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
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
Why We Chose This School:
The UF Online RN-to-BSN is designed for RNs in Florida or with a multistate license. The program features courses in population health, policy and change in nursing practice, and professional nursing transformation, along with 90 hours of online and in-person clinical experiences.
We like UF Online's inclusion of virtual simulations for the program's clinical component. This helps limit in-person requirements for distance learners.
This program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights:
- Courses run entirely online and asynchronously
- Half of the clinical experience is completed virtually
- Five-semester program
Considerations:
- ADN degree from an ACEN-accredited program required
- Additional general education courses required for those without an ADN
- Background check and immunization record required
- 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
Why We Chose This School:
St. Luke's College's RN-to-BSN program is a degree completion program for licensed RNs. The program features core courses in health assessment, proactive nursing, and leadership in healthcare. There's also a population-focused nursing practicum at the end of the program.
We like that St. Luke's program offers special focus topics, such as women's health issues, pharmacology for nurses, and palliative nursing care.
This program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights:
- Self-guided online classes
- Full- and part-time study options
- Half of students complete program within three years
Considerations:
- Active RN license required
- At least 24 credits in allied health coursework required
- In-person practicum
- 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
Why We Chose This School:
With Charter Oak's online RN-to-BSN program, licensed RNs can upgrade their credentials and boost career potential. The program covers topics in healthcare policy, systems leadership, and nursing research, and it includes a capstone component and two practicum sections.
We like that Charter Oak’s program is designed with Massachusetts' nursing core competencies in mind, ensuring that graduates possess applicable skills specific to their local healthcare settings.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights:
- Students may be eligible for statewide nursing scholarship
- Six annual start dates
- More than 75% of students graduate within five years
Considerations:
- Applicants without an accredited nursing degree or diploma must complete prerequisite courses
- Students must find practicums on their own
- 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
Why We Chose This School:
In an effort to help active RNs advance their education, TAMU's online RN-to-BSN program offers flexible study options for working professionals. The program features courses in nursing dimensions and informatics, leadership, and community health. There's also a practicum component during the final semester.
We like that TAMU has been recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing, which demonstrates the quality of their approach to educating current and future nurses.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights:
- Recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education
- Complete practicums in your own community
- Complete program in 3-4 semesters
Considerations:
- Active RN license required by end of first term
- At least 59 prerequisite credits required
- Minimum 2.75 GPA recommended
- 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
Why We Chose This School:
UWF's online RN-to-BSN program allows working nurses to quickly and flexibly earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. The 30-credit program features courses in evidence-based nursing practice, pathophysiology, and law and ethics in nursing, along with a 45-hour practicum across three direct care courses.
We like that UWF's direct care component takes the student's location and current employment into consideration. This ensures that working nurses can fit their practicum requirements into their work schedule.
This program is accredited by the CCNE.
Highlights:
- Complete in as little as one year
- One of the lowest tuition prices on this list
- Tuition waivers may be available for out-of-state students
Considerations:
- Associate degree required for admission
- Prerequisite courses may be needed prior to graduation
- 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
Why We Chose This School:
Rochester's online RN-to-BSN program helps New York licensed RNs advance in their careers. Students take courses in patient and population care, biopsychosocial health assessments, and policy and finance. They also complete a professional practice section and a hands-on capstone course.
We like Rochester’s generous transfer credit policy, which accepts up to 96 credits. This can save you time and money on your degree.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights:
- Finish in as few as 16 months
- Scholarships available that cover between 50%-100% of tuition
- Named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education
Considerations:
- New York State RN license required
- Students must pay for an optimized iPad
- 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 RN-to-BSN offers flexible schedules and practicums that require limited travel. The program features courses in information and health technology and chronic care management, all in seven- or 14-week sections. There's also a 60-hour practicum that you can complete at a location near you.
We like that UW-Madison allows you to start your BSN while still working on your ADN and RN licensure. This can help you fast-track your education and career.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights:
- Complete in 18-30 months
- Practicum completed at a site of your choosing
- Self-guided online classes
Considerations:
- Active RN license required within first semester of program
- Minimum 2.5 GPA and 24 credits required for admission
- Two half-day scheduled meetings required
- 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
Why We Chose This School:
TAMIU's online RN-to-BSN program equips licensed RNs in Texas with the advanced skills and credentials required for many nursing leadership roles. RNs with multistate licenses may also qualify. The 32-credit program features courses in cultural determinants of health behavior, global health nursing, and the history of nursing, plus an 84-hour hands-on clinical component.
We like that TAMIU's program incorporates diverse practical nursing and health-related opportunities, including a 42-hour supervised clinical experience. This can introduce you to unique situations and experiences you might otherwise miss.
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Highlights:
- Six start dates per year
- Complete in as few as 12 months
- Accelerated classes
Considerations:
- Valid Texas RN license or multistate license required
- Much higher out-of-state tuition rates than other programs on this list
- 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
Why We Chose This School:
Clemson's online RN-to-BSN is designed for RNs with an associate degree in nursing. The program features courses in healthcare genetics, health assessment, scientific writing and communication, along with leadership and critical care courses.
We like that Clemson has established partnerships with local community and technical colleges to make the transition easier for students. We also like that the practicum components focus on developing leadership skills.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights:
- Graduate in 12 months
- Fall and spring starts
- More than 10 nursing scholarships available
Considerations:
- Associate degree required
- Minimum 2.75 GPA for admission
- 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
Why We Chose This School:
Villanova's online RN-to-BSN program makes it easier for working RNs to advance their careers. The 60-credit program includes courses in principles of nutrition, health policy, health promotion and home health in the community. It also includes two eight-week practicums, a leadership fieldwork course, and a clinical decision-making assessment course.
We like that the National Student Nurses’ Association recognized Villanova as a Stellar School, highlighting the school's commitment to the professional development of its students. We also like the program's emphasis on developing clinical experience.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Highlights:
- Students can complete practicums at local sites
- Program combines flexible and interactive online classes
- Designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education
Considerations:
- Some online classes meet at specific times
- One of the costliest programs on this list
- Competitive admission with a minimum 3.0 GPA required
- 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.