7 ASN to BSN Programs Online in Pennsylvania 2025

This article explores the basics of ASN to BSN programs and highlights multiple Pennsylvania schools that offer online BSN degree programs for RN students.

<p>Registered nurses (RNs) make up one of the largest segments of the U.S. workforce and serve essential roles in the national healthcare system. If you are an RN who has already earned your Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and are looking to advance your nursing career, you may be interested in earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). </p> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/asn_to_bsn_programs.html">ASN to BSN programs online</a> offer a convenient and affordable pathway to your bachelor's degree. To learn more about ASN to BSN programs online in Pennsylvania, read on. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatIsAnASNToBSNProgram">What Is an ASN to BSN Program?</h2> <p>An ASN to BSN program is a learning track designed for <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Requirements_to_Be_a_Certified_Registered_Nurse.html">certified registered nurses</a>; this differs from a traditional BSN program, where incoming students are not required to have prior nursing education. With an associate degree &mdash; an ASN or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) &mdash; and valid RN licensure, students leverage experience to accelerate the learning process. </p> <p>ASN to BSN degree programs are also known as ADN to BSN programs or, more commonly, as RN to BSN programs. By earning a BSN, graduates gain the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a> to become more valuable candidates in the job market. </p> <h2 id="section---AccreditedHybridAndOnlineASNToBSNProgramsInPennsylvania">Accredited Hybrid and Online ASN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania</h2> <p>These Pennsylvania colleges and universities offer online RN-BSN programs. All schools are accredited institutions and offer high-quality education at affordable tuition rates. </p> <h3 id="section---1.SlipperyRockUniversityOfPennsylvania">1. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania</h3> <p>The RN-BSN program at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (SRU) was one of the first regionally accredited nursing degree programs to transition to an online format. At SRU, nursing students learn to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, hone leadership skills, and develop critical thinking. </p> <p>Nursing courses are offered asynchronously in eight-week sessions. This affords flexibility for working professionals. Full-time students at SRU can earn their BSN online in one year. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $322 per credit </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $328 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Financial aid is available via grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. Some nursing students are eligible for tuition deferral if their employers offer tuition reimbursement. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.EastStroudsburgUniversity">2. East Stroudsburg University</h3> <p>Located in its namesake town, East Stroudsburg University offers online coursework for its RN to BSN program. Prospective students must submit their official transcripts to determine how many transfer credits are applicable. While all nursing courses are available online, clinical experiences must be completed in person. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $322 per credit </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $482 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students may receive grants, scholarships, and loans at state and federal levels. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.WestChesterUniversityOfPennsylvania">3. West Chester University of Pennsylvania</h3> <p>West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) is located in Philadelphia, PA, and offers an online RN to BSN degree program. The CCNE-accredited program is customized for each incoming student, based on prior experience and coursework. All students must complete core nursing courses in addition to any outstanding WCU general education requirements. </p> <p>All coursework is available online. There is no charge for transfer credits, and full-time students can earn their BSN degree in two semesters. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $322 per credit </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $536 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Financial aid is available through grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. WCU provides benefits to eligible military members. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.ChathamUniversity">4. Chatham University</h3> <p>Chatham University is a small private school based in Pittsburgh, PA. It offers a 100% online RN to BSN program designed with working professional nurses in mind. There are no residency requirements, and the practicum experience portions are built directly into the program's coursework. </p> <p>Chatham University also offers accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs for those who want to continue with an advanced degree. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $479 per credit </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $479 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Chatham University distributes financial assistance as grants, loans, and scholarships. Nursing students seeking a baccalaureate degree may be eligible for the $2,500 AfterCollege/AACN scholarship. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.CarlowUniversity">5. Carlow University</h3> <p>The RN-BSN program at Carlow University is offered as a hybrid program: coursework is 100% online with limited clinical experience hours. Students practice interdisciplinary collaboration, research behavioral and health science trends, and explore evidence-based practices. </p> <p>Carlow University has a generous transfer credit policy, accepting up to 90 transfer credits. BSN students receive 30 standing credits for having a valid RN license. Students may graduate in 11 months. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $495 per credit </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $495 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Carlow University accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and aid is offered through grants, loans, scholarships, and awards. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---6.CedarCrestCollege">6. Cedar Crest College</h3> <p>Located in Allentown, PA, Cedar Crest College (CCC) is a small private school that offers an online RN to BSN degree program. To be eligible for this bachelor's degree program, students must have earned an ASN from an accredited program, received a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) or higher, and have a valid RN license. </p> <p>CCC's School of Nursing is ranked among the top schools in the country, according to Nursing Schools Almanac. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $495 per credit </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $495 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Cedar Crest College offers scholarships, grants, and loans; some loans and grants are specifically designated for nursing students. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---7.CommonwealthUniversityOfPennsylvania">7. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania</h3> <p>The Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is a mid-sized public school based in Bloomsburg, PA. Its RN to BSN program features a 100% online curriculum, with foundations in theory and evidence-based practices. Full-time students can graduate from the program in two semesters. </p> <ul><li><b>Average in-state tuition:</b> $322 per credit </li><li><b>Average out-of-state tuition:</b> $805 per credit </li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Financial aid is given via federal and state grants, scholarships, and loans. </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> ACEN </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> <p>The following criteria inform which colleges and universities we choose to feature: </p> <ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All schools must be vetted by an independent accrediting organization. For nursing programs, this means the CCNE or the ACEN. </li><li><b>Program quality:</b> Programs must be taught by experienced faculty, follow rigorous curriculums, and incorporate clinical practice hours. Programs have been approved by the <a href="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/nursing.html">State Board of Nursing</a>. </li><li><b>Student outcomes:</b> Student outcomes are measured by success after graduation &mdash; this includes job placement in the healthcare industry or enrollment in an advanced nursing degree program. </li><li><b>Affordability:</b> Tuition rates should be around $500 or less for in-state students. All schools offer financial aid options, which can significantly lower overall education costs. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutOnlineASNToBSNProgramsInPennsylvania">FAQs About Online ASN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania</h2> <p>The following are some frequently asked questions about ASN to BSN programs. </p> <h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToGoFromAnASNToBSNInPennsylvania">How Long Does It Take To Go from an ASN to BSN in Pennsylvania?</h3> <p>The exact length of your degree program depends on how many prerequisites you satisfy, how many credits your school awards your RN license, and whether you attend as a full-time or part-time student. That being said, most Pennsylvania students go from an ASN to a BSN in 11 to 24 months. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionRequirementsForASNToBSNProgramsInPennsylvania">What Are the Admission Requirements for ASN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania?</h3> <p>Admission requirements generally include an ASN or ADN from an accredited school, a minimum GPA on your official transcript, and an active, unencumbered RN license. </p> <p>Note that specific admission requirements vary according to each school and its nursing program. </p> <h3 id="section---AreASNToBSNProgramsInPennsylvaniaDifficult">Are ASN to BSN Programs in Pennsylvania Difficult?</h3> <p>ASN to BSN programs in Pennsylvania align with other BSN degree programs throughout the country. While some coursework and instructors may be more challenging than others, all dedicated nursing students can succeed, given they choose a program that fits their personal and professional commitments. </p> <h3 id="section---ShouldIGetMyMSNRightAfterMyBSN">Should I Get My MSN Right After My BSN?</h3> <p>Deciding to pursue your MSN directly after your BSN depends on your personal goals. If you know you want a leadership position or want to further specialize in a particular field in the healthcare system, earning an MSN could be the right choice. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreNursingProgramsOnline">Explore Nursing Programs Online</h2> <p>If you're ready to take your career to the next level, we invite you to connect with the schools featured on Learn.org. You'll find out more about nursing programs online and discover which best supports your education goals.</p>