Best Online Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs of 2026
Boost your nursing career by graduating from an online BSN program. Explore this page to find the best programs and learn if they are worth it.
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2026Nurses are more necessary than ever. Due to an ongoing nursing shortage, once you graduate from a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program, you can get licensure and leap into a healthcare career.
Online BSN programs are designed for busy registered nurses (RNs) with active licenses who want to advance their careers. If this sounds like you, continue reading to learn more about this year’s best bachelor’s in nursing online programs.
Top Online Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs
How We Measured Student Satisfaction: We partnered with College Pulse to bring you data from students themselves on the schools on our list. The data and reviews aren’t part of our ranking methodology.
How We Rank Schools
Clemson University — Best for Students Interested in an MSN
- Clemson, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Up to six hours in Clemson's RNBS program can be counted toward its MSN degree.
Clemson's online RNBS completion program stands out for allowing students to apply credits to a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. Students in the RNBS can take up to six hours of graduate courses that count toward Clemson's MSN.
The other program on our list with a bridge pathway, the University of Iowa, allows RN-BSN students to eventually earn a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Clemson's program is the only master's-level bridge program on the list, making it a great option for students who might want to advance their careers in nursing leadership or management.
What We Like About Clemson
- Stay connected with peers and faculty through regular online events.
- Online RNBS students do not need to pay the $1,000-per-semester fee associated with Clemson's nursing programs.
- In-state and out-of-state students pay a relatively cheap price of $550 per credit hour.
What We Don't Like
- Students need to attend a one-day, in-person orientation.
- Clemson's online-specific resources for virtual students are limited compared to other options on our list.
96%
97%
85%
83%
- Online Enrollment
- 40%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $14,038
- Retention Rate
- 94%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $40,562
- Acceptance Rate
- 38%
- Students Enrolled
- 29,077
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Florida — Most Affordable Program
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: UF charges the lowest per-credit-hour rate on our list, just under $130 for in-state students.
The University of Florida, a well-respected online education provider, offers the most affordable online RN-BSN program on our list, at $129.18 per credit hour for in-state students and $552.62 for out-of-state students. UF beats our other schools' in-state tuition rates by a landslide; the next-most-affordable school on our list is the University of Utah, which charges $400 per credit hour.
UF's out-of-state tuition per credit hour is comparable to Iowa's and Clemson's. That said, only Florida nurses or those with enhanced licenses can apply to this program, so for the vast majority of students enrolling, UF takes the cake for affordability.
What We Like About UF
- You can complete half of the 90 required clinical hours virtually through simulation. Complete the other half during on-site clinical hours at a local health institution.
- Stay connected with other students through UF's online plaza, where you can participate in online clubs, study abroad opportunities, and internships.
- The UF OneStop is a centralized student services portal where you can ask questions and find financial aid, admissions, and class registration resources.
What We Don't Like
- Enrollment in UF's online RN-BSN program is limited to Florida nursing license-holders and those with enhanced licenses.
100%
100%
83%
83%
- Online Enrollment
- 59%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 4,477
- Retention Rate
- 98%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $25,694
- Acceptance Rate
- 24%
- Students Enrolled
- 56,311
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Iowa — Most Customizable Degree
- Iowa City, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Choose from three tracks to earn your RN-BSN, or add a doctorate.
The University of Iowa offers three RN-BSN tracks for students with different circumstances. If you're coming from an eligible Iowa community college, you can choose the RN-BSN 3+1 track to transfer seamlessly into the program and graduate from Iowa in just 3-5 semesters. Or, if you're looking to pursue a doctorate, the undergraduate to graduate (U2G) program allows you to earn a bachelor's and a doctorate of nursing practice in one of five specialties in six years.
The third track is a traditional online program, with three plans of study: A full-time plan that you can finish in three semesters, and two part-time plans that can be completed in 4-5 semesters. Iowa offers the most customization opportunities of any program on our list.
What We Like About Iowa
- Tuition is relatively affordable at $550 per credit hour for a total program cost of $17,600.
- The U2G track's five doctorate in nurse practitioner specialties include primary care, health systems/administration, family, and psychiatric mental health.
What We Don't Like
- Your doctorate will include in-person components if you choose the U2G track.
- There is a community and public health practicum and a project course that require in-person participation for your RN-BSN.
100%
88%
75%
75%
- Online Enrollment
- 56%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State
- $ 9,565
- Retention Rate
- 90%
- Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
- $31,653
- Acceptance Rate
- 84%
- Students Enrolled
- 30,779
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Kentucky — Best Online Student Resources
- Lexington, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: UK offers the most academic, financial, social, and technical support on our list.
The University of Kentucky's online RN-BSN program is our favorite for online resources, support, and culture for online students. According to UK, most in-person scholarships are also available to online learners, including several $1,000-$2,000 scholarships for nursing students. A few unique opportunities for online students include the Academic Preparation and Achievement (APA) program, which supports incoming students who didn't meet the minimum test score or GPA preferences set by the school for college readiness.
The university's thriving online community is similar to UF's, but we found its online recreation center unique. Students can participate in on-demand virtual group fitness classes, training templates, live-streamed classes, and coach demonstrations, all for free. This is an easy, accessible way for nurses to relieve stress and burnout from school and work.
What We Like About UK
- If you prefer to accelerate your program, a hybrid option is available that combines on-campus labs and clinicals with online coursework.
- All online RN-BSN classes are asynchronous, so you can continue to work while you earn your degree.
- Out-of-state students are charged the same tuition rate as in-state students.
What We Don't Like
- The University of Kentucky is the most expensive program on our list at $654 per credit hour.
- Although the program is offered to out-of-state students, it is not available to students in Arkansas, Colorado, and Tennessee. It also has limitations in Delaware and New Hampshire.
48%
$12,472
87%
$33,729
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 34,710
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Utah — Best Program for a Geriatric Nursing Specialization
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Nurses interested in geriatric nurse leadership will appreciate Utah's online track dedicated to the discipline.
If you're looking to care for older adults and grow your leadership skills, the University of Utah's online RN-BS is the only program on our list to offer a geriatric nursing specialization. In the specialty, you'll take classes in aging, best practices in geriatric care, and health systems and populations.
The program is also built for working adults who need maximum flexibility. All classes are asynchronous, allowing you to balance work and school. In addition, the university offers several plans of study with detailed timelines outlining the classes you need to take and the pacing required to complete them in two, three, or four semesters.
What We Like About Utah
- The geriatric nurse leadership track is optional. Students can also take the general RN-BS track.
- Utah is our second-most affordable school at $400 per credit hour.
- Utah offers plans of study that last 2-4 semesters, which you can use as a guide to earn your degree.
What We Don't Like
- University of Utah's online student resources are lackluster compared to other schools like UK and UF.
50%
$ 9,739
86%
$34,089
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 36,894
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like affordability, specialization options, and online student resources. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools’ facts in November 2025.
Why You Should Get a BSN
Career Advancement: A BSN opens more opportunities to move into leadership roles within your organization. - Increased earnings: A BSN opens opportunities for leadership roles and specialty positions, often leading to increased earning potential.
- Job security: Having a BSN can boost job security due to the growing demand for nurses with advanced education, especially in settings like Magnet hospitals that prioritize higher degrees.
- Prepare for graduate school: Earning a BSN is a prerequisite for a master of science in nursing (MSN).
- Improved patient outcomes: Research shows that BSN-prepared nurses contribute to lower patient mortality rates, likely due to their additional education and training in evidence-based practice.
Benefits of Getting a BSN Online
- According BestColleges’ 2025 Online Education Trends Report, student perception of the potential return on investment (ROI) of online learning continues to be strong — 94% of all students say their online degree has or will have a positive ROI.
- The majority (98%) of prospective online students, currently enrolled online students, and online program graduates would recommend online education to others.
- Of these students, 76% say that online is better than or equal to on-campus learning.
- Most online program graduates (69%) say their programs prepared them for employment after graduation, and 19% say they were extremely well prepared.
How to Choose the Best Bachelor’s in Nursing Online Program for You
Before you apply to an online BSN program, it’s important to consider cost, program length, and the jobs and earnings you can expect after you graduate to ensure your program is the best fit for you.
How Much Does a Bachelor’s in Nursing Online Program Cost?
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$9,561
Avg. Net Price
$6,305
In-person
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$16,896
Avg. Net Price
$9,497
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the typical cost of an online bachelor’s in nursing program is $9,561 for online students and $16,896 for in-person students.
The average net price, the cost after the school applies financial aid, is $6,305 for online students and $9,497 for in-person students. This reduction shows just how much financial aid can offset the cost of tuition.
Financial aid includes scholarships and grants. You can get financial aid by applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each year you’re in school.
Find Financial Aid for Your BSN
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s in Nursing Degree?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
You can expect to spend four years earning your BSN online if you enroll as a full-time student in a typical program. You can shorten this timeframe by choosing an accelerated program, transferring credits from previous programs, and earning credit for life and work experience. If you’re employed, seek out tuition reimbursement.
What Can You Do With a BSN?
A few jobs you can pursue after you graduate from an online BSN program include registered nurse, nursing instructor, and health services manager. These roles pay well, with health services managers earning the most at $117,960. As an RN, you can earn $93,600.
| Job | 2024 Median Annual Salary | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $93,600 | Develops and applies patient care to sick and injured patients. |
| Nursing Assistant and Orderly | $39,530 | Provides basic care to patients, maintains treatment areas. |
| Health Services Manager | $117,960 | Oversees the daily operations of healthcare facilities. |
Learn More About Nursing Jobs
Is an Online BSN Worth It?
Whether an online BSN is worth it depends on your goals and the return on investment (ROI), plus various other factors.
These online programs are built around flexibility for busy adults looking for a potential boost in salary. Plus, once you graduate, you can apply to graduate nursing programs.
Registered nurses earned over $2,700 more than licensed practical nurses in 2023, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). A BSN opens doors to leadership roles and serves as a stepping stone toward higher degrees that lead to advanced practice positions.
However, an online BSN program involves high costs and a significant time commitment. You’ll also need to learn how to balance your work, studies, and potential debt. Research program accreditation and National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates to ensure quality and look for the most affordable programs.
Education Beyond a Bachelor’s in Nursing
After you earn a bachelor’s in nursing online, you can pursue advanced degrees such as a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP).
These degrees increase your opportunities to work as a nurse educator, professor, or healthcare administrator. Specialty tracks provide advanced training for specific niches within nursing like nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist.
Some of these roles pay six-figure salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), showing that these specialized skills are in demand. Online programs offer flexibility, so they can be ideal for busy professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online BSN Degrees
Absolutely, there are affordable RN-to-BSN programs online. BestColleges found online RN-to-BSN programs that combine affordability with great student outcomes. Each program offers flexibility and cost-effective options for busy nurses.
Explore More College Resources
Guide to Online Nursing Programs
Read this guide to online nursing programs to learn about the different types of nursing degrees and specializations.
Updated July 27, 2022
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