Learn About Top Online RN to BSN Degree Programs in KS
Online RN to BSN programs in Kansas provide flexible, low-cost routes to higher education and advanced career opportunities. EduMed’s guide can help you take the leap and decide on a program that can help you grow your nursing potential. Get started by checking out what factors to look for in an ideal school, tuition rates, admission requirements, and curriculum below.
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Inside Kansas’ Online RN to BSN Programs
It may feel overwhelming to think about going back to school while juggling mounting work responsibilities and your personal life, but online RN to BSN programs in Kansas have your back. Designed for working professionals, these courses provide a flexible study schedule and relatively lower tuition. Earning your BSN in any format gives you access to better-paying jobs and a wider breadth of medical knowledge and advancement opportunities. Earning your BSN online can give you access to these benefits and so many more, particularly compared to other degree paths. Take a look below at some of Kansas’ RN to BSN schools that fit the bill.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program — University of Kansas
The University of Kansas offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), alongside two other undergraduate nursing programs (Pre-Licensure BSN and a Community College Nursing Partnership). The goal of this course is to prepare students for work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, community health agencies, industrial or long-term care facilities, flights, and more. With this course, students have the option to advance their education further with a master’s or doctoral program. The course can be completed in as a little as one year, putting you on the fast track to career advancement.
Duration: 1 year
Mode: Online
Cost:$371.90 per credit hour (in-state), $968.50 per credit hour (out of state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Current United States RN licensure
- Associate degree in nursing from an ACEN-accredited college
- Completion of 60 prerequisite credit hours with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50
Curriculum:
- Emphasizes key nursing skills and knowledge through specific RN-focused courses.
- Offers options for credit transfer and flexible study pace.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
RN to BSN — Wichita State University
Wichita State University offers an RN to BSN programis a course designed with flexibility in mind. Students can accelerate their progress, completing the course in as little as one year. The university will accept credits from other institutions that are regionally-accredited by the proper agencies (an official transcript will be required for each college or university you have attended if you have studied at more than one). This course may offer asynchronous classes, though students will be asked to complete them within a specific timeframe. Wichita State also partners with local community colleges to help associate degree nursing graduates complete the BSN degree.
Duration: 1 year
Mode: Online
Cost: $250.97 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Must have an active Registered Nurse license at the time of admission or obtain licensure within the first semester of courses.
- Must complete prerequisite course requirements
- Associates degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
Curriculum:
- Develop leadership skills and expand nursing expertise.
- Incorporate 30 credit hours for relevant life and professional experiences.
- Explore evidence-based practices and leadership principles.
RN to BSN Program — Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg State University’s RN to BSN program is best for those who currently possess an ADN or diploma in nursing. With a low attrition rate of 6.52% over a three-year period, the program is designed to suit the needs of students. Students can choose to accelerate their studies with full-time studies, or go at a slower pace with a part-time schedule. The program is led by experienced professors dedicated to creating an engaging online learning environment that will empower you to succeed.
Duration: As little as three semesters of full-time study
Mode: Online
Cost: $309 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Already hold an ADN or a diploma in nursing
- Complete the online application
Curriculum:
- Complete the program in three semesters full-time or choose a part-time option for flexible scheduling.
- Focused curriculum designed to equip RNs with advanced skills and knowledge for leadership roles.
- Online format caters to working nurses with family commitments, allowing them to balance studies with work and life.
Student Resources: Answers to Common Questions
Many Kansas-based online RN to BSN programs provide the same features, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to gather all the information you need to choose the right one for you. Here are some answers to the mostly commonly asked questions students like you have about RN to BSN online programs.
How will an RN-to-BSN program in Kansas prepare me for more opportunities?
First and foremost, BSN-prepared nurses are eligible for a greater number of positions, including advanced positions like nursing professor or researcher. With a BSN you will also be eligible to work at hospitals with a Magnet Recognition designation, which require nurse leaders to have a BSN at minimum. For higher positions in leadership or educational roles at hospitals and medical practices, many hiring teams strongly prefer or require a BSN. In fact, the Veterans Administration (VA)—the largest employer of nurses nationally—now requires BSN degrees for promotion from entry-level positions; they also provide scholarships to their employees to earn this certification.
How long is an RN to BSN program in Kansas?
Kansas RN to BSN programs are designed to be completed on flexible timelines, many of which are dictated entirely by the students taking them. Working nurses enrolled in the RN to BSN program at Kansas University can graduate in as little as one year of full-time study, or as many as five years of part-time study. You can expect to complete most programs within two years.
How much do RN to BSN programs in Kansas cost?
Online RN to BSN programs in Kansas are among the most affordable allied healthcare degrees. Online RN to BSN programs in Kansas are often affordable for a number of reasons. First, they can typically be completed in one year of full-time study, at a lower tuition rate than traditional in-person programs. Secondly, these online bridge programs often allow students to transfer credits over from their ADN programs, meaning students take—and pay for—fewer classes.
Washburn University has one of the lowest tuition costs in the country at just $261 per credit for both in and out-of-state students. Other schools like Fort Hays State University still offer affordable tuition rates but charge online students tuition rates associated with their state of residence. In-state students pay $187.80 while out-of-state students pay roughly three times as much. Most universities offer financial aid via the FAFSA, while many also offer need and merit-based scholarships. Wichita State University, for example, offers four different scholarships specifically geared towards nursing students including the Shirley E Hazen RN-BSN Endowed Nursing Scholarship.
What requirements do I need to meet to apply for admission to RN to BSN programs in Kansas?
The most important admission requirement to most RN to BSN programs online in Kansas is an active and unencumbered Kansas RN license. Some programs, like Wichita State University, may have slightly more flexible criteria which allow prospective students who do not yet possess an RN license to begin the program and obtain their licensure within the first semester of study. Other common requirements across programs in Kansas include a minimum GPA and an ADN. Additionally, many programs have prerequisites, but these are easily met by transferring credits over from your associate degree program.
What should I look for in an RN to BSN degree program in Kansas?
What you should look for in an RN to BSN program will inevitably be different than what someone else should, so be sure to consider what your priorities are, whether that be a flexible schedule, a low-cost or fast-track option, or an asynchronous course deliver format. In addition to your unique priorities, you should guarantee that the schools you are applying to are accredited, so that you can be confident in the quality of education you receive. RN to BSN programs online across Kansas offer all these options.
RN vs. BSN Career Outlook in Kansas
The medical industry is constantly evolving with new technologies and techniques for patient care, so to stay competitive and improve your skills, it’s important that you evolve alongside it – and continuing your education is one of the best ways to do so. Turning your RN into a BSN will help you hone your clinical skills and improve your job outlook.
Nurses with BSNs typically earn higher salaries than those with only ADNs. The difference often more than makes up for the cost of getting a BSN. On average, RNs in Kansas take home an annual salary of roughly $85,000, while BSNs earn an average salary of $92,000. Of course, your exact salary depends on your specific location, level of experience, and place of work, among other factors. An RN to BSN online program in Kansas will teach you how to practice medicine in a more competent and effective way. BSNs expand your skill set, allowing you to have a more positive experience with your patients and within the medical system you work in. BSN programs also offer specialty courses that allow you to concentrate on a specific sector of nursing. All in all, pursuing your BSN can bring you to advanced opportunities in your journey as a nurse.
Top Online RN to BSN Programs in Kansas
The schools below were chosen using a streamlined methodology to determine the best online RN to BSN programs in Kansas. This list is based on a combined overview of accreditation, academics, financial aid, tuition, faculty, career services, and academic counseling, with a full description of our methodology available below. Read on to explore the top education options for potential students like you.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $9,441 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Kansas
- 1. The RN to BSN Bridge program at KU offers year-round advising for personalized guidance, demonstrating a strong commitment to student support and success.
- 2. The program prioritizes selecting applicants who demonstrate maturity, integrity, motivation, and commitment to nursing, ensuring a cohort of dedicated future professionals.
- 3. KU’s RN to BSN program maintains nondiscrimination policies covering diverse backgrounds, promoting an inclusive and equitable educational environment for all students.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $9,441 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,015 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Emporia State University
- The RN to BSN Bridge program at Emporia State University offers an ACEN-accredited online curriculum that allows students to complete their degree in just one year of full-time study, accelerating career advancement opportunities.
- The program provides scholarships and financial aid opportunities tailored for nursing students, making the degree more affordable without compromising quality education.
- Students benefit from smaller class sizes led by caring faculty and access to clinical experiences through affiliated clinical sites and patient simulation laboratories, enhancing practical skills and networking within the healthcare community.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $3,015 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,807 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Pittsburg State University
- Pittsburg State University’s RN to BSN program offers flexible scheduling with ample use of distance technologies and online classes, accommodating working registered nurses' needs.
- The program grants credit for up to 37 hours of upper-division nursing courses through validation of prior RN licensure and practice, streamlining the pathway to the BSN degree.
- The application process includes a "save and resume later" option, increasing convenience for applicants completing the RN to BSN program application.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,807 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Saint Mary
Leavenworth, KSProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $18,049 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Saint Mary
- The RN to BSN Bridge program at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is accelerated and can be completed entirely online within one year, offering flexibility and speed for advancing education.
- Students complete a practicum in an area of their choice during the capstone course, allowing personalized clinical experience aligned with their career interests.
- The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, assuring high academic standards and recognition.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $18,049 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- ABHE Accreditation
- $12,217 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Barclay College
- Barclay College’s RN to BSN Bridge program allows students to complete their degree in as little as two semesters, offering an accelerated path to graduation.
- The program integrates biblical studies with nursing education, uniquely blending faith and professional concepts in its clinical practicum courses.
- Experienced faculty with over 34 years of combined nursing education expertise deliver the program, ensuring high-quality instruction and mentorship.
Program Details
- ABHE Accreditation
- $12,217 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,038 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Fort Hays State University
- Fort Hays State University’s RN to BSN program offers an accelerated completion option that allows students to finish the degree in just three semesters.
- The program is 100% online, providing flexible scheduling that enables working nurses to continue their careers while advancing their education.
- Students can transfer advanced standing credits, reducing time and cost by applying previous nursing coursework toward the BSN degree.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,038 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,944 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Washburn University
- The Washburn RN to BSN program offers a program-wide tuition reduction, making it one of the most affordable RN to BSN programs in the country.
- Students benefit from experienced nursing faculty who provide reality-based instruction and research opportunities focused on leadership, quality improvement, and safety concepts.
- Previously earned nursing credits never expire, allowing students to resume their education without retaking courses regardless of when they completed their ADN or RN credentials.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,944 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,416 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Wichita State University
- Wichita State University's RN to BSN program offers 30 credit hours for life experience, accelerating degree completion without additional coursework.
- The program is fully online and accessible 24/7, allowing RNs to complete the BSN in as little as one year or extend up to six years part-time.
- Strong articulation agreements with community colleges facilitate easy transfer of coursework, streamlining progress toward the BSN degree for ADN graduates.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,416 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $18,423 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Kansas Wesleyan University
- The RN to BSN Bridge program at Kansas Wesleyan University offers an accelerated pathway that can be completed in as little as one year with a guaranteed tuition rate for two years, making it cost-effective and time-efficient.
- Students may apply up to 35 credit hours from their professional nursing portfolio and prior experience, significantly reducing the required coursework and accelerating degree completion.
- The fully online format provides flexibility for working nurses and families, combined with access to dedicated faculty expertise and high-quality nursing education.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $18,423 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $22,060 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Newman University
- Newman University's RN to BSN Bridge program offers reduced tuition with online courses and flexible scheduling, making it affordable and convenient for practicing RNs to advance their education.
- The program allows students to progress at their own pace without repeating foundational nursing courses, providing a tailored and efficient path to earning a BSN.
- Students benefit from media-rich technology and web-based group interactions, enhancing learning engagement and fostering connections with faculty and peers despite the online format.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $22,060 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 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 and career counseling 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*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
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 2025
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