Best Online BSN Programs of 2024
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Editor & Writer
Contributing Reviewer
Contributing Writer
Editor & Writer
Contributing Reviewer
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Are you considering a new career as a registered nurse? A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is the most popular degree for new nurses. In fact, more than 70% of nurses hold a bachelor's degree or higher, making it the preferred degree for many employers, according to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Study.
Explore the best online BSN programs to help you make an informed decision about your education. Discover accredited nursing schools with comprehensive curricula, experienced faculty, and valuable hands-on learning via clinical labs.
Featured Online BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The 10 Best 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.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's RN-to-BSN allows RNs to earn degrees online at their preferred pace. The school offers all core courses asynchronously in seven-week or 14-week blocks. Course topics include chronic care management, nursing research, and community health nursing. Each enrollee must arrange one 60-hour clinical capstone experience near their homes.
Admission requires an RN license, a nursing diploma or associate degree in nursing, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and one letter of recommendation.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $452 per credit
- Program Length: 5-6 semesters (part time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 24-30 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 95.22%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online
The University of Florida Online's RN-to-BSN program uses primarily asynchronous delivery to explore the nurse's role in an evolving healthcare system. Courses discuss legal and ethical dilemmas, genetics and genomics, and nurse participation in policy and change. The university requires 45 virtual simulation hours and 45 hours of independent clinical experience obtained through informal community observation.
Florida RNs with an ACEN-accredited associate degree may apply. Admission requires a minimum 2.8 GPA, a statement of intent, two professional references, and a resume or CV.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $129 per credit (resident); $553 per credit (nonresident)
- Program Length: Five semesters (part time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 60 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 98.39%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's online RN-to-BSN incorporates asynchronous coursework, discussion boards, and web conferencing. Electives cover holistic nursing, political involvement, and integration of spiritual needs with evidence-based practice. Students complete field projects with chosen mentors, often at their current workplaces.
Admission requirements include an RN license, a completed nursing degree, and a minimum 2.0 GPA. The university's admissions department also considers prior RN experience, military service, and multilingual or first-generation status.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $215 per credit (resident); $635 per credit (nonresident)
- Program Length: Two semesters (full time); three semesters (part time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 30 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.91% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can begin The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's online RN-to-BSN in the fall, spring, or summer terms. All lecture courses, including intro to applied health informatics and issues in professional practice, take place online. Each enrollee completes one in-person, culminating community health project in collaboration with professional and community partners.
Minimum admission requirements include an associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma, a 3.0 GPA in nursing courses and science prerequisites, and a Texas RN license.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $273 per credit (resident); $1,111 per credit (nonresident)
- Program Length: 2-3 semesters (full time); five semesters (part time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 31 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 91.55%
- Program Accreditation:
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Galveston, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston's RN-to-BSN program takes only eight months to complete. Flexible online coursework covers legal and ethical issues, evidence-based practice and research, and clinical reasoning in health assessment. Students work with faculty to design clinical activities in their local communities.
Each applicant needs an active RN license in their state, a minimum 2.5 GPA in 60 credits of prerequisite courses, a resume, and a personal statement covering career, education, and scholarship goals.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $238 per credit (resident); $661 per credit (nonresident)
- Program Length: Two semesters (full time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 30 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 96.02%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students in the University of Nebraska Medical Center's online RN-to-BSN program access coursework on demand, with occasional synchronous sessions scheduled in advance. Courses build skills in health promotion, evidence-based practice, and population-centered care. Students gain nurse leadership experience in their local communities during the final semester's clinical requirements.
To apply, each licensed RN needs a cumulative 2.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and a pre-admission interview, if requested. Program start dates occur three times each year.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $372 per credit
- Program Length: 2-6 semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 20 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 84.85%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online RN-to-BSN program at Loma Linda University offers part-time and full-time enrollment options to accommodate the schedules of working nurses. Each learner completes a professional RN capstone and studies nursing informatics, introductory epidemiology, and nursing research. This Christ-centered Seventh-day Adventist institution also requires two religion courses.
Admission requires a California RN license, associate degree in nursing, minimum 2.5 GPA, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and an interview. Enrollees can complete 20 credits of prerequisites online.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $345 per credit
- Program Length: 8 quarters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 50 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022-2023): 88.82%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, MD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Maryland, Baltimore's online RN-to-BSN emphasizes competency-based education. In addition to core courses, three open electives offer the opportunity to specialize in two interest areas: substance use and addictions or care coordination with health IT. Each enrollee completes a community or public health practicum during the final semester.
Admission requires an RN license, resume or CV, essay, and one letter of recommendation. A competitive applicant possesses a cumulative 2.5 GPA, 2.75 GPA in science coursework, and nursing experience.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $4,784 per semester (full time, Maryland resident); $19,629 per credit (full time, nonresident); $417 per credit (part time, Maryland resident); $1,406 per credit (part time, nonresident)
- Program Length: 2 semesters (full time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 31 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 81.11%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Brooklyn, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University's RN-to-BSN focuses on core nursing competencies deemed essential by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Online courses explore pathophysiology, informatics and clinical care technologies, and spiritual care in nursing. Each student completes 37.5 clinical hours in community health nursing locally or at SUNY-partnered clinical sites.
Admission requires a New York RN license, one letter of recommendation, and 90 prerequisite credits. The school prefers applicants to hold a minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $3,535 per semester (full time, New York resident); $4,240 per credit (full time, nonresident); $295 per credit (part time, New York resident); $353 per credit (part time, nonresident)
- Program Length: 3 semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 35 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 88.2%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students progress through the Medical University of South Carolina's online RN-to-BSN in asynchronous cohorts. In addition to core courses, each semester includes virtual or in-person clinical hours, during which students complete projects focusing on gerontology, community and public health, and leadership. These three projects serve as the program's capstone requirement.
Each candidate needs an active RN license, resume, essay, and three completed reference forms provided by the school. The admission committee also considers work experience and leadership in their evaluations.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $650 (full time, South Carolina resident), $1210 (full time, nonresident), $686 (part time, South Carolina residents), $1,440 (part time, nonresident)
- Program Length: Three semesters (full time); six semesters (part time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 35 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 96.49%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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.
Ranking Methodology Summary
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:
- 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.
Why Get Your Bachelor's in Nursing Degree Online?
A BSN degree offers nursing candidates flexible career options. Nursing students wanting to advance in their nursing practice or participate in legislative actions, quality assurance, and facility committee work may want to pursue a bachelor's degree.
However, a BSN may not be for everyone. After considering the time and financial commitment needed to get a BSN, you may choose an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Registered nurses (RNs) with ADNs can enter the workforce more quickly and complete a BSN online program while working.
Benefits of a Bachelor's in Nursing
- Career Advancement: With this degree, you can move into advanced nursing practice or leadership positions.
- Increased earning potential: Nurses with BSNs tend to make more money than nurses with ADNs.
- Better job prospects: Many employers now require (or strongly prefer) nurses with BSNs.
- Better patient outcomes: BSN programs provide nurses with a broader education and can help them build more advanced problem-solving skills that lead to quality care.
Reasons to Get Your Nursing Degree Online
- Save money: Online degrees can save you money on on-campus fees, commuting, room, and board. In some cases, tuition is less expensive online than in person.
- Manage your time: The flexibility of online scheduling allows you to fit nursing school around your life instead of the other way around.
- Reduce opportunity costs: As an online student, you won't have to press pause on earning money or developing professionally while you pursue a degree.
“My BSN allowed me to achieve my career goals and earn more money while gaining experience in a high-stress environment that pushed me to develop emotional intelligence, empathy, and decision-making skills.”
― Brian Clark, MSN, BSN
“My BSN was worth it — I was able to complete it in only 16 months because I already had a four-year degree in another area. I would tell anyone considering a BSN that nursing is meaningful and hard work. The valuable skills you learn will translate into every area of your life.”
― Joanna Briggs, RN, BSN
Looking for Other Nursing Degrees? Explore Your Options
How to Find a High-Quality, Online BSN Program
Choosing an online BSN requires careful consideration. Even programs with similar curriculum models can offer different types of online learning. Consider the following factors when researching online programs in nursing.
Accreditation
Always make sure that an online BSN program holds proper accreditation. Accreditation shows you that a nursing program meets both national education standards and licensing standards set by the state nursing board.
For nursing programs, look for programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Tuition Costs
Plenty of online nursing programs offer affordable tuition rates, but it's important to shop around and ensure you understand a school's full cost.
In general, public schools offer cheaper tuition than private schools, but financial aid packages can vary widely. Keep in mind that online colleges may also charge additional fees for technology services and other online resources.
Program Type and Format
Program format can also make a huge difference in your online BSN experience. Different types of nursing degrees serve different needs and offer different timelines for graduation.
If you're already a registered nurse, an RN-to-BSN usually lets you earn your bachelor's in about two years of study. A traditional BSN usually takes four years of full-time enrollment to complete.
Accelerated programs allow you to graduate faster but may require a heavier course load or additional prerequisites. Many accelerated BSN programs require you to have a bachelor's degree in another subject area and have completed nursing school prerequisites.
Location
An online BSN program still requires you to complete an in-person clinical rotation, which means location should be taken into account.
Your program can usually connect you to local healthcare organizations to complete clinical requirements. Location can also affect your tuition, especially when it comes to in-state vs. out-of-state tuition.
Research NCLEX Pass Rates and Career Services
When looking at BSN programs, always research NCLEX pass rates. Pass rates indicate how many students pass their nursing licensure exams each year. A high pass rate usually indicates that a school offers high-quality education and good outcomes for program graduates.
It's also worthwhile to look into a program's student services and career placement programs. Many nursing programs maintain relationships with local healthcare organizations, which can help you find job opportunities after graduation.
How Much Does an Online BSN Program Cost?
Several factors influence the cost of your nursing bachelor's degree. These include whether the school is private or public and whether you qualify for in-state or out-of-state tuition. Some online BSN programs offer the same tuition rates, regardless of location.
The average annual tuition cost for a bachelor's degree at a public institution is about $10,000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. To help offset BSN expenses, you can seek out several forms of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, private organization scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement for those working in healthcare.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree (2022-23)
Public Institution
$9,750
Private Institution
$35,248
Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College
Public Institution
$54,880
Private Institution
$106,080
Everything Else You Need to Know About Online BSN Programs
What can I do with a nursing bachelor's degree?
With a nursing bachelor's degree, you can pursue various registered nurse opportunities, such as positions in leadership and management, research, health informatics, and case management.
Nurses with a bachelor's degree can pursue roles with complex responsibilities and duties, such as charge nurses or operating room nurses. Nurses with a bachelor's degree can also more easily pursue a master's in nursing, which opens other opportunities as a nurse practitioner, educator, or administrator.
"Working at the bedside doing direct patient care in a hospital is not the only way to nurse! My favorite part about this job is the flexibility -- you have a lot of options."
– Joanna Briggs, RN, BSN
How much can I make with a nursing bachelor's?
The average annual salary for a nursing bachelor's degree varies depending on several factors, including your location, experience, certifications, and employer. The average annual salary for an RN is $86,070, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The top-paying industries for nurses are government facilities and hospitals, and the lowest-paying industries are educational services and residential facilities. The BLS projects registered nursing jobs to grow 6% from 2022-2032, faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Can you get a BSN without an ADN?
Yes, you can enroll in a BSN program without having an ADN. Before applying, you must complete prerequisite college courses, including chemistry, biology, and anatomy.
How long is a BSN program?
Completion times vary among BSN programs, but most take 3-4 years to finish. Full-time enrollment lets you complete the coursework faster, while part-time enrollment means it might take you longer to graduate.
You can also enroll in an accelerated BSN program to help you earn your degree even faster. These programs require strong time management skills as you'll complete the same amount of coursework in far less time than a traditional four-year program.
You can also speed up your degree completion time if you have previous college credits or hold an associate degree. Check with your prospective school to see how many credits you can transfer toward the BSN program.
Do you need a bachelor's degree to be a nurse?
No, you don't need a BSN to be a nurse. With an associate degree in nursing, you can become an RN, which is enough for many entry-level nursing jobs.
However, employers often prefer nurses with a BSN, as the degree shows you've gained additional knowledge and nursing leadership skills. With a BSN, you'll also be more competitive and qualify for higher-paying nursing roles.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. This page was last updated on June 4, 2024.
