10 Cheapest RN to BSN Programs Online in Virginia 2026

<h3 id="section---1.VirginiaStateUniversity">1. Virginia State University</h3><p>Virginia State University is a historically Black school in Ettrick. This public university offers a part-time, online RN to BSN program that students can complete in five semesters. </p><p>The program is designed for working nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to gain advanced training and credentials in a way that works for them. Coursework is available 100% online, allowing students to fit their studies around their careers and other commitments. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $10,043 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can use grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.NorfolkStateUniversity">2. Norfolk State University</h3><p>Norfolk State University is a public school in Norfolk. It offers one of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/shortest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">fastest RN to BSN programs online</a> in Virginia, as it is designed for completion in as little as nine months. </p><p>This full-time program is for those with active RN licenses hoping to advance their skills in nursing practice and leadership. Students are prepared to advance their careers in various healthcare settings. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $10,180 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> State and federal aid, scholarships, student loans, and grants are available. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfVirginiaSCollegeAtWise">3. University of Virginia's College at Wise</h3><p>The University of Virginia's College at Wise is a public liberal arts school featuring a small enrollment of under 2,500 students. Those holding RN licensure who have completed a diploma or ADN program can enroll in the school's online RN to BSN program. </p><p>This flexible program enables students to complete all general education and nursing courses online — on their own schedules. Students can complete the program and graduate with their BSNs in just two to four semesters. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $11,780 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Institutional and external scholarships, state and federal aid, grants, and student loans are available. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.RadfordUniversity">4. Radford University</h3><p>Radford University is a public college offering a wide variety of online degree programs. One of the options is a flexible RN to BSN program, ideal for busy healthcare professionals, that can be completed in as little as 10 months. </p><p>This 30-credit program features six start dates each year. Students improve their nursing leadership and patient care skills while preparing for advanced education or career paths. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $12,548 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can use institutional and external scholarships, student loans, and state and federal grants to cover costs. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.OldDominionUniversity">5. Old Dominion University</h3><p>Old Dominion University is a public school in Norfolk known for providing a wealth of online programs. Among these programs is a transfer-friendly RN to BSN program that students can complete during or after an ADN program. </p><p>The school awards transfer credit for 33 of the 66 nursing credit hours required and will also evaluate other forms of credit for transfer. At least 30 hours of the program must be completed at Old Dominion, but this highly flexible baccalaureate program makes it easy for nurses to advance their education and careers. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $12,750 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can consider aid such as scholarships, state and federal aid, student loans, work-study programs, and grants. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.CentraCollege">6. Centra College</h3><p>Centra College is a healthcare school based in Lynchburg. Its RN to BSN program is designed for busy nurses and offers both full-time and part-time study options. </p><p>Students who have completed the necessary prerequisites enroll in nursing courses such as: </p><ul><li>community health perspectives </li><li>evidence-based practice and research in nursing </li><li>healthcare policy. </li></ul><p>The program culminates in a capstone project and is completed within one to two years. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $12,983 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Scholarships, student loans, and grants are available. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) </li></ul><h3 id="section---7.GeorgeMasonUniversity">7. George Mason University</h3><p>George Mason University is a public school in Fairfax. It provides various remote programs through its Mason Online platform, including an RN to BSN degree. </p><p>Students complete three classes per semester, including one semester-length class and two seven-week classes, to finish the program in one year. This allows them to study full-time while still being able to juggle work and other life commitments. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $14,220 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Grants, scholarships, student loans, and state and federal aid are available. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---8.VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity">8. Virginia Commonwealth University</h3><p>Virginia Commonwealth University is a public school in Richmond. Its online RN to BSN program is available on a part-time basis and can be completed in six semesters. </p><p>The program consists of 32 credit hours and offers three yearly start dates. Students who graduate from the program receive guaranteed admission into the school's graduate nursing programs such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $16,945 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can use institutional and external scholarships, state and federal grants, and student loans. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---9.RiversideCollegeOfHealthCareers">9. Riverside College of Health Careers</h3><p>Riverside College of Health Careers is a healthcare school in Newport News. It offers various nursing programs, including an online RN to BSN degree. </p><p>The program is flexible and convenient, with self-paced online studies and practicums (clinical experiences) that students can complete in their own communities. Classes are available in eight-week sessions — students can complete the program in one to two years. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $17,250 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Grants, scholarships, and student loans can be used to cover costs. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> ABHES </li></ul><h3 id="section---10.ECPIUniversity">10. ECPI University</h3><p>ECPI University is a private, for-profit school located in Virginia Beach. It is known for providing flexible, accelerated degree programs, and one of the options available is an RN to BSN degree. </p><p>Students can study on a full-time or part-time basis, completing the program in as little as 45 weeks. Each term is five weeks long, allowing for accelerated study and quick completion times. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $18,484 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Grants, scholarships, student loans, and federal aid are available. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>We strive to choose only high-quality schools when creating our rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the nursing education programs featured above: </p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency, and each college of nursing maintains specialized accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or similar organizations. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> The schools of nursing listed provide some of the most affordable degrees for BSN students in Virginia. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> All of the schools have strong reputations for providing academically sound on-campus and online learning opportunities. </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowToPayForYourNursingDegree">How To Pay for Your Nursing Degree</h2><p>Even attending an affordable online college can cost a lot of money. Fortunately, many types of financial aid can help students greatly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. </p><p>All students, regardless of financial status, are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_virginia.html">online schools that accept FAFSA</a>, which provides government funding in the form of grants, work-study programs, and loans. </p><p>Students in nursing degree programs may also qualify for numerous scholarships through their schools or from outside sources, such as nonprofits and businesses. These merit-based awards may be available specifically for nursing students or based on a variety of other factors, such as GPA. </p><p>Finally, working nurses may want to check with their employers to find out about tuition assistance opportunities. Healthcare facilities are often happy to help top employees further their education to pursue career advancements and promotions. </p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutCheapOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">FAQs About Cheap Online RN to BSN Programs</h2><p>If you still have questions about pursuing higher education to further your nursing career, you're not alone. Read on as we answer some commonly asked questions you may be wondering about. </p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoOnlineRNToBSNProgramsCostInVirginia">How Much Do Online RN to BSN Programs Cost in Virginia?</h3><p>Tuition costs can vary widely from school to school. Private universities in the state typically feature the highest rates, with annual averages ranging from $20,000 to $35,000 or more per year. The schools featured in this article are far more affordable, with average yearly tuition ranging from around $10,000 to $18,500. </p><h3 id="section---HowFastCanIGoFromRNToBSN">How Fast Can I Go From RN to BSN?</h3><p>Some of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/easiest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">easiest RN to BSN programs online</a> are part-time or self-paced programs that students can take their time completing. However, those looking to finish their degree quickly may need to commit to more intensive study schedules. Depending on the program, some RN to BSN degrees can be completed in as little as nine months. </p><h3 id="section---WhatFinancialAidIsAvailableToNursingDegreeStudentsInVirginia">What Financial Aid Is Available to Nursing Degree Students in Virginia?</h3><p>Nursing students in Virginia can seek financial aid from various sources, as discussed above. Options include government aid through the FAFSA like grants and work-study programs, school-based and outside scholarships, and employer tuition assistance. </p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheCheapestRNToBSNOnlineProgram">What Is the Cheapest RN to BSN Online Program?</h3><p>The cheapest RN to BSN online programs can vary in tuition cost depending on where you live and whether or not the school charges in-state or out-of-state tuition. Some of the most affordable options in Virginia are discussed above; however, some out-of-state schools that waive nonresident tuition rates for online learners may have even cheaper options. </p><p>Some of the most affordable RN to BSN programs are available through schools like Western Governors University and Fort Hays State University. </p><h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineNursingPrograms">Explore Online Nursing Programs</h2><p>If you're ready to advance your nursing career and get your bachelor's degree in nursing, check out the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges to learn more about their nursing degree completion programs and admission requirements and find the right degree for you.</p>