10 Cheapest RN to BSN Programs Online in New York 2025

<p>In New York State, registered nurses (RNs) with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) are required to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) within ten years of obtaining their initial licensure. Studies show that RNs with bachelor's degrees produce better healthcare outcomes; however, this can still be stressful for RNs who feel they lack the time or financial resources to pursue a baccalaureate degree. </p> <p>Luckily, many schools offer <a href="https://learn.org/articles/affordable_online_degrees_rn_to_bsn.html">affordable RN to BSN programs online</a>. This is especially true in New York. </p> <p>The two public university systems, the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY), both offer highly affordable tuition. Additionally, programs like the Excelsior Scholarship can reduce costs even further. Keep reading to discover the cheapest RN to BSN programs online in New York. </p> <h2 id="section---MostAffordableOnlineRNToBSNProgramsInNewYork">Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs in New York</h2> <p>There are many excellent <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_rn_to_bsn_new_york.html">online RN to BSN programs</a> in New York. We've highlighted some of the state's most affordable RN to BSN online programs below. </p> <h3 id="section---1.UniversityAtBuffalo">1. University at Buffalo</h3> <p>The University at Buffalo is a public research institution in New York and one of the flagship schools of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Its School of Nursing offers a 100% online RN to BSN program. </p> <p>The program includes nursing coursework on topics like evidence-based practice, public health, and patient care, as well as opportunities for international learning experiences. Full-time students can finish within three semesters. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $295 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> UB accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Excelsior Scholarship, and private aid. It also offers institutional aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.SUNYPolytechnicInstitute">2. SUNY Polytechnic Institute</h3> <p>At SUNY Polytechnic Institute, registered nurses can earn their bachelor's degree in 18 months. The RN to BS in nursing program features courses on topics like professional nursing practice, health assessment, nursing research, and healthcare leadership. </p> <p>SUNY Poly, a public university, is located in Utica, NY. Nursing coursework and labs are all online, but students must complete three practicum experiences in person. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $295 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> SUNY Poly offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA, the Excelsior Scholarship, and private programs. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.SUNYCollegeOfTechnologyAtCanton">3. SUNY College of Technology at Canton</h3> <p>The SUNY College of Technology at Canton offers an online RN to BSN program for those who want to further their nursing careers. SUNY Canton is a public university in Canton, NY. </p> <p>The program includes nursing courses in community health, pathophysiology, nursing management, and other related subjects. Full-time students can finish in four semesters, while the part-time pathway takes eight. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $295 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> SUNY Canton offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA, the Excelsior Scholarship, and private financial aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.AlfredStateCollegeOfTechnology">4. Alfred State College of Technology</h3> <p>The RN to BSN program at Alfred State College of Technology is available online. This program offers coursework in topics such as healthcare informatics, health assessment, population health, and nursing ethics. </p> <p>Alfred State, located in Alfred, NY, is a public SUNY school. BSN students can finish the degree program here within four semesters. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $295 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Alfred State accepts aid through FAFSA, the Excelsior Scholarship, and private sources. It also offers institutional aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE and ACEN </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.BinghamtonUniversity">5. Binghamton University</h3> <p>Binghamton University is a public SUNY school in Binghamton, NY. It offers a fully online RN to BSN program with both a full-time and part-time pathway. </p> <p>Full-time students can finish the program in as little as ten months. Courses are offered in seven-week sessions and cover topics such as population health, health assessment, healthcare policy, and nursing leadership. Some clinical experiences are available virtually, while the rest can be conducted at your workplace. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $295 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> SUNY Binghamton accepts FAFSA and the Excelsior Scholarship, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.EmpireStateUniversity">6. Empire State University</h3> <p>Students at Empire State University can complete their BSN completely online. Courses focus on pharmacology, healthcare systems, community health, and more. </p> <p>SUNY Empire, a public online university, is located in Saratoga Springs, NY. Its RN to BSN program includes eight and 15-week courses and allows nursing students to finish in as little as three semesters. It's one of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/shortest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">quickest RN to BSN programs online</a> in the state. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $295 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> SUNY Empire offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA, the Excelsior Scholarship, and private programs. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---7.StonyBrookUniversity">7. Stony Brook University</h3> <p>Stony Brook University offers an online RN to BSN program that covers health sciences, professional nursing, and clinical nursing. SBU is a public research university in Stony Brook, NY, and the other flagship institution of the SUNY system. </p> <p>Course topics include social justice in healthcare, healthcare informatics, and health assessment. The online nursing program provides a firm foundation for students to further their nursing careers. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $295 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> SBU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA, the Excelsior Scholarship, and private financial aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---8.SUNYBrockport">8. SUNY Brockport</h3> <p>The RN to BSN degree completion program at SUNY Brockport is a fast-track option for local registered nurses. The 100% online program is flexible and designed for working nurses. </p> <p>The program includes courses on health assessment, epidemiology, evidence-based practice, and research. Students will graduate prepared for career opportunities in leadership or to pursue graduate programs in nursing. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $295 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> SUNY Brockport accepts aid through FAFSA, the Excelsior Scholarship, and private sources. It also offers institutional aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---9.CUNYSchoolOfProfessionalStudies">9. CUNY School of Professional Studies</h3> <p>The CUNY School of Professional Studies is a public university in New York City primarily geared toward adult learners. It offers an online RN to BSN program that prepares licensed registered nurses to assume leadership positions in acute care, as well as community-based and long-term care settings. </p> <p>Courses cover topics like nursing informatics, nursing research, health assessment, and professional nursing. CUNY SPS has articulation agreements with many local community colleges, making it easy for students to transfer credits. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $305 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> CUNY SPS accepts FAFSA and the Excelsior Scholarship, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---10.LehmanCollege">10. Lehman College</h3> <p>Through Lehman College, registered nurses can earn their bachelor's degree online in just one year. Courses are offered year-round, and students have the flexibility to choose the site for their clinical experience. </p> <p>Lehman College is a public CUNY school located in the Bronx within NYC. Students will leave the online learning program ready for professional practice or to pursue a graduate program. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $305 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Lehman College offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA, the Excelsior Scholarship, and private programs. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> MSCHE and CCNE </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> <p>To choose the affordable RN to BSN online programs listed above, we looked at which schools in New York offer online RN to BSN programs. Then, we narrowed it down by looking at: </p> <ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Every school we chose is regionally accredited, and each nursing program is accredited by either the ACEN or CCNE. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> We chose the least expensive programs in the state, and all have comprehensive financial aid options. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> In addition to accreditation, we looked at programs only from four-year public or nonprofit private schools to ensure high quality. </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowToPayForYourNursingDegree">How To Pay for Your Nursing Degree</h2> <p>The best way to pay for your nursing degree is by filling out the FAFSA. This determines your eligibility for federal programs, such as the Pell Grant, and state programs like the Excelsior Scholarship. There are many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_new_york.html">online schools that accept FAFSA</a> in New York. </p> <p>The Excelsior Scholarship is available to New York residents who are earning a bachelor's degree at a SUNY or CUNY school. Students must be studying full-time and have an adjusted combined federal household income of $125,000 or less. </p> <p>Additionally, as RNs in New York are obligated to earn their bachelor's, some employers are willing to assist with tuition costs. You can also look for private scholarships to help fund your degree. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutCheapOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">FAQs About Cheap Online RN to BSN Programs</h2> <p>Trying to figure out the logistics of earning a BSN can feel a little stressful. We've answered some frequently asked questions to help you out. </p> <h3 id="section---HowFastCanIGoFromRNToBSN">How Fast Can I Go From RN to BSN?</h3> <p>Most RN to BSN programs range from 12 to 18 months. The length of time it takes you to complete the program will depend primarily on whether you study full-time or part-time. </p> <p>It can also depend on your previous education and transfer credits. Most bachelor's degrees require a total of 120 credit hours, so to finish your degree faster, you'll need to have completed all general education and prerequisite courses as well as any liberal arts or general electives for your program. </p> <p>Keep in mind that full-time programs can be more intensive, especially if you're working while earning your degree. In some cases, the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/easiest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">easiest RN to BSN program</a> may be a part-time one. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesAnOnlineRNToBSNProgramCostInNewYork">How Much Does an Online RN to BSN Program Cost in New York?</h3> <p>Tuition rates vary depending on which program you choose and how many credits you need to complete your program. RN to BSN programs often require between 30 and 60 credits. At a SUNY school, that's a minimum of $8,850, not including costs for textbooks, supplies, and miscellaneous fees. </p> <p>Many CUNY and SUNY schools also cap tuition at 12 credits per semester. This means if you earn 15 credits, you pay the same as if you earn 12. This can help save you money. </p> <h3 id="section---WhichOnlineRNToBSNProgramsInNewYorkOfferTheLowestTuition">Which Online RN to BSN Programs in New York Offer the Lowest Tuition?</h3> <p>In New York, the least expensive online RN to BSN programs come from SUNY and CUNY schools. SUNY tuition is $295 per credit for residents, and CUNY tuition is $305 per credit for residents. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanYouDoWithABSNDegree">What Can You Do With a BSN Degree?</h3> <p>In New York, students must earn a bachelor's degree within 10 years of obtaining their registered nurse license to keep their licensure valid. Earning a BSN allows you to keep practicing. </p> <p>Additionally, completing a BS program helps you further develop your critical thinking and leadership skills, allowing you to move into leadership and management positions within healthcare. </p> <p>A BSN also allows you to pursue graduate study so you can become a nurse practitioner or nurse educator. Graduate nursing programs include a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineNursingEducationOptions">Explore Online Nursing Education Options</h2> <p>Find the perfect online RN to BSN program by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions requirements, enrollment, start dates, and financial aid.</p>