Online BSN Programs: Find the School for You
Earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) has never been more convenient thanks to flexible, online programs with local clinical rotation placements. Compare today’s most flexible programs, explore curriculum and costs, and understand how these programs prepare you to become a practicing RN.
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Is an Online BSN the Right Move?
When pursuing an online or hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), it’s crucial to evaluate programs and career paths carefully to ensure they align with your goals, circumstances, and needs. Here are some key questions to consider:
- Does the program meet my state’s RN licensing requirements?
- Am I willing to travel or temporarily relocate for clinicals?
- Does the program align with my career goals?
- What is the program’s NCLEX-RN pass rate?
- What is the faculty’s experience and engagement level?
How They Work: Online BSN Degree Profiles
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the gold standard for aspiring registered nurses (RNs) who want to work in hospitals or other clinical settings. While a BSN is not required to become an RN, attending a four-year nursing program will make you a more competitive candidate and help you demand higher pay. According to nursingworld.org, BSN holders reported an average 2023 salary that’s $17k higher than RNs holding a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
While it’s possible to earn your ADN before entering into a BSN bridge program, some students are eager to earn their BSN straight away. In that case, an online BSN program is a great option. While no BSN program is offered 100% online due to clinical training requirements, many begin with pre-licensure curriculum that is completely online for the first two years. The second two years then cover the core nursing curriculum, which is delivered through online and in-person clinical rotations in a nearby location.
To better outline the differences between online and hybrid BSN programs, we’ve spotlighted three of today’s most universal and versatile online BSN programs offered today by quality, curriculum, and availability.
Prelicensure BSN — Western Governor’s University (WGU)
Offered in 24 states, WGU’s online Prelicensure Nursing BSN program is an excellent choice for aspiring RNs. This degree program takes four years to complete, with the first two focused on pre-nursing courses covering general education and introductory medical courses. The last two years of WGU’s BSN program concentrate on core nursing curriculum and clinical rotations.
The pre-nursing courses can be completed online, while the core nursing curriculum requires a combination of online coursework and seven in-person clinical rotations at one of WGU’s local, assigned healthcare facilities. In addition to clinical rotations, students must attend two separate, week-long Learning Labs in Utah, Texas, Missouri, Indiana, or Florida, as well as a virtual Learning Lab.
At the end of the program, graduates are prepped to pass the NCLEX-RN and enter the workforce with the communication, critical thinking, pathology, physiology, problem-solving, and research skills to deliver excellent patient outcomes as an RN. WGU’s BSN program is accredited by the NWCCU, CCNE, and NLN.
Duration: Four years
Mode: Online with in-person clinicals
Cost: $71,640
Admissions Requirements:
- Current resident of Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin
- A high school diploma or its equivalent
- Be at least 16 years of age; must be 18 at the time of clinical experiences
- Pass the HESI A2 Nursing Exam
- Pass a background check
- Complete the Prelicensure Nursing Application Essay
- Maintain an Active Nursing Prelicensure File
Core Nursing Curriculum:
- Basic Nursing Skills (in-person lab)
- Health Assessment
- Adult Health I, II, and III + Clinicals
- Intrapersonal Leadership and Professional Growth
- Intermediate Nursing Skills (in-person lab)
- Women’s and Children’s Nursing + Clinical
- Scholarship in Nursing Practice
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing + Clinical
- Community Health and Population-Focused Nursing + Clinical
- Information Technology in Nursing Practice
- Organizational Systems and Healthcare Transformation
- Advanced Nursing Skills (virtual lab)
- Professional Nursing Role Transition + Clinical
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Online BSN Program – Herzing University
Herzing University’s Online BSN Program is designed for students without RN experience who want to graduate more quickly, as full-time students can complete the program in three years or less. Core coursework is delivered online and can be taken at the student’s leisure, while hands-on training includes local on-site clinical trials and three intensives at pre-designated locations. Herzing offers a dedicated team to help students find clinical placement in or near their geographic area, while the intensives take place at Herzig’s Nashville campus (or another partner facility).
Students graduate feeling prepared to use sound clinical judgment, integrate evidence-based practices, minimize patient risk, collaborate with colleagues and patients, and advance their leadership skills in various clinical settings. Accredited by the CCNE and HLC, Herzig’s online MSN also allows students to earn dual credits toward its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.
Duration: Three years
Mode: Online with in-person clinicals
Cost: $90,600
Admissions Requirements:
- Current resident of Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, or Wisconsin
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher
- Minimum score of 66 or higher on the most current version of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) within three years of anticipated enrollment
Core Curriculum:
- Nursing Pathophysiology
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Fundamental Concepts
- Medical-Surgical Nursing I, II, and III
- Pharmacology
- Mental Health Nursing
- Family Nursing
- Advanced Leadership and Management
- Community and Public Health Nursing
- Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
- Nursing Informatics
- Policy, Trends, & Ethics in Nursing
- BSN Practicum
- Review of Integrated Nursing Concepts
Online BSN — Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University’s online BSN Degree Program is one of the most accessible for remote learners, admitting students from 30+ states and offering clinical rotations in 20+ states. While most of the curriculum is offered online, students must be willing to travel to a clinical rotation location if one is unavailable in their area.
Unlike traditional BSN programs, Chamberlain’s experience nurse educators create individualized learning plans tailored to each student’s strengths and weaknesses. To help prepare students to pass the NCLEX-RN, the program also includes virtually simulated patient encounters designed to help you master each step of the clinical judgment task model. Students can also work directly with experienced nurse educators and coaches to prepare for their entry into the workforce as an RN.
Chamberlain’s cutting-edge technology and accessibility comes at a price — at more than $100,000, Chamberlain’s program is the most expensive on our list. The good news is that more than 90% of Chamberlain students receive some form of financial aid or scholarships.
Duration: 3-4 years
Mode: Online with in-person clinicals
Cost: $101,950
Admissions Requirements:
- Current resident of Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming
- A completed HESI A2 entrance exam.
- A high school diploma or equivalent from a Chamberlain recognized High School or an institution accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education
- Florida Locations Only: Re-admitted students who have completed over 75 percent of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program, at a campus other than their intended Florida campus, will not be permitted to request admission to any Chamberlain University Florida campus.
Core Curriculum:
- Transition to the Nursing Profession
- Statistical Reasoning for the Health Sciences
- Health Assessment I & II
- Pathophysiology
- Fundamentals – Patient Care
- Pharmacology for Nursing Practice
- Adult Health I & II
- Nutrition, Health & Wellness
- Mental Health Nursing
- Information Systems in Healthcare
- Pediatric Nursing
- Complex Adult Health
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Collaborative Healthcare
- Maternal-Child Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
- Community Health Nursing – Global
- Principles of Ethics
Explore Online BSN Programs in Popular States and Cities
Standard Online BSN Courses and Clinical Components
Regardless of which BSN program you choose, many cover similar curricula RNs are expected to know when taking their NCLEX-RN exam. Below are a few of the common courses you’ll see among online BSN programs.
Community and Population Health
This course surveys the range of long-term and immediate health concerns in communities on local, regional, and global levels. Students develop the ability to identify and analyze specific health issues in these communities and among vulnerable populations and to apply appropriate nursing and public health measures to resolve those issues.
Health Information Management and Technology
An exploration of the information tools and technologies used today to support safe nursing practice and improve patient outcomes. Topics covered include standardized terminology, communication technologies, information systems, patient portals, data integrity and mining, and clinical decision support tools. Also included is an examination of legal and ethical issues related to information technology use in modern nursing practice.
Leadership and Management
Introduction to leadership and management theory and its applications to current nursing practice. Students are taught to employ the knowledge and skills gained in the course to improve the coordination of patient care to improve patient outcomes, communication and collaboration between team members, and change management.
Research and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
This course gives students an overview of the scientific and clinical inquiry processes and research methodologies nurses employ to make informed clinical decisions that positively impact patient care. Students are taught to assess appropriate analytic approaches and methods to identify, analyze, and apply the best available evidence to develop potential solutions and innovations in their professional practice.
Clinical Training
To meet state-mandated nurse licensure requirements, all pre-RN licensure programs include a stated number of clinical hours that are completed in person by the student at approved nursing practice facilities. Additionally, some RN to BSN programs include capstone projects that may require in-person clinical participation, typically at the student’s current place of employment. The purpose of these clinical experiences is to provide students with a real-world, hands-on environment in which to perform and improve important nursing competencies.
Answers to Common BSN Student Questions
What are the different types of online BSN nursing programs?
Online BSN programs come in all shapes and sizes, and each have varying admissions requirements, curricula, and options for accommodating students’ educational needs and professional goals. In addition to the standard BSN program we’ve covered in detail, three are three additional BSN program types to consider.
- Accelerated Online BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs are for students with no prior nursing experience, but who either hold a previously earned bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major or have completed a substantial number of college-level courses that can be applied to the BSN program. There are lots of accelerated BSN programs available, and many feature academic coursework that’s fully or partially online. As with standard BSN programs, however, all accelerated BSN programs include substantial in-person clinical hour requirements. - Direct-Entry Online BSN Programs
Direct-entry programs are for ambitious students who want to hit the ground running as soon as they start college. Typically tailored for recent high school graduates, direct-entry programs allow students to enroll directly into a school’s nursing program and immediately start taking nursing coursework. This is different from traditional BSN programs which typically require students to take at least 2 years of general education courses and submit a separate application to the nursing school. - Online RN to BSN ProgramsRN to BSN programs are, as titled, designed for licensed RNs without bachelor’s degrees who want to earn their BSN in a quick and convenient format. Online RN to BSN programs are abundant and popular, and many can be completed entirely online. These programs award their students credits for having their RN license, thus cutting down substantially on the total credit hours (and program lengths) typically required for earning a bachelor’s degree.
- Online LPN to BSN Programs
LPN to BSN programs are for currently licensed LPNs and LVNs who are seeking their BSN degree while obtaining the coursework and clinical practice hours required to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become licensed registered nurses. LPN to BSN programs are relatively common in both online and on-campus formats. All LPN to BSN students are required to complete substantial in-person clinical experiences.
Is an online BSN worth it?
The answer to this question depends entirely on your career goals and existing nursing experience (if any). If you can attend a full-time, four-year BSN program, then it is considered the gold standard by many employers. If time or money are an issue, your best bet may be to earn an LPN or ADN degree first, so you can begin working while earning your BSN. Regardless, RNs with BSNs demand higher pay and better positions than RNs with an ADN.
How fast can I get my BSN?
Many students wonder how long nursing school will take. For a traditional BSN program, the fastest you’ll be able to get your degree is around three years, assuming you study full-time without breaks. Of course, if you already hold an LPN or ADN, then your timeline could vary between 1-3 years based on your previous education and program timeline.
What’s the pay difference between an RN and a BSN?
A practicing RN holds either an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a BSN. Both educational paths lead towards RN licensure; however, an ADN requires two years of education vs. the four it takes to earn a BSN. As a result, some hospitals and other healthcare organizations only consider applicants with a BSN to ensure a certain amount of education and clinical experience. BSN graduates can often command higher salaries and better jobs than ADN holders, as a BSN requires additional education and experience.
Is it better to have a BSN or MSN?
Whether a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or BSN is “better” depends entirely on your career goals. Most BSN holders become RNs, which commands a median salary of $86,070. Meanwhile, MSN holders are qualified for positions as nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners, which offer a higher median salary of $129,480. While higher pay is always a good thing, more education means you may have more student debt to pay off after earning an MSN.
How Much Does a BSN Cost? Breaking Down Tuition & Fees
Program tuition is just one piece of the puzzle when considering the overall cost of an online BSN program. Many schools have additional fees for distance learning, registration, books, etc. Additionally, you may not be able to work while pursuing your BSN or be required to complete unpaid clinical hours, both of which will affect your ability to pay for your education. With an online program, you may need to pay to travel for required clinical hours or in-person requirements, in which case you should budget for travel, accommodation, and food. Below, we give some further insight into BSN programs and their potential costs.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Western Governor’s University | Online Prelicensure BSN | $71,640 |
| Herzing University | Online BSN | $90,600 |
| Chamberlain University | Online BSN | $101,950 |
| University of Nevada, Reno | Traditional BSN | $30,387 |
| Joyce University | Online, 3-year BSN | $75,560 |
| Grand Canyon University | Pre-Licensure BSN Program | $99,000 |
| Cal State East Bay | Traditional BSN | $75,358 |
Financial Aid Options for Your Online BSN Degree
Scholarships & Grants
Scholarships and grants are the most attractive financial aid options for nurses because they do not have to be paid back. There are many great scholarship and grant opportunities specifically for nursing students, offered primarily by professional nursing organizations, nursing schools, and degree programs. Be sure to contact your school’s financial aid office to find out about scholarship and grant programs you may qualify for.
Student Loans
Student loans are the most common form of financial aid for college students, including online BSN students. Student loans can be obtained through a number of lenders, but the most common source is the federal government. Student loan forgiveness is also an option to consider for nurses, as civil servants often qualify to have some or all of their debt forgiven.
Other Options
Additional sources for funding your college studies include loan repayment programs (like those available through the Health Resources & Service Administration), work-study programs (like the Federal Work-Study program), and employer tuition assistance. And for veterans, the GI Bill offers great education benefits.
Registered Nurse Credentials for BSN Grads
Once you’ve earned your BSN, there are a few more hoops to jump through before you can begin working as an RN in a clinical setting. Once you have earned these credentials, you must follow state guidelines for maintaining an active and current RN license.
NCLEX-RN — National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a standardized test that nursing graduates must pass to become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN). The exam consists of eight categories:
- Management of Care
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Adaptation
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
- Reduction of Risk Potential
- Safety and Infection Control
BSN program curricula are carefully designed to cover each of these areas. By the time you graduate from your BSN program, you should feel prepared to pass the NCLEX-RN.
RN State Licensure
In addition to passing the NCLEX-RN, some states have additional licensing requirements graduates must pass before they can work as a practicing RN. At minimum, most states require passing a criminal background check. Some states are also part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows RNs to work in participating states once you become licensed in one. This is a great option for people who want to become travel nurses and gain experience in various locations and clinical settings.
Salary & Career Outlook for BSN Registered Nurses
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $63,720 | $86,070 | $132,680 |
| Alabama | $50,310 | $65,900 | $92,870 |
| Alaska | $82,980 | $106,410 | $132,090 |
| Arizona | $70,060 | $88,310 | $109,750 |
| Arkansas | $45,200 | $72,920 | $96,040 |
| California | $83,510 | $133,990 | $194,240 |
| Colorado | $70,790 | $86,900 | $112,800 |
| Connecticut | $78,370 | $100,620 | $127,150 |
| Delaware | $73,800 | $93,200 | $122,670 |
| Florida | $63,520 | $80,960 | $105,580 |
| Georgia | $63,450 | $83,620 | $124,330 |
| Hawaii | $81,070 | $129,210 | $145,940 |
| Idaho | $62,210 | $80,130 | $105,300 |
| Illinois | $63,900 | $82,470 | $105,140 |
| Indiana | $61,710 | $78,530 | $103,710 |
| Iowa | $61,250 | $71,570 | $90,800 |
| Kansas | $58,760 | $75,780 | $94,900 |
| Kentucky | $61,520 | $77,830 | $101,770 |
| Louisiana | $60,720 | $76,650 | $101,650 |
| Maine | $64,600 | $81,610 | $107,240 |
| Maryland | $66,880 | $89,340 | $114,440 |
| Massachusetts | $74,010 | $99,730 | $166,100 |
| Michigan | $67,450 | $81,710 | $101,610 |
| Minnesota | $73,050 | $97,300 | $120,420 |
| Mississippi | $54,580 | $69,370 | $100,160 |
| Missouri | $56,690 | $77,190 | $99,330 |
| Montana | $64,530 | $79,170 | $104,970 |
| Nebraska | $61,770 | $78,100 | $99,410 |
| Nevada | $77,160 | $96,210 | $132,010 |
| New Hampshire | $66,620 | $86,620 | $109,930 |
| New Jersey | $77,700 | $100,160 | $127,750 |
| New Mexico | $68,120 | $83,970 | $124,800 |
| New York | $69,450 | $104,570 | $136,780 |
| North Carolina | $62,980 | $79,580 | $104,190 |
| North Dakota | $63,920 | $74,930 | $95,680 |
| Ohio | $64,480 | $79,940 | $105,380 |
| Oklahoma | $61,360 | $78,760 | $101,390 |
| Oregon | $86,730 | $110,940 | $136,950 |
| Pennsylvania | $64,820 | $82,780 | $109,740 |
| Rhode Island | $69,350 | $94,840 | $116,510 |
| South Carolina | $60,780 | $78,380 | $98,980 |
| South Dakota | $54,780 | $67,030 | $85,400 |
| Tennessee | $55,510 | $76,200 | $98,090 |
| Texas | $64,580 | $85,110 | $115,740 |
| Utah | $64,950 | $79,790 | $102,000 |
| Vermont | $65,390 | $81,900 | $110,680 |
| Virginia | $63,710 | $84,100 | $115,120 |
| Washington | $82,630 | $107,720 | $139,390 |
| West Virginia | $50,650 | $78,730 | $99,440 |
| Wisconsin | $69,240 | $83,300 | $105,110 |
| Wyoming | $62,400 | $79,970 | $105,800 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Alabama | 51,980 | 54,290 | 2,310 | 4.40% | 3,090 |
| Alaska | 6,130 | 6,800 | 670 | 10.90% | 420 |
| Arizona | 59,110 | 72,050 | 12,940 | 21.90% | 4,820 |
| Arkansas | 28,750 | 30,920 | 2,170 | 7.50% | 1,820 |
| California | 333,700 | 376,900 | 43,200 | 12.90% | 23,420 |
| Colorado | 53,720 | 63,290 | 9,570 | 17.80% | 4,100 |
| Connecticut | 35,420 | 38,310 | 2,890 | 8.20% | 2,270 |
| Delaware | 11,720 | 13,570 | 1,850 | 15.80% | 870 |
| District of Columbia | 11,110 | 11,750 | 640 | 5.80% | 680 |
| Florida | 202,780 | 228,070 | 25,290 | 12.50% | 14,110 |
| Georgia | 81,800 | 94,310 | 12,510 | 15.30% | 5,990 |
| Idaho | 15,480 | 18,580 | 3,100 | 20.00% | 1,230 |
| Illinois | 138,050 | 142,310 | 4,260 | 3.10% | 7,960 |
| Indiana | 67,390 | 71,020 | 3,630 | 5.40% | 4,090 |
| Iowa | 35,700 | 39,270 | 3,570 | 10.00% | 2,370 |
| Kansas | 32,310 | 33,910 | 1,600 | 5.00% | 1,940 |
| Kentucky | 47,300 | 50,400 | 3,100 | 6.60% | 2,940 |
| Louisiana | 43,740 | 47,040 | 3,300 | 7.50% | 2,770 |
| Maine | 14,840 | 15,040 | 200 | 1.30% | 820 |
| Maryland | 48,810 | 52,370 | 3,560 | 7.30% | 3,080 |
| Massachusetts | 30,060 | 32,600 | 2,540 | 8.40% | 1,940 |
| Michigan | 104,150 | 106,910 | 2,760 | 2.70% | 5,950 |
| Minnesota | 68,040 | 71,630 | 3,590 | 5.30% | 4,120 |
| Mississippi | 29,980 | 31,910 | 1,930 | 6.40% | 1,860 |
| Missouri | 76,960 | 84,580 | 7,620 | 9.90% | 5,110 |
| Montana | 10,360 | 11,890 | 1,530 | 14.80% | 750 |
| Nebraska | 22,900 | 24,670 | 1,770 | 7.70% | 1,460 |
| Nevada | 24,290 | 28,810 | 4,520 | 18.60% | 1,880 |
| New Hampshire | 13,690 | 14,600 | 910 | 6.60% | 850 |
| New Jersey | 81,520 | 86,640 | 5,120 | 6.30% | 5,030 |
| New Mexico | 19,020 | 21,940 | 2,920 | 15.40% | 1,390 |
| New York | 204,040 | 256,080 | 52,040 | 25.50% | 5,200 |
| North Carolina | 106,190 | 123,650 | 17,460 | 16.40% | 7,930 |
| North Dakota | 11,500 | 12,700 | 1,200 | 10.40% | 770 |
| Ohio | 131,390 | 135,860 | 4,470 | 3.40% | 7,630 |
| Oklahoma | 37,490 | 39,290 | 1,800 | 4.80% | 2,240 |
| Oregon | 42,720 | 47,680 | 4,960 | 11.60% | 2,930 |
| Pennsylvania | 148,790 | 155,810 | 7,020 | 4.70% | 8,890 |
| Rhode Island | 11,920 | 12,700 | 780 | 6.50% | 740 |
| South Carolina | 45,140 | 49,610 | 4,470 | 9.90% | 2,990 |
| South Dakota | 14,590 | 16,510 | 1,920 | 13.20% | 1,030 |
| Tennessee | 60,020 | 67,720 | 7,700 | 12.80% | 4,200 |
| Texas | 233,850 | 267,980 | 34,130 | 14.60% | 16,900 |
| Utah | 25,300 | 31,710 | 6,410 | 25.30% | 2,170 |
| Vermont | 7,030 | 7,650 | 620 | 8.80% | 460 |
| Virgin Islands | 600 | 490 | -110 | -18.30% | 20 |
| Virginia | 70,190 | 73,240 | 3,050 | 4.30% | 4,160 |
| Washington | 61,030 | 69,180 | 8,150 | 13.40% | 5,150 |
| West Virginia | 22,830 | 23,780 | 950 | 4.20% | 1,350 |
| Wisconsin | 62,260 | 65,570 | 3,310 | 5.30% | 3,770 |
| Wyoming | 5,130 | 5,740 | 610 | 11.90% | 350 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Today’s Best Online BSN Programs
At this point, you have a general idea of what to look for when searching for an online or hybrid BSN program. The next piece of the puzzle is choosing a program that best suits your career goals, busy schedule, study style, and budget. To help your search, check out the top-caliber programs ranked below. The selections are based on a range of important elements, such as accreditation, affordability, curriculum, convenience and flexibility, and quality of student support services. These programs present some of your best options for getting your BSN.
University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama
Why We Selected University of North Alabama:
- Faculty bring real-world experience to the classroom, enhancing learning with practical examples.
- The University of North Alabama offers flexible course schedules and competitive pricing for nursing students.
- UNA provides an accelerated BSN option, allowing students to complete professional nursing courses in just 15 months.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$9,600
- Average Institutional Aid$7,366
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course70%
- % of Students Receiving an Award47%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Indiana University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Why We Selected Indiana University-Indianapolis:
- The IU School of Nursing offers a high 99% BSN graduate employment rate.
- IU provides extensive online and hybrid learning options for flexible study.
- The program offers direct connections to health policy and advocacy initiatives.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,883
- Average Institutional Aid$4,758
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course62%
- % of Students Receiving an Award50%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing
Richmond, Virginia
Why We Selected Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing:
- The program offers clinical placements in Bon Secours hospitals, providing real-world experience.
- The curriculum includes simulation labs, enhancing practical skills and confidence.
- The college's strong mission and values focus on community care and leadership development.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$12,600
- Average Institutional AidN/A
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
- % of Students Receiving an Award80%
- Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, Indiana
Why We Selected Purdue University Northwest:
- The program offers an accelerated completion option through its Power Path track.
- Purdue University Northwest's College of Nursing is recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.
- The program provides flexible online learning, allowing students to balance work and study effectively.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,977
- Average Institutional Aid$2,996
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course43%
- % of Students Receiving an Award37%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Why We Selected Ohio State University:
- Ohio University offers scholarships covering up to 15% of tuition for eligible online graduate programs.
- The UTSA Bold Promise covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for eligible first-time freshmen.
- Hollins University guarantees a minimum scholarship of $24,000 per year for all admitted undergraduate students.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$11,018
- Average Institutional Aid$10,023
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
- % of Students Receiving an Award86%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Wheeling University
Wheeling, West Virginia
Why We Selected Wheeling University:
- Wheeling University's MSN program offers clinical rotations in students' local communities.
- The program is recognized for its high-quality curriculum, ranking in the top 10 by Intelligent.com.
- Wheeling University provides an affordable online pathway with flexible scheduling for working nurses.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$29,090
- Average Institutional Aid$9,728
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course96%
- % of Students Receiving an Award89%
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Why We Selected Virginia Commonwealth University:
- The program offers flexible start dates with three options per year.
- Ranked in the top 4% of nursing undergraduate programs nationwide by U.S. News and World Report.
- Students can complete the degree in six semesters while continuing to work.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$12,094
- Average Institutional Aid$7,266
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course88%
- % of Students Receiving an Award67%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Why We Selected University of Florida:
- The program offers flexible scheduling, allowing students to access lectures and assignments at convenient times.
- The University of Florida's elite faculty provides rigorous academic instruction, enhancing career prospects.
- Students earn the same degree as on-campus students, enhancing job market competitiveness.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,477
- Average Institutional Aid$5,593
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course63%
- % of Students Receiving an Award88%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
University of Providence
Great Falls, Montana
Why We Selected University of Providence:
- The University of Providence offers a unique partnership with Providence St. Joseph Health for real-world experience.
- The program emphasizes relationship-based care and professional accountability, enhancing patient outcomes.
- The curriculum includes specialized themes like advocacy for social justice and innovation in healthcare.
Program Details
- AccreditationNWCCU
- Average In-State Tuition$26,462
- Average Institutional Aid$17,186
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
- % of Students Receiving an Award38%
- Student/Faculty Ratio8/1
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
Why We Selected University of North Carolina at Greensboro:
- The program offers accelerated completion in as little as one year.
- The RN-to-BSN program provides fully online, asynchronous courses for flexibility.
- The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring quality education.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,422
- Average Institutional Aid$3,140
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course88%
- % of Students Receiving an Award59%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
