DEGREES

Top 10 Online BSN Programs for 2025

Written By: Kathleen Gaines

MSN, RN, BA, CBC

7 Min Read Published December 5, 2024

Top Online BSN Programs
How Do Online BSN Programs Work?
Admission Requirements
Choosing a Program

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.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Nurse.org's Top Online BSN Programs for 2025

Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation and use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.

Nurses Helping Nurses: Why You Can Trust Nurse.org

As the leading educational website for nurses by nurses, Nurse.org is committed to editorial integrity and data-driven analysis. We independently research schools and programs for nurses and strive to write recommendations that genuinely reflect our true opinion of the product or service. Where relevant, our recommendations may incorporate feedback from 500,000+ nurses in our social communities.

✔ Evaluated 1,100+ accredited nursing school programs using the latest U.S. government data sets. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

✔ Content written by 80+ licensed, practicing nurses who are experts in their respective specialties. Learn more about our nurse contributors.

✔ Connected 1,500,000+ nurses to educational programs since 2020.

Program	Accreditation	Program Length	Program Cost
Villanova University	CCNE	14-23 months	54,000 total
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	$315 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	$566 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	12 months	$677 per credit hour
Ramapo College of New Jersey	CCNE	18 months	Resident: $550.48 per credit hour Non-Resident: $909.16 per credit hour

1. Villanova University

Tuition

54,000 total

Program Length

14-23 Months

Accreditation

CCNE

Online Options?

Hybrid

Villanova’s nursing program is designated a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (NLN). Its online accelerated BSN (ABSN) provides flexibility to students transitioning into nursing from another career field.

Students can choose from the 14 month pathway, called BSNExpress, or a slower-paced 23-month program, BSNFlex. These programs combine distance education with in-person clinical experiences, using evidence-based approaches to prepare students for their nursing careers.

BSN Express Application Deadline:
- Priority: September 15th
- Final: December 15th
BSNFlex Application Deadline: March 15th
Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (610)-519-4500
- Email Address: nursing.recruitment@villanova.edu

2. University of Rochester

Tuition

$1,200 per credit hour

Program Length

16 months

Accreditation

CCNE

Online Options?

Yes

The University of Rochester offers a 100% online RN-to-BSN program students can complete in just 16 months or four semesters. Although this university already offers comparatively low private school tuition, eligible students may also receive scholarships and grants that cover 50-100% of tuition costs.

Application Deadline: November 1st
Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (585) 275-2375
- Email Address: son-info@urmc.rochester.edu

3. University of Wisconsin - Madison

Tuition
$452 per credit hour

Program Length

1.5 to 2.5 years

Accreditation

CCNE

Online Options?

Hybrid

The online BSN program at UW is designed for nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). It builds upon the knowledge students already posess from previous education and RN experience.

In addition to online coursework, students must complete 60 in-person clinical hours in their local area, allowing students across the country to enroll and complete this WI-based program.

Application Deadline:
- Winter: October 1st
- Fall: March 1st
Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (608) 263-5202
- Email Address: admissions@nursing.wisc.edu

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

4. Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Tuition

$315 per credit hour

Program Length

5 semesters

Accreditation

CCNE

Online Options?

Yes

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 they follow the sequence of courses. 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 19th
Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (330) 363-6347

5. University of Florida

Tuition

$129 - $553 per credit hour

Program Length

2 years

Accreditation

CCNE

Online Options?

Yes

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. To be eligible for this program, students must have an active, unencumbered Florida RN license or eNLC enhanced licensure.

Tuition:
- Resident: $129.18 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $552.62 per credit hour
Application Deadline:
- Spring: September 2nd
- Summer: January 26th
- Fall: April 27th
Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (352) 273-6400
- Email Address: conweb@health.ufl.edu

6. Drexel University

Tuition

$566 per credit hour

Program Length

12 months

Accreditation

CCNE

Online Options?

Yes

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:
- Spring: March 6th
- Fall: August 28th
- Winter: December 12th
Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (267) 359-5555
- Email Address: AskCNHP@drexel.edu

7. Point Loma Nazarene University

Tuition

$500 per credit hour

Program Length

36 credit hours

Accreditation

CCNE

Online Options?

Hybrid

Point Loma Nazarene'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 Admissions
Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (619) 329-6799
- Email Address: degreecompletion@pointloma.edu

8. Sacred Heart University

Tuition

$390 per credit hour

Program Length

10 months

Accreditation

CCNE

Online Options?

Yes

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: Rolling Admissions
Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (203) 371-7880
- Email: enroll@sacredheart.edu
Online Options Available? Yes

9. Methodist College

Tuition

$677 per credit hour

Program Length

12 Months

Accreditation

CCNE

Online Options?

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

10. Ramapo College of New Jersey

Tuition

$550 - $909 per credit hour

Program Length

18 months

Accreditation

CCNE

Online Options?

Hybrid

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: $550.48 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $909.16 per credit hour
Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
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 use digital learning to provide students the flexibility to advance their education while managing their personal and professional commitments. These programs are typically available for nurses who have already earned their ADN (online RN-to-BSN programs) or for students who have completed a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field (online ABSN programs).

Regardless of the specific type, online BSN programs typically incorporate the following components:

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.