10 Cheapest RN to BSN Programs Online in Tennessee 2026

<h3 id="section---1.AustinPeayStateUniversity">1. Austin Peay State University</h3> <p>At Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, nursing students ready to advance their careers can pursue an RN to BSN with 100% online coursework. Classes explore pathophysiology, professional nursing concepts, community nursing, and beyond. </p> <p>Admission requirements include an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or nursing diploma, an RN license, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. This program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), offers accelerated seven-week courses and five annual start dates to help students graduate in as little as one year. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $303 per credit hour (in-state); $543 per credit hour (out-of-state) </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Scholarships, grants, on-campus employment, loans, and VA benefits are available to reduce school costs. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.KingUniversity">2. King University</h3> <p>The RN to BSN at King University is a CCNE-accredited online program designed for working nurses with an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing. Applicants must have a valid multi-state license or a nursing license in Tennessee. </p> <p>Once enrolled, learners take accelerated seven-week classes exploring healthcare informatics, evidence-based practice, health assessment, and other key competencies. After graduating, RNs will be ready to assume new careers as primary care nurse managers, nursing directors, and clinical audit managers. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $350 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Nursing students can use scholarships, grants, military benefits, and other financial aid to save. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.TennesseeWesleyanUniversity">3. Tennessee Wesleyan University</h3> <p>Tennessee Wesleyan University offers a flexible RN-BSN completion program for nurses ready to earn their bachelor's degree and take the next step in their careers. All courses are delivered entirely online, and clinical experiences are completed in learners' hometowns. </p> <p>Students seeking enrollment must have a minimum 2.75 GPA and a current, unrestricted RN licensure before the start of the second semester. The program's accelerated format helps nurses finish their studies in as little as one year. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $370 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students enrolled in online BSN programs are eligible for federal and state aid, including the HOPE Scholarship, Pell Grant, and student loans. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.BethelUniversity">4. Bethel University</h3> <p>Nurses seeking the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/shortest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">fastest RN to BSN program online</a> can find a bachelor's completion degree at Bethel University that students often finish in less than a year. Taking two 10-week classes at a time accomplishes this goal. </p> <p>Enrollees take general education, pre-program, and RN-BSN nursing courses, as needed, to complete the degree. A practicum/capstone is also required to graduate. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $388 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Bethel helps lower costs with grants, scholarships, student loans, and other financial assistance. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.UnionUniversity">5. Union University</h3> <p>Union University's College of Nursing is home to an RN-BSN track for nurses who hold an associate degree or nursing diploma. The curriculum, which explores the ethical aspects of nursing, community nursing, leadership, and pharmacology, can be completed online in as little as 18 months. </p> <p>Enrollment requires a minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 hours of college coursework and a current, unencumbered RN license. After completing this program, RNs have the leadership skills to pursue advanced nursing roles. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $400 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Learners can make their degrees more affordable by applying for scholarships, grants, and student loans. Employment opportunities and VA benefits are also available. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.LincolnMemorialUniversity">6. Lincoln Memorial University</h3> <p>RNs with an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or nursing diploma can find an affordable RN-BSN option at Lincoln Memorial University. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), this program is available completely online, with some seat courses offered at the Main campus (Harrogate), Cedar Bluff (Knoxville), and Tampa (Florida). </p> <p>When enrolled in this program, students grow their knowledge of nursing research, pathophysiology, and nursing informatics. Upon completion, BSN students will be ready to assume leadership roles in the healthcare system. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $420 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can increase program affordability with scholarships, grants, and other financial aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---7.UniversityOfTennesseeAtMartin">7. University of Tennessee at Martin</h3> <p>The University of Tennessee at Martin offers an ACEN-accredited RN-BSN program, providing 100% online coursework and real-world, hands-on learning experiences. Online courses enhance students' professional skills in patient care, clinical judgment, teamwork, safety, and leadership. </p> <p>After earning this baccalaureate degree, enrollees can qualify for graduate programs or higher-level nursing roles. RNs seeking enrollment must hold an active, unencumbered RN license and complete prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $445 per credit hour (in-state); $484 per credit hour (out-of-state) </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Grants, scholarships, and student loans can make the RN to BSN program more affordable. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---8.UniversityOfMemphis">8. University of Memphis</h3> <p>The RN to BSN at the University of Memphis is a 100% online degree that learners can complete in as little as 12 months. The program, accredited by the CCNE, enhances students' understanding of professional nursing, community health, transcultural nursing, and more. </p> <p>To gain admission, learners must have a nursing diploma or ADN degree, a 2.5 GPA, and an active, unencumbered RN license (or be eligible for licensure). Applicants of this program must be residents of a state in which the Loewenberg College of Nursing is authorized to provide distance education. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $447 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> The university helps students reduce costs with scholarships, grants, and other financial aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---9.EastTennesseeStateUniversity">9. East Tennessee State University</h3> <p>East Tennessee State University's BSN degree completion program is designed for working nurses seeking greater job security and higher salaries. Offered 100% online, coursework in this CCNE-accredited program focuses on pharmacology, public health nursing, healthcare systems, and more. </p> <p>Enrollees enjoy flexible asynchronous BSN courses that they can navigate at their own pace. Attending full-time helps learners earn their degrees in just three semesters. Part-time learners can also graduate quickly with help from transfer credits. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $464 per credit hour (in-state); Starting at $493 per credit hour (out-of-state) </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> ETSU enrollees can save with nursing scholarships and federal student aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---10.TennesseeTech">10. Tennessee Tech</h3> <p>At Tennessee Tech, nurses with an AAS or ADN can enhance their careers by enrolling in a fully online RN-to-BSN program. Coursework deepens learners' knowledge of research in healthcare, professional nursing practice, leadership, management, and more. </p> <p>The Tennessee Mobility Act helps Tennessee Tech award credit for more than half of upper-division nursing courses to qualifying RN-BSN students. Experiential learning credits are available in community health and leadership/management nursing courses. </p> <ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $474 per credit or less </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Tennessee Tech scholarships, external scholarships, grants, and other aid increase program affordability. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> <p>Our team thoroughly vetted the colleges and universities in this ranking list to ensure they meet the following criteria for high-quality academic experiences: </p> <ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Each school is accredited by the SACSCOC, a nationally recognized organization. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> These institutions offer low-cost tuition or financial aid to make learning more affordable. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> The nursing programs in this list come from institutions with quality academic reputations. </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowToPayForYourNursingDegree">How To Pay for Your Nursing Degree</h2> <p>While many nursing programs in Tennessee are affordable, covering tuition and fees out of pocket is still challenging for many students. If you need help paying for your BSN degree, consider the following tips: </p> <ul><li><b>Pursue nursing scholarships:</b> Many schools of nursing offer scholarships or grants to help students cover some or all tuition and fees. </li><li><b>Look for schools accepting federal aid:</b> When researching programs, consider applying to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_tennessee.html">cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA</a> and provide grants and work-study opportunities to lower costs. </li><li><b>Ask about employer tuition assistance:</b> Find out if the company you work for covers some or all program costs via a tuition assistance or reimbursement program. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutCheapOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">FAQs About Cheap Online RN to BSN Programs</h2> <p>If you're ready to earn an affordable RN to BSN degree, keep reading. The following FAQs can help you gain a better understanding of these programs before enrolling. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchDoOnlineRNToBSNProgramsCostInTennessee">How Much Do Online RN to BSN Programs Cost in Tennessee?</h3> <p>The amount you'll pay to earn an online RN to BSN in Tennessee depends on your school and program of choice. Residency and enrollment status could also impact costs. </p> <p>Many schools throughout the state offer programs with tuition priced at less than $500 per credit. Do you want to save even more? Consider applying for scholarships and federal aid. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsTheEasiestSchoolForRNToBSN">What Is the Easiest School for RN to BSN?</h3> <p>The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/easiest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">easiest RN to BSN program</a> helps students complete their studies as quickly and effortlessly as possible. In Tennessee, asynchronous RN to BSN programs fall into this category. Many offer around-the-clock access to learning materials and allow students to navigate coursework and graduate at their own pace. </p> <h3 id="section---HowLongIsANursingProgramInTennessee">How Long Is a Nursing Program in Tennessee?</h3> <p>The time needed to complete a degree depends on factors like enrollment status and whether your chosen program has a generous transfer policy. Selecting an accelerated program with short courses (e.g., five-week sessions) can also make a difference. Some of Tennessee's shortest programs help students graduate in less than a year. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsTheCheapestRNToBSNOnlineProgram">What Is the Cheapest RN to BSN Online Program?</h3> <p>If you're looking for the most affordable program in the state, consider the RN to BSN from Austin Peay State University. Per credit tuition is $303 for residents and $543 for non-residents. King University's RN to BSN is also highly affordable, costing just $350 per credit hour for all learners, regardless of residency. </p> <h2 id="section---DiscoverOnlineNursingPrograms">Discover Online Nursing Programs</h2> <p>Begin your journey toward a rewarding nursing career by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools of interest today to learn how they can help you reach your goals.</p>