Top 10 Online BSN Programs for 2025
Thinking about becoming a nurse or interested in continuing your nursing education? We've ranked the top bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs for 2025 to help you choose the program that's right for you.
Top Online BSN Programs
Our ranking criteria is based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation and uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.
|
Program |
Accreditation |
Program Length |
Program Cost |
|
Villanova University |
CCNE |
60 credit hours |
$618 per credit hour |
|
University of Rochester |
CCNE |
16 months |
$1,200 per credit hour |
|
University of Wisconsin - Madison |
CCNE |
1.5 to 2.5 years |
$452 per credit hour |
|
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences |
CCNE |
5 semesters |
$306 per credit hour |
|
University of Florida |
CCNE |
2 years |
Resident: $129.18 per credit hour Non-Resident: $552.62 per credit hour |
|
Drexel University |
CCNE |
12 months |
$549 per credit hour |
|
Point Loma Nazarene University |
CCNE |
36 credit hours |
$500 per credit hour |
|
Sacred Heart University |
CCNE |
10 months |
$390 per credit hour |
|
Methodist College |
CCNE |
3 semesters |
$677 per credit hour |
|
Ramapo College of New Jersey |
CCNE |
18 months |
Resident: $524.27 per credit hour Non-Resident: $865.87 per credit hour |
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
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
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 nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Villanova’s RN to BSN program, while mostly online, does require some in-person clinicals. Villanova’s nursing program is designated a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (NLN). Students completing the program online have access to the same curriculum and faculty at the on campus RN to BSN program.
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (800) 571-4948
- Email Address: info@villanovau.com
The 100% online RN-to-BSN program at Rochester can be completed in as little as 16 months or 4 semesters of coursework. Despite the already low cost of tuition, more than 50% of students receive a scholarship to help with overall costs.
- Application Deadline: November 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (585) 275-2375
- Email Address: son-info@urmc.rochester.edu
$452 per credit hour
The BSN program at UW builds upon the foundational knowledge that nurses already possess from previous education and experience. Students are required to complete 60 in-person clinical hours at a clinical site of their choosing. This allows students from across the country to enroll in the program without the restriction of completing a Wisconsin-based clinical.
- Application Deadline:
- Winter Semester: October 1st
- Fall Semester: March 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (608) 263-5202
- Email Address: admissions@nursing.wisc.edu
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
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
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 nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
This 100% online RN-to-BSN program can be completed in as little as 5 semesters for a very low tuition. Students can complete the degree as quickly as they want, as long as the curriculum and sequence of courses is followed. To be eligible for the program, students must possess an active, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky or Texas.
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: August 15th
- Spring: December 6th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (330) 363-6347
UF students can complete this part-time RN-to-BSN program entirely online. Specifically designed for current RNs, the program is flexible, affordable, and offers a high-quality education. Students must possess a Florida nursing license to be eligible for enrollment in the program.
- Tuition:
- Resident: $129.18 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $552.62 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (352) 273-6400
- Email Address: conweb@health.ufl.edu
There are numerous benefits to enrolling in Drexel's RN to BSN program. Besides having access to top-tier nursing professors, students who are members of ANA and employees of specific health system partners receive discounted tuition. Additionally, students can get a three-year tuition lock, meaning that you do not have to pay more even if the program costs go up.
- Application Deadline: December 13th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (267) 359-5555
- Email Address: AskCNHP@drexel.edu
Point Loma Nazaraene's entirely online RN-to-BSN program gives students access to their professors to help them find the best way to learn and absorb the information. Students receive evidence-based instruction, mentoring, and a practical in-person clinical component to earn their BSN degrees.
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (619) 329-6799
- Email Address: degreecompletion@pointloma.edu
SHU’s nursing programs are grounded in healing and humanity, allowing students to fully engage in the holistic curriculum. However, this may not be the best fit for all students, so it is important to consider this when determining whether this is a good fit for you.
- Application Deadline: Flexible
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (877) 791-7181
- Online Options Available? Yes
All of the courses in Methodist College's RN-to-BSN program can be completed entirely online with no face-to-face sessions required. Students can arrange practicums to match their own schedules and can complete the program anywhere in the country.
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (309) 672-5513
- Online Options Available? Yes
The program at Ramapo is 95% online with some on-site requirements. Students can take the program at their own pace, but most finish it in roughly 18 months.
- Tuition:
- Resident: $524.27 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $865.87 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (201) 684-7300
- Email Address: admissions@ramapo.edu
How Do Online BSN Programs Work?
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are designed to provide flexibility for students pursuing a bachelor's in nursing degree while accommodating their personal and professional commitments. They are typically available for nurses who have already earned their ADN (RN-to-BSN programs) or for students who have completed a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field (accelerated BSN programs). Here's an overview of how they typically work:
1. Online Coursework
- Learning Platform: Students use a virtual learning platform to access lectures, reading materials, assignments, and exams.
- Course Structure: Classes are usually asynchronous (learn at your own pace) but may include some live sessions or scheduled virtual meetings.
- Subjects: The curriculum typically includes core nursing courses like anatomy, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and specialized nursing topics.
2. Clinical Practice
- In-Person Requirements: Despite being online, most programs require clinical rotations in healthcare facilities to provide hands-on experience, unless you are completing an RN-to-BSN program where you have already met your clinical requirements.
- Local Arrangements: Schools often partner with hospitals or clinics near the student's location for these requirements.
3. Support and Interaction
- Instructor Support: Professors are available via email, discussion boards, or virtual office hours.
- Peer Interaction: Students interact through forums, group projects, and online discussions to build a sense of community.
4. Technology Requirements
- Equipment: A reliable computer, internet connection, and sometimes specific software are necessary.
- Simulation Labs: Some programs incorporate virtual simulations to mimic real-life nursing scenarios.
Online BSN programs combine the convenience of remote learning with essential in-person clinical training, making them a practical choice for many aspiring nurses.
Online BSN Admission Requirements
- University and School of Nursing application
- GPA of at least 3.0 from an accredited university
- Unencumbered RN license
- Official transcripts
- CV/Resume
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Application fee
What to Look For in an Online BSN Program
When choosing an online BSN program, it’s essential to evaluate several key factors to ensure the program aligns with your goals and needs.
1. Accreditation
Verify that the program is nationally accredited to guarantee quality education and eligibility for licensure or further studies.
The two accrediting bodies for BSN programs are:
- The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
2. Cost
Compare tuition and fees to find a program that fits your budget. Consider additional costs, such as technology fees or clinical expenses, as these can vary widely.
3. Admission Requirements
Review the program’s prerequisites carefully to ensure you meet all criteria. Common requirements include a minimum GPA, specific prerequisite courses, and sometimes professional nursing experience.
4. Flexibility
Look for programs that offer asynchronous coursework, part-time options, or accelerated tracks to accommodate your schedule, especially if you’re balancing work or other commitments.
5. Clinical Placement Support
Confirm how the program handles clinical requirements. Some programs help arrange placements near your location, while others may require you to secure your own.
By thoroughly researching these factors, you can select an online BSN program that fits your educational needs and career aspirations.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
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
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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 nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
