You can become a registered nurse (RN) with just a diploma or an associate in nursing (ADN), but a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is becoming the industry standard for entry-level nursing practice in today’s complex healthcare landscape.
Many healthcare employers—especially hospitals—prefer to hire nurses with a bachelor’s in nursing, and BSN holders earn higher salaries than those with only an ADN or a diploma. According to Payscale, nurses with BSNs earn approximately $92,000 annually on average, compared to $76,000 for ADN holders. A BSN can also prepare nurses for graduate school or to take on administrative or leadership roles with more responsibility and better compensation.
Nurses who already hold RN licensure can complete a bachelor of science in nursing in a shorter timeframe with an RN-to-BSN program. Though these shorter programs tend to cost less in tuition than full-length BSNs, the cost of nursing school can still feel overwhelming. To help soften the blow to your bank account without sacrificing education quality, we’ve ranked some of the cheapest RN-to-BSN online programs.
Keep reading to explore our list of the best affordable RN-to-BSN online programs, and learn what to expect while you earn your degree.
Our Methodology
Best Affordable RN-to-BSN Options
Should You Enroll in an Affordable Online RN-to-BSN Program?
An online RN-to-BSN program can be an ideal way to earn your bachelor’s degree and further your nursing career without sacrificing your current job. If you’re not sure whether distance learning is right for you, consider the following factors to help you choose whether to earn your degree online or in person.
- What’s your budget? Choosing an online program may save you money. For one, distance learners can avoid paying for on-campus housing and transportation. Also, many public universities don’t charge out-of-state tuition rates to online students, no matter where they live. If you want to earn your BSN online at a public school in another state, you might be able to pay less than you would to attend in person.
- How much flexibility do you need? Online programs—especially those with asynchronous courses—provide much more flexibility than traditional on-campus programs. Distance learners can log on to a virtual classroom, watch lectures and complete assignments on their own schedules. This makes it easier for students who work or have other personal responsibilities to finish a college degree.
- What’s your learning style? The best online students know how to motivate themselves, meet deadlines and stay on task. But some people learn better with more structure and individualized support; these learners might prefer in-person or hybrid programs.
Accreditation for Online RN-to-BSN Degrees
Colleges can receive accreditation from accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Institutional Accreditation
Institutional accreditation provides a stamp of approval to a college or university from an independent accrediting agency. These agencies evaluate schools to ensure they meet minimum quality standards for their academic programs, faculty and staff, and financial management.
You must attend an institutionally accredited school to qualify for federal student aid. Also, employers, nursing master’s programs and nursing certification organizations often recognize only degrees from accredited higher education institutions.
Programmatic Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation has a similar function but applies to specific academic departments and programs within broader learning institutions. Depending on your field of study, holding a programmatically accredited degree may help you qualify for jobs, graduate school or professional credentials. You can rest assured that an accredited nursing program meets industry standards for RNs.
Online RN-to-BSN programs may hold programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
You can look up any school’s accreditation information on its website or by searching CHEA’s databases and directories.
How To Find the Right Affordable Online RN-to-BSN Program for You
When you’re ready to start applying to online nursing schools, here’s how to narrow your choices.
Consider Your Future Goals
What do you want to do with your nursing degree? RN-to-BSN online programs can help you meet your career goals by preparing you for various leadership and administrative roles in the nursing field. Each program is different, so before you choose where to go to school, consider which type of nursing degree will help you meet your career goals.
For example, most online RN-to-BSN programs include some in-person experiential components, though details vary. Getting hands-on experience while in school can help you land a better job when you graduate. However, if you choose a program with a large in-person component, you may take longer to graduate or be unable to maintain a full-time job while in school.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
The cost of earning an online RN-to-BSN varies by program. Tuition rates for the programs in our guide, which include some of the cheapest RN-to-BSN online programs, range from $92 to $305 per credit.
Most of the degrees on our list require around 120 credits, about half of which must be transferred from prior education and professional experience. This brings the total estimated cost of a two-year, online RN-to-BSN to approximately $5,400 to $18,300.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that tuition and fees for the average four-year degree cost $9,700 per year at in-state, public universities and $38,800 per year at private colleges. Using those figures, a two-year degree-completion program would cost between $19,400 and $77,600 on average—significantly more than the affordable programs ranked on this page.
You can learn about federal student aid options and other aid resources by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Offerings may include student loans, grants, scholarships and work-study programs. Individual schools also offer institutional scholarships, grants and assistantships to offset the cost of tuition, and you can seek scholarships and loans from private organizations as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Affordable Online RN-to-BSN Degrees
Can you skip an ADN and go straight to a BSN?
RN-to-BSN online programs serve RNs who already earned a diploma or an associate degree in nursing. However, many students go straight from high school to a bachelor of science in nursing program. And some students earn a bachelor’s degree in another field first before returning to school to get their BSN.
How fast can you finish an RN-to-BSN?
It depends on the program and how many prior credits you hold, but online RN-to-BSN programs usually take about one to two years to complete.
What is the cheapest RN-to-BSN online program?
Many RN-to-BSN online programs offer relatively affordable tuition. The cheapest RN-to-BSN online programs on our list charge around $90 per credit.