10 Cheapest RN to BSN Programs Online in Indiana 2025

<p>If you're a registered nurse (RN) in Indiana aiming to move up in your career, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can open doors to advanced roles, higher salaries, and greater job stability. Program cost may deter many RNs from taking this next step in their career; luckily, affordable RN to BSN programs online offer a path to earning a degree that won't put students into significant debt. </p> <p>Below, we'll discuss some of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/affordable_online_degrees_rn_to_bsn.html">cheapest RN to BSN online programs</a> available in Indiana, helping you find a program that fits your budget and career goals. Keep reading to find a nursing program that meets your budget needs and timeline. </p> <h2 id="section---MostAffordableOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs</h2> <p>The cheapest RN to BSN online programs cater to working nurses seeking flexibility through online or hybrid formats. These programs can typically be completed in as few as 12 months, depending on the student's schedule and transfer credits. </p> <p>Below, explore some of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_rn_to_bsn_indiana.html">best online RN to BSN programs</a> available in the state to start your search. </p> <h3 id="section---1.IndianaUniversity">1. Indiana University</h3> <p>Indiana University's RN to BSN Degree Completion Option is tailored for working nurses, offering a flexible online format that allows students to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments. The program can be completed in 12 to 24 months, depending on the student's pace and transfer credits. Courses are delivered in condensed six- to eight-week modules. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $350 per credit hour (Indiana residents); $455 per credit hour (non-residents) </p> <p><b>Financial aid:</b> Indiana University offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal aid. </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) </p> <h3 id="section---2.IndianaWesleyanUniversity">2. Indiana Wesleyan University</h3> <p>Indiana Wesleyan University's RN to BSN program provides a path for RNs seeking to advance their education through a Christian-centered approach. The program is 100% online and can be completed in as few as 12 months. Courses are structured to enhance critical thinking, leadership, and clinical reasoning skills. The curriculum includes topics such as community health, nursing research, and healthcare policy. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $250 per credit hour for nursing courses </p> <p><b>Financial aid:</b> Financial aid options include federal and state grants, scholarships, employer reimbursement programs, and military benefits. Students should consult with the financial aid office for personalized assistance. </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) </p> <h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfSouthernIndiana">3. University of Southern Indiana</h3> <p>The University of Southern Indiana offers an RN to BSN program that focuses on areas such as evidence-based practice, health assessment, and nursing leadership. The program is administered entirely online, allowing nurses to continue working while pursuing their degree. Students can complete the program in 12 to 18 months, depending on their course load and transfer credits. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $345 per credit hour </p> <p><b>Financial aid:</b> USI provides financial aid through federal and state grants, scholarships, and loan programs. Students are encouraged to apply for aid early to maximize their funding opportunities. </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p> <h3 id="section---4.BallStateUniversity">4. Ball State University</h3> <p>Ball State University's RN to BSN program is best for working nurses seeking to expand their knowledge and skills. This 100% online program allows students to complete coursework on nursing research, community health, and healthcare informatics at their own pace&mdash;in as just one year. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $445 per credit hour (Indiana residents); $665 per credit hour (non-residents) </p> <p><b>Financial aid</b>: Ball State offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Students should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal aid. </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p> <h3 id="section---5.IndianaStateUniversity">5. Indiana State University</h3> <p>Nursing students can enroll in Indiana State University's fully online RN to BSN program to advance their careers. Students can complete the program in 12 to 24 months, depending on their individual pace and transfer credits. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $299 per credit hour (Indiana residents); $499 per credit hour (non-residents) </p> <p><b>Financial aid:</b> Indiana State offers financial aid through federal and state grants, scholarships, and loan programs. Students are encouraged to apply for aid early to secure funding. </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) </p> <h3 id="section---6.MarianUniversity">6. Marian University</h3> <p>The RN to BSN Completion Program at Marian University can be completed in 12 to 18 months. The program is available entirely online, allowing students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. The curriculum includes courses in nursing leadership, community health, and healthcare policy. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $450 per credit hour </p> <p><b>Financial aid:</b> Marian University offers financial aid through scholarships, grants, and loan programs. Students should consult with the financial aid office for personalized assistance. </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p> <h3 id="section---7.IndianaUniversitySoutheast">7. Indiana University Southeast</h3> <p>Available entirely online, Indiana University Southeast's RN to BSN program is a great choice for registered nurses aiming to advance their education while maintaining their careers as registered nurses. Students can complete the program in 12 to 24 months, depending on their individual pace and transfer credits. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $350 per credit hour for Indiana residents; $455 per credit hour for non-residents </p> <p><b>Financial aid:</b> Indiana University Southeast offers financial aid through federal and state grants, scholarships, and loan programs. Students should apply for aid early to secure funding. </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p> <h3 id="section---8.WesternGovernorsUniversity">8. Western Governors University</h3> <p>Working nurses seeking a flexible and affordable path to earning their BSN should consider Western Governors University's RN to BSN program. This 100% online program gives students the ability to complete coursework at their own pace&mdash;many students complete the program in just one year. The curriculum includes courses in nursing leadership, community health, and healthcare policy. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $3,225 per six-month term </p> <p><b>Financial aid:</b> WGU offers financial aid through federal grants, scholarships, and loan programs. Students should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal aid. </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p> <h3 id="section---9.TrineUniversity">9. Trine University</h3> <p>Nursing students can complete Trine University's RN to BSN program in 12 to 24 months online. The program is offered entirely online, so students have the freedom to set their own pace and determine the course load they're comfortable with. This RN to BSN program teaches fundamental nursing skills, including leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $399 per credit hour </p> <p><b>Financial aid:</b> Trine University offers financial aid through scholarships, grants, and loan programs. Students should consult with the financial aid office for personalized assistance. </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC) </p> <h3 id="section---10.UniversityOfSaintFrancis">10. University of Saint Francis</h3> <p>The University of Saint Francis offers an online RN to BSN program that focuses on holistic nursing care and leadership development. Students can complete the program entirely online, with flexible course schedules to accommodate working professionals. </p> <p><b>Estimated tuition cost</b>: $425 per credit hour </p> <p><b>Financial aid:</b> The University of Saint Francis provides financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, to assist students in funding their education. </p> <p><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC </p> <h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> <p>Our team vetted the institutions in this rank list to ensure they have met the following criteria for delivering a high-quality academic experience: </p> <ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All schools have received regional accreditation from reputable accrediting organizations. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> These institutions offer the lowest tuition prices, financial aid, and other cost-saving opportunities. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> We verified that the colleges and universities offer quality on-campus and online learning experiences. </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowToPayForYourNursingDegree">How To Pay for Your Nursing Degree</h2> <p>Paying for an RN to BSN program doesn't have to be overwhelming. Many students use a mix of scholarships, grants, employer tuition reimbursement, and federal aid to make their education affordable. Below are several strategies that can help reduce the overall cost of your nursing degree. </p> <h3 id="section---FederalFinancialAid">Federal Financial Aid</h3> <p>The first step for most students is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at <a href="https://studentaid.gov/">studentaid.gov</a>. This form determines eligibility for federal grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities. </p> <p>Pell Grants, for example, are awarded based on financial need and do not have to be repaid. Many of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_indiana.html">online schools that accept FAFSA</a> participate in federal aid programs, making them more accessible to low- and middle-income students. </p> <h3 id="section---NursingScholarshipsAndGrants">Nursing Scholarships and Grants</h3> <p>There are numerous nursing scholarships available from colleges, nonprofits, hospitals, and government agencies. One major resource is the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which offers the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program. This program pays for tuition, fees, and other education costs for students who agree to work in high-need areas after graduation. </p> <h3 id="section---StateFinancialAidPrograms">State Financial Aid Programs</h3> <p>Indiana offers several aid programs through the Commission for Higher Education. These include the Adult Student Grant and the Workforce Ready Grant, which help working adults return to school. </p> <h3 id="section---EmployerTuitionAssistance">Employer Tuition Assistance</h3> <p>Many hospitals and healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement or education assistance for current RNs who return to school. Some employers will cover the entire cost of a BSN degree in exchange for a work commitment. It's worth contacting your HR department to find out what tuition benefits may be available. </p> <h3 id="section---LoanForgivenessAndRepaymentAssistance">Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Assistance</h3> <p>Graduates working in nonprofit hospitals, rural areas, or public health may qualify for loan forgiveness programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or HRSA's Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program. These options can help reduce debt over time for nurses who choose to work in service-based roles. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutCheapOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">FAQs About Cheap Online RN to BSN Programs</h2> <p>Online RN to BSN programs can be an excellent choice for working nurses who want to move into leadership roles, qualify for higher pay, or prepare for graduate-level study. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these affordable and flexible degree paths. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsTheTypicalDurationOfAnOnlineRNToBSNProgram">What Is the Typical Duration of an Online RN to BSN Program?</h3> <p>Most online RN to BSN programs take 12 to 24 months to complete. Students who enroll full-time and transfer in prior credits (such as from an associate degree in nursing) may finish in just one year. Part-time nursing students often take closer to two years, especially if balancing coursework with a full-time job or family obligations. Some programs also offer accelerated options, like the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/shortest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">fastest RN to BSN program online</a>, which can further reduce the time to graduation. </p> <h3 id="section---AreOnlineRNToBSNProgramsAccredited">Are Online RN to BSN Programs Accredited?</h3> <p>Yes, many reputable online RN to BSN programs are accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Accreditation ensures that the program meets high academic standards, qualifies for financial aid, and prepares students for licensing and career advancement. </p> <h3 id="section---CanIWorkFullTimeWhilePursuingAnOnlineRNToBSN">Can I Work Full-Time While Pursuing an Online RN to BSN?</h3> <p>Absolutely; in fact, most online RN to BSN programs are specifically structured for working nurses. Classes are typically asynchronous, meaning students can complete lectures and assignments on their own time. While some programs offer optional live sessions or on-campus components, these are usually limited or scheduled outside of standard working hours. </p> <p>Many nurses choose to complete coursework in the evenings or on weekends. If flexibility is a top priority, it may be worth exploring the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/easiest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">easiest RN to BSN programs online</a>, which often feature streamlined curricula and reduced clinical hour requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionRequirementsForOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">What Are the Admission Requirements for Online RN to BSN Programs?</h3> <p>Most programs require applicants to hold an active, unencumbered RN license and an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution. A minimum GPA (typically between 2.5 and 3.0) is often required, along with official transcripts. Some schools may ask for letters of recommendation, a resume, or a statement of purpose. </p> <p>Because the RN to BSN is a degree-completion program, schools generally expect applicants to have completed general education prerequisites in subjects like English composition, anatomy, and statistics. </p> <h3 id="section---DoOnlineRNToBSNProgramsRequireClinicalHours">Do Online RN to BSN Programs Require Clinical Hours?</h3> <p>Yes, but the clinical component is often different from traditional pre-licensure nursing programs. Instead of hands-on hospital rotations, RN to BSN students may complete practicum experiences in community health, public health nursing, or leadership and management settings. </p> <p>These clinicals can frequently be arranged at a nurse's current place of employment or a nearby healthcare facility. The focus is on applying advanced nursing concepts in real-world settings, which helps bridge the gap between technical skills and professional nursing practice. </p> <h2 id="section---FindOnlineNursingPrograms">Find Online Nursing Programs</h2> <p>Whether you're looking to improve your credentials, increase your earning potential, or prepare for graduate-level study, earning a BSN can help you reach your goals. Browse online nursing programs featured here on Learn.org and start your path toward a rewarding career today.</p>