The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2025
- Best RN-to-BSN Programs
- What to Look For
- Program Accreditation
- Application Requirements
- Paying for RN-to-BSN Programs
- Career Opportunities
- FAQ
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: filadendron / E+ / Getty ImagesAre you a registered nurse (RN) looking to earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)? A BSN can make you more attractive to employers and may lead to career advancement and higher salaries.
Online RN-to-BSN programs strengthen clinical and decision-making skills in a flexible learning format. Rather than starting your BSN from scratch, you can earn your degree in one year by receiving credit for your prior RN coursework. Explore our rankings of the best online RN-to-BSN programs, along with what to expect and admission requirements.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2025
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$3,358
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled5,356
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
St Luke's College
- Sioux City, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$19,440
- Out-of-state$19,440
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance Rate23%
- Students Enrolled196
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,656
- Out-of-state$10,056
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$9,720
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,602
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Texas A & M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- 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
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,735
- Out-of-state$16,004
- In-State$7,088
- Out-of-state$22,166
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled13,521
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
University of Rochester
- Rochester, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- 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
- 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
Texas A & M International University
- Laredo, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,818
- Out-of-state$13,634
- In-State$3,350
- Out-of-state$10,712
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled8,505
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Clemson University
- Clemson, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,118
- Out-of-state$37,982
- In-State$10,858
- Out-of-state$22,566
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate38%
- Students Enrolled28,747
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Villanova University
- Villanova, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- 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
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.
Using Our Rankings: What To Look For in an Online RN-to-BSN Program
Before deciding what RN-to-BSN program best suits your needs, consider the degree requirements, program length, accreditation status, and NCLEX pass rates. Here are factors that can guide your research.
Admission Requirements
Some RN-to-BSN programs require an associate degree in nursing (ADN), while some admit those with a nursing diploma. Review the degree requirements, minimum transfer credits, and nursing prerequisites to find programs that match your experience.
Program Curriculum
While most programs offer similar core courses, they tend to differ in the electives and concentrations available to students. Consider what kinds of required and elective courses a program offers. Does the coursework reflect your areas of interest or prepare you for specialization?
Clinical Experience
Clinical requirements for RN-to-BSN programs vary. Some do not require clinicals for students with an ADN who already completed clinical hours for their RN license. Programs that require clinicals may allow distance learners to complete their hours at their workplace or near their homes.
Accreditation
Accredited nursing programs meet high standards for academic quality. You’ll need an accredited nursing degree to pursue licensure, careers, and graduate study in the nursing field.
Program Length
Most online RN-to-BSN programs require around 30 credits, depending on the number of credits transferred from the student’s ADN. They take between 12 and 24 months to complete.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
Although RN-to-BSN students will not need to retake the NCLEX, the pass rate can still serve as a good indicator of how well a nursing program prepares its students for RN licensure. Pass rates above the national average suggest better program quality and teaching effectiveness.
School Graduation Rate
The graduation rate tells applicants how many students finished their nursing degree within a certain time frame. Higher graduation rates can indicate a supportive learning environment and commitment to preparing nurses for practice.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
When choosing a program, ensure the online format meets your personal needs. Check for any required on-campus residencies and review the technology requirements.
Why Is Online RN-to-BSN Program Accreditation Important?
Nursing accreditation ensures that a nursing program meets nationally established professional standards to provide students with a high-quality nursing education.
All nursing programs selected for our rankings are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Accreditation impacts financial aid, licensure, and employment.
- Graduation from an accredited program is necessary for nursing licensure.
- Federal student aid applies only to accredited schools.
- Credits from unaccredited schools may not transfer to other programs.
- Employers and graduate nursing programs may not consider graduates from unaccredited schools.
How Online RN-to-BSN Programs Work
You’ll take classes in a virtual learning environment during an online RN-to-BSN. Depending on your schedule and preferences, you can also take online and in-person classes. This format works best for independent, self-disciplined learners who need minimal faculty supervision.
Synchronous formats offer more interaction with faculty and other students but less flexibility, requiring attendance at established days and times.
Online nursing programs offer similar resources as on-campus programs, including advising, tutoring, technological support, and career placement services.
Some programs waive the clinical requirement because students enrolled in RN-to-BSN programs already hold a valid RN license. However, many schools require in-person clinical training at approved sites.
Applying to an Online RN-to-BSN program
Specific admission requirements for online RN-to-BSN programs depend on the school. Most programs expect applicants to hold a nursing diploma or ADN from an accredited nursing program and a valid RN license. Some programs admit current ADN students who have not yet graduated or completed their RN license.
Each program has a minimum GPA for acceptance, prerequisite courses, and health and safety compliance requirements.
Admission Materials
Applicants submit official transcripts and documentation of their RN license. While some online programs waive the clinical component for RNs, a school may require at least one year of nursing experience, a specific number of practical/clinical hours, or an equivalency exam.
GPA Requirement
Before enrolling, you must complete prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, statistics, nutrition, chemistry, and other fields as required. Programs may require a minimum 3.0 GPA on these courses.
Other Requirement
Applicants may need to submit a personal statement and participate in in-person or remote interviews. International students often must submit passing scores on an English language proficiency test. Nursing schools require applicants to fulfill health and safety compliance protocols that often include a drug test, a criminal background check, a physical exam, and immunizations.
Paying for Your Online RN-to-BSN Program
RNs may hesitate to enroll in an online program because of the cost. Several factors can impact the affordability of a nursing program. Consider program length and how many credits it takes to earn the degree, whether you must pay out-of-state tuition rates, and whether you can work while enrolled.
Students may qualify for several financial aid opportunities to pay for their nursing degree. Prospective online learners should begin searching for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Financial Student Assistance (FAFSA).
The FAFSA determines eligibility for government-funded grants or loans. Federal and state governments sponsor student loan forgiveness programs for nurses who agree to work in high-need areas after graduation. Nursing schools and private organizations offer need and merit-based scholarships and awards.
At some schools, members of the armed forces and their family members may qualify for discounted tuition. Many healthcare employers also offer tuition reimbursement benefits to nurses who complete their degrees.
What Can You Do With a Degree From an RN-to-BSN Program?
While RNs can enter the field after earning a two-year ADN or nursing diploma, an online RN-to-BSN program offers financial and career advantages. Earning an online BSN can take as little as one year of study and can lead to higher pay and increased job prospects.
The popularity of the BSN has grown. Between 2013 and 2020, the percentage of RNs with BSNs increased from 40% to 48%, while ADN holders in the same period fell from 32% to 28%, according to the Journal of Nursing Regulation.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) strongly supports the BSN as the minimum educational requirement for RNs. Many employers hire only BSN graduates, including acute care facilities, school systems, and public health agencies.
BSN-prepared nurses take on additional responsibilities in clinical settings, including as charge nurses and nurse managers. According to Payscale data, nurses with a BSN report an average annual salary of $15,000 more than nurses with an ADN.
| Nursing Degree | Average Annual Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| BSN | $96,000 |
| ADN | $79,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online RN-to-BSN Programs
With an RN-to-BSN program, you can earn a BSN in as little as one year. Designed for RNs, these bridge programs grant credit for holding an RN license, accelerating the completion time.
Related RN-to-BSN Career Resources
RN-to-BSN Degree Overview
Licensed registered nurses can expand their career options by earning a bachelor of science in nursing. Use this guide to explore types of RN-to-BSN programs, admission requirements, and salary prospects.
10 Reasons Why RNs Should Pursue their BSN Degree
Considering an RN-to-BSN program? Here are the 10 best reasons for RNs to earn their BSN.
Top Advantages of a BSN Degree
The advantages of a BSN include a shorter path to graduate-level education, more earning potential, and higher NCLEX-RN pass rates.