Best Online BSN Programs for Non-Nurses

UMass Boston offers one of the best returns on investment if you’re looking to pursue an ABSN. The public research university’s ABSN program can be completed in just 12 months for a relatively low cost. Coursework includes online learning and about 20-25 hours each semester of lab and simulation work. This is also one of the few ABSN programs that doesn’t have a set clinical hour requirement.UMass Boston’s cost includes tuition, fees, textbooks, a laptop, and NCLEX prep materials.

The University of Indianapolis’ ABSN program offers students across the U.S. a chance to earn a BSN quickly. While most online ABSN programs offer all coursework online, many require students to live close to a branch campus to perform lab work. At the University of Indianapolis, students only have to come to campus twice for four-day residencies. The university also offers placement services to help you secure a practicum role at a nearby healthcare facility. Students must pass the HESI A2 test to be accepted.

This private university in Philadelphia offers a relatively quick — although limited — ABSN program. You must reside in Pennsylvania to enroll, but you cannot be a resident of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia counties. While this limits the applicant pool, if you do qualify for enrollment, you’ll have access to a program that only requires a single one-week on-campus residency for graduation. The institution offers placement services to help you secure a clinical rotation.

The University of Tulsa’s online ABSN program is among the least expensive ABSN programs in the U.S., although it takes slightly longer to complete than most programs.

Tulsa’s program is also restricted to students who are residents of one of the following states:

If you do reside in one of these states, you can apply to begin your studies during any of the five start times offered each year.

Rockhurst is a Jesuit university that offers an online ABSN program. This program allows you to earn a BSN largely from your own home. Although you can complete Rockhurst’s ABSN program 100% online, you will need to complete one 10-day, on-campus residency to graduate.

You can only enroll in Rockhurst’s ABSN program if you are a resident of one of the following states:

Rockhurst offers one-on-one NCLEX coaching to help you pass your licensing exam.

The UW Oshkosh’s ABSN program is a rigorous program that can help you earn a BSN in just one year.

The program charges the same tuition whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. You must, however, reside in one of the following states to enroll:

The university says students should expect to spend about 8-12 hours on coursework each day.

Waco, Texas-based Baylor University’s online ABSN program stands out for its high NCLEX pass rate.

The ABSN program is only open to Texas residents.

Although coursework is all done online, students must visit Baylor’s campus twice during their degree program. The university offers clinical placement services.

This Illinois university provides many benefits seen in other online ABSN programs.

It does fall short in one key area: first-time NCLEX pass rate. Approximately 88% of graduates pass the licensing exam on their first try, which is slightly below the national average for all U.S.-educated first-time test takers in 2024.

You must be a resident of — or willing to move to — one of the following states to enroll in this program:

Elmhurst does relieve ABSN students of a massive burden by identifying and securing placement sites for students in their local community.

Marian University’s online ABSN program allows students to finish coursework at their own pace online.

The program does, however, require students to visit one of its campuses twice a week to attend lab sessions. Simulation labs aren’t required during the full 16 months of the program, but it’s an important note to remember when comparing programs.

Lab requirements can be completed in Indianapolis or Nashville.