The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2026
- Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs
- What to Look For
- Application Requirements
- Program Accreditation
- Paying for School
- Salary and Career Outlook
- FAQ
Nurses who return to school for a degree can improve their job prospects. And the numbers bear that out — a 2023 survey from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) found that employers have now preferred BSN-prepared nurses for 14 years running.
In some cases, can earn a BSN online in as few as 12 months.
Explore the best online RN-to-BSN programs and learn tips on how to select and apply to a program. You can also explore your financial aid options and salary potential after graduation.
The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2026
Charter Oak State College — Most Flexible Admission Requirements
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: Applicants don't need an RN license at the time of admission.
We chose Charter Oak's RN/ADN to BSN program for its flexible admission requirements, including the ability to enroll as soon as you complete your ADN program. You do not need an RN license at the time of enrollment as long as you meet the other admission requirements and have an active nursing license from any U.S. state or territory by the time you finish your first semester.
If you have healthcare experience in roles such as CNA, LPN, RN, or paramedic, include it in your application, as you may be eligible to receive up to 64 transfer credits.
Program Highlights:
- Accredited by CCNE
- Six start dates
- Tuition discounts for military and veterans
Good to Know:
- $329 per credit for tuition plus additional fees of $305 per semester.
- Can only transfer two courses from another RN-to-BSN program.
- Must maintain a 2.0 GPA throughout the program.
N/A
$7,896
100%
$7,896
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,766
- Institution Type
- Public
Clarkson College — Most All-Around Affordable
- Omaha, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School: Highly competitive tuition and fees; students can graduate in less than a year; generous validation policy.
We chose the RN-to-BSN program at Clarkson College because you can validate up to 83 credits for relevant professional experience and finish your BSN in less than a year. The program includes courses in population health, evidence-based practice, and leadership. With tuition at $4,290 per semester, you could earn your BSN for less than $10,000 in tuition. If you work at Nebraska Medicine, you may qualify for the RN to BSN Nursing Workforce Sponsorship Program, which is 100% online, covers tuition and fees, and guarantees job placement for four years.
If you earn advanced standing credit with standardized testing or work or life experience, you’ll pay nothing. If you apply for advanced standing credits with internal examination or portfolio, you’ll pay 50% of the course’s tuition. Advanced standing credit by transition course requires you to pay the tuition and fees for the transition course.
Other Highlights:
- $345 per credit for part-time and full-time students.
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
- Practica can be completed at your local community or workplace with faculty approval.
Good to Know:
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 required.
- The Pathophysiology and Pharmacology: Current Practices course must be taken at Clarkson College before any 4000-level courses.
- Some courses, such as healthcare communications, humanities core, and ethics, empathy, and advocacy, must be completed at Clarkson College.
98%
$15,168
77%
$15,168
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,078
- Institution Type
- Private
Florida Atlantic University — Most Customizable Education Experience
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose FAU: Three annual start dates and three and four-semester completion plans.
We chose the RN-BSN program at Florida Atlantic University because it has three start dates in spring, summer, and fall, and you can choose from four completion plans to graduate in 3-6 semesters. If you have not satisfied the prerequisites for the program, which include human anatomy and labs I and II, English composition I and II, linear algebra, and microbiology with lab, you may need to adjust your plan with the help of an academic advisor.
You’ll complete courses in pathophysiology, health assessment, and scholarship for evidence-based practice. The program includes 180 clinical hours divided into two clinical courses, which can be completed in your local community.
Other Highlights:
- Preceptor and practicum/clinical site decisions are determined in collaboration between faculty and students.
- You may be able to complete your clinical hours at your workplace.
- Accredited by the CCNE.
Good to Know:
- You must complete 30 credits of upper-division coursework at FAU.
- Must pass a background check to be admitted to the RN-to-BSN program after you’ve been admitted to Florida Atlantic University
- Tuition costs $203 for Florida residents and $722 for nonresidents.
69%
$ 2,522
84%
$14,374
- Acceptance Rate
- 66%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,607
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Florida — Best for Working Nurses
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose UF: Flexible and affordable program that caters to busy professionals.
UF's RN-to-BSN program is 100% online and allows licensed RNs to transfer up to 60 credits from their associate degree and 30 credits from their RN license and experience. You’ll complete your coursework during evenings, nights, and weekends.
The five-semester program includes 60 credits in health assessment, ethics, professional nursing, and clinical reasoning. You’ll also complete 90 clinical hours: 45 in the first semester through virtual simulation and 45 in the fourth semester through independent clinical experience in the zip code of your choice.
Other Highlights:
- Two admission cycles (spring and fall).
- Accredited by the CCNE.
- Online students save 40% on total costs, including a 25% tuition discount for online students in Florida.
Good to Know:
- All applicants must have an active, unencumbered Florida RN license or enhanced licensure through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
- Must be a resident of Florida or another NLC state.
- Online tuition is $129 per credit for residents; $553 per credit hour for nonresidents.
59%
$ 4,477
98%
$25,694
- Acceptance Rate
- 24%
- Students Enrolled
- 56,311
- Institution Type
- Public
Western Governors University — Best Prelicensure Program
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose WGU: Students can become an RN and earn their BSN in one program.
Western Governors University's Prelicensure BSN is a four-year hybrid nursing program that allows you to earn both your RN license and BSN degree. In the first two years, you’ll complete general education and introductory nursing courses. In the final two years, you’ll complete more specialized nursing coursework, seven clinical rotations at prearranged healthcare facilities, and two in-person learning labs.
You must be available for three-week clinical rotations for each clinical course and a five-week clinical in your last clinical course.
Other Highlights:
- Variable start dates.
- Applicants can be as young as 16.
- Tuition costs $8,755 per six-month term.
Good to Know:
- The program requires approximately 30 hours of commitment per week.
- Nursing entrance exam (TEAS or HESI) required
- Students are not eligible for the program if they live in AL, AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, GA, DE, DC, HI, IL, LA, ME, MD, MA, MT, NE, NJ, NH, NY, ND, OR, PA, RI, VT, WY, or WA.
N/A
$7,710
62%
$7,710
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 185,015
- Institution Type
- Private
How We Choose Schools
At NurseJournal.org, we use a data-driven methodology to identify deserving nursing programs around the country, making it easy for you to find a program that meets your needs. Our lists are informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that evaluates data for accuracy.
Each school in this list is awarded a superlative based on metrics that we believe matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, career outcomes, accessibility, inclusivity, and individual program offerings, among other factors. Since many programs share similar offerings, our goal is to simplify your decision-making by highlighting features that are most relevant to your needs. We reserve the right to exclude schools that lack sufficient data for accurate calculations.
All data was verified in October 2025.
Using Our Rankings: What To Look For in an Online RN-to-BSN Program
It’s important to consider several factors before enrolling in an online RN-to-BSN program. Each school has its own requirements, program formats, and coursework. Think about your goals and needs before deciding which program suits you best.
Admission Requirements
RN-to-BSN programs require an associate degree in nursing (ADN), although 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 differ in the electives available to students. Consider what 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 have already completed clinical hours for their RN license. Online programs that require in-person clinicals may require distance learners to find a clinical placement on their own.
Accreditation
Accredited nursing programs meet high standards for academic quality. Earning a degree from an accredited nursing school allows you to pursue licensure, careers, and graduate study in the nursing field.
Program Length
Most online RN-to-BSN programs require 24-30 credits and take 12-24 months to complete. The total program length depends on the number of transfer credits from your ADN degree.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
Although RN-to-BSN graduates do not need to retake the NCLEX, the pass rate can still serve as a good indicator of how well a nursing program prepares students for RN licensure. Pass rates above the national average suggest better program quality and teaching effectiveness.
School Graduation Rate
The graduation rate measures 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 learning format meets your needs. Review the technology requirements and check for any required clinical training on campus or at a health facility.
How Do Online RN-to-BSN Programs Work?
RN-to-BSN programs are designed for nurses with an ADN (or nursing diploma) who desire a BSN. These programs allow ADN-prepared nurses to bypass traditional four-year BSN programs and earn a BSN in just 12-24 months. Program length can vary based on the school or whether students are enrolled full or part-time.
Many RN-to-BSN programs are offered online. These flexible programs are ideal for working nurses and typically feature online asynchronous (recorded) or synchronous (live) courses and lectures throughout the week. Students must complete some requirements in person, such as clinical experiences and labs.
BSN programs offer core nursing courses accompanied by clinical training in adult medical-surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics, mental health, and critical care. They also feature additional coursework in nursing leadership and community health.
Applying to an Online RN-to-BSN Program
Applying to online RN-to-BSN programs begins with ensuring you meet eligibility requirements, filling out applications, and submitting required paperwork. Candidates must show proof they attained foundational nursing knowledge, whether through completion of certain nursing courses or a full nursing degree or diploma.
- Admission Materials: Proof of ADN or nursing diploma (or completion of a number of credits and prerequisite courses), official transcripts, and RN license. Some schools may admit candidates without an RN license as long as they gain licensure within the first semester of schooling. If attending a school based in a particular state, an RN license from that state may be required.
- GPA Requirement: 2.5-3.0
- Other Requirement: Internet access; special computerized devices or software may be required
Why Is Online RN-to-BSN Program Accreditation Important?
Nursing school accreditation ensures that a nursing program meets certain educational and practice standards established by accrediting bodies, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accredited programs undergo rigorous evaluations to ensure graduates have a high chance of passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
Choosing an accredited RN-to-BSN nursing program increases the likelihood that graduates will be prepared for RN roles, such as community health nurses or nurse leaders. It also makes students eligible for financial aid and allows them to transfer course credits to other accredited schools.
All nursing programs in our rankings are accredited.
Paying for Your Online RN-to-BSN Program
Several factors can impact the affordability of an online nursing program. These can include program length, required credits, in-state vs. out-of-state tuition cost, and whether students can work while enrolled.
Students may qualify for several financial aid opportunities to pay for their nursing degree. They can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines eligibility for government-funded grants or loans. Student loan forgiveness programs are also available to nurses who agree to work in high-need areas after graduation.
Nursing schools and private organizations offer need and merit-based scholarships and awards. Members of the armed forces and their family members may qualify for discounted tuition at some schools. Many healthcare employers also offer tuition reimbursement benefits to nurses who complete their degrees in exchange for a work commitment.
What Can You Do With a Degree From an RN-to-BSN Program?
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.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) strongly supports the BSN as the minimum educational requirement for RNs. Many employers, including acute care facilities, school systems, and public health agencies, hire only BSN graduates. In fact, 28% of healthcare employers now require a BSN in nursing candidates, per AACN data.
BSN-prepared nurses take on additional responsibilities in clinical settings, including as charge nurses and nurse managers. According to October 2025 Payscale data, nurses with a BSN reported an average annual salary of $99,000 — well above nurses with an ADN ($80,000) and licensed practical or vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs) ($54,000).
| Nursing Degree/Certificate | Average Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| BSN | $99,000 |
| ADN | $80,000 |
| Nursing Diploma | $74,000 |
| LPN/LVN | $54,015 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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