Top Cheap and Fast Online RN to BSN Programs in 2024
If you want to earn your BSN degree as quickly as possible, for as little money as possible, you're in the right place. We've ranked the top 10 cheapest and fastest RN to BSN programs for nurses in 2024.
Read on to learn more about RN to BSN online programs that suit your budget and schedule.
Top 10 Cheapest & Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs for 2024
Our ranking criteria is based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation.
1. University of Central Florida
One of the shortest RN to BSN programs in Florida, students at UCF can earn a BSN in roughly a year. Students can take courses from anywhere across the country in this entirely online program, making it an ideal choice for many nurses. However, if in-person is your preferred style of learning, there are select campuses in central Florida that offer
- Admissions: Applications are accepted three times a year with summer, fall, or spring start dates.
- Program Length: 12 months | 30 credit hours
- Location: Online or face-to-face on select regional campuses
- Program Cost: Resident: $105.07
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: 407-823-2744
- Email Address: ucfnurse@ucf.edu
- Website
>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs
2. University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming recently revamped its RN to BSN completion program, making it even more accessible to nurses. Classes are 8 weeks long and have scaffolded sequencing, meaning specific courses need to be completed before others can be started. This is intended to build upon current and new knowledge. There are three convenient start dates throughout the year, perfect for the working professional.
- Admissions: Applications are accepted in the fall and spring of each calendar year.
- Program Length: 12 months | 30 credit hours
- Location: 100% online, with full- or part-time availability.
- Program Cost:
- Resident: $5,970
- Non-Resident: $10,770
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (307) 766-6574
- Email Address: RN.BSN@uwyo.edu
- Website
3. Appalachian State University
Online RN to BSN students complete lessons in an asynchronous format with a total of 30 semester hours of coursework at App State. While the program can be completed in as little as 12 months, students can also follow a two-year and three-year completion plan.
Prospective students are considered transfer students so remember to fill out the transfer application before applying.
- Admissions: August 1st
- Program Length: 12 months | 30 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost: $204 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (828) 262-7877
- Email Address: transferadmissions@appstate.edu
- Website
4. University of Texas Arlington
The RN to BSN program at UTA can be completed in 9 months, the fastest RN to BSN program in Texas and one of the fastest online programs in the country. There are multiple start dates throughout the year, giving working professionals the opportunity to start at a convenient time.
- Admissions: Rolling
- Program Length: 9 months | 35 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost: $8,995
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Phone Number: 866-489-2810
- Website*
>> Explore the University of Texas Arlington's Online RN-BSN Program*
5. Lasalle University
The RN to BSN program at Lasalle is quick and efficient. Students can complete the program in 12 months, but some students take as long as 24 months to complete.
Because it is an online program, students will need to ensure that they can enroll due to state authorization requirements. Luckily, only students living in California are not eligible at this time.
- Admissions:
- Fall 1 - August 12th
- Fall 2 - September 30th
- Spring 2 - February 19th
- Summer 1 - May 6th
- Summer 2 - June 24th
- Program Length: 12 months | 27 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost: $450 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (844) 466-5587
- Email Address: admiss@lasalle.edu
- Website
6. Thomas Edison State University
Students at Thomas Edison can enroll any day of the year, which is excellent for working professionals. BSN program classes are small in size, offered during 8-week sessions, and students even will have multiple breaks during the year to rest and recharge.
The program can be completed in as little as 18 months, but students can take longer if needed. But to remain active, students will need to complete at least 3 credits at Thomas Edison State University during 12 months.
- Admissions: Rolling admissions
- Program Length: 18 months | 27 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost: $311 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (609) 777-5680
- Email Address: admissions@tesu.edu
- Website
7. Florida International University
Graduates of the RN to BSN program at FIU receive a strong education that is ideal for building upon in a graduate program. Many graduates go on to apply to MSN and DNP programs, including those at FIU.
To be eligible to apply to the program at FIU, prospective students must have an active Florida RN license or an enhanced licensure through the Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
- Admissions: Applications are accepted in April, August, and December
- Program Length: 12 months | 24 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost:
- Resident: $235.57 per credit hour
- Non-resident: $648.87 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Phone Number: (855) 780-7466
- Website
>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs
8. Florida Gateway College
Students enrolled in the Florida Gateway College RN to BSN program can complete it in as little as three semesters, but other students will complete it on a part-time basis, or six semesters. Having two pathways available to prospective students makes it highly desirable, especially for those who have family and life commitments.
- Admissions: Applications are accepted in March and September
- Program Length: 3 semesters | 31 credit hours
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost: $5,125. Tuition $3,730, lab fees $545 and textbooks $850.
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Phone Number: (386) 752-1822
- Website
9. Western Carolina University
WCU is a very affordable option for students who live in North Carolina. With low-cost tuition, the state continues to lower tuition rates to promote state universities. So the tuition might even be cheaper as a result of the NC Promise program. WCU holds a monthly RN to BSN virtual information program that requires an online RSVP. These 60-minute sessions provide prospective students with information regarding courses, expectations, clinical requirements, and workload.
- Admissions:
- Spring: September 15th
- Fall: March 15th
- Program Length: 4 semesters
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost: $2,800
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (828) 227-7211
- Email Address: WCUnursing@wcu.edu
- Website
10. Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville’s RN to BSN program is quick and cheap, even for non-residents. Students must complete an in-person clinical practicum that allows them to experience service learning, indirect and direct learning experiences, and project-based experiences.
- Admissions:
- Fall: August 1st
- Spring: January 10th
- Program Length: 2.5 semesters
- Location: 100% online
- Program Cost:
- Resident: $165.92
- Non-resident: $332.59
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (910) 672-1371
- Email Address: admissions@uncfsu.edu
- Website
>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs
How to Choose an RN-BSN Program?
Everyone considers different factors when choosing an RN-BSN program. This list specifically is focused on the fastest and cheapest RN-BSN programs because we know nurses want to get their education as quickly as possible while spending the least amount of money. However, one major consideration that must be taken into account when applying for an online nursing program is accreditation.
Non-accredited universities should be a HUGE red flag for all nurses and students. The ten programs mentioned are all accredited, and students will earn a BSN at the end of the program that will be accepted in all states and by all healthcare organizations.
There are two main accrediting bodies for nursing programs:
- The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The purpose of accreditation is to focus on the same standards and criteria across all nursing programs. This ensures that there is a level of consistency within the programs. The accreditation process ultimately improves the quality of nursing education and keeps the curriculum up to date on current trends in advances in nursing and healthcare.
>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs
RN to BSN Program Requirements
The requirements for each of the five programs will vary slightly, but all share a few basic requirements:
- License in good standing, which means that no disciplinary action without explanation and follow-up. If this is a concern, reach out to the program and have a frank discussion with an admissions counselor to see if it will affect acceptance. Do not apply to a program if you have current disciplinary action and have not spoken to a program representative.
- Possess a Registered Nurse license as well as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) for all bridge programs. Some programs will require students to have a nursing license in a specific state, but this will be communicated prior to acceptance.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA to be accepted into the program.
- Criminal background checks are required for all individuals and must be current. This means that most will have to get another one even if they had one for their place of employment.
- Working a minimum of 30 hours per week or completing the equivalency exam. As long as the student is working as a Registered Nurse during the program, this will fulfill the requirements. If a student takes time off from the bedside during the program, there are other ways to satisfy the requirements. It is best to talk to your advisor about this if it is a concern.
- Completion of the required prerequisite courses is required in order to be considered for admission. If the classes were not previously completed, students will have to add these courses to their program. These classes include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Statistics
- Abnormal Psychology
- Nutrition
- Chemistry
- Developmental Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
Based on the program, other requirements may include:
- Child abuse clearance
- Drug test
- Vaccinations
- Physical examination
- Letters of recommendations
Is an RN-to-BSN Program Right for You?
In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) strongly recommended that by 2020, 80% of the nursing workforce should have a baccalaureate degree (BSN). As a result, there is an increased push for non-BSN-prepared nurses to earn their degrees quickly and easily.
RN-to-BSN FAQs
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