Top 10 Best Online RN to BSN Degree Programs

If you want a career that is challenging and rewarding, look no further than the field of health care. Enrolling in an accredited online RN to BSN degree program is an excellent way for registered nurses to advance their career and take classes on their own busy schedule. Graduates from a Bachelor’s in Nursing program can quality for more high-level and higher-paying positions in the diverse nursing profession.

Ranking Top Online RN to BSN Degree Programs

The following accredited and cheap online RN to BSN degree programs have been selected from among the finest in higher education by virtue of reputation, rankings, and affordability.

#1 University of Illinois

RN to BSN Online Degree Completion Program – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Executive Summary

The College of Nursing at the University of Illinois is a well-respected program. The University is public research school that is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Rankings and Awards

According to the U.S. News and World Report, the University of Illinois is ranked as the 41st best college and 11th top public school in the nation.

Tuition

Tuition is $617.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

Students interested in the RN to BSN Degree Completion program can choose from three start dates each year. Courses are eight weeks in length. All courses are completed online with no residency requirement.

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#2 University of Saint Mary

RN to BSN Online – Bachelor in Nursing Degree

Executive Summary

The University of Saint Mary’s RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Rankings and Awards

The prestigious Princeton Review has named the University of Saint Mary as a “Best Midwestern College” consecutively for the last nine years.

Tuition

Tuition is $410.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

Students can complete the program in as little as 12 months. The curriculum focuses on the Five C’s of Caring – “commitment, conscience, competence, compassion, and confidence.”

Program website

#3 Western Governors University

Online BS Nursing (RN to BSN)

Executive Summary

The Nursing degree program at WGU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Rankings and Awards

WGU has been designated as a top “Military Friendly School” by the Military Advanced Education for the last five consecutive years.

Tuition

Tuition is charged as a flat rate of $3,250.00 per six-month term.

Unique Features

New students can start their program on the first day of any month. WGU evaluates students based on their competence, not how many hours they spend in class. Students work with a mentor to determine the best methods to develop competency required to completed assignments, papers and tests to demonstrate competency in each subject area.

Program website

#4 Liberty University

Bachelor of Science in Nursing for the Registered Nurse – Online RN to BSN Program

Executive Summary

Liberty University is a private, not-for-profit school. Courses are taught from a Christian perspective. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Rankings and Awards

Not only has Liberty been recognized as the 89th best college and 23rd top university for veterans in the South, but it is also nationally acclaimed by the U.S. News and World Report for having the 76th best online graduate nursing programs.

Tuition

Students at Liberty pay $325.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

The RN to BSN program offers eight-week courses taught by a distinguished faculty. Nine start dates are available throughout the year. The program can be completed in about two years.

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#6 Baker College

Online Bachelor of Science – Nursing

Executive Summary

Baker College has been offering classes online since the mid-1990s. It is the largest private college in Michigan, and the school is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Rankings and Awards

According to the U.S. News and World Report, Baker College is recognized for having the 164th best online bachelor’s programs in the nation.

Tuition

At $215.00 per credit hour, Baker College has one of the most affordable online nursing degrees available.

Unique Features

The online bachelor’s degree in nursing is open to applicants who are licensed Registered Nurses and hold credentials in the United States or in Canada. The program includes required clinical experience.

Program website

#7 Gannon University

RN to BSN Degree – Online Nursing

Executive Summary

Gannon University was founded in 1925 and is a private, not-for-profit school. This Catholic university is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Rankings and Awards

Gannon is currently ranked as the 54th best college, 11th best value school, and 17th top college for veterans in the North with the top 332nd nursing programs in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report.

Tuition

Tuition at Gannon is $650.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

The online RN to BSN degree includes courses focusing on leadership, current health care issues, and the nurse’s role in providing care. The University develops a customized plan of study for each applicant based on their academic and professional background to maximize the number of transfer credits.

Program website

#8 Utica College

Online RN to BSN Degree – Nursing Bachelor’s

Executive Summary

Utica College was founded in 1946. The school is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Rankings and Awards

For 2014, the U.S. News and World Report survey has ranked Utica College as the 116th best college in the North.

Tuition

Nursing students pay $375.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

Registered Nurses who have graduated from an associate’s degree program may apply to the RN to BS Nursing program at Utica.

Program website

#9 Anna Maria College

RN-BSN Online Degree Program

Executive Summary

Anna Maria College’s RN to BSN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. It has been fully approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

Rankings and Awards

Anna Maria College was recently ranked in the top 25 Massachusetts colleges and universities considered to have the greatest lifetime return on investment.

Tuition

Students at AMC pay $425.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

Registered Nurses with a diploma from all 50 states may be admitted to this program with no required clinical component.

Program website

#10 Indiana State University

Online RN to BS Nursing Degree Program

Executive Summary

The Nursing Program at Indiana State University is approved by the State Board of Nursing. It is also accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc.

Rankings and Awards

According to the U.S. News and World Report, Indiana State is nationally acclaimed for offering students the 79th best nursing programs in the United States.

Tuition

In-state students pay $286.00 per credit hour. Out-of-state learners are charged $358.00 per credit hour.

Unique Features

The University offers two online nursing degree programs: a Nursing LPN/LVN to BS and a Nursing RN to BS. Graduates from the LPN/LVN to BS program are eligible to apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Program website

See also: 25 Great Scholarships for Nursing Majors