Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs - Find Top Schools for Saving

Ready to fast-track your nursing career without breaking the bank? We’ll profile three online RN to BSN programs with affordable tuition, accreditation, and study flexibility. Plus, we’ll rank the top RN to BSN bridge programs across the country. Whether you’re balancing a full-time nursing job or juggling family commitments, our comprehensive guide helps you compare top-ranked programs that fit your life and budget.

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Author: Kari Scare
Editor: Linda Armstrong

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Overview of Three Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs

The healthcare landscape is evolving, and so should your nursing credentials. But with rising education costs, finding the right RN to BSN degree programs requires careful navigation. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, analyzing programs nationwide to identify those that deliver academic excellence without the premium price tag.

But what makes something affordable?

It’s not all about the tuition rates. When evaluating program costs, it’s essential understand the total investment required. You’ll want to consider everything from digital platform fees and clinical requirements to various funding options.

For example, distance learning programs often provide significant cost advantages by eliminating traditional expenses like housing and transportation. You’ll also want to consider financial aid and scholarship options as well as financial structures, as some schools offer standardized tuition rates regardless of location, customizable payment options, and targeted funding for specialized nursing paths. Additionally, some schools offer fast-track programs and/or educational paths that don’t have prerequisites to admission—both of which can offer time- and cost-based advantages for some students.

So let’s explore some affordable options. From innovative credit transfer policies to hidden cost-saving opportunities, discover how today’s online RN to BSN programs are making career advancement more accessible than ever.

State College of Florida

The RN to BSN program at State College of Florida (SCF) offers a flexible schedule, 100% online courses, affordable tuition, and open enrollment. Courses are not self-paced and require regular login and active participation. This program is for current Florida RNs who want a BSN, as it incorporates prior nursing education with experience in nursing practice. The application process to the college takes three to six weeks and must be completed before applying to the BSN program.

Tuition and Fees:Tuition ranges from $102.48 to $442.08 per credit and depends on residency and whether a class is upper or lower division. Per credit amounts include mandatory fees, but some classes have additional fees. Living independently, expect to pay $39,000 to $36,000 per academic year, figuring in tuition/fees, living expenses, books/materials, etc.

Financial Aid:The financial aid process at SCF begins with completing the FAFSA, and most financial aid programs (e.g., grants, loans, work study) received this way require at least half-time enrollment. Scholarships are also provided through the SCF Foundation, corporations, and private donors and require separate applications. Some require essays and a letter of recommendation.

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Fayetteville State University

The RN to BSN program at Fayetteville State University teaches communication skills, leadership skills, and critical thinking. Its online degree completion program allows you to complete upper-division nursing courses online, but you must have completed or be completing your general education (non-nursing) requirements when you apply. Two classes require in-person learning, and the entire program takes two and a half semesters. You must be an RN with an active, unencumbered license to start nursing courses.

Tuition and Fees:Tuition is $1,099 to $3,099, depending on residency, for 12 credits. Mandated fees in addition to tuition include those for athletics, education and technology, health services, student activities, safety and security, and debt service. A $100 fee is tacked on for nursing clinicals per semester.

Financial Aid:Financial aid available at FSU includes grants, work-study, scholarships, and loans. The NC Promise Tuition Plan also reduces most students’ tuition significantly and is automatically applied. A variety of academic, talent-based, and need-based scholarships are available. Some aid is only available through the FAFSA, while other programs have their own application process.

Additional Costs: Students are billed for health insurance with their tuition if they do not have it privately. Additional costs that may apply include a student teaching fee and fees for returned checks and payment plans.

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

The Accelerated RN to BS at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville is for students who have already graduate from an associate degree or nursing diploma program. This flexible program is entirely online and focuses on excellence in nursing. Students are admitted every eight weeks on a rolling basis, and they must meet the cumulative GPA minimum of 2.0. Up to 25% of the nursing curriculum can be accepted as transfer, equating to six semesters of coursework.

Tuition and Fees:Tuition is $9,576 per academic year for full-time students, and general student fees total $3,346.50 and include textbook rental. Student health insurance costs $3,853 per academic year, and students can opt out if they have their own coverage.

Financial Aid:Financial aid is available as grants, scholarships, loans, student employment, and other opportunities. Grants are need-based and don’t need to be repaid. Scholarships, which also don’t need to be repaid, may be need-based, merit-based, or from a specific category such as a specific major. Low-interest loans must be repaid and are obtained through the FAFSA.

Comparing the Cost of Online and Campus RN to BSN Programs

Online RN to BSN programs can cost less than campus-based programs, mainly due to the absence of travel costs, parking permits, etc. However, some online programs have a technology fee not applicable to those attending in person. Most online programs are flexible, which allows students to work while attending school, while in-person programs typically have less flexibility, which may prohibit work hours. Fast-track online RN to BSN programs can help some students complete their degrees faster, which can propel them into the workforce faster. For both online and in-person programs, cost often depends on residency, with students who are residents of a state paying less than those who are not. Some online programs, however, do not differentiate between residency status.

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 their debt after graduating. Review the four ideas below to help create a plan for lowering the cost of your online RN to BSN degree.

Apply for Scholarships, Fee Waivers, and More

Scholarships and grants are a great way to help nursing students reduce the financial burden of their degrees. They’re available through individual schools, private organizations, and more. Some schools also waive some fees for nursing students based on income level or service. Some states and U.S. territories even offer aid or loan forgiveness for nursing students.

Maintain Part-Time Employment

A steady income to live on and/or to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other school-related expenses reduces the need to rely only on student loans. Some schools also give credit for work completed as an RN, which might reduce the time spent in school. In addition, your employer might have a tuition assistance program to help pay for part of your education if you agree to remain an employee for a certain period.

Take Advantage of Employer Tuition Reimbursement

Considering the growing demand for those with a BSN, it’s no surprise that many employers offer tuition reimbursement plans for working RNs. Louisville’s Norton Healthcare, for example, 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.

Utilize Discounts for Nursing Students

There are a variety of 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 with discounts for things like medical supplies, technology, subscription services, food, and technology. Discounts usually vary by location and require verification.

Ranking the Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs

What makes an RN to BSN program truly worth your investment? While accreditation and academic excellence are essential foundations, the real value lies in how well a program fits your unique situation. Our comprehensive rankings draw from official Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data to spotlight programs that excel in both quality and affordability. We’ve analyzed everything from faculty credentials to graduation rates, focusing on programs that deliver outstanding educational value without compromising your financial future.

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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%
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A smiling woman with long blonde hair against a blurred orange and black background. She appears happy and is facing the camera.

Kari Scare AUTHOR

Kari has 15 years of copy editing and writing experience on topics that include allied health, nursing, healthcare, business, education, and engineering. She has also edited eight fiction manuscripts of over 80,000 words, with four published. Kari taught writing and communication as an adjunct professor at the community college level for five years and currently does workforce training in topics like technical and professional writing for computer support technicians and communication skills for manufacturing administrators. Additional writing and editing experience include her work in nonprofits, business services, and manufacturing. Kari’s education strengthens her 30 years of experience in writing, editing, and teaching. She earned a bachelor’s degree in practical writing from Western Michigan University in 1993 and a master’s degree in technical and professional writing from Bowling Green State University in 2020.

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Linda Armstrong EDITOR

With more than 20 years of editing, writing, and content management experience, Linda Armstrong has worked in both print and digital mediums and has earned multiple international writing and editing awards. Specializing in behavioral and mental health treatment, she regularly writes/edits blogs, case studies, white papers, B2B/B2C copy, and more, covering topics ranging from mental health and allergy education to substance misuse and addiction treatment.

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