Best Online BSN Programs of 2024

Are you considering a new career as a registered nurse? A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is the most popular degree for new nurses. In fact, more than 70% of nurses hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, making it the preferred degree for many employers, according to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Study.

Explore the best online BSN programs to help you make an informed decision about your education. Discover accredited nursing schools with comprehensive curricula, experienced faculty, and valuable hands-on learning via clinical labs.

A BSN degree offers nursing candidates flexible career options. Nursing students wanting to advance in their nursing practice or participate in legislative actions, quality assurance, and facility committee work may want to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

However, a BSN may not be for everyone. After considering the time and financial commitment needed to get a BSN, you may choose an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Registered nurses (RNs) with ADNs can enter the workforce more quickly and complete a BSN online program while working.

Choosing an online BSN requires careful consideration. Even programs with similar curriculum models can offer different types of online learning. Consider the following factors when researching online programs in nursing.

Always make sure that an online BSN program holds proper accreditation. Accreditation shows you that a nursing program meets both national education standards and licensing standards set by the state nursing board.

For nursing programs, look for programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Plenty of online nursing programs offer affordable tuition rates, but it’s important to shop around and ensure you understand a school’s full cost.

In general, public schools offer cheaper tuition than private schools, but financial aid packages can vary widely. Keep in mind that online colleges may also charge additional fees for technology services and other online resources.

Program format can also make a huge difference in your online BSN experience. Different types of nursing degrees serve different needs and offer different timelines for graduation.

If you’re already a registered nurse, an RN-to-BSN usually lets you earn your bachelor’s in about two years of study. A traditional BSN usually takes four years of full-time enrollment to complete.

Accelerated programs allow you to graduate faster but may require a heavier course load or additional prerequisites. Many accelerated BSN programs require you to have a bachelor’s degree in another subject area and have completed nursing school prerequisites.

An online BSN program still requires you to complete an in-person clinical rotation, which means location should be taken into account.

Your program can usually connect you to local healthcare organizations to complete clinical requirements. Location can also affect your tuition, especially when it comes to in-state vs. out-of-state tuition.

When looking at BSN programs, always research NCLEX pass rates. Pass rates indicate how many students pass their nursing licensure exams each year. A high pass rate usually indicates that a school offers high-quality education and good outcomes for program graduates.

It’s also worthwhile to look into a program’s student services and career placement programs. Many nursing programs maintain relationships with local healthcare organizations, which can help you find job opportunities after graduation.

Several factors influence the cost of your nursing bachelor’s degree. These include whether the school is private or public and whether you qualify for in-state or out-of-state tuition. Some online BSN programs offer the same tuition rates, regardless of location.

The average annual tuition cost for a bachelor’s degree at a public institution is about $10,000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. To help offset BSN expenses, you can seek out several forms of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, private organization scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement for those working in healthcare.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. This page was last updated on June 4, 2024.