20 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in the U.S. 2026

Updated on:

April 15, 2026

Explore the top online programs to earn an RN to BSN degree in the US. Learn about program requirements, costs, and why a BSN is vital for career growth.

If you’re a registered nurse (RN) thinking about taking the next step in your career, earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can open a lot of doors. Healthcare is changing quickly, and more employers want nurses who have the broader training a BSN provides. The good news is that you don’t have to put your life or your job on hold to make it happen.

Online RN to BSN programs make it easier to keep working while you finish your degree. You can learn on your own schedule, strengthen your clinical and leadership skills, and move toward roles that offer more responsibility and long-term growth. Here, we’ll help you find some of the most popular and affordable online RN to BSN options available, along with the information you need to decide which one is right for you.

Best RN to BSN Programs Online

If you're ready to explore your options, the programs below offer a mix of affordability, flexibility, and strong academic preparation. Each school provides a different path depending on your timeline, budget, and career goals, so you can find the one that feels like the right fit for you. Keep reading to learn more about some of the best and cheapest online RN to BSN programs.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is located in Tempe, Arizona, and operates one of the largest and most established online programs in the country. The university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring that its degrees meet recognized academic standards.

The RN to BSN is offered fully online and designed for working nurses. Coursework typically includes topics like community health, nursing research, leadership, and health promotion. Students can complete the program in an accelerated format, and ASU offers multiple start dates throughout the year, making it a flexible option for those balancing work and school.

2. California State University, San Marcos

California State University, San Marcos is located in San Marcos, California, and is part of the well-known California State University system. The school serves a large population of working professionals and is recognized for its accessible, career-focused programs.

The university is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and its School of Nursing holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The RN to BSN program is designed for licensed nurses and can be completed fully online. Students complete courses in areas like public health nursing, leadership, and evidence-based practice, with an emphasis on applying skills directly in their current workplace.

3. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University operates multiple campuses across the United States and delivers a large portion of its programs online. It is a private, for-profit institution that focuses primarily on health care and nursing education.

The university is institutionally accredited by the HLC, and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. The RN to BSN program is offered online with flexible scheduling and no set class times, which can appeal to working nurses. Coursework includes population health, care coordination, and leadership, and students may have opportunities to apply concepts through practice-based experiences tied to their current roles.

4. Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College is a public institution that specializes in flexible degree completion programs, particularly for adult learners. The college is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which supports the quality and transferability of its programs.

Located in New Britain, Connecticut, Charter Oak offers an online RN to BSN designed for licensed registered nurses. The program emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to transfer a significant number of prior credits. Coursework focuses on areas like health care policy, research, and community health, making it a practical option for nurses looking to advance without disrupting their work schedule.

5. CUNY School of Professional Studies

The CUNY School of Professional Studies is located in New York City, New York, and is part of the City University of New York system. The institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and its nursing program is accredited by the CCNE.

The RN to BSN is offered fully online and is designed for working registered nurses. The curriculum includes courses in community health, nursing leadership, and evidence-based practice. The program also emphasizes care coordination and population health, helping students build skills they can apply directly in their current roles.

6. Drexel University

Drexel University is located in Philadelphia, and is known for its strong focus on experiential learning and professional education. Its online programs extend that model to working professionals across the country.

The university is regionally accredited by the MSCHE, and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. The RN to BSN program is offered online with flexible scheduling options. Coursework covers topics like quality and safety in health care, leadership, and health assessment, with opportunities to integrate learning into the workplace.

7. George Washington University

George Washington University is a private institution based in Washington, D.C., with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and professional programs. Its School of Nursing offers online pathways designed for experienced nurses seeking advancement.

The university is regionally accredited by the MSCHE, and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. The RN to BSN program is delivered online and focuses on leadership, population health, and evidence-based practice. Students can benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes policy, community engagement, and real-world application.

8. Ohio University

Ohio University is regionally accredited by the HLC, and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. The institution has a long history of offering accessible, high-quality online programs for adult learners.

Located in Athens, Ohio, the university offers an online RN to BSN designed for working nurses. The program includes coursework in community health, leadership, and nursing research. Flexible scheduling and multiple start dates make it a practical option for students balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

9. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE, supporting the quality and recognition of its degrees.

The RN to BSN is offered online and designed for working nurses. The curriculum includes courses in leadership, population health, and evidence-based practice. Students can apply what they learn directly in their current roles, and the program offers flexible pacing options to accommodate different schedules.

10. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and offers a range of online degree programs through its distance learning platform. The university is known for combining large-scale online access with a strong public university reputation.

The institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. The RN to BSN program is delivered online and includes coursework in leadership, community health, and research. Multiple start dates and flexible scheduling make it a practical option for working nurses.

11. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida is a large public university based in Orlando, Florida, with one of the largest student populations in the United States. It offers a wide range of online programs designed for accessibility and workforce relevance.

The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC, and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. The online RN to BSN program focuses on leadership, health promotion, and evidence-based practice. Students benefit from a flexible format and can often apply course concepts within their current clinical settings.

12. University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. The institution is known for offering career-focused programs with accessible tuition.

Located in Warrensburg, Missouri, the university offers an online RN to BSN designed for working registered nurses. The program includes coursework in community health, leadership, and nursing research. Its flexible structure allows students to continue working while completing their degree.

13. University of Florida

The University of Florida is located in Gainesville, Florida, and is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC. Its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE, reflecting a strong reputation in health education.

The RN to BSN is offered through UF Online and is designed for licensed registered nurses. The curriculum includes courses in population health, nursing leadership, and evidence-based practice. Students can complete the program in a flexible, fully online format while continuing to work in their current roles.

14. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus is headquartered in Adelphi, Maryland, and focuses on serving working adults through online education. It offers a wide range of career-focused programs designed for flexibility and accessibility.

The university is regionally accredited by the MSCHE, and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. The RN to BSN program is delivered fully online and emphasizes leadership, health care policy, and research. Coursework is designed to build on prior nursing experience and can often be applied directly in the workplace.

15. University of North Carolina Charlotte

The University of North Carolina Charlotte is a public research institution known for its strong ties to regional health systems and workforce development. Its nursing programs are designed to support career advancement for working professionals.

The university is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC. Its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. The online RN to BSN program includes coursework in community health, leadership, and evidence-based practice, with a flexible format that allows students to continue working while enrolled.

16. University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC, and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. The institution is known for its strong focus on health sciences and online education.

Located in Mobile, Alabama, the university offers an online RN to BSN designed for working nurses. The program includes courses in leadership, community health, and nursing research. Its flexible structure and multiple entry points make it a practical option for students balancing work and education.

17. University of Tennessee Knoxville

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC. Its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE, supporting the quality and recognition of its degrees.

The RN to BSN is offered online and designed for working nurses. The curriculum includes courses in leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice. Students benefit from a flexible format that allows them to continue working while advancing their education.

18. University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington is located in Arlington, Texas, and is known for its large-scale online nursing programs and strong connections to health care employers. The university offers accessible pathways for working nurses looking to advance their credentials.

The institution is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC, and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. The RN to BSN program is delivered fully online with multiple start dates and accelerated options. Coursework focuses on leadership, health promotion, and nursing research, with opportunities to apply learning in current clinical settings.

19. Utah State University

Utah State University is a public land-grant institution known for its commitment to accessible and career-focused education. Its nursing programs are designed to support working professionals across a range of health care settings.

The university is located in Logan, Utah, and is regionally accredited by the NWCCU. Its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. The online RN to BSN program includes coursework in leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice, with a flexible format that allows students to balance work and school.

20. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is regionally accredited by the NWCCU, and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. The institution operates as a nonprofit, competency-based university focused on flexible, online education.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Western Governors University offers an online RN to BSN designed for working nurses. The program uses a self-paced format that allows students to progress based on their existing knowledge and skills. Coursework covers areas like leadership, population health, and evidence-based practice, making it a practical option for those seeking maximum flexibility.

What Is an RN to BSN Program?

Registered nurses (RNs) can use an RN to BSN program as a bridge to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. These specialized educational paths are intended for registered nurses (RNs) who have already earned an associate or diploma in nursing.

The programs include a flexible curriculum that expands on fundamental nursing skills and covers subjects including leadership, research methodologies, and healthcare policy.

It is simpler for working nurses to handle both their employment and education because so many institutions now provide online options. Depending on the curriculum and the student's prior educational experience, completion typically takes 1 to 2 years.

Requirements for RN to BSN Programs in US

Applicants typically need to be registered nurses (RNs) in order to enroll in a RN to BSN degree in the US. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) must be passed in order to do this.

Schools may also need a nursing diploma or associate degree from a recognized university. To confirm prior coursework, most programs ask for verified transcripts and occasionally have a minimum GPA requirement.

Although not necessarily required, clinical experience might increase a candidate's chances of being accepted. Additionally, some colleges could want a personal statement, an interview, or letters of recommendation.

In order to be prepared, prospective students must thoroughly investigate the colleges they intend to attend.

FAQs About Online RN to BSN Programs

Choosing an RN to BSN program is a big step, and it’s completely normal to have questions before you get started. These answers can help you understand what to expect and decide whether an online BSN is the right move for your goals.

Is an RN to BSN Program Hard?

An RN to BSN program can feel challenging at times, but most nurses are surprised by how manageable it becomes once they settle into a routine. Because the coursework builds on what you already know from your nursing experience, many topics feel familiar rather than overwhelming.

You’ll also find that your clinical background gives you an advantage when learning about leadership, public health, or evidence-based practice. Additionally, some of the easiest RN to BSN programs online can offer you a more flexible, manageable path toward earning your degree. With steady effort and good time management, you can absolutely succeed — even if it’s been a while since you were last in school.

Can I Work Full Time While Earning My BSN Online?

Yes, many RNs work full-time while completing their BSN, and online programs are designed specifically with that reality in mind. You can usually choose when to log in, complete assignments, or watch lectures, which makes it easier to fit school into a busy nursing schedule.

Most students say the first few weeks take some adjustment, but things fall into place quickly once you find your rhythm. Picking a program with flexible pacing or multiple start dates can also make balancing work and school much more comfortable.

Will My Previous Nursing Credits Transfer Into an RN to BSN Program?

In many cases, yes. Schools often accept a substantial portion of credits from your ADN or diploma program. This means you can focus on upper-level BSN coursework instead of repeating classes you’ve already taken.

Because transfer rules differ from school to school, it’s smart to request a credit review early in the process. That quick step can give you a clear idea of how much time you’ll need to finish and help you choose a program that matches your academic history.

Do RN to BSN Programs Need to Be Accredited?

Accreditation is an important factor to consider when choosing an RN to BSN program, especially if you may want to pursue graduate nursing education later. At a minimum, the college or university should be regionally accredited, as this helps ensure your degree will be recognized by employers and accepted by graduate programs.

In addition, many nursing schools hold programmatic accreditation from organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). While some RN to BSN programs may not have separate accreditation because they do not lead to initial licensure, attending a school with an accredited nursing department can still support your long-term career and education goals.

Begin Your Online RN to BSN Program Today

Making the decision to enroll in an online RN to BSN degree in the US can completely change the course of your nursing career. You can balance job, life, and studying while learning new things thanks to the ease of online learning.

Don't let another day go by without strengthening your credentials and expanding your career options. Explore accredited, affordable nursing degrees on Learn.org to find the best fit for your degree path today.