The Best Online BSN Programs in 2025
Credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty ImagesAre you interested in becoming a nurse or advancing your registered nursing career? Earning an online bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree offers more flexibility and convenience than on-campus programs.
With a BSN, you can increase your earning potential, strengthen your clinical decision-making skills, and prepare for graduate-level nursing programs. An online format allows you to balance nursing school with work and other responsibilities.
Explore our rankings of the top online BSN programs to find a school that best fits your needs.
The Best Online BSN Programs in 2025
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL- 4 year
- Online
Why We Chose This School
UF's online BSN program is designed for nurses licensed in Florida. Nurses from outside Florida are still eligible, but only if they have a multistate license.
Courses are 100% online and include population health, pathophysiology and pharmacology, genetics and genomics in healthcare, legal and ethical issues in nursing, and a seminar in professional nursing.
We like UF because of its 90-hour clinical requirement, evenly split between virtual simulation and hands-on experience.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- One of the most affordable programs on our list
- Among the largest BSN classes in Florida
- Ranked in top 4% of all nursing schools in the nation that award bachelor's degrees
Considerations
- Highly competitive program
- Program awards 30 credits out of 120 totalÂ
- In-State$3,358
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled5,356
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
CUNY Lehman College
- Bronx, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
CUNY Lehman College's online BSN program is for nurses licensed in New York State. You must complete at least 60 credits before being admitted to the program.
You will take courses in trends and issues in nursing and healthcare, clinical decision-making, professional nursing management, and therapeutic intervention.
Students who've been dropped from a prior program for any reason must pass the NCLEX exam and become an RN before admission.
We like this program because of its affordability, flexible enrollment period, and high standards for applicants.Â
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- Most affordable program on our list
- Earn your degree in as few as 12 months
- Enrollment open year-round
Considerations
- Must be an ADN graduateÂ
- Prioritizes nurses licensed in New York State
- In-State$6,930
- Out-of-state$14,880
- In-State$11,090
- Out-of-state$20,520
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled15,143
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
St Luke's College
- Sioux City, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
St. Luke's online BSN program is for nurses seeking career advancement by obtaining their BSN. This program is open to both new RNs and experienced nurses.
You will take classes on population-focused nursing, culture and diversity in healthcare, pathophysiology, health assessment, and informatics in healthcare.
We like this program because staff work with students to create schedules that meet their individual needs.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Highlights
- Approved by the Iowa Board of NursingÂ
- Choose from five specialty topics in nursingÂ
- Part and full-time options availableÂ
Considerations
- One of the most expensive programs on our list
- Must meet undergraduate admission criteria
- Must have graduated from an accredited diploma or associate degree program
- In-State$19,440
- Out-of-state$19,440
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance Rate23%
- Students Enrolled196
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
Why We Chose This School
Charter Oak's online BSN program is for RNs who've already earned their ADN. Unlicensed applicants are permitted to enroll but must obtain their license within the first semester.
You will take classes in nursing research, systems leadership, healthcare policy, and other topics, as well as a nursing capstone project.
We like how the program is 100% online, has six start dates throughout the year, and offers the CT Health Horizons Scholarship to Connecticut residents.
This program is accredited by the CCNE.
Highlights
- 75% of students graduate within 5 years of starting
- Accepts transfer credits from other RN-to-BSN programsÂ
Considerations
- 27 nursing credits out of 120 total
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.3
- Potential applicants from the following U.S. states and territories not eligible: Guam, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
- In-State$7,656
- Out-of-state$10,056
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$9,720
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled1,602
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
UCF's online BSN program emphasizes preparing nurses for leadership roles, clinical nursing practice, and health promotion and maintenance. Students choose from two tracks: RN-to-BSN and ASN-to-BSN.
The RN-to-BSN track for RNs includes 30 credit hours that can be completed in 3-10 semesters. The ASN-to-BSN track is for students who've completed at least one semester at a Florida college system institution.
We like this program's flexibility. The RN-to-BSN track offers a wide timeframe within which students can complete coursework, and the ASN-to-BSN program enables simultaneous enrollment in both the ASN and BSN programs.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- RN-to-BSN offers a headstart on graduate coursework
- ASN-to-BSN enables students to complete degree earlier than traditional BSN
- Extra flexibility for Florida residents
Considerations
- 30-credit programÂ
- 3.0 overall GPA required for admission
- In-State$6,368
- Out-of-state$22,467
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled68,842
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A & M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Texas A&M's online BSN program is designed for nurses with their ADNs seeking their BSNs. Students must hold a current, unencumbered RN license or be licensed by the end of the first semester.
Students take courses in nursing dimensions and informatics, health promotion across the lifespan, community health, and professional practice issues.
We like this program because students can learn at their own pace by choosing a three or four-semester curriculum.
Highlights
- Students complete practicums in their own community
- Three or four-semester programs
- New ADN graduates are eligibleÂ
Considerations
- Prioritizes Texas residents over applicants from other states
- Must complete 59 prerequisite credit hoursÂ
- Students must remain in-state for clinical rotations
- In-State$8,443
- Out-of-state$36,637
- In-State$6,885
- Out-of-state$19,593
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled76,633
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
University of Rochester
- Rochester, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Rochester’s online BSN program is for associate or diploma-prepared nurses who want to earn their bachelor's degree in nursing. Courses are 100% online, and students can access all required materials with an optimized iPad.
You will take classes in biopsychosocial health assessment, nursing leadership and management of care, population health, and a nursing elective.
We like how this program offers multiple scholarships of 50-100% of tuition costs for students living in the region or working for the university.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- All course materials provided via iPad
- Scholarships can cover up to 100% of tuition costs for local students
Considerations
- 64 nursing credits out of 128 total
- Accepts a maximum of 96 transfer credits
- Applicants must be licensed in the state of NY
- In-State$60,550
- Out-of-state$60,550
- In-State$41,888
- Out-of-state$41,888
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate36%
- Students Enrolled12,160
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Madison, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
UW-Madison's online BSN program is designed for working nurses. All coursework is online, and classes are offered in 7-14-week sessions.
You will take classes in nursing research and evidence-based practice, chronic care management, community health nursing, and information and health technology.
We like how students enrolled in the university's ADN program can become eligible for guaranteed admission into the online BSN program through the Madison College Transfer Contract.
This program is accredited by the CCNE.
Highlights
- ADN students may be eligible for transfer into online BSN program
- Can be completed in as few as 1.5 years
- Third  and fourth-semester ADN students eligible for dual enrollment
Considerations
- 24 nursing credits
- Requires cumulative GPA of 3.4
- RN license must be earned by the end of the first semester of the program
- In-State$11,216
- Out-of-state$37,904
- In-State$10,728
- Out-of-state$24,054
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled50,633
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Villanova University
- Villanova, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
Villanova University's online BSN program is 100% online and offers the same curriculum and faculty as the school's on-campus nursing program.
You will take classes in ethics of healthcare, adults with complex health problems, integrating professional nursing practice, and pharmacology.
We like how this program offers access to the university's many certificates, including business process management, organizational leadership, business intelligence, and project management.Â
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights
- 90% graduation rate over four years
- Designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education
- Students arrange and complete clinicals near them
Considerations
- Catholic values may not be a fit for every student
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- In-State$60,768
- Out-of-state$60,768
- In-State$21,207
- Out-of-state$21,207
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate23%
- Students Enrolled10,383
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School
UNC at Charlotte's online BSN program is designed to be completed in one year.Â
Students can learn at a slower pace, however, but their request must be approved by the school of nursing.Â
Courses cover aging and health, design and coordination of care, issues in cultural health, and enhancing clinical judgment.
We like how this program allows students to collaborate with faculty on research projects and present their findings at public events.
This program is accredited by the CCNE.
Highlights
- Intensive 12-month program
- Diploma-prepared nurses are eligible to apply
- Geared specifically toward working RNs
Considerations
- Students wanting a slower-paced program must receive prior approvalÂ
- Students must apply for readmission if not enrolled for 12 consecutive months
- In-State$3,812
- Out-of-state$18,474
- In-State$4,337
- Out-of-state$18,482
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled30,298
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2025.
What To Look for in an Online BSN Program
Deciding which online nursing bachelor’s program is right for you depends on factors such as program length, curriculum, clinical requirements, and accreditation. Our ranking of the best online BSN programs considers these considerations to help you make the right choice.
Admission Requirements
All pre-license nursing schools require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may require a minimum GPA, specific coursework prerequisites, and SAT or ACT scores. Post-licensure programs typically require a registered nurse (RN) license and an associate degree. Check with your program for more information on requirements.
Clinical Experience
All BSN programs require clinical experience, but these are often managed differently from school to school. Find out if your program lets online learners fulfill clinical requirements close to home. Some programs will help you find facilities where you can complete your clinical experience, while others require you to locate a suitable site on your own.
Accreditation
Accreditation enhances your opportunities for employment, graduate studies, and licensure. It is important enroll in an online BSN program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Program Length
Full-time students typically earn their online BSN in about four years. Accelerated BSN and RN-to-BSN bridge programs take less time — generally between 12-24 months — than traditional programs, depending on the school’s requirements and your previous experience.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
The NCLEX-RN pass rate shows how well the program prepares graduates for nursing careers. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, which administers the exam, the national NCLEX pass rate for first-time test-takers rose to 91% in 2024 from 89% in 2023. A higher-than-average pass rate can indicate a quality program.
School Graduation Rate
The school graduation rate reports the percentage of students who graduate in the expected time frame. A high graduation rate is a good indicator of the school’s commitment to learning and student success.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Not all online BSNs use the same learning and technology formats. Programs that offer an asynchronous or self-paced curriculum allow you to attend class when it’s most convenient. Others follow a synchronous or more structured schedule with fixed log-in times or hybrid courses that combine web-based instruction with in-person meetings.
Why Is Online BSN Program Accreditation Important?
Nursing school accreditation recognizes programs that meet high academic standards for preparing RNs. Graduating from an accredited program signals to employers that you have received a quality education. All online nursing bachelor’s selected for our rankings have been accredited by the CCNE or the ACEN.
A program’s accreditation status has important implications for financial aid eligibility, licensure, and future educational and career plans:
- The NCLEX-RN exam, RN licensure, and certification exams require an accredited nursing degree.
- Government financial aid assistance only applies to accredited programs.
- Credits earned at nonaccredited schools may not transfer to other programs.
- Employers and graduate nursing programs may not consider graduates from nonaccredited schools.
How Online BSN Programs Work
Online BSN programs blend online classes with in-person clinical requirements. Online courses come in several formats. Asynchronous classes require no set meeting times and are generally less structured. Synchronous classes use live video conferencing and other tools to provide structured, face-to-face interaction among faculty and students. With either option, you’ll need to meet some basic technical requirements, such as a stable internet connection.
While some online programs can help you arrange clinical experience placements close to your home, you may have to find your own clinical placements at approved sites.
Because delivery formats and requirements vary, review programs carefully when applying.
Applying to an Online BSN program
Online nursing bachelor’s programs generally follow the same admission procedures as traditional BSNs. Although criteria vary, all applicants must generally have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Many programs require specific math and science prerequisites for admission.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Official transcripts
- Prerequisites in natural science
- Online application and payment of application fees
Admission Materials
- Letters of recommendation
- An essay or personal statement
- SAT or ACT scores (not always required)
- Criminal background check and fingerprinting
- Physical exam and drug screening
- Immunization verification
GPA Requirement
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
Paying for Your Online BSN Program
Nursing students often worry about how to pay for an online BSN. Several factors influence the cost of a nursing degree, including program length, geographic location, required credits, and in-state versus out-of-state tuition rates.
Many students offset the cost of their education with financial aid. You should begin your search for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for government-funded grants or loans.
You may also qualify for need-based or merit-based nursing scholarships. Federal and state agencies offer student loan forgiveness programs for nurses who agree to work in high-need areas when they graduate.
What Can You Do as a BSN?
BSN students receive training in nursing care, leadership, and case management, acquiring the skills for many professional opportunities. The degree also prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and state licensure as an RN.
RNs with a BSN degree find careers in various specialties, including geriatrics, pediatrics, and neonatology. While hospitals and physician offices are the major employers, RNs work in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities.
Employers strongly prefer bachelor-prepared nurses, especially in administrative and supervisory positions. Graduate programs that prepare you for highly paid advanced practice roles require a BSN for admission.
RNs with a BSN earn higher salaries than those with an associate degree. According to June 2025 Payscale data, ADN-prepared nurses earn an average pay of about $79,000, while BSN-prepared nurses earn approximately $98,000.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Critical Care RN | $108,000 |
| Operating Room RN | $84,176 |
| Nurse Case Manager | $82,078 |
| Emergency Room RN | $78,247 |
| Hospice RN | $75,994 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online BSN Programs
Yes, you can earn a BSN online. Nursing schools offer pre-licensure BSN programs for those with no prior nursing experience and post-licensure programs to help RNs advance their education.
Related BSN Career Resources
What to Know About Getting a BSN Degree: Common Courses and Requirements
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