | 12 months | CCNE |
| Midwestern State University | $15,523.65 - $26,458.65 total | 12 months | CCNE |
| Drexel University | $566 per credit hour | 12 months | CCNE |
| George Mason University | $433 - $1,474.50 per credit hour | 12 months | CCNE |
| University of Cincinnati | $642 - $657 per credit hour | 12 months | CCNE |
| Penn State World Campus | $638 per credit hour | 12 months | CCNE |
| Alvernia University | $400 per credit hour | 12 months | CCNE |
| Chamberlain University | Less than $14,000 total | 12 months | CCNE |
Why We Picked This School
This one-year online RN to BSN program requires 30 credit hours of entirely online asynchronous coursework. Students complete an average of 15 to 20 hours of coursework per week throughout each of the three semesters.
Program Highlights
- Dogwood Health Trust offers free tuition to RN to BSN students residing in select Western NC counties.
- 1 - 3 year formats available for students with varying weekly time commitments.
Requirements
- ADN, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing, or nursing diploma from an accredited program
- Active, unencumbered RN licensure in NC or a compact state
- Minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- 60 credit hours of lower-division transferable coursework
- 30 credit hours of major nursing courses
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $204.79 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $966.87 per credit hour
- Application Deadline
- Priority: February 1st
- Final: August 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (828) 262-7877
- Email Address: transferadmissions@appstate.edu
Why We Picked This School
The University of Utah is one of the few nursing schools that no longer requires letters of recommendation. Students instead provide details of their experience, including service to others, responsibility, and organizational skills, to be considered for admission.
Program Highlights
- Students can complete the RN to BSN program in two, three, or four semesters.
- Students in the Intermountain West region, including Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona, and New Mexico, receive priority admission.
- Online students only need to travel to campus five or fewer times per semester.
Requirements
- Completed nursing program and university application
- All official transcripts
- Completed prerequisite courses with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Minimum 3.0 nursing school GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Admissions essay on nursing experience and impact
Program Information
- Application Deadline: March 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (801) 587-3194
- Email Address: admissions@nurs.utah.edu
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) offers a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. With 23 nursing school campuses across 14 states, AZCN provides convenient scheduling with general education night classes and in-person, online, and blended nursing courses. New BSN sessions start about every 8 weeks, giving you flexibility when beginning your nursing degree. Our program features small class sizes and NCLEX-RN exam preparation built-in. You’ll experience hands-on clinical practice, advanced simulation labs, and personalized support, to prepare you for your nursing career.
CCNE, ABHES
Hybrid
RN Not Required
Enrollment: 23 Campuses in 14 States (AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, MI, MO, NV, OH, SC, TX, UT, VA, WI)
Why We Picked This School
The University of Toledo’s one-year online RN to BSN program has been educating students since 1974. All courses are Quality Matters certified, and the program is affordable for both residents and non-residents. The university only charges $5 more for nonresident tuition, which can make it more appealing for online attendees.
Program Highlights
- A generous transfer agreement with Monroe and Owens Community Colleges.
- The RN to BSN program is a Competency-Based Education (CBE) program.
- The university designed this program for working adults balancing professional and family obligations.
Requirements
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- ADN or RN diploma from an accredited program
- Minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- C grade or higher in all required courses
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (419) 530-8888
- Email Address: CHHSadmit@utoledo.edu
$15,523.65 - $26,458.65 total
Why We Picked This School
MSU’s RN Transition Program is ideal for nurses who must continue working throughout the program. The university also partners with local community colleges to help nurses with an ADN pursue their BSN. In addition to applying to the RN Transition Program, students must also complete a general MSU admissions application.
Program Highlights
- Partnered with Alvin Community College, Amarillo College, Collin College, Dallas College, North Central Texas College (NCTC), Tarrant County College, Temple College, and Vernon College.
- Offers eight and 16-week courses in the fall and spring, and five and 10-week courses in the summer.
Requirements
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- ADN or RN diploma from an accredited program
- Completed admission application
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $15,523.65 total
- Non-Resident: $26,458.65 total
- Application Deadline
- Spring: November 1st
- Fall: July 1st
- Summer: May 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (940) 397-4331
- Email Address: rntobsn@msutexas.edu
Why We Picked This School
Drexel allows students to transfer up to 135 of the required 180 quarter credits into its online RN to BSN program. Students can complete the final 10 nursing courses in this accelerated program in just one year.
Program Highlights
- Three-year tuition lock allows students to set the pace they want for the program while maintaining the same tuition rate.
- Special tuition plans for ANA members, employees of health system partners, and community colleges.
Requirements
- High school diploma
- ADN or nursing diploma from an accredited program
- Minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
Program Information
- Application Deadline: March 6th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (800) 2-DREXEL
- Email Address: enroll@drexel.edu
$433 - $1,474.50 per credit
Why We Picked This School
GMU accepts students twice a year into the one-year online RN to BSN program. While students can complete the program in just 12 months on a full-time basis, they may also attend part-time for longer.
Program Highlights
- Ranked one of the top 10 best nursing schools for veterans in Virginia, according to College Factual
- GMU offers weekly online Zoom information sessions for prospective students to ask questions about the program and the admission process
Requirements
- Completed university and nursing program admission applications
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- C grade or higher on all prerequisite courses
- Minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Current resume/CV
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $433 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $1,474.50 per credit hour
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: January 15th
- Spring: October 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (703) 993-1000
- Email Address: bsnapps@gmu.edu
Why We Picked This School
The University of Cincinnati's RN to BSN program is highly flexible and has its own dedicated faculty. Additionally, students have an assigned success coordinator who oversees their progression throughout the program.
Program Highlights
- Offers seven-week courses twice a semester
- Students receive a dedicated enrollment services advisor and student success coordinator during the admissions process
- Ranked among the best online programs in Ohio
Requirements
- ADN or RN diploma from an accredited program
- Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale (recommended)
- Current resume/CV
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Two letters of recommendation
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $642 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $657 per credit hour
- Application Deadline:
- Summer: March 15th
- Fall: July 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (513) 556-6826
- Email Address: onlineenrollment@uc.edu
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) offers a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. With 23 nursing school campuses across 14 states, AZCN provides convenient scheduling with general education night classes and in-person, online, and blended nursing courses. New BSN sessions start about every 8 weeks, giving you flexibility when beginning your nursing degree. Our program features small class sizes and NCLEX-RN exam preparation built-in. You’ll experience hands-on clinical practice, advanced simulation labs, and personalized support, to prepare you for your nursing career.
CCNE, ABHES
Hybrid
RN Not Required
Enrollment: 23 Campuses in 14 States (AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, MI, MO, NV, OH, SC, TX, UT, VA, WI)
$638 per credit
Why We Picked This School
Students in the one-year online RN to BSN program at PSU must also complete at least 45 in-person clinical hours. However, they may complete this requirement in their local area with an approved preceptor.
Program Highlights
- Penn State World Campus offers the BSN in partnership with the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
- With over 100 years of distance education experience, World Campus is a longtime leader in online learning
- Nationally ranked as one of the best online programs according to U.S. News & World Report
Requirements
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- ADN or RN diploma from an accredited program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Summer: March 15th
- Spring: October 31st
- Fall: June 30th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (814) 863-5386
- Email Address: admissions@worldcampus.psu.edu
Why We Picked This School
This online RN to BSN program focuses on Franciscan principles. It provides students with an education integrated with liberal arts traditions and Catholic values. Students can attend the program entirely online and complete it at their own pace.
Program Highlights
- Ranked in the top 20% of nursing programs in the country
- Classes are seven weeks and use an innovative distance education learning system
- Students receive personalized academic coaching throughout the year-long program
Requirements
- ADN or nursing diploma from an accredited program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum one year of bedside experience
- Current resume/CV
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Nursing prerequisite courses
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (888) 258-3764
- Email Address: admissions@alvernia.edu
Less than $14,000
Why We Picked This School
Chamberlain is the second-largest RN to BSN program in the U.S. Students in this program focus on learning to learn as opposed to learning for an exam. They can transfer up to 75% of the credits required for graduation and must take a minimum of 30 BSN credits at Chamberlain.
Program Highlights
- Offers a test-free experience where students learn skills through assignments and experiences
- Largest nursing school in the country
- 90% of students receive some form of financial assistance
Requirements
- ADN or RN diploma from an accredited institution
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Active, unencumbered RN license
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (877) 571-9263
What to Expect in a One-Year RN to BSN Program
One-year RN to BSN programs are typically 20-40 credits, depending on the program and transfer credit options. You can expect the curriculum to focus on leadership, administration, research, and ethics. Some programs will require in-person clinicals, while others accept transfer credits and bedside experience for the clinical requirements. These online RN to BSN programs with no clinicals are ideal for working nurses who need more flexibility in their schedules.
FAQs
Additional Resources
- Top 6-Month RN to BSN Programs
- Cheapest & Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs
- Top 10 Online RN to BSN Programs
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