10 Cheapest RN to BSN Programs Online in 2025
Many U.S. colleges provide affordable online RN to BSN degree programs. These completion degrees can often be finished within one year of flexible study.
If you're already licensed as a registered nurse, completing your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can be a great career move. Fortunately for you, many highly affordable RN to BSN online programs can make it easy to advance your education and career opportunities.
Keep reading as we explore the best online RN to BSN programs that you can complete on a budget. We'll also look at some ways to save even more on your degree and answer various questions you may have.
Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs
Often, the fastest RN to BSN programs online are also some of the most affordable options. Read on as we explore some of the cheapest RN to BSN programs online, including their cost and average time to completion.
Please note that all tuition rates are the annual, in-district or in-state averages taken from data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
1. College of the Mainland
College of the Mainland is a community college located in Texas City, TX. Its online RN to BSN program is available to Texas-licensed RNs who have completed a series of prerequisite courses. The program can be completed in as little as four semesters.
Students complete online and hybrid coursework that teaches advanced competencies and prepares students for nursing leadership roles. It is one of the most affordable programs in the country, offering a variety of financial aid opportunities.
- Average tuition cost: $2,310
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and state and federal aid are available.
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
2. St. Petersburg College
St. Petersburg College in Florida is a public state college enrolling more than 25,000 students. It provides an RN to BSN program with 100% online courses, which can be completed in three semesters of full-time study.
The flexible post-licensure program is designed to fit your busy schedule and is available to any nurse who has earned an associate degree and holds an active RN license. The program prepares students for career advancement in professional nursing roles through an advanced BSN curriculum.
- Average tuition cost: $2,682
- Financial aid: Students can use state and federal aid, grants, scholarships, and student loans.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
3. Galveston College
Galveston College is a community college in Galveston, TX. It offers a fully online RN to BSN program available in full-time and part-time formats. Those opting for the full-time option can graduate in as little as two semesters.
Students complete coursework on their own schedules and can complete clinical experience requirements in person at their current place of employment. The only on-campus component is a single orientation session at the beginning of the program.
- Average tuition cost: $2,726
- Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, institutional, state, and federal aid are available.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
4. Grayson College
Grayson College is a public school with its main campus in Denison, TX. The school offers a primarily online RN to BSN program, designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working nurses.
The program offers new class start dates every eight weeks, allowing students to pursue a full-time, year-round study schedule if desired. Those studying full-time can complete the program in as little as one year.
- Average tuition cost: $3,000
- Financial aid: Scholarships and grants, institutional aid, state and federal aid, and student loans are available.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
5. Florida Gateway College
Florida Gateway College is a state school in Lake City, FL. Students here can pursue a 100% online RN to BSN program.
The 121-credit program includes core courses in nursing health assessment, community health, research, and more. Students can choose to study part-time or full-time and enjoy a 99% success rate.
- Average tuition cost: $3,100
- Financial aid: State and federal aid, institutional scholarships, grants, and student loans are all options for students.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
6. Georgia Highlands College
Georgia Highlands College is a public school in Rome, GA. Its RN to BSN completion program is available entirely online, with all courses offered in self-paced eight-week or 16-week sessions.
Students throughout the U.S. can apply for the program, provided they hold a valid RN license. Students complete coursework online and can choose a convenient location to complete their leadership practicum, which is the only in-person component of the program.
- Average tuition cost: $3,120
- Financial aid: Scholarships, student loans, grants, and state and federal aid can be used to cover costs.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
7. Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State University is a historically Black school located in Fayetteville, NC. Students can earn their RN to BSN degree in person or online.
Students complete this program in two and a half to five semesters. Coursework is flexible, with only two courses requiring clinical hours that can be completed at times and places most convenient to each student.
- Average tuition cost: $4,353
- Financial aid: Federal and state aid, institutional scholarships, grants, and student loans are available.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
8. Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University is a public school in Cullowhee, NC. Its RN to BSN program is available in a 100% online format and can be completed in four semesters.
Students in this program enhance evidence-based practice skills and prepare for pursuing advanced education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
- Average tuition cost: $4,630
- Financial aid: State and federal aid, grants and scholarships, and student loans are available.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
9. Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University is a public school in Boca Raton, FL. Students can earn an online RN to BSN degree ?all coursework is taken online but clinical experiences are completed at locations convenient to them.
New start dates are available each fall, spring, and summer semester, and year-round study options are available. Students can choose to complete the program in as little as three semesters.
- Average tuition cost: $4,879
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, state and federal aid, and student loans are available.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
10. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University is a public school located in Hays, KS. Its online RN to BSN program features 100% remote coursework that students can complete in as little as three semesters.
With flexible start dates and clinical experience requirements, students can earn their degree in a way that works for them. Students gain advanced skills to prepare them for graduate studies and numerous nursing career paths.
- Average tuition cost: $5,923
- Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, student loans, and state and federal aid are available.
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
How We Rank Schools
We strive to choose only the best education programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the bachelor's degree completion programs above:
- Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body, and the nursing programs are further accredited by organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Affordability: All programs feature highly affordable coursework, with average annual tuition rates for in-state learners under $6,000.
- Program reputation: Each college of nursing is known for providing high-quality online learning opportunities for BSN students.
How To Pay for Your Nursing Degree
Even affordable online degrees can be pretty pricey, especially for out-of-state students. If you're looking for additional ways to fund your education, keep reading as we explore some top tips to help you advance your nursing career without breaking the bank.
Nursing Scholarships
Some schools of nursing offer departmental scholarships to students demonstrating academic merit and/or financial need. You can also find nursing scholarships through outside organizations such as businesses and nonprofits. Check with your school's financial aid office or do an online search to learn more about internal and external scholarships you may qualify for.
Employer Tuition Assistance
There are many hospitals that pay for nursing school, especially for top employees looking to advance their careers and apply for promotions within their current organizations. If you're already working as an RN, find out if your employer offers tuition assistance as a benefit, as this can help you save big on your out-of-pocket expenses.
Federal Financial Aid
All nursing students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for government assistance. There are many affordable and accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA, and these state and federal funds can be highly beneficial in helping you save money on college.
Work-Study Programs
Work-study programs are often available through schools and through federal and state placements. These opportunities enable students to work part-time to earn money toward their degrees. Work-study programs are another great way to save money on your education, as they can greatly diminish your out-of-pocket expenses.
Other Strategies for Nursing Students
There are many other financial aid options for college. If you are a current or former military servicemember, you can save big through tuition discounts and waivers as well as benefits through your GI Bill.
Those without military service can use crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe to raise money for their education. Taking out student loans is another option; while these do have to be paid back, they can help you cover any outstanding expenses, thereby helping you avoid having to pay anything for school upfront.
FAQs About Cheap Online RN to BSN Programs
If you still have questions about upgrading from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to a BSN, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some commonly asked questions you may be wondering about.
How Can I Get My BSN for Free?
Though few colleges and universities offer degrees for free, students can reduce or eliminate their expenses through a combination of transfer credits and financial aid. Most BSN programs are, by their nature, more affordable than the average bachelor's degree program because they are designed as completion degrees.
Students with active RN licenses and significant college experience may be able to transfer even more credits than usual, reducing their expected costs. Combining these reduced costs with the various financial aid options discussed above makes it possible for students to cover all of their expenses with scholarships, grants, and other forms of aid.
Will a Hospital Pay for My RN to BSN Degree?
Yes, many hospitals are willing to help their RNs further their careers by funding their BSN programs. While they may not cover tuition costs and other expenses entirely, they are often willing to provide partial coverage to support students in their educational journeys. If you work for a hospital or healthcare facility, check with your human resources department to find out if tuition assistance is available to you.
How Fast Can I Go From RN to BSN?
The easiest RN to BSN programs online enable students to complete flexible general education and nursing courses on their own time. Many schools make these courses available year-round. Highly motivated students in these programs can often finish their bachelor's degree within one year ?sometimes even as little as nine to 10 months.
Explore Online Nursing Programs
If you're a working nurse ready to take your career to the next level with a BSN degree, explore the programs at schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools today to find out more about their admission requirements and to choose the best program for you.