Top Cheap and Fast Online RN to BSN Programs in 2023 (2023)

EDUCATION

October 25, 2022

If you want to earn your BSN as quickly as possible, for as little money as possible, keep reading. We've compiled the top 10 cheapest and fastest RN to BSN programs for nurses in 2023.

Top 10 Cheapest & Fastest RN to BSN Online Nursing Programs for 2023

1. University of Central Florida

  • Admissions: Applications are accepted three times a year with summer, fall, or spring start dates.
  • Program Length: 30-Credit Hours. Can be completed in as little as one year of study.
  • Location: 100% online, with full- or part-time availability.
  • Program Cost: $5,375.70 ($179.19 per credit hour) including lab fees and additional University associated costs.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Institution by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
  • College of Nursing - Contact Phone Number: 407-823-2744
  • College of Nursing - Contact Email Address: ucfnurse@ucf.edu

2. University of Wyoming

  • Admissions: Applications are accepted in the fall and spring of each calendar year.
  • Program Length: 30-Credit Hours. Can be completed in one calendar year depending on course availability. Courses are 8-weeks long in this program.
  • Location: 100% online, with full- or part-time availability.
  • Program Cost: $5,370 ($154.00 per credit hour) including lab fees and additional University associated costs.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Higher Learning Commission.
  • College of Nursing - Contact Phone Number: (307) 766-4312
  • College of Nursing - Contact Email Address: uwnursing@uwyo.edu

3. University of South Florida

  • Admissions: Applications are accepted in the fall, spring, and summer of each calendar year.
  • Program Length: 30-Credit Hours. Can be completed in as little as one calendar year depending on the number of courses taken at a time.
  • Location: 100% online, with full- or part-time availability.
  • Program Cost: $3,152.10 ($105.07 per credit hour) plus additional lab fees, online fees, and additional University associated costs.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
  • College of Nursing - Contact Phone Number: (813) 974-2191
  • College of Nursing - Contact Email Address: nurstudent@usf.edu

4. Appalachian State University

  • Admissions: Applications are accepted in the fall and spring of each calendar year.
  • Program Length: 30-Credit Hours. Can be completed in as little as one calendar year depending on the number of courses taken at a time.
  • Location: 100% online, with the ability to take classes on a full-time or part-time basis.
  • Program Cost: $6,720 ($224.00 per credit hour) plus additional lab fees, online fees, and additional University associated costs.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
  • College of Nursing - Contact Phone Number: 828-262-3113 or 1-800-355-4084
  • College of Nursing - Contact Email Address: online@appstate.edu

5. University of Texas Arlington*

  • Admissions: Applications are accepted in the fall and spring of each calendar year.
  • Program Length: 35-Credit Hours. Can be completed in as little as NINE months. This is one of the fastest RN to BSN programs available online.
  • Location: 100% online, with the ability to take classes on a full-time or part-time basis.
  • Program Cost: $8,995 ($257.00 per credit hour) plus additional lab fees, online fees, and additional University associated costs.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
  • College of Nursing - Contact Phone Number: 817-272-2776 or 866-489-2810

6. Lasalle University

  • Admissions: Applications are accepted five times a year in January, February, May, June, August, and October.
  • Program Length: 27-Credit Hours. Can be completed in as quick as one year or up to two years.
  • Location: 100% online, with the ability to take classes on a full-time or part-time basis.
  • Program Cost: $10,800 ($400 per credit hour) includes all lab fees but does not include books.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • College of Nursing - Contact Phone Number: 844-466-5587

7. Thomas Edison State University

  • Admissions: Rolling admissions
  • Program Length: 27-Credit Hours. Can be completed in as little as 15 months. BSN courses are offered during 8-week sessions and there are 4 one-week breaks every 12 months.
  • Location: 100% online, with the ability to take classes on a full-time or part-time basis.
  • Program Cost: $14,850 ($550 per credit hour)
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • College of Nursing - Contact Phone Number: 609-777-5680
  • College of Nursing - Email Address: admissions@tesu.edu

8. Florida International University

  • Admissions: Applications are accepted in April, August, and December
  • Program Length: 24-Credit Hours.
  • Location: 100% online, with the ability to take classes on a full-time or part-time basis.
  • Program Cost: $5,491.44($228.81 per credit hour)
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • College of Nursing - Contact Phone Number: 855.780.7466

9. Messiah University

  • Admissions: Applications are accepted in spring, fall, and summer on a rolling admission.
  • Program Length: 30-Credit Hours.
  • Location: 100% online, with the ability to take classes on a full-time or part-time basis.
  • Program Cost: $12,300 ($410 per credit hour)
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • College of Nursing - Contact Phone Number: 717-796-1800 or 717.796.5061
  • College of Nursing - Contact Email Address: onlineinfo@messiah.edu

10. Florida Gateway College

  • Admissions: Applications are accepted in March and September
  • Program Length: 31-Credit Hours. Students could choose to enroll full-time (3 semesters) or part-time (6 semesters).
  • Location: 100% online, with the ability to take classes on a full-time or part-time basis.
  • Program Cost: $5,125. Tuition $3,730, lab fees $545 and textbooks $850.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • College of Nursing - Contact Phone Number: 386-752-1822

Show Me RN-to-BSN Programs

Who is an Online RN to BSN Bridge Program Right for?

Online RN-BSN programs are a fairly new option for nurses and can fit most lifestyles, especially nurses who:

  • Have young children and/or are caring for loved ones
  • Need to be employed and do not have the option to take time off work for school
  • Have busy schedules and not a lot of flexibility to attend classes in person
  • Limited financial resources to complete a BSN degree

Why is it Important to Choose an Accredited and Credentialed Program?

One major consideration that must be taken into account when applying for an online nursing degree is accreditation. Non-accredited universities should be a HUGE red flag for all nurses and students. The five programs mentioned are all accredited and students will earn a BSN at the end of the program that will be accepted in all states and by all healthcare organizations.

There are two main accrediting bodies for nursing programs:

The purpose of accreditation is to focus on the same standards and criteria across all nursing programs. This ensures that there is a level of consistency within the programs. The accreditation process ultimately improves the quality of nursing education and keeps the curriculum up to date on current trends in advances in nursing and healthcare.

Show Me RN-to-BSN Programs

RN to BSN Program Requirements

The requirements for each of the five programs will vary slightly, but all share a few basic requirements:

  • License in good standing, which means that no disciplinary action without explanation and follow-up. If this is a concern, reach out to the program and have a frank discussion with an admissions counselor to see if it will affect acceptance. Do not apply to a program if you have current disciplinary action and have not spoken to a program representative.
  • Possess a Registered Nurse license as well as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) for all bridge programs. Some programs will require students to have a nursing license in a specific state, but this will be communicated prior to acceptance.
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA to be accepted into the program.
  • Criminal background checks are required for all individuals and must be current. This means that most will have to get another one even if they had one for their place of employment.
  • Working a minimum of 30 hours per week or completing the equivalency exam. As long as the student is working as a Registered Nurse during the program, this will fulfill the requirements. If a student takes time off from the bedside during the program, there are other ways to satisfy the requirements. It is best to talk to your advisor about this if it is a concern.
  • Completion of the required prerequisite courses is required in order to be considered for admission. If the classes were not previously completed, students will have to add these courses to their program. These classes include:
    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Microbiology
    • Statistics
    • Abnormal Psychology
    • Nutrition
    • Chemistry
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Introduction to Sociology

Based on the program, other requirements may include:

  • Child abuse clearance
  • Drug test
  • Vaccinations
  • Physical examination
  • Letters of recommendations

Is an RN-to-BSN Program Right for You?

In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) made a strong recommendation that by 2020, 80% of the nursing workforce should have a baccalaureate degree (BSN). As a result, there is an increased push for non-BSN-prepared nurses to earn their degrees quickly and in the easiest way possible.

RN-to-BSN FAQs

  • What is the cheapest RN to BSN?

    • The University of South Florida has an affordable RN-BSN program, at only $105.07/credit hour.
  • What is the fastest RN to BSN program?

    • The University of Wyoming’s RN-BSN program can be completed in as little as one year.
  • What is the easiest RN to BSN online program?

    • Florida International University has one of the shortest RN-BSN programs and requires only 24 credit hours.
  • How much does an online RN to BSN cost?

    • An online BSN degree can cost anywhere from around $5,000-$30,000.
  • Can I do an RN to BSN online?

    • Yes, you can get your RN-BSN degree 100% online.
  • Is an RN to BSN easier than an ADN?

    • An RN-BSN program can be completed 100% online while getting your ADN will require hands-on clinical work.
  • How long does it take to get an RN to BSN online?

    • You can complete an RN-BSN program online in as little as one year.

Top Cheap and Fast Online RN to BSN Programs in 2023 (2)

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FAQs

What is the shortest RN to BSN program? ›

University of North Florida

The University of North Florida has an online RN to BSN that students can finish in as little as 12 months. This is about the shortest time students could complete an RN to BSN program.

What is the fastest I can get my BSN? ›

For eligible students who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, an accelerated BSN program like Northeastern University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program can help you earn your nursing degree from a top-ranking university in as few as 16 months.

Is an online BSN worth it? ›

A Wide Range of Career Options

A student who has completed their BSN program online has a wide range of career opportunities. An online BSN program enables a person who is working currently to maintain their job in order to help them gain valuable experience to increase their employment prospects.

How fast can you complete Capella RN to BSN? ›

With FlexPath, you can complete your RN-to-BSN program in 9 months and under $10,000. * *Based on fastest 25 percent of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost, and how quickly you complete courses.

Is Capella University a legitimate school? ›

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

What type of BSN RN makes the most money? ›

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Salary. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists earn a median salary of $195,610 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, making it the top paying nursing specialty.

What state pays BSN the most? ›

In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

What types of BSN nurses make the most money? ›

Some of the highest paying positions for RNs with their BSNs include:
  • Pharmaceutical RN - $83,486. Pharmaceutical RN's earn an average salary of $83,486. ...
  • Nurse Informatics - $77,791. Nurse Informaticists earn an average salary of $77,791. ...
  • Nurse Case Managers - $71,772. ...
  • Nurse Administrators - $65,000 - $100,000.
Sep 23, 2020

What is the hardest class in BSN? ›

Hardest Nursing School Classes
  • Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
  • Pharmacology. ...
  • Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
  • Evidence-Based Practice.

What is the shortest nursing program? ›

Certified Nursing Assistant

A CNA program is a fast-paced program that only takes a couple of months to fully complete. After graduation, students can enter the field right away, assisting nurses with patient work in a wide variety of settings.

Are RN to BSN online programs hard? ›

Yes, RN to BSN programs are challenging for many students. But some programs, like ours at Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology and Cambridge Institute of Allied Health, are specifically built to help students overcome the challenges associated with higher learning in the medical field.

Is it better to do RN to BSN or straight BSN? ›

The salary difference between RN vs BSN degrees is that those who hold a BSN degree are likely to make more than RN's who only have their associates degree. A BSN degree is favored over just an associates degree for many entry-level nursing jobs, therefore a BSN has more opportunities to make more money.

What employers think about your online nursing degree? ›

According to a recent study, 71% of employers say that an online nursing degree is acceptable when recruiting nurses. Employers assess nursing prospective employees based on more than just where – and in what format – they earned their degree, as with any other application process.

Is BSN harder than MSN? ›

With an MSN Degree Comes Deeper Understanding

The reason is simple: MSN programs better prepare students to become RNs by offering a more rigorous curriculum — often covering advanced topics BSN programs only touch on.

Who has the fastest RN program? ›

If you are a second career nurse and already hold a bachelor's degree, the fastest way to become an RN is an ABSN program. The MSN program at Elmhurst University is also one of the few that can be completed in less than two years, taking you from a bachelor's degree in another field to an MSN in just 20 months.

How fast can you finish Capella FlexPath? ›

With FlexPath, you can finish the bachelor's degree you started in 22 months for $20,000 or earn your master's degree in 15 months and under $18,000. * *Based on the fastest 25% of students.

Is WGU RN to BSN accredited? ›

WGU bachelor's and master's online nursing degrees are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or CCNE. This organization is nationally recognized as an accreditation agency.

Which is better Strayer or Capella? ›

Strayer's degrees are largely concentrated in business and IT, while Capella has a broader portfolio including education, health care, and criminal justice. Strayer has a number of physical campuses for classroom or blended learning, while Capella is focused on fully online.

Is Capella taken seriously? ›

It is regionally accredited, which is more widely recognized and prestigious than national accreditation. Other than not being a diploma mill, Capella University is also a legit online school.

Will my diploma say I got my degree online? ›

The short answer is no, there will be no mention that you took your degree online. Your diploma will look the same as a traditional student attending the brick and mortar institution. Online is only the format you would be taking your education.

What is the happiest nursing job? ›

Happiest Nursing Jobs
  • School Nurse. Nurses in schools are available to help care for students who are presenting with an illness or who require assistance with medication administration for a previously diagnosed condition. ...
  • Labor and Delivery Nurse. ...
  • Case Management Nurse. ...
  • Nurse Educator. ...
  • Parish Nurse. ...
  • Travel Nurse.
Aug 26, 2022

What type of RN is most in demand? ›

What type of RN is most in demand? All RNs are in demand more than other occupations. The BLS projects 6% job growth for all RNs between 2021 and2031, compared to 5% job growth for all occupations. Some specialties that are in especially high demand are neonatal nursing, surgical nursing, and critical care nursing.

Who is the richest nurse in the world? ›

Robyn Moore Gibson

What state needs the most nurses? ›

California tops the list with an estimated 44,500 deficit in registered nurses, nearly three times the deficit in the next shortest state. Texas, New Jersey, and South Carolina will lack more than 10,000 RNs; Alaska, Georgia, and South Dakota will each be short several thousand.

Which state has the easiest Nclex exam? ›

If you are looking for the best state for NCLEX or easiest state to pass NCLEX, here are the top 5:
  • #1 Connecticut. ...
  • #2 Montana. ...
  • #3 New York. ...
  • #4 Northern Mariana Islands. ...
  • #5 South Dakota.
Jan 20, 2022

Is a BSN worth the money? ›

Getting a BSN is worth it because a nursing degree empowers you to go after more job opportunities and a higher salary. A BSN also offers job security and career advancement opportunities. Plus, in recent studies, holding a BSN has been correlated to better patient outcomes.

What state has the lowest paying nurses? ›

The highest-paying states by median NP salary are California ($151,830), Hawaii ($111,070), Oregon ($99,410), Alaska ($99,910), and Washington ($96,980). The lowest-paying states are South Dakota ($60,540), Alabama ($61,920), Mississippi ($63,130), Iowa ($64,990), and Arkansas ($65,810).

How to make 7 figures as a nurse? ›

Work in critical care areas (ER or ICU) Work as a travel nurse. Earn an advanced degree. Move into management.
...
Other high-paying nursing specialties include:
  1. Nurse Practitioner ($114,500)
  2. Nurse Midwives ($111,130)
  3. Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse ($102,487)
  4. Nursing administrator (100,980)
Jul 27, 2021

How to make 6 figures as a nurse? ›

HOW TO MAKE SIX FIGURES AS A NURSE?
  1. Become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) ...
  2. Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) ...
  3. Become a Nurse Midwife. ...
  4. Advance in Nurse Leadership. ...
  5. Begin travel nursing assignment. ...
  6. Change Nursing specialties. ...
  7. Relocate to a higher paying state. ...
  8. Make sacrifices.

What is the easiest class in nursing school? ›

The Easiest Classes in Nursing School
  • Social Sciences (Intro Psychology, Sociology, etc.)
  • Humanities.
  • Intro to Speech (or Communication)
  • English Composition.
  • History.
  • Using Information Technology.

What is a good GPA for BSN? ›

Most programs require at least a 2.5 GPA or higher. Some set their limit at a 3.0 GPA. This is important to find out during the research phase of your accelerated nursing program search. So, what if you already have a bachelor's degree or non-nursing college credits, but your GPA isn't high enough?

Which nursing semester is hardest? ›

Health Assessment: the hardest semester of nursing school

Many students struggle with the hands-on nature of this course, given that it is so different from many other typical college courses.

What state is the easiest to become an RN? ›

Easiest states to become a nurse – Length of licensing process
  • Maine: 1-2 weeks.
  • Maryland: 2-3 days.
  • Missouri: 2 weeks.
  • Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
  • North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
  • North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
  • Texas: 2 weeks.
  • Vermont: 3-5 business days.

What is the easiest nursing certification to get? ›

The most basic certification in nursing relates to becoming a CNA. You may obtain certification as a CNA without a degree by completing an approved training program and passing a skills exam.

Where is the easiest nursing program? ›

40 Easiest Nursing Schools to Get Into – 2023
  • RN-to-BSN Capella University. ...
  • Online CCNE-Accredited RN-to-BSN University of Maryland Global Campus. ...
  • BS - Nursing RN to BSN Online at Arizona State University. ...
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN-to-BSN Purdue University Global.

What can a BSN do that an RN cant? ›

“As a BSN, you have more opportunities than your RN counterparts. You can step up to a leadership position, move into nursing education, work in public health and focus on health education within the community, or even go on to pursue a nurse practitioner or nurse administrator degree,” Christman said.

Is it better to get BSN before MSN? ›

The MSN qualification empowers you to provide many of the services that are at a higher level than an ADN or BSN level, so the expertise you acquire is more in-depth than with other nursing degrees. MSN programs also require a BSN degree in order to apply.

Are online nursing degrees legit? ›

The short answer is an emphatic yes! It is possible to get a nursing degree online. You can earn a variety of nursing degrees online from Ohio State, ranging from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

What is the easiest nursing degree? ›

An LPN or LVN program usually takes around a year to complete, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). What makes an LPN or LVN preparation program the easiest type of nursing education you can pursue is its focus on training for basic nursing services only and its quick completion time.

Is RN to BSN difficult? ›

Yes, RN to BSN programs are challenging for many students. But some programs, like ours at Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology and Cambridge Institute of Allied Health, are specifically built to help students overcome the challenges associated with higher learning in the medical field.

What is the lowest nursing degree you can get? ›

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the minimum degree requirement for becoming a registered nurse (RN), the most common nursing profession. As an RN, you'll have the credentials necessary to qualify for most nursing jobs that involve providing critical patient care and assisting physicians.

Who has the fastest nursing program? ›

The 21 Fastest BSN Programs in 2023
RankSchoolLocation
1University of Central FloridaOrlando, Florida
2Florida International UniversityMiami, Florida
3University of Texas ArlingtonArlington, Texas
4Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro, Arkansas
1 more row

What is the hardest nursing program? ›

Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. "It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed," says Megan Lynch, RN and instructor at Pima Community College.

What is the hardest nursing semester? ›

Health Assessment: the hardest semester of nursing school

Many students struggle with the hands-on nature of this course, given that it is so different from many other typical college courses.

Is 35 too old to become a nurse? ›

The answer is that going back to school to earn your nursing degree is an incredibly rewarding experience; you're never too old to become a nurse!

Is it worth getting RN to BSN? ›

One of the top reasons why an RN-to-BSN is worth it is the opportunities for career advancement. Whether you want to earn a specialty certification, pursue a leadership role, or precept nursing students, earning a BSN is an excellent way to advance your career.

What is the cheapest nursing school in USA? ›

In no particular order, the following are some of the notable institutions offering quality and affordable nursing programs in the United States:
  • Colorado Christian University (CCU)
  • Fitchburg State University.
  • Dillard University.
  • Baker University.
  • Utah Tech University.
  • Colorado Mesa University.
  • Baldwin Wallace University.
Oct 20, 2022

Is 40 to old for nursing school? ›

Don't be! You will dismiss any doubts about being “too old” to go to school when we tell you that nursing students tend to be older than typical college students: The average age of ADN nursing students at community colleges is 26-40 years old. BSN programs have an average age of early-mid 20s.

Is 52 too old for nursing school? ›

To answer this question quickly and succinctly: No, absolutely not, get that out of your head. There is no “appropriate age for nursing school.” We have had students from age 18 to 55 years old in our NCLEX Exam Prep Course and all of them go on to become great nurses. The issue isn't age and it never will be.

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