4 Cheapest RN to BSN Programs Online in Connecticut 2026

<h3 id="section---1.CharterOakStateCollege">1. Charter Oak State College</h3><p>At Charter Oak State College, the RN to BSN program is tailored to support registered nurses seeking to advance their credentials through a flexible, online format. As Connecticut's only public online college, Charter Oak is known for its affordability and transfer-friendly policies. </p><p>The RN to BSN track is part of its broader mission to provide accessible education for adult learners. Students may begin the program throughout the year and benefit from academic advisors who specialize in supporting nursing students. Most students transfer previously earned credits, reducing the number of credits they need to complete the program. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $329 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial Aid:</b> Charter Oak offers financial aid through federal and state grants, scholarships, and payment plan options for qualifying students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.UniversityOfBridgeport">2. University of Bridgeport</h3><p>The RN to BSN program at the University of Bridgeport offers an online learning experience with multiple start dates throughout the year. Students can complete the degree in as few as 12 to 24 months, depending on transfer credits and course load. The university allows up to 90 transfer credits. </p><p>Courses are asynchronous, which means students can access materials and complete assignments on their own schedule. The university also provides access to resources such as online tutoring, career services, and academic advising throughout the program. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $345 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial Aid:</b> The University of Bridgeport offers a range of financial aid options, including federal grants, scholarships, and interest-free payment plans for qualified students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NECHE and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.SacredHeartUniversity">3. Sacred Heart University</h3><p>Sacred Heart University offers an RN to BSN program that can be completed entirely online, giving students the flexibility to complete coursework from anywhere. The program is structured to support nurses with an associate degree who are seeking to advance their education and qualify for broader career opportunities. </p><p>With multiple start dates throughout the year, students can begin when it best suits their schedule. Sacred Heart's faculty members bring practical experience and support to online learners, contributing to a strong academic experience. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $390 per credit </li><li><b>Financial Aid:</b> Sacred Heart provides financial assistance through federal aid, merit-based scholarships, and tuition reimbursement support for eligible students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NECHE and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.QuinnipiacUniversity">4. Quinnipiac University</h3><p>Quinnipiac University's RN to BSN program is structured for degree completion through asynchronous online courses. Up to 90 transfer credits may be accepted, and the program can be completed in as few as 12 months, depending on prior coursework and enrollment pace. </p><p>A minimum of 30 credits must be completed at Quinnipiac to earn the degree. Even though this Connecticut program is not as affordable as others in the state, it offers many financial aid programs to help reduce the total out-of-pocket cost. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $575 per credit </li><li><b>Financial Aid:</b> Quinnipiac University provides financial aid through federal and state grants, loans, and a limited number of institutional scholarships for eligible students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NECHE and CCNE </li></ul><h2 id="section---OtherAffordableOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">Other Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs</h2><p>If you live in Connecticut but are open to online RN to BSN programs from nearby states, several regional colleges offer affordable options with flexible formats. These programs can provide additional choices when it comes to tuition rates, credit transfer policies, and start dates—without sacrificing accreditation or quality. </p><h3 id="section---FitchburgStateUniversity">Fitchburg State University</h3><p>Based in central Massachusetts, this program is open to students across the region and offered in an accelerated online format with six start dates per year. The RN to BSN track at Fitchburg State University includes 32 credits of upper-division nursing coursework and can be completed in as few as 12 months. </p><p>Students are admitted on a rolling basis and can take one or two courses at a time depending on their schedule. Online learning tools and faculty support are designed to help students stay engaged throughout the program. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $311 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial Aid:</b> Fitchburg State provides financial aid through federal student loans, grants, and institutional scholarships for qualifying students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NECHE and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---SouthernNewHampshireUniversity">Southern New Hampshire University</h3><p>Southern New Hampshire University offers an RN to BSN program that is structured to accommodate students transferring up to 90 credits from previous college coursework. Based in Manchester, NH, the university supports learners with dedicated academic advising and career services tailored to nursing students. </p><p>The RN to BSN program follows a flexible online format, allowing students to progress at their own pace. New sessions start frequently throughout the year, giving applicants multiple opportunities to begin the program when they are ready. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $330 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial Aid:</b> SNHU offers financial aid through federal grants, loans, military tuition assistance, and need-based scholarships. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NECHE and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---StateUniversityOfNewYorkDelhi">State University of New York Delhi</h3><p>Students who hold a current RN license can enroll in the RN to BSN program at the State University of New York (SUNY) Delhi, which is offered entirely online and structured for maximum convenience. The program accepts transfer credits and includes multiple start dates each year. </p><p>SUNY Delhi's nursing program has been recognized for its commitment to quality and accessibility, and the college maintains strong ties with healthcare providers throughout New York, offering additional professional networking advantages. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $353 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial Aid:</b> SUNY Delhi provides federal and state aid options, as well as institutional scholarships for eligible students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) </li></ul><h3 id="section---UniversityOfMassachusettsDartmouth">University of Massachusetts Dartmouth</h3><p>Located on the south coast of Massachusetts, UMass Dartmouth offers an online RN to BSN program for licensed nurses. The program accepts transfer credits and provides multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin when it's most convenient. </p><p>Courses are accessible through a user-friendly online platform supported by the university's Division of Online Learning. UMass Dartmouth emphasizes support for nontraditional learners by offering advising services and digital tools to help students succeed from enrollment through graduation. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $359 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial Aid:</b> UMass Dartmouth offers financial assistance through federal aid, scholarships, and tuition credit programs for qualifying students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NECHE and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---WestfieldStateUniversity">Westfield State University</h3><p>Located in western Massachusetts, Westfield State University offers an RN to BSN completion program for students who have already earned their Associate Degree in Nursing. The program operates on a part-time schedule and uses a hybrid format with online coursework and some on-campus requirements. </p><p>Students benefit from access to faculty with clinical expertise and academic advising tailored to nursing majors. The university also provides opportunities for community-based learning, contributing to students' professional growth beyond the classroom. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $368 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial Aid:</b> Westfield State supports students through federal and state aid, institutional scholarships, and tuition payment plans. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NECHE and CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---UniversityOfMassachusettsLowell">University of Massachusetts Lowell</h3><p>The University of Massachusetts Lowell's RN to BSN program offers an online curriculum with flexibility for students looking to earn their bachelor's degree while continuing their professional journey. Located in northeastern Massachusetts, UMass Lowell accepts up to 90 transfer credits and allows students to take one or more courses per term. </p><p>The program is structured to support adult learners and includes multiple entry points throughout the year. Advising services and online resources help students stay on track to meet their academic goals. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $385 per credit hour </li><li><b>Financial Aid:</b> UMass Lowell offers a variety of financial aid options, including federal grants, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement support for eligible students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> NECHE and CCNE </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>To help students find high-quality, affordable RN to BSN programs, we evaluate each school using a consistent set of criteria. These factors ensure that the programs listed provide both academic value and practical accessibility for licensed nurses. </p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All schools included hold institutional accreditation from a recognized accrediting body and programmatic accreditation from the CCNE or the ACEN. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> We prioritize programs with tuition rates at or below $500 per credit hour, helping students complete their degree without excessive debt. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> We consider factors such as faculty expertise, graduation rates, and institutional support services to identify schools that offer respected and student-centered nursing education. </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowToPayForYourNursingDegree">How To Pay for Your Nursing Degree</h2><p>Paying for an RN to BSN program can feel overwhelming, but there are several practical options to help reduce the financial burden. One of the most common forms of aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_connecticut.html">online schools that accept FAFSA</a> make it easier for students in Connecticut to apply their aid toward tuition and fees. </p><p>In addition to federal aid, many colleges offer scholarships specifically for nursing students, which can be based on academic merit, financial need, or professional background. State grants, employer tuition assistance, and military education benefits may also help offset costs. It's worth checking with your school's financial aid office to explore all available funding sources. </p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutCheapOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">FAQs About Cheap Online RN to BSN Programs</h2><p>If you're considering earning a BSN through an affordable online program, you likely have questions about the process, expectations, and outcomes. Below, we've answered some of the most common questions students ask when researching RN to BSN programs, including details on program length, admission requirements, job opportunities, and course content. </p><h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToFinishAnRNToBSNProgram">How Long Does It Take To Finish an RN to BSN Program?</h3><p>The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/shortest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">fastest online RN to BSN programs</a> often allow you to finish the degree in as few as nine to 12 months as a full-time student. Part-time options may take closer to two years, depending on course availability and individual schedules. The actual time to completion depends on your prior credits, course load, and the program's structure. </p><h3 id="section---WhatJobsCanIHaveWithABSN">What Jobs Can I Have With a BSN?</h3><p>A BSN can open doors to a variety of nursing roles beyond bedside care according to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. Graduates often pursue careers as public health nurses, case managers, clinical research nurses, or nurse supervisors. Some also move into specialized fields like informatics or continue their education toward advanced practice roles. </p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionRequirementsForAnRNToBSNProgram">What Are the Admission Requirements for an RN to BSN Program?</h3><p>Most programs require a current RN license and a completed associate degree or diploma in nursing. The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/easiest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">easiest RN to BSN programs online</a> may still ask for transcripts, a minimum GPA, and certain prerequisite courses. Some schools also require proof of recent clinical experience or a personal statement outlining your professional goals. </p><h3 id="section---WhyShouldIEarnABSN">Why Should I Earn a BSN?</h3><p>Earning a BSN can expand your professional opportunities, increase earning potential, and prepare you for leadership or specialized nursing roles. Many hospitals and healthcare systems now prefer or require a BSN for advancement or magnet status recognition. It also lays the foundation for graduate-level nursing education, including nurse practitioner and educator pathways. </p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITakeInAnRNToBSNProgram">What Courses Will I Take in an RN to BSN Program?</h3><p>While exact coursework varies by program, RN to BSN students typically study subjects like community health, nursing leadership, research methods, and evidence-based practice. General education requirements are often completed before enrollment, so the focus shifts toward advanced nursing concepts, population health, and policy or ethics. </p><h2 id="section---FindOnlineNursingPrograms">Find Online Nursing Programs</h2><p>Whether you're looking to boost your credentials or expand into new nursing roles, exploring RN to BSN programs online can be a smart step. Learn.org features affordable, accredited programs that can help you complete your degree on a timeline that works for you.</p>