Is a bachelor's in nursing program hard?

Online bachelor's in nursing programs are challenging. These programs cover a range of complex medical topics, and students must practice their skills to prepare for clinical rotations. Nursing school also requires a time commitment of intensive study over the course of two years for full-time programs. Plus, you have to pass nursing school exams and the NCLEX.

Do I need to get an MSN degree?

While an MSN isn't necessary to work as a nurse, the degree can lead to advanced roles, depending on the MSN specialty tract. For example, some focus on education while others train to become a nurse practitioner. An MSN will allow you to apply to a DNP program, allowing you to earn the highest degree in the field. An increasing amount of nurse practitioners are pursing a DNP. With a DNP, you can also pursue leadership roles such as a nurse executive, influence policy as a healthcare lobbyist, or work in academia as a clinical researcher or nursing professor.

Is nursing accreditation important?

Accreditation matters because it shows that your program has met the rigorous standards to provide a quality nursing education. Accreditation impacts your ability to get financial aid in school and find employment after you graduate. This is because accreditation is required for certification and licensure. Look for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

What degree do I need to become a registered nurse?

To become a registered nurse, you'll need at least an associate degree in nursing (ADN). ADN programs last two years and can prepare you for entry-level RN roles. Once you graduate, you'll qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam. Many people pursue a bachelor of science in nursing. These four-year programs provide advanced training, boosting your earning potential. After you complete this program, you'll have to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to get licensure and practice as an RN.

Best Online BSN Programs of 2025

Boost your nursing career by graduating from an online BSN program. Explore this page to find the best programs and learn if they are worth it.

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Updated December 19, 2024

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Nurses are more necessary than ever. Due to an ongoing nursing shortage, once you graduate from a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program, you can get licensure and leap into a healthcare career.

Online BSN programs are designed for busy registered nurses (RNs) with active licenses who want to advance their careers. If this sounds like you, continue reading to learn more about the best online BSN programs of 2024.

Bachelor’s in Nursing Highlights

Most (98%) online nursing and healthcare students and graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
Of these students, 95% say they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
84% of these students say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
Over half (60%) say their online classes included assignments they could use to explore future career options.
77% of students currently enrolled in fully online programs are enrolled full time. Of that group, 53% are also employed either full time (43%) or part time (10%).

Source: BestColleges

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In this Article

Top Online Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,694

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

24%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

54,814

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

Acceptance Rate

24%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

54,814

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$11,216

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$37,904

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

43%

Acceptance Rate

24%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,728

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,054

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

50,633

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,216

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,904

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,216

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,904

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment

24%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,728

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,054

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

50,633

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Texas A & M University-College Station

College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$8,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,637

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

63%

Acceptance Rate

40%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,885

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,593

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

76,633

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,637

Texas A & M University-College Station

College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,443

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,637

Acceptance Rate

63%

Online Enrollment

40%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,885

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,593

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

76,633

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$10,092

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,260

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

89%

Acceptance Rate

71%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,426

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,377

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

39,528

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,092

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,260

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,092

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,260

Acceptance Rate

89%

Online Enrollment

71%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,426

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,377

Retention Rate

87%

Students Enrolled

39,528

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

$7,914

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,128

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

76%

Acceptance Rate

30%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,520

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,320

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

22,760

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,914

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,128

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,914

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,128

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment

30%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,520

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,320

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

22,760

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Clemson University

Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online

$14,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$37,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

38%

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,858

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,566

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

28,747

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,982

Clemson University

Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$37,982

Acceptance Rate

38%

Online Enrollment

44%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,858

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,566

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

28,747

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$6,368

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$22,467

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

43%

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

68,842

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,368

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,467

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,368

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,467

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

68,842

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online

$9,103

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,861

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

87%

Acceptance Rate

55%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,353

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,961

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

35,262

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,103

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,861

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,103

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,861

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

55%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,353

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,961

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

35,262

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC4 yearCampus + Online

$12,288

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,534

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

61%

Acceptance Rate

61%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,374

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,760

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

36,579

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,288

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,534

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,288

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,534

Acceptance Rate

61%

Online Enrollment

61%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,374

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,760

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

36,579

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Villanova University

Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$60,768

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,768

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

23%

Acceptance Rate

23%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,207

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,207

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

10,383

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,768

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,768

Villanova University

Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,768

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,768

Acceptance Rate

23%

Online Enrollment

23%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,207

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,207

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

10,383

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why You Should Get a BSN

Career Advancement: A BSN opens more opportunities to move into leadership roles within your organization.
Increased earnings: A BSN opens opportunities for leadership roles and specialty positions, often leading to increased earning potential.
Job security: Having a BSN can boost job security due to the growing demand for nurses with advanced education, especially in settings like Magnet hospitals that prioritize higher degrees.
Prepare for graduate school: Earning a BSN is a prerequisite for a master of science in nursing (MSN).
Improved patient outcomes:Research shows that BSN-prepared nurses contribute to lower patient mortality rates, likely due to their additional education and training in evidence-based practice.

Benefits of Getting a BSN Online

Student perception of the potential return on investment (ROI) of online learning continues to be strong — 93% of all students say their online degree has or will have a positive ROI.
The majority (97%) of prospective online students, currently enrolled online students, and online program graduates would recommend online education to others.
Of these students, 81% say that online is better than or equal to on-campus learning.
Most online program graduates (73%) say their programs prepared them for employment after graduation, and 31% say they were extremely well prepared.
College and university administrators predict the most online enrollment growth over the next five years will be in health professions (29%).

Curious what courses you'll take online? Check out our BSN program guide.

How to Choose the Best Online BSN Program for You

Before you apply to an online BSN program, it’s important to consider cost, program length, and the jobs and earnings you can expect after you graduate to ensure your program is the best fit for you.

Online Health Professions Bachelor’s Degrees

In-State

Avg. Tuition & Fees

$9,752

Avg. Net Price

$5,929

Out-of-State

Avg. Tuition & Fees

$9,209

Avg. Net Price

$6,430

Source: NCES PowerStats

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the typical cost of an online bachelor’s in nursing program is $9,752 for in-state students and $9,209 for out-of-state students.

The average net price, the cost after the school applies financial aid, is $5,929 for in-state students and $6,430 for out-of-state students. This reduction shows just how much financial aid can offset the cost of tuition.

Financial aid includes scholarships and grants. You can get financial aid by applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each year you’re in school.

Find Financial Aid for Your BSN

BSN Scholarships

Your Guide to the FAFSA

Your Guide to College Loans

How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s in Nursing Degree?

Typical # of Credits

120 Credits

Typical Program Length

4 Years

You can expect to spend four years earning your BSN online if you enroll as a full-time student in a typical program. You can shorten this timeframe by choosing an accelerated program, transferring credits from previous programs, and earning credit for life and work experience. If you’re employed, seek out tuition reimbursement.

What Can You Do With a BSN?

A few jobs you can pursue after you graduate from an online BSN program include registered nurse, nursing instructor, and health services manager. These roles pay well, with health services managers earning the most at $110,680. As an RN, you can earn $86,070. Nursing instructors earn $86,530.

Popular Nursing Jobs
Job	2023 Median Annual Salary	Description
Registered Nurse	$86,070	Develops and applies patient care to sick and injured patients.
Nursing Instructor	$86,530	Teaches patient care to nursing students.
Health Services Manager	$110,680	Oversees the daily operations of healthcare facilities.

Source: BLS

Learn More About Nursing Jobs

School Nurse Salary

How To Become a Registered Nurse

Nursing Careers

Is an Online BSN Worth It?

Whether an online BSN is worth it depends on your goals and the return on investment (ROI), plus various other factors.

These online programs allow flexible scheduling for busy adults and a potential boost in earnings. Plus, once you graduate, you can apply to graduate nursing programs.

Registered nurses earned over $2,7000 more than licensed practical nurses in 2023, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). A BSN opens doors to leadership roles and serves as a stepping stone toward higher degrees that lead to advanced practice positions.

However, an online BSN program involves high costs and a significant time commitment. You’ll also need to learn how to balance your work, studies, and potential debt. Research program accreditation and National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates to ensure quality and look for the most affordable programs.

Education Beyond a Bachelor’s in Nursing

After you earn a bachelor’s in nursing online, you can pursue advanced degrees such as a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP).

These degrees increase your opportunities to work as a nurse educator, professor, or healthcare administrator. Specialty tracts provide advanced training, making you eligible for licensure testing to work as a nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist.

Some of these roles pay six-figure salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), showing that these specialized skills are in demand. Online programs offer flexibility, so they can be ideal for busy professionals.

6 Reasons To Become a Registered Nurse

Nursing Degrees

Frequently Asked Questions About Online BSN Degrees

Absolutely, there are affordable RN-to-BSN programs online. These schools include the University of North Florida, Utah Valley University, and Farmingdale State College. Each program offers flexibility and cost-effective options for busy nurses.