7 Cheapest RN to BSN Programs Online in Maryland 2026

<h3 id="section---1.UniversityOfMarylandGlobalCampus">1. University of Maryland Global Campus</h3><p>At the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), the RN to BSN program allows registered nurses to build on their previous education and clinical experience. The fully online format offers flexibility for nurses juggling work, school, and personal commitments. </p><p>Students automatically receive 30 upper-level nursing credits for holding an active, unencumbered RN license, reducing both time and cost. The curriculum explores topics such as public health, case management, and nursing leadership, preparing students to transition into broader roles across healthcare systems. With asynchronous coursework and a generous credit transfer policy, this program is a popular choice for nurses seeking convenience and academic rigor. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $324 per credit (in-state); $499 per credit (out-of-state); $250 per credit (military) </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> UMGC offers financial assistance through federal grants, institutional scholarships, and tuition assistance for military and working professionals. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) </p><h3 id="section---2.SalisburyUniversity">2. Salisbury University</h3><p>Salisbury University's RN to BSN pathway offers working nurses a supportive transition into baccalaureate-level study. Students can transfer up to 60 credits from their associate degree, with the remaining coursework focusing on topics such as health assessment, geriatric nursing, and leadership. </p><p>While the program is offered online, it includes real-world application through community-based clinical projects. Salisbury's nursing department has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and is housed within a College of Health and Human Services that prioritizes collaboration and patient-centered learning. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $11,306 (in-state); $22,810 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Financial support is available through need- and merit-based scholarships, federal aid programs, and on-campus work opportunities. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p><h3 id="section---3.TowsonUniversity">3. Towson University</h3><p>Towson University offers a flexible RN to BSN track that builds on prior nursing education. Students explore professional nursing practice through coursework in research, ethics, public health, and nursing informatics. The program accepts transfer credits and is offered in both full-time and part-time formats to accommodate individual schedules. </p><p>With faculty experienced in clinical and academic settings, students benefit from strong mentorship as they move toward their academic and career goals. The university also offers satellite locations for students who want occasional in-person support, although the degree can be completed fully online. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $12,186 (in-state); $31,332 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Towson supports students through institutional scholarships, need-based grants, and federal financial aid. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p><h3 id="section---4.BowieStateUniversity">4. Bowie State University</h3><p>Bowie State University's RN to BSN completion program supports nurses looking to deepen their clinical knowledge and advance in their careers. The online curriculum includes courses in nursing research, health policy, and cultural competence, with a strong focus on ethics and community engagement. </p><p>Bowie State also offers personalized advising and flexible scheduling, making it easier for adult learners to navigate their degree while working full-time. Graduates often pursue leadership roles in healthcare or continue their education in graduate nursing programs. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $6,113 (in-state); $16,833 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can apply for Bowie State's institutional scholarships, as well as federal and state-based funding options. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) </p><h3 id="section---5.CoppinStateUniversity">5. Coppin State University</h3><p>Coppin State University offers an RN to BSN track that provides both academic advancement and personal support. The program focuses on leadership development, community health, and the application of evidence-based practices in diverse clinical environments. Courses are offered online with flexible pacing, helping nurses balance education with work obligations. Coppin State has a history of supporting underrepresented students and offers a welcoming, inclusive learning community. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $5,032 (in-state); $11,955 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Financial assistance is available through institutional aid, scholarships for minority nursing students, and federal programs. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p><h3 id="section---6.StevensonUniversity">6. Stevenson University</h3><p>One of the <span>No InterWiki reference defined in properties for Wiki called "quickest RN to BSN program online https"!</span> in the state, Stevenson University's RN to BSN program features a 100% online format that enables nurses to earn their degree in as few as 15 months. The curriculum is organized to improve clinical reasoning and leadership, with coursework in population health, professional ethics, and healthcare systems. </p><p>Stevenson's emphasis on one-on-one advising helps students create a personalized plan that fits their timeline and goals. Faculty members are actively involved in healthcare practice and policy, providing students with practical insight alongside academic instruction. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $500 per credit (in-state) </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Stevenson offers financial support through federal aid, employer tuition reimbursement partnerships, and need-based scholarships. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p><h3 id="section---7.UniversityOfMarylandSchoolOfNursing">7. University of Maryland School of Nursing</h3><p>The University of Maryland School of Nursing provides a rigorous RN to BSN program rooted in current nursing competencies outlined by national standards. The program offers a wide variety of courses covering leadership, informatics, and population-based care. </p><p>Students benefit from interactive online learning tools and optional in-person workshops that promote deeper engagement with course material. This program is ideal for nurses interested in eventually pursuing graduate-level training or transitioning into advanced public health roles. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $4,783.50 (in-state); $19,629 (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can access financial support through nursing-specific scholarships, federal grants, and loan repayment programs. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p><h2 id="section---OtherAffordableOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">Other Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs</h2><p>Outside of Maryland, many universities across the country offer budget-friendly RN to BSN programs in flexible online formats. These programs are especially suited to licensed nurses who want to continue working while advancing their education. </p><h3 id="section---WesternCarolinaUniversity">Western Carolina University</h3><p>Western Carolina University offers a four-semester RN to BSN program that is fully online and tailored for working professionals. The curriculum addresses topics like community health, nursing research, and leadership development. With asynchronous classes and no required campus visits, students can access lectures and assignments at times that best suit their work schedules. </p><p>In addition to its academic content, the program also values personal growth and critical thinking in nursing practice. Students can begin in the fall or spring, and many complete the degree in under two years. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $$65.81 per credit (in-state); $232.47 per credit (out-of-state) </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Western Carolina provides financial support through scholarships, need-based grants, and federal aid. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p><h3 id="section---WesternGovernorsUniversity">Western Governors University</h3><p>Western Governors University (WGU) stands out for its self-paced, competency-based approach to learning. This RN to BSN program allows nurses to move quickly through content they already know while spending more time on new material. The curriculum includes coursework in leadership, evidence-based practice, and care coordination, preparing graduates for expanded responsibilities in healthcare delivery. With flexible start dates and flat-rate tuition, WGU is often a cost-effective choice for busy professionals aiming to complete their degrees efficiently. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $5,325 per six-month term </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Students at WGU have access to a variety of financial aid options, including federal aid, need-based scholarships, and employer reimbursement programs. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p><h3 id="section---UniversityOfSouthernMississippi">University of Southern Mississippi</h3><p>The RN to BSN program at University of Southern Mississippi (Southern Miss) is ideal for nurses who want to deepen their expertise while maintaining full-time employment. The coursework is entirely online and includes studies in community health, nursing informatics, and advanced clinical assessment. </p><p>With multiple start dates throughout the year, students can begin when it suits them best. The school's dedicated nursing faculty provide support throughout the program, and many students find they are able to apply what they learn in real-time at their current jobs. </p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $433.59 per credit hour </p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Southern Miss supports nursing students with federal financial aid, scholarships, and tuition support for eligible working nurses. </p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </p><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>We understand the value of a respected, accredited nursing degree. That's why we only chose to feature schools that meet the following criteria: </p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> We prioritize programs accredited by recognized bodies, ensuring they meet established standards for nursing education. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> Programs are evaluated based on tuition costs and the availability of financial aid options to minimize student debt. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> Consideration is given to institutions with a history of academic excellence and positive outcomes for graduates. </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowToPayForYourNursingDegree">How To Pay for Your Nursing Degree</h2><p>Financing your RN to BSN degree can be manageable with a combination of financial aid options tailored to nursing students. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial first step, as it determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. For the 2025-26 academic year, the <a href="https://www.usa.gov/fafsa">FAFSA deadline</a> is June 30, 2026, and applicants are encouraged to start the process early to avoid delays. </p><p>Numerous scholarships are available specifically for nursing students. For instance, the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program offers financial support to students who commit to working in underserved communities after graduation. Additionally, organizations like the National Association of School Nurses provide scholarships for RNs pursuing a BSN. </p><p>Employer tuition assistance is another valuable resource. Many healthcare employers offer programs that cover part or all of tuition costs for employees advancing their nursing education. For example, Atrium Health's Aspiring Nurses Program provides up to three years of prepaid tuition, books, and fees for eligible employees pursuing a BSN. </p><p>Loan repayment programs can also ease the financial burden. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offers loan repayment assistance to nurses working in critical shortage facilities. </p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutCheapOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">FAQs About Cheap Online RN to BSN Programs</h2><p>If you're considering an affordable online RN to BSN program, you might have questions. Here are answers to some common inquiries to help you navigate the next steps. </p><h3 id="section---AreOnlineRNToBSNProgramsAccredited">Are Online RN to BSN Programs Accredited?</h3><p>Most reputable online RN to BSN programs are accredited by recognized nursing accreditation bodies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). </p><p>Accreditation ensures that the program meets quality standards and that your degree will be recognized by employers and licensing boards. Students should always verify accreditation status on the school's website or through the accrediting body's database before applying. </p><h3 id="section---IsFinancialAidAvailableForOnlineRNToBSNStudents">Is Financial Aid Available for Online RN to BSN Students?</h3><p>Yes, financial aid is widely available for students in online RN to BSN programs. Eligible students can apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA, which may qualify them for grants, loans, or work-study. </p><p>Many colleges also offer institutional scholarships or tuition discounts for working nurses. Additionally, attending <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_maryland.html">cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA</a> can make a significant difference in affordability. </p><h3 id="section---WhatSTheDifferenceBetweenATraditionalAndOnlineRNToBSNProgram">What's the Difference Between a Traditional and Online RN to BSN Program?</h3><p>The core difference lies in the delivery format: Traditional programs often require in-person classes and clinicals, while online RN to BSN programs are typically asynchronous and allow working nurses to complete coursework from home. Clinical experiences in online programs are often arranged in local settings or waived in favor of community health projects, depending on state licensing requirements. </p><h3 id="section---HowCompetitiveAreOnlineRNToBSNPrograms">How Competitive Are Online RN to BSN Programs?</h3><p>Many online RN to BSN programs are designed for accessibility rather than competition. If you hold an RN license and meet the minimum GPA and prerequisite requirements, you'll likely be eligible for admission. </p><p>While some programs have enrollment caps or limited start dates, others accept students on a rolling basis. For those seeking more flexibility, the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/easiest_rn_to_bsn_online.html">easiest RN to BSN programs</a> may be worth exploring, as these typically involve less intensive admissions requirements and lighter courseloads. </p><h2 id="section---FindOnlineNursingPrograms">Find Online Nursing Programs</h2><p>Choosing the right RN to BSN program is a big step, but it doesn't have to come with a high price tag. Browse online nursing programs featured here on Learn.org and start your path toward a rewarding nursing career today.</p>