Cheapest & Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs | 2025
If you want to earn your BSN degree as quickly as possible, for as little money as possible, you're in the right place. We've ranked the top 10 cheapest and fastest RN to BSN programs for nurses in 2025.
Read on to learn more about RN to BSN online programs that suit your budget and schedule.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
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.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
How Much Does an Online RN to BSN Program Cost?
An online RN to BSN program costs between $5,000 and $30,000, with the median between that range coming in at $17,500. The cost will vary depending on the program, the number of credits, and if you are completing a program full-time or part-time. Some programs are cheaper the quicker you complete the program, while others have a fixed tuition rate.
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Comparing Online RN-BSN Program Tuition
We know how hard it can be to track down tuition information, let alone compare costs between programs since everyone lists tuition costs a little bit differently. To make it easy to compare tuition between RN-BSN programs, we've calculated the total program cost for you by multiplying the programs cost per credit, as listed on each school's website, by the total number of credits needed for the course. Because of this, total program amounts are approximate and may not be exact.
Top 10 Cheapest & Fastest Online RN to 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.
| School | Nurse.org Total Tuition Estimate** | Nurse.org Tution Est. vs. Avg. RN-BSN Program Cost | Program Length |
|
Western Carolina University |
In-State: $2,800 Out-of-State: $75,000 |
In-State: -84% Out-of-State: +329% |
4 semesters | 30 credit hours |
|
Florida Gateway College |
$5,125 | -71% |
3 semesters | 31 credits |
|
Appalachian State University |
In-State: $6,120 Out-of-State: $28,170 |
In-State: -65% Out-of-State: +61% |
12 months | 30 credit hours |
|
University of Central Florida |
In-State: $6,368 Out-of-State: $22,467 |
In-State: -64% Out-of-State: +28% |
12 months | 30 credit hours |
|
University of Wyoming |
In-State: $7,740 Out-of-State: $12,540 |
In-State: -56% Out-of-State: -28% |
12 months | 30 credit hours |
|
University of Texas Arlington |
$8,995 | -49% |
9 months | 35 credit hours |
|
Fayetteville State University |
In-State: $11,000 Out-of-State: $31,000 |
In-State: -37% Out-of-State: +77% |
2.5 semesters |
|
LaSalle University |
$12,825 | -27% |
12-24 months | 27 credit hours |
|
Florida International University |
In-State: $28,268 Out-of-State: $77,864 |
In-State: +62% Out-of-State: +345% |
12 months | 24 credit hours |
|
Thomas Edison State University |
$37,320 | +113% |
18 months | 27 credit hours |
**Total program tuition is calculated by multiplying the programs cost per credit by the total number of credits needed for the course, as reported by the university website. Because of this, total program amounts are approximate and may not be exact.
1. Western Carolina University
WCU is a very affordable option for students who live in North Carolina. With low-cost tuition, the state continues to lower tuition rates to promote state universities. The tuition might even be cheaper as a result of the NC Promise program. WCU holds a monthly RN to BSN virtual information program that requires an online RSVP. These 60-minute sessions provide prospective students with information regarding courses, expectations, clinical requirements, and workload.
- Total Tuition Est.** $2,800 in-state, $75,000 out-of-state
- Admissions:
- Spring: September 15th
- Fall: March 15th
- Program Length: 4 semesters | 30 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (828) 227-7211
- Email Address: WCUnursing@wcu.edu
- Website
2. Florida Gateway College
Students enrolled in the Florida Gateway College RN to BSN program can complete it in as little as three semesters, but other students will complete it on a part-time basis, or six semesters. Having two pathways available to prospective students makes it highly desirable, especially for those who have family and life commitments.
- Total Tuition Est.** $5,125
- Admissions: Applications are accepted in March and September
- Program Length: 3 semesters | 31 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Phone Number: (386) 752-1822
- Website
3. Appalachian State University
At Appalachian University, online RN to BSN students complete lessons in an asynchronous format with a total of 30 semester hours of coursework. While the program can be completed in as little as 12 months, students can also follow a two-year and three-year completion plan.
Prospective students are considered transfer students, so remember to fill out the transfer application before applying.
- Total Tuition Est.** $6,120 in-state, $28,170 out-of-state
- Admissions: August 1st
- Program Length: 12 months | 30 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (828) 262-7877
- Email Address: transferadmissions@appstate.edu
- Website
4. University of Central Florida
Students at UCF can complete the RN to BSN program in roughly a year. Students can take courses from anywhere across the country in this entirely online program, making it an ideal choice for many nurses. However, if in-person is your preferred style of learning, there are select campuses in central Florida that offer
- Total Tuition Est.** $6,368 in-state, $22,467 out-of-state
- Admissions: Applications are accepted three times a year with summer, fall, or spring start dates.
- Program Length: 12 months | 30 credit hours
- Location: Online or face-to-face on select regional campuses
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: 407-823-2744
- Email Address: ucfnurse@ucf.edu
- Website
5. University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming recently revamped its RN to BSN completion program, making it even more accessible to nurses. Classes are 8 weeks long and have scaffolded sequencing, meaning specific courses need to be completed before others can be started. This is intended to build upon current and new knowledge.
- Total Tuition Est.** $7,740 in-state, $12,540 out-of-state
- Admissions: Applications are accepted in the fall, spring, and summer of each calendar year
- Program Length: 12 months | 30 credit hours
- Location: 100% online, with full- or part-time availability.
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (307) 766-6574
- Email Address: RN.BSN@uwyo.edu or ReNEW@uwyo.edu
- Website
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
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.
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
When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
6. University of Texas Arlington
The RN to BSN program at UTA can be completed in 9 months, making it one of the fastest online programs in the country. They offer multiple start dates throughout the year, giving working professionals the opportunity to start at a convenient time.
- Total Tuition Est.** $8,995
- Admissions: Rolling
- Program Length: 9 months | 35 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Phone Number: 866-489-2810
- Website*
>> Explore University of Texas Arlington's Online RN-BSN Programs*
7. Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville’s RN to BSN program is quick and cheap, even for non-residents. Students must complete an in-person clinical practicum that allows them to experience service learning, indirect and direct learning experiences, and project-based experiences.
- Total Tuition Est.** $11,000 in-state, $31,000 out-of-state
- Admissions:
- Fall: August 1st
- Spring: January 10th
- Program Length: 2.5 semesters
- Location: 100% online
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (910) 672-1104
- Email Address: eaabruzzese@uncfsu.edu
- Website
8. Lasalle University
The RN to BSN program at Lasalle is quick and efficient. Students can complete the program in 12 months, but some students take as long as 24 months to complete.
Because it is an online program, students will need to ensure that they can enroll due to state authorization requirements. Luckily, only students living in California are not eligible at this time.
- Total Tuition Est.** $12,825
- Admissions:
- Fall 1 - August 12th
- Fall 2 - September 30th
- Spring 1 - December 30th
- Spring 2 - February 21th
- Summer 1 - May 6th
- Summer 2 - June 24th
- Program Length: 12-24 months | 27 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (844) 466-5587
- Email Address: admiss@lasalle.edu
- Website
9. Florida International University
Graduates of the RN to BSN program at FIU receive a strong education that is ideal for building upon in a graduate program. Many graduates go on to apply to MSN and DNP programs, including those at FIU.
To be eligible to apply to the program at FIU, prospective students must have an active Florida RN license or an enhanced licensure through the Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
- Total Tuition Est.** $28,268 in-state, $77,864 out-of-state
- Admissions: Applications are accepted in April, August, and December
- Program Length: 12 months | 24 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Phone Number: (855) 780-7466
- Website
10. Thomas Edison State University
Students at Thomas Edison can enroll any day of the year, which is excellent for working professionals. In addition to the RN-to-BSN, TESU offers a traditional BSN and one of just five accelerated BSN programs in NJ. BSN classes are small and offered during 8-week sessions.
The program can be completed in as little as 18 months, but students can take longer if needed. But to remain active, students must complete at least 3 credits at Thomas Edison State University during 12 months.
- Total Tuition Est.** $37,320
- Admissions: Rolling admissions
- Program Length: 18 months | 27 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (609) 777-5680
- Email Address: admissions@tesu.edu
- Website
How to Choose an RN-BSN Program
Everyone considers different factors when choosing an RN-BSN program. This list specifically is focused on the fastest and cheapest RN-BSN programs because we know nurses want to get their education as quickly as possible while spending the least amount of money. However, one primary consideration that must be taken into account when applying for an online nursing program is accreditation.
Non-accredited universities should be a HUGE red flag for all nurses and students. The ten programs mentioned are all accredited, and students will earn a BSN at the end of the program that will be accepted in all states and by all healthcare organizations.
RN to BSN Program Requirements
The requirements for each of the five programs will vary slightly, but all share a few basic requirements:
- License in good standing, which means that no disciplinary action without explanation and follow-up. If this is a concern, reach out to the program and have a frank discussion with an admissions counselor to see if it will affect acceptance. Do not apply to a program if you have current disciplinary action and have not spoken to a program representative.
- Possess a Registered Nurse license as well as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) for all bridge programs. Some programs will require students to have a nursing license in a specific state, but this will be communicated prior to acceptance.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA to be accepted into the program.
- Criminal background checks are required for all individuals and must be current. This means that most will have to get another one even if they had one for their place of employment.
- Working a minimum of 30 hours per week or completing the equivalency exam. As long as the student is working as a Registered Nurse during the program, this will fulfill the requirements. If a student takes time off from the bedside during the program, there are other ways to satisfy the requirements. It is best to talk to your advisor about this if it is a concern.
- Completion of the required prerequisite courses is required to be considered for admission. If the classes were not previously completed, students will have to add them to their program.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
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.
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
When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
How to Pay for an RN to BSN Program
Overall costs will vary depending on the program, but online programs will be cheaper than traditional in-person RN to BSN programs. There are a variety of ways to pay for nursing programs, including,
- Loans
- Grants
- Scholarship
- Work-Study Program
- Employee Tuition Reimbursement
How Much Money Can You Make With a BSN vs RN?
ZipRecruiter reports the average annual salary of an RN with an ADN degree is $80,321 or $39 an hour vs the average annual salary of an RN with a BSN degree is $90,046 or $43 an hour.
Is an RN to BSN Program Worth it?
Yes! An RN to BSN program is the fastest and most cost-efficient way to earn your bachelor's degree. Earning a BSN can help increase your earning potential, open new career opportunities, and advance your education.
A BSN degree is required for anyone wanting to earn their MSN or DNP. This will include those looking to work in education, administration, or as an APRN.
FAQs
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RN-BSN
