The Best Online ABSN Programs

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Updated August 8, 2023

ABSN programs are a great option for aspiring nurses who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. Learn more about fast-track BSN degrees and find the top online programs.
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Credit: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / DigitalVision / Getty Images

Accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) programs, sometimes called second-degree nursing programs or accelerated nursing programs, allow graduates with a bachelor's degree in another field to earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, typically in less than two years. Most require prerequisite courses in physiology, human biology, microbiology, or other courses. Whether in-person or online, ABSN programs are rigorous, but many students find the fast progress to a nursing degree worth it.

This guide describes the best accelerated nursing programs, how to apply, and what to expect. If you are considering a career change to nursing, explore more with this helpful information.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online ABSN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Learn More About the Best Online ABSN Programs and Schools

See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.

#1 The Best Online ABSN Programs

University of Central Florida

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Central Florida offers one of the best accelerated nursing programs in the state. The 30-credit curriculum features flexible online learning, allowing registered nurses (RNs) to work while completing their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). 

Admittees may be able to transfer up to 29 credits and can finish the program in as soon as three semesters.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,478
Out-of-state
$19,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,916
Out-of-state
$25,759
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
69,402
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 The Best Online ABSN Programs

University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Madison, WI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

RNs with an associate degree in nursing (ADNs) or a nursing diploma can earn their BSN online at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The program requires 24-30 credits, not including UW's general education credits. The part-time curriculum culminates with a 60-hour clinical experience at a student-selected site.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,273
Out-of-state
$36,333
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,728
Out-of-state
$24,054
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
44,257
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
18% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 The Best Online ABSN Programs

University of North Florida

  • Jacksonville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of North Florida's accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) program allows RNs to complete their bachelor's online in about one year. Distance learners complete 30 credits on their own schedules and can continue working. Course topics include acute-care nursing, healthcare ethics, scholarly evidence in the workplace, and nursing science.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,996
Out-of-state
$16,799
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,978
Out-of-state
$20,517
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
72%
Students Enrolled
17,117
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 The Best Online ABSN Programs

Allen College

  • Waterloo, IA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Affiliated with UnityPoint Health-Waterloo, Allen College offers a BSN as an on-campus accelerated program and an online RN-to-BSN. Instruction for both programs combines coursework with extensive clinical hours, which distance learners can complete in their local community.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$17,612
Out-of-state
$17,612
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,040
Out-of-state
$17,040
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
656
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 The Best Online ABSN Programs

Saint Louis University

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Catholic, Jesuit Saint Louis University offers an online BSN bridge program for RNs. The 55-credit RN-to-BSN can be completed at students' own pace through six accelerated eight-week terms. A passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam and prior nursing experience may count for up to 38 credits.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$44,700
Out-of-state
$44,700
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,880
Out-of-state
$20,880
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
12,799
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
12% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 The Best Online ABSN Programs

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

  • Stillwater, OK
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

RNs can earn a BSN online at Oklahoma State University in 9-12 months. OSU's RN-to-BSN program accepts transfer students only and provides maximum flexibility for working nurses.

Learners can complete the 30-35-credit curriculum full- or part-time, including a capstone and two courses with clinical experiences at student-selected locations.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,366
Out-of-state
$20,877
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,531
Out-of-state
$21,034
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
24,079
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 The Best Online ABSN Programs

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

  • Knoxville, TN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Designed for RNs with an associate degree or diploma in nursing who want to earn a BSN, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's RN-to-BSN features fully online learning. 

The 34-credit program's flexible start dates, full- or part-time study options, and virtual clinical components, allow students to finish in one year.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,332
Out-of-state
$28,522
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,468
Out-of-state
$29,656
Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
29,460
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
36% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 The Best Online ABSN Programs

Western Carolina University

  • Cullowhee, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The online RN-to-BSN track at Western Carolina University takes as little as four semesters of part-time enrollment to complete. Students can continue working while studying remotely. 

WCU organizes its 30-credit program into blocks, with topics in community health, leadership, professional transitions in nursing, and research.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$1,000
Out-of-state
$5,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,435
Out-of-state
$14,842
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
12,167
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
41% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 The Best Online ABSN Programs

Georgia Southern University

  • Statesboro, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The fully online BSN at Georgia Southern University enables RNs to complete their undergraduate training while continuing to work. The program features flexible clinical hours, full- or part-time attendance, and individual advising.

Coursework includes community health nursing, leadership and management, nursing research application, and professional nurse practice.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,371
Out-of-state
$15,425
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,977
Out-of-state
$19,890
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
26,054
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
41% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 The Best Online ABSN Programs

Midway University

  • Midway, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Midway University offers a fully online, ABSN program for working RNs. Coursework focuses on professional nursing theory and complex critical thinking, along with leadership practicums.

Midway's remote learners can meet with nursing faculty in person or by phone, email, or Zoom anytime they need support.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$24,500
Out-of-state
$24,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,240
Out-of-state
$6,240
Retention Rate
69%
Admission Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
1,357
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
73% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Featured Online RN-to-BSN in Nursing Programs

Why Is Online ABSN Program Accreditation Important?

Accreditation is a rigorous process used to assess the quality of a program and whether graduates have the knowledge and skills to practice nursing safely. This protects everybody involved, including you, which is why you must have a degree from an accredited program to qualify for a nursing license.

Most accredited nursing programs do not accept transfer credits from an unaccredited program. Accreditation is so vital to program value that this guide to the best online ABSN programs includes only accredited programs.

How Do Online ABSN Programs Work?

ABSN programs require certain prerequisite courses, either as part of your existing undergraduate degree or that you take before you enter the ABSN program. Many schools require students to have taken these prerequisite courses within a certain number of years to ensure that your knowledge is based on the most recent science and findings.

ABSN programs are generally fast-paced. Some programs discourage students from working while studying, while a few specifically require that students not work another job while studying. The best accelerated nursing program for you should be at a pace you can manage.

Applying to an Online ABSN Program

While students with a bachelor's degree in any subject are eligible to apply to an online ABSN program, a degree, minor, or significant coursework in topics related to nursing are particularly helpful for admission. These often include biology, chemistry, physiology, public health, or psychology.

  • Admission Materials

    Undergraduate transcripts; transcripts of any other college-level courses; at least two references; criminal background check; application with essay or personal statement

  • GPA Requirement

    Typically, 3.0 or higher. Some programs have specific grade requirements for prerequisite courses.

  • Other Requirement

    Prerequisite courses, such as human anatomy, college-level mathematics, or microbiology, either as part of your undergraduate degree or taken separately. Schools may require scientific courses to be recent (within 3-5 years) and a minimum grade.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online ABSN Programs

What is the difference between an ABSN and a BSN?

An ABSN program builds on your existing bachelor's degree and course prerequisites so that you can earn a BSN much faster. Most in-person or online ABSN programs take 1-2 years to complete, while a BSN takes four years.

Are accelerated nursing degrees worth it?

ABSN programs are fast-paced and most programs recommend or require that you not work while in the course. Whether this is worth it to you depends on your circumstances and goals.

How long does an accelerated bachelor's in nursing take?

Most ABSN programs take between one and two years, with many running approximately 16 months. However, you may need to take some prerequisite classes first, especially if you did not major in a field related to nursing or took those courses a long time ago.

Can you complete an ABSN online?

Many schools offer online ABSN programs, but you will need to complete your clinical hours in person. Make sure you can find local placement or can travel to a placement site.


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