Cheapest & Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs | 2024
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 2024.
Read on to learn more about RN to BSN online programs that suit your budget and schedule.
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
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Top 10 Cheapest & Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs for 2024
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 |
Program Length |
Tuition |
Accreditation |
|
University of Central Florida |
12 months | 30 credit hours |
Resident: $105.07 per credit hour Non-Resident: $748.89 per credit hour |
CCNE |
|
University of Wyoming |
12 months | 30 credit hours |
Resident: $5,190 Non-Resident: $21,600 |
CCNE |
|
Appalachian State University |
12 months | 30 credit hours |
Resident: $204 per credit hour Non-Resident: $939 per credit hour |
CCNE |
|
University of Texas Arlington |
9 months | 35 credit hours |
$8,995 |
CCNE |
|
LaSalle University |
12-24 months | 27 credit hours |
$475 per credit hour |
CCNE |
|
Thomas Edison State University |
18 months | 27 credit hours |
$311 per credit hour |
CCNE |
|
Florida International University |
12 months | 24 credit hours |
Resident: $235.57 per credit hour Non-resident: $648.87 per credit hour |
CCNE |
|
Florida Gateway College |
3 semesters | 31 credits |
$5,125 total program cost |
CCNE |
|
Western Carolina University |
4 semesters | 30 credit hours |
$2,800 |
CCNE |
|
Fayetteville State University |
2.5 semesters |
Resident: $91.67 per credit hour Non-resident: $258.34 per credit hour |
CCNE |
1. University of Central Florida
One of the shortest RN to BSN programs in Florida, students at UCF can earn a BSN 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
- 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
- Program Cost: Resident: $105.07 per credit hour, Non Resident: $748.89 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: 407-823-2744
- Email Address: ucfnurse@ucf.edu
- Website
2. 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.
- 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.
- Program Cost:
- Resident: $5,190
- Non-Resident: $21,600
- 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
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
3. Appalachian State University
Online RN to BSN students complete lessons in an asynchronous format with a total of 30 semester hours of coursework at App State. 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.
- Admissions: August 1st
- Program Length: 12 months | 30 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost: Resident: $204 per credit hour, Non-Resident: $939 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (828) 262-7877
- Email Address: transferadmissions@appstate.edu
- Website
4. University of Texas Arlington
The RN to BSN program at UTA can be completed in 9 months, making it the fastest RN to BSN program in Texas and 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.
- Admissions: Rolling
- Program Length: 9 months | 35 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost: $8,995
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Phone Number: 866-489-2810
- Website*
>> Explore University of Texas Arlington's Online RN-BSN Programs*
5. 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.
- 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
- Program Cost: $475 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (844) 466-5587
- Email Address: admiss@lasalle.edu
- Website
6. 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.
- Admissions: Rolling admissions
- Program Length: 18 months | 27 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost: $311 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (609) 777-5680
- Email Address: admissions@tesu.edu
- Website
7. 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).
- Admissions: Applications are accepted in April, August, and December
- Program Length: 12 months | 24 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost:
- Resident: $235.57 per credit hour
- Non-resident: $648.87 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Phone Number: (855) 780-7466
- Website
8. 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.
- Admissions: Applications are accepted in March and September
- Program Length: 3 semesters | 31 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost: $5,125 total program cost
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Phone Number: (386) 752-1822
- Website
9. 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.
- Admissions:
- Spring: September 15th
- Fall: March 15th
- Program Length: 4 semesters | 30 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost: $2,800
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (828) 227-7211
- Email Address: WCUnursing@wcu.edu
- Website
10. 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.
- Admissions:
- Fall: August 1st
- Spring: January 10th
- Program Length: 2.5 semesters
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost:
- Resident: $91.67 per credit hour
- Non-resident: $258.34 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (910) 672-1104
- Email Address: eaabruzzese@uncfsu.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
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
How Much Does an Online RN to BSN Program Cost?
An online RN to BSN program costs between $5,000 and $30,000. 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.
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.
RN-to-BSN FAQs
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