6 Cheapest RN to BSN Programs Online in Washington 2026

<h3 id="section---1.OlympicCollege">1. Olympic College</h3><p>Olympic College is a community college located in Bremerton, WA. Those holding current RN licensure can enroll in the school's affordable hybrid RN to BSN program. </p><p>The program helps students enhance their critical thinking and decision-making skills through a combination of online and in-person coursework, as well as real-world clinical experiences. Students can choose one-year, two-year, and three-year graduation plans according to their desired study schedules. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $4,197 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Scholarships, state and federal aid, grants, and student loans are available. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.BellevueCollege">2. Bellevue College</h3><p>Bellevue College is a community college comprising nearly 20,000 students. It offers a hybrid RN to BSN program with both full-time and part-time study options available. </p><p>Students enhance their professional nursing skills through a study of evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, community health, and more. A hands-on project during the final two quarters of the program gives students a chance to demonstrate leadership and management abilities. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $4,436 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Scholarships, grants, and state and federal aid are available. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NWCCU </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.LowerColumbiaCollege">3. Lower Columbia College</h3><p>Lower Columbia College is a Community College in Longview, WA. It offers one of Washington's <a href="https://learn.org/articles/shortest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">fastest RN to BSN programs online</a>, with the ability to complete the program in as little as three quarters. </p><p>The program is offered in a hybrid format, with students typically meeting on campus about once a week. Full-time and part-time options are available. The program is approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing and is pursuing accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $4,626 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can use grants, scholarships, student loans, and state and federal aid to cover expenses. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NWCCU </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.UniversityOfWashingtonBothell">4. University of Washington - Bothell</h3><p>The University of Washington - Bothell is a public school in the University of Washington System. It offers a hybrid RN to BSN program that students typically complete within one year. </p><p>The program teaches key competencies to help students succeed in new and challenging positions. Students complete 45 credit hours as part of the program while bringing in 90 transfer credits and 45 National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) credits. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $12,919 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can apply for state and federal aid, internal and external scholarships, and student loans. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NWCCU </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfWashingtonTacoma">5. University of Washington - Tacoma</h3><p>The University of Washington - Tacoma is another member of the University of Washington System. It provides a hybrid RN to BSN program ideal for both full-time and part-time students. </p><p>The program provides nursing courses covering topics such as population health, ethical issues in healthcare, and addiction and mental illness. Students also complete practicums to gain hands-on practice experience. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $13,168 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Scholarships, grants, student loans, and state and federal aid are available. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NWCCU </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.WashingtonStateUniversity">6. Washington State University</h3><p>Washington State University is a large public school in Pullman, WA. Students at this school can complete a primarily online RN to BSN program that requires on-campus attendance only one day per semester. </p><p>The CCNE-accredited program consists of 30 credit hours, and students who have completed all nursing prerequisites can graduate in as little as one year. Students complete a community or population health project and a capstone to gain hands-on skills. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $13,391 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Scholarships, student loans, grants, and state and federal aid are available. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NWCCU </li></ul><h2 id="section---OtherAffordableRNToBSNProgramsOnline">Other Affordable RN to BSN Programs Online</h2><p>BSN students taking online courses can earn their bachelor's degree from anywhere. With that in mind, let's discuss some top out-of-state colleges that provide affordable online RN to BSN degree programs. </p><h3 id="section---MiddleGeorgiaStateUniversity">Middle Georgia State University</h3><p>Middle Georgia State University is a public school in Macon, GA. It offers many online degrees, including a fully online RN to BSN program. </p><p>Students typically complete this program within three to four semesters of continuous study. The program teaches nursing research skills through capstone projects, and low tuition rates for all online learners makes this one of the most affordable programs in the country. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $5,220 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can use grants, scholarships, student loans, and federal aid. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---FortHaysStateUniversity">Fort Hays State University</h3><p>Fort Hays State University is a public school located in Hays, KS. Students can complete hundreds of degree and certificate programs online at this school, including an RN to BSN program. </p><p>The program offers three yearly start dates. Coursework is available 100% online, and all remote learners pay the same low tuition rates. Students can meet clinical requirements by working at approved clinical sites in their local communities. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $7,719 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Scholarships, federal aid, student loans, and grants are available. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) </li></ul><h3 id="section---FayettevilleStateUniversity">Fayetteville State University</h3><p>Fayetteville State University is located in Fayetteville, NC. This public school provides an RN to BSN program that can be completed online. </p><p>Students can complete this program in as little as two and a half semesters of study. Students gain advanced skills in emergency care, health assessment, community health, and more. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $7,750 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Federal aid, scholarships, grants, and student loans are available. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h3 id="section---WesternCarolinaUniversity">Western Carolina University</h3><p>Western Carolina University is a public school in Cullowhee, NC. Learners at this school can complete an entirely online RN to BSN program in four semesters. </p><p>Students complete 24 credit hours of nursing core courses and six hours of upper-division electives. Through the NC Promise Program, out-of-state students pay just $2,500 per semester in tuition. </p><ul><li><b>Average tuition cost:</b> $10,000 </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can apply for scholarships, grants, state and federal aid, and student loans to cover expenses. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>We endeavor to select the best higher education opportunities when creating our rank lists. We used the following criteria when choosing the colleges of nursing above: </p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Each school is institutionally accredited, and each nursing program maintains or is seeking accreditation from the CCNE or similar organizations. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> The baccalaureate degrees featured above are some of the most affordable options available for nursing students in Washington. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> Each school is known for having high academic standards and providing quality training programs. </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowToPayForYourNursingDegree">How To Pay for Your Nursing Degree</h2><p>If you're still concerned about paying for your nursing degree, keep reading. Many financial aid options can help you advance your nursing career with little or no out-of-pocket expenses. </p><p>Many schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations offer nursing scholarships. These merit-based awards are often used to cover tuition but may help pay for other expenses as well. </p><p>Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you earn grants, work-study placements, and more from federal and state governments. There are many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_washington.html">online schools that accept FAFSA</a>, and these funds can be used to cover a variety of college costs. </p><p>Working nurses employed in various healthcare settings may qualify for employer tuition assistance benefits. Those with military backgrounds may receive additional benefits and tuition discounts or waivers through their GI Bills. </p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutCheapOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">FAQs About Cheap Online RN to BSN Programs</h2><p>If you still have questions about furthering your education from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to a BSN, you're not alone. Read on as we answer some common questions you may be wondering about. </p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheAverageCostOfRNToBSNOnlineNursingProgramsInWashington">What Is the Average Cost of RN to BSN Online Nursing Programs in Washington?</h3><p>RN to BSN program costs can vary widely depending on the school you attend. Private schools typically charge higher tuition rates, averaging between $30,000 and $50,000 per year. Public schools typically provide lower rates, with in-state averages ranging from around $4,000 to $13,000 per year. </p><h3 id="section---HowDoOnlineRNToBSNProgramsWork">How Do Online RN to BSN Programs Work?</h3><p>The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/easiest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">easiest RN to BSN programs</a> feature asynchronous online coursework and part-time or self-paced study options. These programs allow students to complete nursing courses, electives, and any remaining general education requirements on a schedule that fits into their busy lives. </p><p>Full-time programs are typically more intensive, requiring a greater commitment, though coursework is still typically flexible and available online. Many RN to BSN programs require students to gain hands-on experience by working clinical hours at a location convenient to them, even if all coursework is completed online. </p><h3 id="section---WhatCanYouDoWithAnRNToBSNDegree">What Can You Do With an RN to BSN Degree?</h3><p>RN to BSN programs help students with active RN licenses gain advanced patient care and nursing leadership skills. This, in turn, helps them qualify for more advanced RN positions in the healthcare system, such as travel nurse and nurse manager. </p><p>Those hoping to become nurse practitioners or other specialists also have the option of pursuing advanced degrees such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). </p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheCheapestRNToBSNOnlineProgram">What Is the Cheapest RN to BSN Online Program?</h3><p>Some of the cheapest RN to BSN programs online in Washington are featured in this article. Many states offer cheaper programs for in-state students, but Washington residents would likely have to pay more expensive out-of-state rates for these programs. </p><p>That said, the out-of-state schools featured above charge the same affordable rates for all online learners regardless of residency, making some of them even cheaper than Washington's in-state schools. One of these is Middle Georgia State University, which offers one of the most affordable RN to BSN programs in the nation at just $5,220 in tuition costs. </p><h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineNursingDegreePrograms">Explore Online Nursing Degree Programs</h2><p>If you're ready to improve your nursing care skills and take your career to the next level, explore the RN to BSN programs at the schools here on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges to learn more about their admission requirements and to choose the best program for you.</p>