The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023-2030
Are you an RN looking to complete your undergraduate nursing education? RNs typically have an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Here’s how you can earn an online ADN-to-BSN degree while continuing to work.
If you possess an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and hold a valid registered nurse (RN) license, obtaining an RN-to-BSN degree can open doors to more advanced nursing roles and higher income.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree builds upon your clinical skills and practical experience, offering increased career opportunities and a foundation for graduate studies. Online RN-to-BSN programs make it possible to earn a BSN in as little as one year. Explore our rankings of the best online RN-to-BSN programs to discover more about online courses, admission criteria, and accreditation.
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We use a data-driven approach to rank these programs, making it easier for you to find one that suits your needs. Our methodology considers important factors such as academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
We gather data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform our rankings. This information is current as of the article’s publication date, but specific program details may vary.
#1 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023
University of Florida-Online
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online
The online RN-to-BSN program at the University of Florida benefits working nurses by allowing students to attend classes entirely online. The 30-credit program can be completed within five semesters and includes 90 clinical hours — 45 through virtual simulation in the first semester and 45 through independent clinical practice in the fourth semester.
To be eligible for the program, prospective students must have completed an associate degree in nursing (ADN) from a school accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
- Program(s): RN-to-BSN
- Campus: Gainesville, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $129.18 per credit for residents; $552.62 per credit for non-residents
- Admission Requirements: ADN; minimum 2.8 GPA; active and unencumbered Florida RN license or a license through the Nurse Licensure Compact; completion of courses in psychology, social psychology, sociology, biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, statistics, human growth and development/developmental psychology, and human nutrition
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 95.9% (2021)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $59,580 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
#2 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Madison, WI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Wisconsin – Madison‘s RN-to-BSN program comprises 30 credits that can be completed within 18-30 months. The program runs on a traditional fall/spring semester system; however, summer classes and accelerated seven-week courses are also available. Students typically enroll in six credits per semester (three credits during the summer semester) and complete 60 clinical hours at a site of their choosing.
The university also provides prospective students with the option of beginning the RN-to-BSN program while still working on their ADN. Those in their third or fourth semester of their associate program are eligible to apply to start taking classes as a “special student.”
- Program(s): RN-to-BSN
- Campus: Madison, Wisconsin
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $452 per credit
- Admission Requirements: ADN or diploma in nursing; minimum 2.5 GPA; active and unencumbered RN license; 24 transferable college-level non-nursing credits; completion of high school algebra, geometry, college-preparatory math; two years of a foreign language
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18-30 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 94.3% (2021)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $64,770 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
#3 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Columbus, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ohio State University’s Main Campus offers an online RN-to-BSN program that full-time students can complete in 12 months, and part-time students can complete in 15 months. Learners earn 21 credits from the completion of core nursing courses, three credits from one nursing elective, and six credits from two courses of their choosing.
All the online nursing advancement courses offered through the program are asynchronous, meaning students do not need to attend class at a specific time. Instead, they can access course materials, such as lectures, readings, and videos, on their own schedule.
- Program(s): RN-to-BSN
- Campus: Columbus, Ohio
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $4,909 per semester for residents; $5,109 per semester for non-residents
- Admission Requirements: ADN or diploma in nursing; minimum 2.0 GPA; active and unencumbered RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12-15 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 93.3% (2021)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $60,399 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
#4 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023
Maine College of Health Professions
- Lewiston, ME
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The 30-credit RN-to-BSN program at the Maine College of Health Professions can be completed in as little as 18 months with the majority of courses lasting eight weeks. The program is currently offered in a hybrid format, combining live classroom sessions with online learning, and culminating in a clinical capstone course.
The school accepts both recent ADN graduates and practicing RNs. The curriculum mainly focuses on nursing theory, nutrition, application information technology, research, community health, diseases of the human body, and leadership.
- Program(s): RN-to-BSN
- Campus: Lewiston, Maine
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $18,760 total program cost
- Admission Requirements: ADN; an active, unencumbered RN license; completion of prerequisite courses in microbiology, college writing, psychology, developmental psychology, social science elective, and arts/humanities elective
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 100% (2022)
#5 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023
University of Rochester
- Rochester, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online RN-to-BSN program at the University of Rochester comprises 32 credits and 140 field hours, all of which are earned through nine courses. To be eligible for acceptance, prospective students must have an active and unencumbered New York RN license.
Students can expect to take classes in RN-to-BSN transitioning, biopsychosocial health assessment, evidence of nursing practice, patient and population care management, leadership, contexts of healthcare, population health, a nursing elective of the student’s choosing, and a final capstone course. While all courses take place entirely online, students receive direct access to faculty as they complete their coursework using iPads provided by the school.
- Program(s): RN-to-BSN
- Campus: Rochester, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $1,200 per credit hour; $600 per credit for those living in the 18-county Western New York region
- Admission Requirements: ADN or diploma in nursing; active and unencumbered New York RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 84% (2021)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $68,190 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
#6 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023
Texas A & M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Texas A&M University – College Station‘s RN-to-BSN program offers students the ability to earn their bachelor’s degree entirely online. Students must complete 30 credit hours and participate in a practicum experience in their community during enrollment.
Before acceptance, students must have completed at least 59 credits in the humanities and biological, physical, and behavioral sciences. Students are then admitted either during the spring or summer semester. They can then choose to complete the program in either three, four, or five semesters.
- Program(s): RN-to-BSN
- Campus: College Station, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $2,330 per semester for residents; $8,180 per semester for non-residents
- Admission Requirements: ADN; active and unencumbered RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; previous coursework in nutrition, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and lifespan growth and development
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12-18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 98.2% (2021)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $63,660 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
#7 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The 30-credit RN-to-BSN program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley allows students to earn their bachelor’s degree in as little as 12 months through the completion of seven-week courses.
The program offers classes entirely online,providing flexibility working RNs need to earn their BSN while continuing to practice.
The program’s curriculum includes topics, such as client assessment, professional mobility, pathophysiology, pharmacology, research, issues in nursing, and community health.
- Program(s): RN-to-BSN
- Campus: Edinburg, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $280 per credit
- Admission Requirements: ADN; active and unencumbered RN license or a temporary permit to practice professional nursing; minimum 2.5 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 93.4% (2021)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,330 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
#8 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online RN-to-BSN program at the University of West Florida comprises 32 credits that can be completed in 12 months. The university offers eight-week courses entirely online, allowing RNs to continue working during their education.
Students take courses that focus on health assessment, pharmacology, evidenced-based nursing, gerontological nursing, population-based nursing, systems-based nursing leadership, community health education, pathophysiology, law and ethics in nursing, and academic writing in nursing.
- Program(s): RN-to-BSN
- Campus: Pensacola, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $220 per credit
- Admission Requirements: ADN; active and unencumbered RN license; minimum 2.75 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 91.5% (2019)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $58,450 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
#9 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023
CUNY Lehman College
- Bronx, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
RNs with an active and unencumbered New York RN license are eligible to apply for CUNY Lehman College‘s 30 credit RN-to-BSN program.
Students can expect to complete coursework in nursing as a human science, professional nursing practice, clinical decision-making, ways of knowing in nursing, trends and issues in nursing, therapeutic intervention, and professional nursing management.
Outside of nursing courses, students are also required to complete courses in general chemistry, growth and development, and analysis and action for community health.
- Program(s): RN-to-BSN
- Campus: Bronx, New York
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $305 per credit for residents; $620 per credit for non-residents
- Admission Requirements: ADN; active and unencumbered New York RN license; minimum 2.5 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 70.4% (2021)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $95,350 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
#10 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023
St Luke’s College
- Sioux City, IA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The RN-to-BSN program at St. Luke’s College offers courses entirely online to nurses who have just earned their ADN or nursing diploma, as well as RNs already working in the field. The coursework is entirely online and can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis.
St. Luke’s College focuses on specialized nursing topics that include adaptation to chronic health issues, nursing care of older adults, women’s health issues, palliative nursing care, and pharmacology for nurses.
The program’s curriculum also focuses on more general areas of study, such as pathophysiology, informatics, leadership, culture and diversity in healthcare, health assessment, proactive nursing, population-focused nursing with practicum, research and evidenced-based practice, and synthesis of nursing practice.
- Program(s): RN-to-BSN
- Campus: Sioux City, Iowa
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $600 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: ADN or nursing diploma; active, unencumbered RN license
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 75.7% (2021)
Why Is Accreditation Important for RN-to-BSN Programs?
Accreditation in nursing ensures that a program meets nationally established professional standards, providing students with a high-quality nursing education.
All programs in our rankings have earned accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Accreditation status affects financial aid, licensure, and employment:
– National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) and certification exams for advanced practice nursing roles usually require degrees from accredited nursing schools.
– State licensure often demands graduation from an accredited program.
– Government financial assistance typically applies only to accredited nursing programs.
– Credits earned from unaccredited institutions may not transfer to other programs.
– Employers and graduate nursing programs may not consider graduates from unaccredited schools.
Top Online RN-to-BSN Programs
The following programs received the highest scores according to our panel of nurses:
1. Maine College of Health Professions
“Maine College of Health Professions offers five start dates per year and features short, 8-week courses. For nurses with an associate degree in nursing, up to 75% of the required BSN credits can be transferred, allowing students to complete the program in as little as 18 months. The college provides exceptional 24/7 tutoring and support for nursing students.”
2. University of Rochester
“At the University of Rochester, nurses can earn a bachelor’s degree from a highly-ranked nursing program that is committed to staying ahead of industry expectations. Nursing students pay approximately 50% less than most schools. The program employs technology, allowing students to benefit from a hands-on experience and engage in critical thinking. Tuition support and scholarships are available to nurses residing and working in western NY counties.”
3. St. Luke’s College
“St. Luke’s College holds the top ranking in the state of Iowa and offers 100% online courses for nurses seeking a flexible schedule to attain a BSN.”
How Online RN-to-BSN Programs Work
Online RN-to-BSN programs may offer asynchronous classes that you can complete at your own pace or synchronous formats that involve set schedules and more faculty interaction. Your choice depends on your learning style and self-motivation.
Online nursing students have access to the same resources as on-campus counterparts, including advising, tutoring, technical support, and career placement services.
While students with a valid RN license may have the clinical requirement waived in some programs, others still mandate in-person clinical training at approved sites. Some programs have introduced virtual clinical experiences in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applying to an RN-to-BSN Program
Specific admission requirements vary by school. Most programs typically require applicants to hold a nursing diploma or ADN from an accredited nursing program and possess a valid RN license. Programs often set a minimum GPA for acceptance, prerequisite courses, and health and safety compliance requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a nursing diploma or ADN and need a valid, unencumbered RN license with no history of disciplinary actions. While some online programs may waive the clinical component for RNs, some schools may require at least one year of nursing experience, a specified number of practical/clinical hours, or an equivalency exam. Applicants may also be required to submit a personal statement and participate in an in-person or remote interview.
Admission Materials
Before enrolling, you may need to complete prerequisite coursework in subjects like anatomy and physiology, microbiology, statistics, nutrition, chemistry, and other required fields. Nursing schools often demand that applicants meet health and safety compliance protocols, including a drug test, criminal background check, physical exam, and immunizations.
GPA Requirement
Most nursing programs generally require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Paying for RN-to-BSN Programs
The cost of completing a BSN online can vary based on several factors. Consider the program’s length, the number of credits required for the degree, the possibility of paying out-of-state tuition rates, and whether you can work while in the program.
Many nursing students are unaware of the financial aid opportunities available to them. Start by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for government-funded grants or loans.
Numerous schools and private organizations offer need-based or merit-based scholarships. Nurses who commit to working in underserved areas upon graduation may qualify for federal and state government-sponsored student loan forgiveness programs.
Some members of the armed forces and their families may be eligible for discounted tuition at certain schools. Some healthcare employers offer tuition-reimbursement benefits for nurses who successfully complete their degree.
Opportunities After Earning a Degree from an RN-to-BSN Program
While RNs can enter the workforce after earning a two-year ADN or nursing diploma, an online RN-to-BSN program offers financial and career advantages.
Earning a BSN can take as little as a year more of study, resulting in higher pay and increased job prospects. The BSN has gained popularity, with the percentage of RNs holding BSNs increasing, according to data from 2013 to 2020.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing strongly supports the BSN as the minimum educational requirement for RNs. Many employers, including acute care facilities, school systems, and public health agencies, now hire only BSN graduates. Additionally, an RN with a BSN degree is often required for admission to MSN programs preparing graduates for high-paying advanced practice nursing and leadership roles.
How to Choose the Right Online RN-to-BSN Program
Online RN-to-BSN programs come with their unique entry and study requirements. However, when comparing these programs, it’s crucial to look for signs of academic excellence.
Before deciding on a program that suits you best, consider elements like the coursework and clinical demands, accreditation status, NCLEX pass rates, online learning methods, and other factors that are important to you.
Admission Requirements
Most online RN-to-BSN programs typically ask for official transcripts, a minimum GPA, a valid RN license, and letters of recommendation. These prerequisites make sure you have the essential groundwork to excel in a fast-paced and demanding bachelor’s program.
Program Curriculum
Although most programs offer similar core courses, their curriculums may vary in terms of elective options and specialized concentrations. Think about the required and elective courses a program provides. Does the coursework align with your interests or prepare you for sought-after specializations?
Clinical Experience
Clinical experience involves practical, real-world learning that builds on the knowledge gained in coursework and labs. While some online BSN programs don’t necessitate clinicals for students who’ve completed clinical hours for their RN license with an ADN, many programs requiring clinicals offer the flexibility for distance learners to fulfill their requirements at their workplace or near their homes. Others might require students to travel to specific locations for these experiences.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a stamp of approval that ensures online RN-to-BSN programs meet established quality standards. Accreditation plays a significant role in determining eligibility for financial aid and the ability to transfer earned credits.
Program Duration
Most online RN-to-BSN programs entail approximately 30 credits, though the actual number might depend on the credits transferred from your ADN. These programs generally take between 12 to 24 months to complete.
NCLEX Pass Rate
The pass rate of the NCLEX exam is a good gauge of how well a nursing program prepares its students for the RN licensure exam. Pass rates that exceed the national average suggest a higher program quality and more effective teaching.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate informs applicants about how many students successfully complete their nursing degree within the specified time frame. Higher graduation rates signify a supportive learning environment and a commitment to preparing nurses for practice.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
When selecting a program, make sure the online format aligns with your individual needs. Programs offering asynchronous schedules allow students to progress at their own pace. In contrast, synchronous programs require students to log in at specific times. Online learners might also need to attend on-campus meetings occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions About RN-to-BSN Programs
1. Can you go from an ADN to a BSN?
– Yes, after completing your associate degree, you can apply for a BSN program. The time needed to complete the BSN can vary, often taking two years or less, depending on the program you choose.
2. How long does it take to go from ADN to BSN online?
– The duration to complete an online RN-to-BSN program depends on the program and the number of credits transferred from your ADN. Full-time students may finish in about a year, while part-time students might take up to four years to earn their degree.
3. What is the salary difference between RN and BSN?
– RNs can begin their nursing careers after earning an ADN, but those with a BSN typically earn higher salaries. According to Payscale data from January 2023, nurses with an associate degree have an annual base salary of $74,000, while those with a bachelor’s degree earn $91,000.
4. Is an RN or BSN better?
– The choice between an RN and BSN depends on your personal and professional objectives. If you wish to enter the workforce quickly, you can earn an ADN and become an RN in two years. On the other hand, an online BSN program often takes an additional 12 to 24 months but can lead to higher-paying positions and serve as the required credential for graduate studies.
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