Cheapest RN-to-BSN Online Programs of 2025

Going back to school for nursing can be challenging, especially if you have a full-time job and family commitments. But many online RN-to-BSN programs offer a flexible learning path so you can advance your nursing career without sacrificing other obligations.

These online nursing programs cater to registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma. As an RN-to-BSN online student, you’ll deepen your nursing knowledge and prepare yourself for more advanced roles that require or prefer a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

While RN-to-BSN online programs take both time and money, we’re here to show you the cheapest — and best — options out there.

Before you apply to online RN-to-BSN programs, consider important factors like program cost, length, and accreditation to ensure you get a quality education and long-term value.

As you research affordable online nursing programs, you might notice that the cost of nursing school can vary widely. This is partly because private universities tend to charge more than public universities.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition and fees for an online healthcare bachelor’s degree was just under $10,000 in 2019-2020.

Fortunately, financial aid can help offset some of these costs. Be sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you’re in school to see if you qualify for any federal and institutional aid.

By submitting the FAFSA, you could be eligible for grants and scholarships as well as student loans.

You can also ask your employer if they have a tuition reimbursement and assistance program in which your employer pays for part of your education.

Most online RN-to-BSN programs take 1-2 years to complete.

You’ll need to earn around 120 total credits, with 27-45 of those concentrated in core nursing courses. The exact number of credits you must earn will depend on your program.

RN-to-BSN online programs typically expect you to transfer previously earned credits from your ADN or nursing diploma toward the standard 120-credit bachelor’s requirement. If you can transfer even more credits, you could shorten your time in school, saving you money.

Some RN-to-BSN programs offer accelerated pathways, letting you earn your BSN within a year or less.

As you explore online RN-to-BSN programs, be on the lookout for programmatic accreditation.

Programmatic accreditation ensures your online RN-to-BSN program meets rigorous quality standards and, depending on the state, licensure requirements.

“Accreditation evaluates nursing programs to make sure they meet educational standards required by industry and state regulations,” explains Brandi Jones, a board-certified nurse and nurse educator with more than 20 years of healthcare experience. “It assesses the curriculum, faculty, and facilities to prepare students for licensure and practice.”

In general, your RN-to-BSN program should be accredited by one of two agencies:

Also, make sure that your overall college or university is institutionally accredited by a recognized accrediting body.

The type of nursing degree you earn can determine how and where you can work and how much you can earn.

RNs with a bachelor’s degree are qualified for all RN positions. They can also access additional opportunities in administrative and management roles that aren’t open to nurses with an ADN or diploma. While ADN- and diploma-prepared nurses bring valuable skills and experience, many healthcare facilities now prefer hiring nurses with a BSN.

Why? Because BSN programs expand your knowledge base and sharpen your nursing skills by delving deeper into topics such as evidence-based practice, research, and leadership This enhanced preparation is reflected in licensing exam outcomes.

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 82% of BSN graduates pass the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt, versus 77% of ADN graduates.

These statistics suggest that the broader curriculum and rigorous preparation offered in BSN programs can lead to greater confidence and success, not just in passing the NCLEX but also in the nursing profession as a whole.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular RN specialties you can pursue.

Source: 2022 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses

Whether an online RN-to-BSN program is worth it for you depends on several factors, like your career goals, the program’s time commitment, and its cost.

Our research found that 98% of online nursing and healthcare students and graduates would recommend online education to others. Furthermore, 95% of these respondents think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.

Flexibility, like affordability, can also be advantageous for busy adult learners. Online RN-to-BSN programs can help you reach your professional goals while balancing career and family responsibilities.

Ultimately, an online RN-to-BSN program can open the door to more job opportunities.

“Many employers, especially Magnet-designated hospitals, prefer nurses with a BSN because of the curriculum emphasis on critical thinking, leadership, case management, health promotion, and evidence-based practice,” says Jones.

After completing an online RN-to-BSN program, you might be interested in pursuing an advanced degree, such as a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP).

These graduate degrees prepare you to specialize in a specific area and qualify you for more advanced leadership roles in healthcare. They also boast significantly higher salaries.

Jobs requiring an MSN are in high demand. According to the BLS, jobs for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are projected to grow a whopping 40% over the next decade.

You can also earn a lot more money with an MSN. The BLS reports median annual salaries of over $120,000 for APRNs, as of 2023.

With a DNP, you can work as a professor or in a research position to design studies and develop healthcare treatments.