The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023

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Updated August 8, 2023

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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Credit: filadendron / E+ / Getty Images

If you have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and a valid registered nurse (RN) license, earning an RN-to BSN degree can lead to more advanced nursing positions and higher pay.

A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree builds on your clinical skills and practical experience, leading to enhanced career opportunities and a foundation for graduate studies. Online RN-to-BSN programs let you earn a BSN in as little as one year.

Explore our rankings of the best online RN-to-BSN programs and learn more about online courses, admission requirements, and accreditation.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online RN-to-BSN 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.

The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs and Schools of 2023

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

#1 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023

University of Florida-Online

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online

The online RN-to-BSN program at the University of Florida benefits working nurses by allowing students to attend classes entirely online. The 30-credit program can be completed within five semesters and includes 90 clinical hours — 45 through virtual simulation in the first semester and 45 through independent clinical practice in the fourth semester.

To be eligible for the program, prospective students must have completed an associate degree in nursing (ADN) from a school accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

  • Program(s): RN-to-BSN
  • Campus: Gainesville, Florida
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $129.18 per credit for residents; $552.62 per credit for non-residents
  • Admission Requirements: ADN; minimum 2.8 GPA; active and unencumbered Florida RN license or a license through the Nurse Licensure Compact; completion of courses in psychology, social psychology, sociology, biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, statistics, human growth and development/developmental psychology, and human nutrition
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 95.9% (2019)
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $59,580 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,358
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
4,407
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023

University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Madison, WI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Wisconsin - Madison's RN-to-BSN program comprises 30 credits that can be completed within 18-30 months. The program runs on a traditional fall/spring semester system; however, summer classes and accelerated seven-week courses are also available. Students typically enroll in six credits per semester (three credits during the summer semester) and complete 60 clinical hours at a site of their choosing.

The university also provides prospective students with the option of beginning the RN-to-BSN program while still working on their ADN. Those in their third or fourth semester of their associate program are eligible to apply to start taking classes as a "special student."

  • Program(s): RN-to-BSN
  • Campus: Madison, Wisconsin
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $452 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: ADN or diploma in nursing; minimum 2.5 GPA; active and unencumbered RN license; 24 transferable college-level non-nursing credits; completion of high school algebra, geometry, college-preparatory math; two years of a foreign language
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 18-30 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 94.3% (2021)
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $64,770 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,273
Out-of-state
$37,161
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,728
Out-of-state
$24,054
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
44,640
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023

Ohio State University-Main Campus

  • Columbus, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Ohio State University's Main Campus offers an online RN-to-BSN program that full-time students can complete in 12 months, and part-time students can complete in 15 months. Learners earn 21 credits from the completion of core nursing courses, three credits from one nursing elective, and six credits from two courses of their choosing.

All the online nursing advancement courses offered through the program are asynchronous, meaning students do not need to attend class at a specific time. Instead, they can access course materials, such as lectures, readings, and videos, on their own schedule.

  • Program(s): RN-to-BSN
  • Campus: Columbus, Ohio
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $4,909 per semester for residents; $5,109 per semester for non-residents
  • Admission Requirements: ADN or diploma in nursing; minimum 2.0 GPA; active and unencumbered RN license
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 12-15 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 93.3% (2021)
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $60,399 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,615
Out-of-state
$32,599
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,560
Out-of-state
$36,276
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
61,369
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
94% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023

Maine College of Health Professions

  • Lewiston, ME
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The 30-credit RN-to-BSN program at the Maine College of Health Professions can be completed in as little as 18 months with the majority of courses lasting eight weeks. The program is currently offered in a hybrid format, combining live classroom sessions with online learning, and culminating in a clinical capstone course.

The school accepts both recent ADN graduates and practicing RNs. The curriculum mainly focuses on nursing theory, nutrition, application information technology, research, community health, diseases of the human body, and leadership.

  • Program(s): RN-to-BSN
  • Campus: Lewiston, Maine
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $18,760 total program cost
  • Admission Requirements: ADN; an active, unencumbered RN license; completion of prerequisite courses in microbiology, college writing, psychology, developmental psychology, social science elective, and arts/humanities elective
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 100% (2022
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,340
Out-of-state
$12,340
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
45%
Students Enrolled
216
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#5 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023

University of Rochester

  • Rochester, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The online RN-to-BSN program at the University of Rochester comprises 32 credits and 140 field hours, all of which are earned through nine courses. To be eligible for acceptance, prospective students must have an active and unencumbered New York RN license.

Students can expect to take classes in RN-to-BSN transitioning, biopsychosocial health assessment, evidence of nursing practice, patient and population care management, leadership, contexts of healthcare, population health, a nursing elective of the student's choosing, and a final capstone course. While all courses take place entirely online, students receive direct access to faculty as they complete their coursework using iPads provided by the school.

  • Program(s): RN-to-BSN
  • Campus: Rochester, New York
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $1,200 per credit hour; $600 per credit for those living in the 18-county Western New York region
  • Admission Requirements: ADN or diploma in nursing; active and unencumbered New York RN license
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 84% (2021)
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $68,190 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,188
Out-of-state
$57,188
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$49,792
Out-of-state
$49,792
Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
35%
Students Enrolled
11,741
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#6 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023

Texas A & M University-College Station

  • College Station, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Texas A&M University - College Station's RN-to-BSN program offers students the ability to earn their bachelor's degree entirely online. Students must complete 30 credit hours and participate in a practicum experience in their community during enrollment. 

Before acceptance, students must have completed at least 59 credits in the humanities and biological, physical, and behavioral sciences. Students are then admitted either during the spring or summer semester. They can then choose to complete the program in either three, four, or five semesters.

  • Program(s): RN-to-BSN
  • Campus: College Station, Texas
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $2,330 per semester for residents; $8,180 per semester for non-residents
  • Admission Requirements: ADN; active and unencumbered RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; previous coursework in nutrition, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and lifespan growth and development
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 12-18 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 98.2% (2021)
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $63,660 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,395
Out-of-state
$36,849
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,775
Out-of-state
$19,048
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
70,418
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
33% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

  • Edinburg, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The 30-credit RN-to-BSN program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in as little as 12 months through the completion of seven-week courses.

The program offers classes entirely online,providing flexibility working RNs need to earn their BSN while continuing to practice.

The program's curriculum includes topics, such as client assessment, professional mobility, pathophysiology, pharmacology, research, issues in nursing, and community health.

  • Program(s): RN-to-BSN
  • Campus: Edinburg, Texas
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $280 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: ADN; active and unencumbered RN license or a temporary permit to practice professional nursing; minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 93.4% (2021)
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,330 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,233
Out-of-state
$17,049
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,458
Out-of-state
$13,820
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
32,441
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023

The University of West Florida

  • Pensacola, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The online RN-to-BSN program at the University of West Florida comprises 32 credits that can be completed in 12 months. The university offers eight-week courses entirely online, allowing RNs to continue working during their education.

Students take courses that focus on health assessment, pharmacology, evidenced-based nursing, gerontological nursing, population-based nursing, systems-based nursing leadership, community health education, pathophysiology, law and ethics in nursing, and academic writing in nursing.

  • Program(s): RN-to-BSN
  • Campus: Pensacola, Florida
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $220 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: ADN; active and unencumbered RN license; minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 91.5% (2019)
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $58,450 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,735
Out-of-state
$16,004
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,088
Out-of-state
$22,166
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
13,061
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023

CUNY Lehman College

  • Bronx, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

RNs with an active and unencumbered New York RN license are eligible to apply for CUNY Lehman College's 30 credit RN-to-BSN program.

Students can expect to complete coursework in nursing as a human science, professional nursing practice, clinical decision-making, ways of knowing in nursing, trends and issues in nursing, therapeutic intervention, and professional nursing management.

Outside of nursing courses, students are also required to complete courses in general chemistry, growth and development, and analysis and action for community health.

  • Program(s): RN-to-BSN
  • Campus: Bronx, New York
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $305 per credit for residents; $620 per credit for non-residents
  • Admission Requirements: ADN; active and unencumbered New York RN license; minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 70.4% (2021)
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $95,350 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,930
Out-of-state
$14,880
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,090
Out-of-state
$20,520
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
47%
Students Enrolled
15,091
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#10 The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2023

St Luke's College

  • Sioux City, IA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The RN-to-BSN program at St. Luke's College offers courses entirely online to nurses who have just earned their ADN or nursing diploma, as well as RNs already working in the field. The coursework is entirely online and can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis.

St. Luke's College focuses on specialized nursing topics that include adaptation to chronic health issues, nursing care of older adults, women's health issues, palliative nursing care, and pharmacology for nurses.

The program's curriculum also focuses on more general areas of study, such as pathophysiology, informatics, leadership, culture and diversity in healthcare, health assessment, proactive nursing, population-focused nursing with practicum, research and evidenced-based practice, and synthesis of nursing practice.

  • Program(s): RN-to-BSN
  • Campus: Sioux City, Iowa
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
  • Tuition: $600 per credit hour
  • Admission Requirements: ADN or nursing diploma; active, unencumbered RN license
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 75.7% (2021)
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$19,440
Out-of-state
$19,440
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
211
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or go straight to our data-driven ranking of the best online RN-to-BSN programs.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Why Is 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 have earned accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

A program's accreditation status impacts financial aid, licensure, and employment:

  • The National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) and certification exams for advanced practice nursing roles require applicants to hold degrees from accredited nursing schools.
  • Graduation from an accredited program is necessary for state licensure.
  • Government financial assistance can only be applied to accredited nursing programs.
  • Credits from unaccredited schools may not transfer to other programs.
  • Employers and graduate nursing programs may not consider graduates from unaccredited schools.

Top Online RN-to-BSN Programs According to Our Nurse Panel

NurseJournal asked a two-person panel of nurses to review each of the online RN-to-BSN programs below. In their review, they considered factors that influence nursing student experiences, including reputation, faculty, program quality, and value.

The following are the top-scoring programs according to our panel of nurses.

1. Maine College of Health Professions

“Maine College of Health Professionals allows five start dates per year and boasts short, 8-week courses. For nurses with an associate degree in nursing, up to 75% of the credits required for the BSN can be transferred, allowing students to earn a BSN in as short as 18 months. The college also offers invaluable 24/7 tutoring and support for nursing students.”

Brandy Gleason, MSN, MHA, BC-NC

Meet Gleason

“Maine College of Health Professions' (MCHP) online RN-to-BSN is flexible, built for the working student, and allows for completion of the program in a timely fashion thanks to those transfer credits being counted. MCHP offers the most support of any program in this ranking, including career counseling and free tutoring available 24/7. This is unmatched by any other program. The 8-week courses provide a manageable schedule for the working RN and are more desirable as well. MCHP has a perfect graduation rate and fair tuition.”

Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Meet Clarke


2. University of Rochester

“At the University of Rochester, nurses can earn a bachelor's degree from a highly-ranked nursing program that is invested in staying ahead of industry expectations. Nurses will pay about 50% less than most schools. The program utilizes technology so that students can benefit from a hands-on experience and are engaged in critical thinking.”

Brandy Gleason, MSN, MHA, BC-NC

Meet Gleason

“University of Rochester (UR) offers tuition support and scholarships to nurses residing and working within the western NY counties. For employees of UR, there is 100% tuition remission (0 cost — this is huge), the program is flexible and online, and has three entry dates. They also have a high pass rate.”

Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Meet Clarke


3. St Luke's College

“St. Luke's College has a number one ranking in the state of Iowa and offers 100% online courses for nurses wishing to achieve a BSN on a flexible schedule.”

Brandy Gleason, MSN, MHA, BC-NC

Meet Gleason

“St. Luke's College has a perfect graduation rate, a 100% online program, and flexible start dates for working RNs. Tuition for their online RN-to-BSN program is very fair, and there are many scholarship opportunities.”

Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Meet Clarke

How Online Online RN-to-BSN Programs Work

Depending on the program, distance learners may take asynchronous classes at their own pace or convenience. This format works best for independent, self-motivated learners who need minimal faculty supervision.

Synchronous formats offer more faculty supervision and interaction with other students, but less flexibility, requiring attendance at established days and times.

Online nursing students have access to the same resources as on-campus students, including advising, tutoring, technological support, and career placement services.

Because students enrolled in RN-to-BSN programs already hold a valid RN license, some programs waive the clinical requirement. However, many schools require in-person clinical training at approved sites.

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some online nursing programs have begun to offer virtual clinical experiences.

Applying to an 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. Each program has a minimum GPA for acceptance, prerequisite courses, and health and safety compliance requirements.

  • Admission Requirements

    Applicants must hold a nursing diploma or an ADN. They also need a valid and unencumbered RN license without any record of disciplinary action.

    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. Applicants may need to submit a personal statement and participate in either an in-person or remote interview.

  • Admission Materials

    Prior to enrolling, you need to complete prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, statistics, nutrition, chemistry, and other fields as required.

    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.

  • GPA Requirement

    Most nursing programs require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Paying for RN-to-BSN Programs

Many RNs hesitate to enroll in an online program to complete their BSN because of the cost. Several factors 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 in the program.

Fortunately, nursing students may qualify for several financial aid opportunities. Prospective online learners should begin their search 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 when they graduate.

Nursing schools and private organizations offer both need-based and merit-based scholarships, as well as awards targeted for specific fields or members of underrepresented groups.

At some schools, members of the armed forces and their family members may qualify for discounted tuition. Some healthcare employers offer tuition-reimbursement benefits to nurses who successfully complete their degree.

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 a year more of study, resulting in 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 40.3 to 48.1, while the percentage of ADN-holders in the same period fell from 32.4 to 28.1.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing 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.

MSN programs that prepare graduates for high-paying advanced practice nursing and leadership roles require applicants to hold a BSN degree.


Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online RN-to-BSN Program

Each online RN-to-BSN program has its own admission and curriculum requirements. However, when comparing programs, always look for indicators of academic quality.

Before deciding what program best suits your needs, pay attention to coursework and clinical requirements, accreditation status, NCLEX pass rates, online formats, and other aspects that matter to you.

Admission Requirements

Most online RN-to-BSN programs require official transcripts, a minimum GPA, a current RN license, and letters of recommendation. These requirements ensure you have the necessary preparation to succeed in a fast-paced and rigorous bachelor’s program.


Program Curriculum

While most programs offer similar core courses, curriculums differ in electives and concentrations. Consider what kinds of required and elective courses a program offers. Does the coursework reflect your areas of interest or prepare you for in-demand specializations?


Clinical Experience

The clinical requirement provides real-world and practical experience that builds on the knowledge acquired through coursework and labs. Some online BSN programs do not require clinicals for students with an ADN who already completed clinical hours for their RN license.

Many programs that require clinicals let distance learners complete their hours at their workplace or near their homes. Others require students to travel to specific locations.


Accreditation

Accreditation ensures that online RN-to-BSN programs adhere to common standards of quality. Accreditation determines financial aid eligibility and the ability to transfer credits.


Program Length

Most online RN-to-BSN programs require around 30 credits, depending on the number of credits transferred from the student's ADN. Programs take between 12 and 24 months to complete.


School NCLEX Pass Rate

The pass rate of the NCLEX provides a good indicator of how well a nursing program prepares its students for the RN licensure exam. Pass rates higher than the national average pass rates suggest better program quality and teaching effectiveness.


School Graduation Rate

The graduation rate tells applicants how many students finished their nursing degree within the stipulated time frame. Higher graduation rates indicate a supportive learning environment and commitment to preparing nurses for practice.


Online Learning Format and Requirements

When choosing a program, make sure that the online format meets your personal needs. Schools that offer asynchronous schedules enable students to progress at their own pace. Programs with synchronous formats require students to log in at set times. Online learners may also need to attend on-campus meetings once or more per term.

Frequently Asked Questions About RN-to-BSN

Can you go from an ADN to a BSN?

Yes. Once you have completed your associate degree, you can apply to a BSN program. You may be able to complete the BSN in two years or less, depending on the program you choose.

How long does it take to go from ADN to BSN online?

The time needed to complete an online RN-to-BSN varies according to the program and the number of credits accepted in transfer from the ADN degree. Full-time students may complete all requirements in a year, while part-time students can take up to four years to earn their degree.

What is the salary for RN vs. BSN?

While RNs can enter the nursing workforce after earning an ADN, they earn significantly more money after completing a BSN. According to Payscale data from January 2023, nurses with an associate degree earn an annual base salary of $74,000 compared to $91,000 for bachelor degree-holders.

Is RN or BSN better?

The answer depends on your personal and professional goals. If you want to enter the workforce quickly, you can earn an ADN and pass the NCLEX-RN exam in two years. An online BSN often takes an additional 12 to 24 months but will lead to higher-paying jobs and provide the required admission credential for graduate work.


Page last reviewed October 10, 2022. The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team. The top programs according to our nurse panel were reviewed by Brandy Gleason, MSN, MHA, BC-NC, and Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW, on January 2, 2023.


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