Top 10 Online RN to BSN Programs for 2025 (2025)

Are you an RN with an Associate Degree in Nursing? If you want to go back to school and get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, then an RN-to-BSN online program may be the perfect fit!

RN-to-BSN programs, also known as ADN to BSN programs, are shorter than traditional BSNs and build on the skills and knowledge that a nurse has already obtained.

If you’re ready to make the leap, we’ve done the hard work vetting online RN-to-BSN programs for you. Our panel of nurses has ranked the best RN-BSN programs for 2025.

Top 10 RN to BSN Online Programs

Ourranking criteriais based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation and uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically theIntegrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)andCollege Scorecard.

1. The University of Oklahoma

This online bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program is flexible for working nurses but does require two Saturday in-person orientation dates per year and also has optional monthly on-campus sessions. Students can complete the program in as little as nine months, but it can be completed on a part-time basis.

• Application Deadline: October 15th and April 1st
• Tuition: Resident: $184.65 per credit hour, Non-Resident: $592.95 per credit hour
• Credit Hours: 30
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Contact Phone Number: (405) 271-2428
• Email Information: nursing@ouhsc.edu
• Website

2. University of Central Florida

This online RN to BSN program in Florida consists of 30 credit hours which can be completed in three semesters at a full-time pace or as slowly as ten semesters or five years. Students can also take up to nine credit hours of graduate-level work to apply toward an MSN degree.

• Application Deadline: May 1st, November 1st and March 1st
• Tuition: Resident: $179.19 per credit hour, Non-Resident: $715.80 per credit hour
• Credit Hours: 30
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Contact Phone Number: (855) 903-8576
• Email Information: ucfnurse@ucf.edu
• Website

3. Capella University

Designed by nurses, this for-profit university program is designed in 10-week courses. Capella University boasts an impressive graduation rate and generous transfer credit allowance from other nursing programs.

Students can also apply to the Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP) option. This allows you to take master's-level courses that apply toward your BSN. Once applied and accepted to the MSN program, those master’s courses can be applied toward the degree, potentially saving time and money.

• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Tuition:
  • Typical Pace: $13,480 total cost
  • Slower Pace: $20,220 total cost
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Contact Phone Number: (866) 679-9682
• Email Information: info@capella.edu
• Website

4. Arizona State University

In this program, students take 10 classes that each last 7.5 weeks. Current RNs can finish this program in approximately 15 to 18 months. The program is 39 credits, longer than most other online programs, but students take classes that are considered more innovative than other traditional BSN programs.

• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Tuition: Resident: $547 per credit hour Non-resident: $620 per credit hour
• Credit Hours: 39 credit hours
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Contact Phone Number: (866) 277-6589
• Email Information: asuonline@asu.edu
• Website*

>> Explore Arizona State's Online RN-BSN Program*

5. Herzing University

Herzing's RN-BSN program offers rolling admission, which allows students to apply whenever is most convenient and start the program at their own pace. Classes are 8 weeks long, and the degree can be finished in as little as 12 months. Students can take master's degree classes while completing the online BSN degree, saving time and money.

• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Tuition: $395.00 per credit hour
• Credit Hours: 26 credit hours and a 45-hour project designed to help your community
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Contact Phone Number: (888) 920-0937
• Website*

>> Explore Herzing's Online RN-BSN Program*

6. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers a fast-track online RN to BSN program that consists of nine core courses and one capstone. Classes are seven weeks long, except the capstone course, which lasts 14 weeks.

Students can complete this program in just two semesters on a full-time schedule. Those who attend part-time may take anywhere from three to five semesters to earn their BSN.

The program focuses on building nurse leaders and has six flexible start dates year-round.

• Application Deadline: November 1st and April 1st
• Tuition:
  • Resident:
    • Full-time: $22,008 total program cost
    • Part-time: $16,065 total program cost
  • Non-Resident:
    • Full-time: $22,548 total program cost
    • Part-time: $16,470 total program cost
• Credit Hours: 27 credit hours
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Contact Phone Number: (513) 558-5500
• Email Information: nursingbearcats@uc.edu
• Website

7.Chamberlain University

In Chamberlain University's RN-to-BSN program, courses are 100% online, and there are no mandatory log-ins for classes. Students can start and finish at their own pace and without much guidance. Chamberlain University advertises that this program is completely customizable and is ideal for the working nurse. This program can be completed in as little as three semesters.

• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Tuition: $635 per credit hour
• Credit Hours: 45 credit hours
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Contact Phone Number: (877) 751.5783
• Website

8. University of Phoenix

In the University of Phoenix RN to BSN program, students can graduate in just 14 months. This program allows students to take one course at a time or several courses. Courses in the RN to BSN program are 5 weeks long. This program was designed for working nurses and includes courses designed by industry experts to develop career-related, critical thinking skills.

The University of Phoenix also offers one of the cheapest RN to BSN online programs in the nation.

• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Tuition: $350 per credit hour
• Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Contact Phone Number: (844) 937-8679
• Website

9. Western Governors University

WGU's online RN-to-BSN program builds on students' previous nursing education and clinical experience and focuses on research, theory, leadership, and current trends in healthcare.

With a 100% acceptance rate, WGU is one of the easiest RN to BSN programs to get into. Additionally, 66% of students complete this program within 18 months.

WGU’s tuition is based on how fast you complete the program. The quicker you take classes - the cheaper the program.

• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Tuition:
  • 6 months: $5,525 total cost
  • 12 months: $11,050 total cost
  • 18 months: $16,575 total cost
  • 24 months: $22,100 total cost
  • 30 months: $27,625 total cost
  • 36 months: $33,150 total cost
• Credit Hours: 24 credit hours
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Contact Phone Number: (866) 225-5948
• Email Information: admissions@wgu.edu
• Website*

>> Explore WGU's Online RN-BSN Program*

10. George Washington University

Nurses with an associate degree and active RN license can apply for this entirely online program. GW Nursing also guarantees admission for applicants who meet specific prerequisites. They also offer special funding for veterans and the military. Students usually complete this 36-credit program in approximately 15 months.

• Application Deadline: Jan 1st and Aug 1st
• Tuition: $15,670 total cost
• Credit Hours: 21 credit hours of coursework and 15 credits for advanced standing and competency
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Contact Phone Number: (202) 994-7901
• Email Information: nursing@gwu.edu
• Website

How Do Online RN to BSN Programs Work?

Online RN to BSN programs are programs specifically for nurses with an ADN who have already passed the NCLEX and are working as nurses. To be eligible for an RN to BSN program, you must meet the admission criteria and possess an unencumbered RN license.

Students can take classes remotely from anywhere nationwide if the program fits their needs. It is important to note that some programs will require the person to complete in-person skills assessments, and this would require travel to the university.

Students may be offered classes asynchronously or synchronously. You will need to determine if you can learn independently and keep yourself motivated or if you prefer to meet at a specific time each week. This can be an important factor when choosing a program.

Applying to an Online RN to BSN Program

Like any nursing program, you must meet the admission requirements before applying. Admission requirements often include the following,

• University and School of Nursing application
• GPA of at least 3.0 from an accredited university
• Unencumbered RN license
• Official transcripts
• CV/Resume
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Application fee

What Courses Will You Take in an Online RN-to-BSN Program?

There are roughly ten courses required for approximately 30 credit courses to complete an online BSN degree. The number of required courses varies, and it depends on the courses taken during the initial ADN program.

Online courses may include:

• Nursing Informatics
• Trends in Professional Nursing
• Innovations in Healthcare
• Transitions in Professional Nursing
• Nursing Research/ Evidence-Based Practice
• Collaborative Nursing
• Nursing Management
• Nursing Leadership
• Nursing Ethics
• Community Health Nursing
• Capstone Course

Prerequisite Courses for an Online RN-to-BSN Program

Since all schools of nursing are slightly different, the following core courses are required for all students. In order to be considered for admission, these courses must have been completed. These classes may include:

• Anatomy and Physiology with a lab component
• Biology with a lab component
• Microbiology with a lab component
• Human Genetics
• Statistics
• Abnormal Psychology
• Nutrition
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Professional Ethics
• Introduction to Research Methods and Designs
• Chemistry with a lab component
• Introduction to Sociology

Paying for RN to BSN programs

Overall costs will vary depending on the program, but online programs will be cheaper than traditional in-person RN to BSN programs. There are a variety of ways to pay for nursing programs including,

• Loans
• Grants
• Scholarship
• Work-Study Program
• Employee Tuition Reimbursement

What to Look for in an RN to BSN Program

First and foremost, you want to ensure the program isnationally accredited. The two main accreditation bodies in the United States are as follows:

• The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Beyond accreditation, consider the overall cost of the RN to BSN program. While all programs on the list mentioned above are cheap, some cost even less and this can be important, especially for working professionals.

You will also want to consider admission requirements and make sure you meet ALL of the criteria. This will include minimal GPA as well as specific courses.

What Can You Do With an RN to BSN Degree?

After earning a BSN, there are many more opportunities. Not only will your pay increase but you will need a BSN to continue your education. If you are interested in becoming a CRNA or APRN you will need to have a bachelor's degree.

FAQs about Online RN-to-BSN Programs

• What is an online BSN program?

  • An online BSN program is designed for nurses who have already obtained an RN most likely from a diploma or associate’s degree program. Classes are offered solely online and only classes required to earn a BSN are offered. There are no associated clinical or lab components and no general education classes or electives.

• How long is an online RN-to-BSN program?

  • Most online programs can be completed between one and two years, depending on the number of online classes a student needs to complete and the speed at which they are able to take them.

• Can you work while in an online RN-to-BSN program?

  • One of the benefits of online nursing programs is that nurses are required to work during their enrollment. They are designed for the working professional who has already developed a nursing practice. Most programs require nurses to work a minimum of 30 hours per week while completing the program.

• Who is an online RN-to-BSN program right for?

  • Online RN-to-BSN programs are great for nurses of all kinds. Especially nurses who have busy schedules and need flexibility, nurses who have young children or care for loved ones, or nurses who need to be employed and do not have the option to take time off work for school.

• What are the requirements for getting into an online BSN program?

  • The requirements for each program will vary by school. But, all programs share the same basic requirements: registered nurse licensure in good standing, to possess an associate’s degree from an accredited program, a minimum 2.0 GPA in an associate’s program, that you pass a criminal background check, and that you are working a minimum of 30 hours per week or completion of equivalency exam.

• Can you take an online BSN program in another state?

  • Yes! This is one of the beautiful aspects of online BSN programs. Nurses can take a program from anywhere in the country. With that being said, there may be some exceptions. Some programs, especially if associated with a brick-and-mortar university, may require nurses to obtain their RN license in that state. Even if the nurse will never practice there, this could be required.

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_{1. According to Payscale, Nurses with a BSN degree earn on average, $94,000 per year, while nurses with an ADN earn on average $76,000 as of February 2024.}