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Most Affordable RN to BSN Online Programs for 2024

Going from RN to BSN is more affordable than you think. Learn about top-rated programs that have the low cost, accreditation and study flexibility you’re looking for.

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With the cost of higher education rising each year, finding an affordable RN to BSN online program can help you keep your focus on advancing your nursing career instead of worrying about how to tackle a mountain of student debt after graduation. An online degree allows you to choose from top RN to BSN programs across the country, giving you more options and saving you money by allowing you to continue working during your studies.

With so many online RN to BSN programs available, narrowing your options can seem challenging. This page serves as a great starting place to find accredited nursing schools offering quality online RN to BSN programs that won’t break the bank. Keep reading to learn about the best options in 2024.

Top 50 Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs in 2024

When looking at prospective online RN to BSN programs, you’ll want to consider many factors, including accreditation, degree outcomes, faculty, location, and curriculum. That said, cost is frequently a determining factor for budget-minded students who don’t want to take on massive debt. With this in mind, we created a list of quality, highly-affordable online RN to BSN programs.

Schools in this list were ranked based on the latest data provided by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Click on our “About the Ranking” button to learn more about our methodology.

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About the ranking

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Base Methodology for EduMed’s Most Affordable Online College Rankings for the ’23-’24 school year.

One: Create list of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible, 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 1 online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.

Two: Assign Weighting

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 schools themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.

The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.

Tuition – The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.

Institutional Aid – Percent of full-time undergraduate students who are awarded institutional grant aid, as self-reported by the school.

Following metrics were all equally weighted.

Online Programs – Number of online programs in the relevant subject area.

Online Student % – Number of total students who are enrolled in at least 1 distance-learning course in the relevant subject area.

Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.

Career Placement Services – Existence of this service on campus or online.

Student/Faculty Ratio

About Our DataEduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2023

# School Name Type Tuition Institutional Aid More Details School Information Online Students Academic Counseling Career Placement Students w/Institutional Aid Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry Accreditation
1 New Mexico Highlands UniversityLas Vegas, NM Public $ 80%

New Mexico Highlands University offers an accelerated online BSN. It's designed for students who are already registered nurses and are interested in getting their BSN to further their careers. Because many students are also working nurses, the degree is designed for maximum flexibility. All courses are hosted online in eight-week terms, allowing students to adjust their schedules more often. While the program is 120 credits, students can transfer up to 95 credits to graduate faster.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 14 months
  • Cost: $325/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
89%
2 Westfield State UniversityWestfield, MA Public $ 75%

The RN to BSN program at Westfield State University prepares registered nurses (RNs) who hold an Associate of Science in Nursing to acquire a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program can be completed in 12, 15, or 24 months with full-time or part-time options. The program begins in September or January and most coursework is delivered online. All students will be required to complete the six-credit, in-person "Nursing Capstone" course which provides an opportunity to assume a professional nursing role under the guidance of a qualified nurse.

Program Highlights:

Nursing (RN-BSN)

  • Credits: 61
  • Length: 12-24 months
  • Cost: $11,000/total
  • Mode: Online, in-person training
  • Accreditation: CCNE
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
53%
3 California State University-East BayHayward, CA Public $ 91%

Cal State East Bay's Post-Licensure RN to BSN Program is an online, one-year intensive or two-year part-time program. It is open to students who currently have a California RN license, or will have one before the program begins, and do not yet have a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. All coursework will be completed online with the exception of one field experience course.

Program Highlights:

Post-Licensure RN to BSN Program

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 1-2 years
  • Cost: $375 per credit hour
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: CCNE
Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
90%
4 State College of Florida-Manatee-SarasotaBradenton, FL Public $ 74% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
72%
5 Fayetteville State UniversityFayetteville, NC Public $ 69% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
91%
6 Southern Illinois University-EdwardsvilleEdwardsville, IL Public $ 99% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
86%
7 The University of Texas Permian BasinOdessa, TX Public $ 89% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
80%
8 Oklahoma Panhandle State UniversityGoodwell, OK Public $ 77% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
70%
9 North Carolina Central UniversityDurham, NC Public $ 77% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
63%
10 Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee, NC Public $ 64% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
53%
11 The University of West FloridaPensacola, FL Public $ 73% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
87%
12 Fort Hays State UniversityHays, KS Public $ 81% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
47%
13 Lock Haven UniversityLock Haven, PA Public $ 93% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
68%
14 Western Illinois UniversityMacomb, IL Public $ 94% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
83%
15 Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater, OK Public $ 85% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
55%
16 Auburn University at MontgomeryMontgomery, AL Public $ 96% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
55%
17 Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville, MO Public $ 89% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
38%
18 University of North AlabamaFlorence, AL Public $ 88% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
2
Online
Student %
70%
19 Texas A&M University-Central TexasKilleen, TX Public $ 78% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
90%
20 SUNY College of Technology at CantonCanton, NY Public $ 83% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
81%
21 University of Northern ColoradoGreeley, CO Public $ 95% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
46%
22 University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque, NM Public $ 83% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
58%
23 Florida International UniversityMiami, FL Public $ 76% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
68%
24 Montana State University BillingsBillings, MT Public $ 71% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
61%
25 University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro, NC Public $ 65% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
88%
26 University of Virginia’s College at WiseWise, VA Public $ 78% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
52%
27 SUNY College at PlattsburghPlattsburgh, NY Public $ 82% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
71%
28 Mayville State UniversityMayville, ND Public $ 77% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
67%
29 University of Louisiana at MonroeMonroe, LA Public $ 81% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
49%
30 SUNY College of Technology at DelhiDelhi, NY Public $ 80% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
70%
31 California State University-Dominguez HillsCarson, CA Public $ 72% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
99%
32 Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton, FL Public $ 61% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
66%
33 Fitchburg State UniversityFitchburg, MA Public $ 52% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
51%
34 Minot State UniversityMinot, ND Public $ 79% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
60%
35 Southern Utah UniversityCedar City, UT Public $ 83% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
52%
36 Arkansas Tech UniversityRussellville, AK Public $ 76% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
62%
37 Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau, MO Public $ 87% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
58%
38 University of North FloridaJacksonville, FL Public $ 63% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
79%
39 Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights, KY Public $$ 95% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
69%
40 Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb, IL Public $ 90% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
74%
41 California University of PennsylvaniaCalifornia, PA Public $ 82% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
75%
42 University of Central MissouriWarrensburg, MO Public $ 86% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
54%
43 Indiana University-Purdue University-IndianapolisIndianapolis, IN Public $ 75% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
2
Online
Student %
62%
44 CUNY Lehman CollegeBronx, NY Public $ 69% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
96%
45 University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee, WI Public $$ 82% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
67%
46 University of UtahSalt Lake City, UT Public $ 78% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
75%
47 Shepherd UniversityShepherdstown, WV Public $ 67% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
67%
48 Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg, KS Public $ 69% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
62%
49 Kent State University at KentKent, OH Public $$ 90% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
93%
50 Missouri Western State UniversitySaint Joseph, MO Public $ 78% Academic
Counseling
Yes
Career
Placement
Yes
Online
Programs
1
Online
Student %
51%

What Makes an Online RN to BSN Program Affordable?

Many factors impact both tuition costs and how much you actually pay for your program. Consider each of these factors before making a decision.

How much financial aid you can secure for your online RN to BSN program

The more financial aid you’re able to secure, the less you pay for things like tuition, textbooks, and additional fees. Financial aid comes in many forms and from many different sources (including federal, state, and local governments; professional associations; nonprofits; foundations; and for-profit nursing companies), so make sure you mine the full expanse of options.

Whether you live in-state or-out-of-state

When attending a public institution, you’ll notice that both resident and nonresident tuition prices are listed. In many cases, the out-of-state tuition rate is far higher; that’s because state-provided funds cannot be used for these learners. That said, some online programs now offer the same tuition rate, regardless of residence.

How much it costs to apply

A recent study found that the average college application fee costs $43, though some schools charge well over $100. When applying to multiple schools, these fees quickly add up. Look for schools that waive application fees or find out if you qualify for an application fee waiver.

If the RN to BSN program has a class schedule that allows you to continue working

Some online RN to BSN programs provide asynchronous learning, meaning you can log in to watch prerecorded lectures and complete assignments at times that work with your schedule. Synchronous classes, conversely, require you to log in at specific times that could conflict with your work schedule.

How much of the RN to BSN program coursework is offered online

If a program isn’t fully online, it’s important that you consider costs associated with getting to and from school–and how often you will need to visit campus. In addition to things like fuel and car maintenance, you may also need a parking pass or public transportation pass.

If the nursing grad school is private or public

As you look at potential online RN to BSN programs, you’ll notice that public schools tend to be more affordable than private institutions. This is due to public schools receiving state funding to supplement costs. If you want to go the cheaper route, a state school is likely your best bet.

How to Lower the Cost of Your Online RN to BSN Degree

In addition to the considerations outlined above, students can take other steps to lower their costs while in school and minimize the amount of debt they’ll need to pay off after graduating. Review these three ideas to see how they can help you.

  1. Search for scholarships and grants designed specifically for nursing students.

Scholarships and grants are a great way to help nursing students reduce the financial burden of their degrees. In addition to scholarships from colleges and universities, you’ll also have access to an extensive list of national and regional scholarships specifically for nursing students. Check out our list of scholarships for nursing students to learn more.

  1. Ask about employer tuition reimbursement plans.

Considering the growing requirement for RNs to complete a bachelor’s degree, it’s no surprise that many employers offer tuition reimbursement plans for working RNs. Louisville’s Norton Healthcare is home to a scholars program that provides students with loan forgiveness if they commit to working at the organization after graduation for a set amount of time. When assessing academic options, reach out to current or potential employers to see if they offer some form of financial assistance.

  1. Take advantage of student discounts.

You can find ways to minimize the financial burden of nursing school outside of the traditional financial aid options. From travel to technology discounts, many businesses and organizations provide discounts and free goods to working RNs and nursing students. Popular cost-cutting opportunities include deals from companies like The North Face, Uber Eats, and Apple.