7 Cheapest RN to BSN Programs Online in Missouri 2026

<h3 id="section---1.UniversityOfCentralMissouri">1. University of Central Missouri</h3><p>The University of Central Missouri offers an online RN to BSN program that allows students to complete their degree while continuing to work. The program focuses on evidence-based practice, leadership, and community health. Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, providing flexibility for students. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $297.00 per credit hour </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> UCM provides financial aid through federal and state grants, scholarships, and loan programs. Students are encouraged to apply for aid early to maximize their funding opportunities. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p><h3 id="section---2.NorthwestMissouriStateUniversity">2. Northwest Missouri State University</h3><p>Northwest Missouri State University's RN to BSN program is fully online, allowing students to complete their degree without on-campus requirements. This is one of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/shortest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">fastest RN to BSN program online</a>—the program can be completed in as few as 12 months, depending on the student's pace and transfer credits. The curriculum focuses on leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $357.80 per credit hour </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Northwest Missouri State offers financial aid through federal and state grants, scholarships, and loan programs. Students are encouraged to apply for aid early to secure funding. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p><h3 id="section---3.SoutheastMissouriStateUniversity">3. Southeast Missouri State University</h3><p>Southeast Missouri State University's RN to BSN program is delivered entirely online and teaches courses on evidence-based practice, health assessment, and nursing leadership. Students can complete the program in 12 to 18 months, depending on their course load and transfer credits. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $339.80 per credit hour </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> SEMO provides financial aid through federal and state grants, scholarships, and loan programs. Students are encouraged to apply for aid early to maximize their funding opportunities. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p><h3 id="section---4.MissouriSouthernStateUniversity">4. Missouri Southern State University</h3><p>Missouri Southern State University's RN to BSN program is offered entirely online, and typically takes about 12 months to complete with full-time study. Here, nursing students can learn fundamental skills, including leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $330 per credit hour </p><p><b>Financial aid</b>: MSSU offers financial aid through federal and state grants, scholarships, and loan programs. Students are encouraged to apply for aid early to secure funding. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p><h3 id="section---5.MissouriBaptistUniversity">5. Missouri Baptist University</h3><p>Missouri Baptist University's RN to BSN track integrates nursing coursework with a Christian worldview. The program is offered entirely online and includes courses in community health, nursing ethics, and professional leadership. Students can move through the curriculum at a flexible pace, often completing it within 12 to 18 months. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost</b>: $365 per credit hour </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Missouri Baptist provides financial aid through federal and state grants, scholarships, and loan programs. Students are encouraged to apply for aid early to maximize their funding opportunities. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p><h4 id="section---6.UniversityOfMissouri">6. University of Missouri</h4><p>The University of Missouri's RN to BSN program is entirely online, allowing students to complete their degree without on-campus requirements. The program can be completed in as few as 14 months, depending on the student's pace and transfer credits. Students have access to personal academic advisors and unique opportunities to study abroad. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $569.10 per credit hour </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> The university offers scholarships and funding opportunities, including a 10% tuition reduction for veterans and graduates of Missouri community colleges. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) </p><h3 id="section---7.MissouriStateUniversity">7. Missouri State University</h3><p>Missouri State University's RN to BSN program is 100% online, designed for working nurses seeking to advance their education. The program focuses on leadership, community health, and healthcare policy. Students can complete the program at their own pace, with the flexibility to balance work and study. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $302 per credit hour </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Missouri State offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal aid. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>We selected RN to BSN programs based on an important set of criteria to ensure high-quality education and affordability. Schools were selected due to: </p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All schools have received regional accreditation from organizations like the Higher Learning Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> Schools on this list offer low tuition rates, fee transparency, and access to financial aid or scholarships to help reduce overall out-of-pocket expenses. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> Each university has a strong record of academic integrity, nursing program success rates, and student satisfaction based on publicly available data and institutional reviews. </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowToPayForYourNursingDegree">How To Pay for Your Nursing Degree</h2><p>Many students pursuing an RN to BSN degree rely on multiple forms of financial assistance to make their education more manageable. Fortunately, there are several practical ways to fund your degree--some of which don't need to be repaid. </p><ul><li><b>Federal financial aid:</b> Start by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study opportunities. Many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheap_online_colleges_that_accept_fafsa.html">online schools that accept FAFSA</a> offer full participation in federal aid programs, making them accessible to students from a wide range of income levels. </li><li><b>Scholarships and state grants:</b> Missouri nursing students can apply for need-based and merit-based awards through the Missouri Department of Higher Education &amp; Workforce Development, as well as scholarships specific to healthcare and nursing. </li><li><b>Employer tuition reimbursement:</b> If you're currently employed as an RN, check with your HR department to see if your hospital or clinic offers tuition support for continuing education. Some employers will pay a portion (or all) of your BSN costs in exchange for a work commitment. </li><li><b>Loan forgiveness programs:</b> Nurses working in underserved areas may qualify for federal loan forgiveness through programs like the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program or Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutCheapOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">FAQs About Cheap Online RN to BSN Programs</h2><p>Online RN to BSN programs are a popular choice for working nurses who want to complete their degree without giving up their job. Below are answers to common questions about affordability, flexibility, and academic expectations. </p><h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToCompleteAnOnlineRNToBSNProgram">How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online RN to BSN Program?</h3><p>Most RN to BSN programs take 12 to 24 months to finish, depending on your pace and how many transferable credits you bring in. Some schools offer accelerated formats where students may finish in a year or less. Many students work full-time while attending part-time, extending their timeline. </p><h3 id="section---CanIReallyWorkFullTimeWhileEnrolledInOneOfThesePrograms">Can I Really Work Full-Time While Enrolled in One of These Programs?</h3><p>You can, and many nurses do. Online RN to BSN programs are generally asynchronous, meaning you can complete assignments when it fits your schedule. This flexibility makes it feasible to manage coursework during evenings or weekends. If you're looking for lighter course loads or reduced clinical demands, the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/easiest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">easiest RN to BSN program online</a> may be a good fit. </p><h3 id="section---AreOnlineRNToBSNProgramsAccredited">Are Online RN to BSN Programs Accredited?</h3><p>Yes, many online programs hold accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Accreditation ensures that your degree will be recognized by employers and meets national quality standards. It also determines whether you're eligible for federal financial aid. </p><h3 id="section---DoTheseProgramsRequireClinicalHours">Do These Programs Require Clinical Hours?</h3><p>Most RN to BSN programs do include some type of clinical or practicum component. However, unlike pre-licensure programs, these are often focused on leadership, community health, or management and can usually be completed in your local area or even at your current workplace. </p><h3 id="section---WhatIfIAlreadyHaveMyAssociateDegreeInNursing">What If I Already Have My Associate Degree in Nursing?</h3><p>That's exactly who RN to BSN programs are built for. Most of these degree-completion tracks accept transfer credits from your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and award additional credit for your RN license. This can significantly reduce the number of required courses and the overall cost of the program. </p><h2 id="section---FindOnlineNursingPrograms">Find Online Nursing Programs</h2><p>If you're ready to move forward in your nursing career, browse online nursing programs featured here on Learn.org and reach out to a program that fits your educational goals today.</p>