Best Online BSN Programs of 2025

Q: Is a bachelor's in nursing program hard?

Online bachelor's in nursing programs are challenging. These programs cover a range of complex medical topics, and students must practice their skills to prepare for clinical rotations. Nursing school also requires a time commitment of intensive study over the course of two years for full-time programs. Plus, you have to pass nursing school exams and the NCLEX.

Q: Do I need to get an MSN degree?

While an MSN isn't necessary to work as a nurse, the degree can lead to advanced roles, depending on the MSN specialty tract. For example, some focus on education while others train to become a nurse practitioner. An MSN will allow you to apply to a DNP program, allowing you to earn the highest degree in the field. An increasing amount of nurse practitioners are pursing a DNP. With a DNP, you can also pursue leadership roles such as a nurse executive, influence policy as a healthcare lobbyist, or work in academia as a clinical researcher or nursing professor.

Q: Is nursing accreditation important?

Accreditation matters because it shows that your program has met the rigorous standards to provide a quality nursing education. Accreditation impacts your ability to get financial aid in school and find employment after you graduate. This is because accreditation is required for certification and licensure. Look for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Q: What degree do I need to become a registered nurse?

To become a registered nurse, you'll need at least an associate degree in nursing (ADN). ADN programs last two years and can prepare you for entry-level RN roles. Once you graduate, you'll qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam. Many people pursue a bachelor of science in nursing. These four-year programs provide advanced training, boosting your earning potential. After you complete this program, you'll have to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to get licensure and practice as an RN.

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.

Edited by

Reviewed by

Updated April 23, 2025

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Nurses 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 the best online BSN programs of 2024.

Bachelor’s in Nursing Highlights

Most (98%) online nursing and healthcare students and graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
Of these students, 95% say they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
84% of these students say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
Over half (60%) say their online classes included assignments they could use to explore future career options.
77% of students currently enrolled in fully online programs are enrolled full time. Of that group, 53% are also employed either full time (43%) or part time (10%).

Source: BestColleges

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In this Article

Top Online Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

2025

Affordability (30%)
Student outcomes (30%)
Reputation (20%)
Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,694

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

24%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

The University of Florida's undergraduate degree in nursing online program will put you on a path toward nursing leadership. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), this program is designed for working registered nurses: You can complete your coursework completely online.

The curriculum will give you information-management skills so you can further your career. Studying with elite faculty, you'll learn how to provide leadership while delivering safe, effective healthcare. You'll also learn how to influence nursing practice and implement wellness strategies.

This rigorous program has been approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.

Highlights

CCNE-accredited
Designed for working nurses

Know Before You Apply

$129 per credit for Florida residents
$553 per credit for non-residents

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

54,814

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

Acceptance Rate

24%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

54,814

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

This rigorous program has been approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.

Highlights

CCNE-accredited
Designed for working nurses

Know Before You Apply

$129 per credit for Florida residents
$553 per credit for non-residents

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$11,216

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$37,904

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

43%

Acceptance Rate

24%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's RN-to-BSN online program builds on the technical and scientific knowledge you gained in an associate program. This program will give you the critical thinking skills you need to provide safe and effective healthcare.

Designed for busy nurses, you can complete this program in 18-30 months, studying in the fall and spring semesters, with the option to take summer courses. At the end of the program, you'll complete one clinical, which involves 60 hours at a healthcare facility of your choice.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Highlights

Takes 18-30 months to complete
CCNE-accredited

Know Before You Apply

Requires 60 hours of clinical work
Costs $452 per credit
Requires 20-30 credits

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,728

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,054

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

50,633

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,216

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,904

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,216

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,904

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment

24%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,728

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,054

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

50,633

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Highlights

Takes 18-30 months to complete
CCNE-accredited

Know Before You Apply

Requires 60 hours of clinical work
Costs $452 per credit
Requires 20-30 credits

Texas A & M University-College Station

College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$8,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,637

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

63%

Acceptance Rate

40%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

The RN-to-BSN program at Texas A&M University lets students complete their practicums in their own communities. All 30 credits are delivered fully online, so you can learn on your own time.

The program is designed for those with unencumbered RN licenses, so you should have an associate degree in nursing before applying to this program.

You should also have a 2.75 GPA and have completed 59 hours of prerequisite courses in the physical, behavioral, and biological sciences as well as the humanities.

Coursework includes nursing dimensions and informatics for the RN, leadership and management for the RN, and care of older adults.

Highlights

Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
You can complete the practicum in your own community

Know Before You Apply

Costs over $9,800 to attend for in-state students
Requires above a 2.75 GPA for admission

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,885

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,593

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

76,633

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,637

Texas A & M University-College Station

College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,637

Acceptance Rate

63%

Online Enrollment

40%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,885

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,593

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

76,633

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

The RN-to-BSN program at Texas A&M University lets students complete their practicums in their own communities. All 30 credits are delivered fully online, so you can learn on your own time.

The program is designed for those with unencumbered RN licenses, so you should have an associate degree in nursing before applying to this program.

You should also have a 2.75 GPA and have completed 59 hours of prerequisite courses in the physical, behavioral, and biological sciences as well as the humanities.

Coursework includes nursing dimensions and informatics for the RN, leadership and management for the RN, and care of older adults.

Highlights

Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
You can complete the practicum in your own community

Know Before You Apply

Costs over $9,800 to attend for in-state students
Requires above a 2.75 GPA for admission

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$10,092

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,260

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

89%

Acceptance Rate

71%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

George Mason University's BSN program centers on disease prevention and health promotion, preparing you to provide leadership and deliver first-rate healthcare. As an applicant to this program, you can choose from between three pathways: traditional, accelerated, co-enrollment, and RN-to-BSN.

While part-time options are available for RN-to-BSN and co-enrollment programs, traditional and accelerated students must study full time. When you enter the program, you'll have to take a background check required by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Throughout the program, you'll prepare for the NCLEX-RN licensing exams through nursing coursework and a final cumulative assessment.

Highlights

Scholarships available
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Offers four tracks
Provides rigorous training for the NCLEX-RN exam

Know Before You Apply

In-state students pay $433 per credit
Out-of-state students pay $1,453 per credit

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,426

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,377

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

39,528

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,092

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,260

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,092

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,260

Acceptance Rate

89%

Online Enrollment

71%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,426

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,377

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

39,528

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Throughout the program, you'll prepare for the NCLEX-RN licensing exams through nursing coursework and a final cumulative assessment.

Highlights

Scholarships available
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Offers four tracks
Provides rigorous training for the NCLEX-RN exam

Know Before You Apply

In-state students pay $433 per credit
Out-of-state students pay $1,453 per credit

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$7,914

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,128

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

76%

Acceptance Rate

30%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

The online RN-to-BSN program at James Madison University offers all classes asynchronously, so you can balance your coursework with your career. Learning from expert faculty, you'll study in small classes in a creative learning environment.

You'll build on the skills you gained in your associate or diploma program, developing a foundation for professional nursing practice.

You can choose to complete the program in one year as a full-time student or two years as a part-time student. No matter which pathway you choose, you'll get career support at JMU.

Highlights

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Career planning support

Know Before You Apply

Takes 1-2 years to complete
Asynchronous learning

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,520

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,320

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

22,760

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,914

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,128

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,914

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,128

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment

30%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,520

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,320

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

22,760

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

You'll build on the skills you gained in your associate or diploma program, developing a foundation for professional nursing practice.

You can choose to complete the program in one year as a full-time student or two years as a part-time student. No matter which pathway you choose, you'll get career support at JMU.

Highlights

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Career planning support

Know Before You Apply

Takes 1-2 years to complete
Asynchronous learning

Clemson University

Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online

$14,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$37,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

38%

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

Clemson University offers an RNBS completion program for registered nurses with an associate degree who want to earn a bachelor's in nursing. Offered fully online, this program only takes 12 months to complete.

You'll take coursework in community and pathophysiology, issues in professionalism, family nursing in the community, research in nursing, and leadership and management. These classes foster intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary collegiality, ethical decision-making, and critical thinking.

The school offers several scholarship opportunities, including awards for oncology nurses, underrepresented nursing students, and outstanding nursing students.

Highlights

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Scholarships available

Know Before You Apply

Requires 2.75 GPA
Designed for registered nurses
Costs $1,000 per semester

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,858

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,566

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

28,747

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,982

Clemson University

Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,982

Acceptance Rate

38%

Online Enrollment

44%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,858

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,566

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

28,747

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

The school offers several scholarship opportunities, including awards for oncology nurses, underrepresented nursing students, and outstanding nursing students.

Highlights

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Scholarships available

Know Before You Apply

Requires 2.75 GPA
Designed for registered nurses
Costs $1,000 per semester

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$6,368

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$22,467

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

43%

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

University of Central Florida's online nursing bachelor's program focuses on clinical nursing practice and health promotion maintenance, preparing you for leadership roles in nursing.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), this program offers a post-licensure RN-to-BSN track designed for registered nurses.

The length of time you'll spend in this program depends on how many classes you choose to take each term. However, you can complete 30 credit hours in as few as three semesters or up to 10 semesters.

Highlights

CCNE-accredited
Designed for working nurses

Know Before You Apply

120 credits
In-state students pay $179 per credit
Out-of-state students pay $716 per credit

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

68,842

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,368

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,467

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,368

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,467

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

68,842

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

University of Central Florida's online nursing bachelor's program focuses on clinical nursing practice and health promotion maintenance, preparing you for leadership roles in nursing.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), this program offers a post-licensure RN-to-BSN track designed for registered nurses.

The length of time you'll spend in this program depends on how many classes you choose to take each term. However, you can complete 30 credit hours in as few as three semesters or up to 10 semesters.

Highlights

CCNE-accredited
Designed for working nurses

Know Before You Apply

120 credits
In-state students pay $179 per credit
Out-of-state students pay $716 per credit

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online

$9,103

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,861

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

55%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

The University of Utah's online RN-to-BS program offers an affordable, flexible program you can choose to complete within two, three, or four semesters. The program only costs around $9,000 or $260 per credit hour.

All coursework is online, so you won't have to worry about going to campus or pausing your career. Coursework includes health promotion, public health, enhanced professional nursing, and nursing initiatives.

Expert faculty will teach nursing research and evidence-based practices through community-engaged learning. The program is adaptable, allowing you to either complete a specialization in geriatric nursing leadership or prepare to apply to graduate programs.

Highlights

Flexible and adaptable
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Know Before You Apply

Costs $9,000
Requires 45 clinical hours and 68 practicum hours

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,353

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,961

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

35,262

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,103

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,861

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,103

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,861

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

55%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,353

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,961

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

35,262

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Highlights

Flexible and adaptable
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Know Before You Apply

Costs $9,000
Requires 45 clinical hours and 68 practicum hours

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC4 yearCampus + Online

$12,288

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,534

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

61%

Acceptance Rate

61%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

University of South Carolina's RN-to-BSN program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes a capstone practicum. All of this coursework will prepare you for leadership roles in nursing healthcare.

The program is tailored to working registered nurses with busy schedules. Not only will you refine your leadership skills, you'll gain more professional knowledge, learning to contribute to shaping healthcare.

All students have access to academic coaching, peer tutoring, a career center, and other campus resources. You can earn this degree in 12 months.

Highlights

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Robust student resources

Know Before You Apply

Costs $6,144 per semester for state residents
Costs $17,949 per semester for non-residents

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,374

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,760

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

36,579

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,288

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,534

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,288

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,534

Acceptance Rate

61%

Online Enrollment

61%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,374

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,760

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

36,579

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

All students have access to academic coaching, peer tutoring, a career center, and other campus resources. You can earn this degree in 12 months.

Highlights

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Robust student resources

Know Before You Apply

Costs $6,144 per semester for state residents
Costs $17,949 per semester for non-residents

#10

Villanova University

Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$60,768

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,768

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

23%

Acceptance Rate

23%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

Villanova University's online RN-to-BSN completion program has earned coveted awards. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), this program is delivered in a state-of-the-art online classroom.

Coursework is delivered via videos through live, interactive online sessions. You'll complete two clinical experiences in nursing leadership in your community.

The program provides career-enhancing credentials. Once you graduate, you'll have new advancement opportunities.

Highlights

CCNE-accredited
Award-winning faculty

Know Before You Apply

Costs $72,494 per academic year
Live, synchronous class sessions

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,207

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,207

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

10,383

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,768

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,768

Villanova University

Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,768

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,768

Acceptance Rate

23%

Online Enrollment

23%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,207

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,207

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

10,383

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Coursework is delivered via videos through live, interactive online sessions. You'll complete two clinical experiences in nursing leadership in your community.

The program provides career-enhancing credentials. Once you graduate, you'll have new advancement opportunities.

Highlights

CCNE-accredited
Award-winning faculty

Know Before You Apply

Costs $72,494 per academic year
Live, synchronous class sessions

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

Student perception of the potential return on investment (ROI) of online learning continues to be strong — 93% of all students say their online degree has or will have a positive ROI.
The majority (97%) of prospective online students, currently enrolled online students, and online program graduates would recommend online education to others.
Of these students, 81% say that online is better than or equal to on-campus learning.
Most online program graduates (73%) say their programs prepared them for employment after graduation, and 31% say they were extremely well prepared.
College and university administrators predict the most online enrollment growth over the next five years will be in health professions (29%).

Curious what courses you'll take online? Check out our BSN program guide.

How to Choose the Best Online BSN 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.

Online Health Professions Bachelor’s Degrees

In-State

Avg. Tuition & Fees

$9,752

Avg. Net Price

$5,929

Out-of-State

Avg. Tuition & Fees

$9,209

Avg. Net Price

$6,430

Source: NCES PowerStats

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the typical cost of an online bachelor’s in nursing program is $9,752 for in-state students and $9,209 for out-of-state students.

The average net price, the cost after the school applies financial aid, is $5,929 for in-state students and $6,430 for out-of-state 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

BSN Scholarships

Your Guide to the FAFSA

Your Guide to College Loans

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. Nursing instructors earn $86,530.

Popular Nursing Jobs
Job	2024 Median Annual Salary	Description
Registered Nurse	$93,600	Develops and applies patient care to sick and injured patients.
Nursing Instructor	$79,940	Teaches patient care to nursing students.
Health Services Manager	$117,960	Oversees the daily operations of healthcare facilities.

Source: BLS

Learn More About Nursing Jobs

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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 allow flexible scheduling for busy adults and a potential boost in earnings. Plus, once you graduate, you can apply to graduate nursing programs.

Registered nurses earned over $2,7000 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 tracts provide advanced training, making you eligible for licensure testing to work as a 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.

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Nursing Degrees

Frequently Asked Questions About Online BSN Degrees

Are there affordable RN-to-BSN online programs?

Absolutely, there are affordable RN-to-BSN programs online. These schools include the University of North Florida, Utah Valley University, and Farmingdale State College. Each program offers flexibility and cost-effective options for busy nurses.