How Much Does an RN to BSN Program Cost?

A Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree is an ideal choice for career advancement in healthcare.

When researching the many available nationwide programs, registered nurses will find that RN to BSN programs cost anywhere from $2,800 to $10,000 according to different factors, and several are accessible at affordable rates through online education.

How Much Is Tuition for an RN to BSN Program?

An online RN to BSN cost can fluctuate from as low as $2,800 at Western Carolina University to around $10,000 or more at many institutions.

Tuition rates vary depending on whether the school is private or public and if the individual enrolls as an in-state or out-of-state student.

The school's location also matters, as does the number of credits and additional fees required.

Let's look at examples of tuition charges for bachelor's degree in nursing programs at some of the top accredited nationwide institutions offering online learning options.

1. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, provides an RN to BSN degree through distance education.

The cost is $204 per credit hour for residents, which includes fees. Non-residents pay $912 per credit, including fees.

It requires a total of 120 credit hours, and students must complete 30 credits at App State to graduate.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and takes one to three years to finish.

2. Radford University

The online RN to BSN tuition at Radford University in Virginia is $344 per credit hour, or $10,320 total, including additional student fees.

This public institution, founded in 1910, is in Radford. It offers a student-centered experience and high-quality education in its bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Its CCNE-accredited RN to BSN is delivered in a fast-track format. Registered nurses can finish in about 10 months, requiring 30 total credit hours to graduate.

3. Ohio State University

Ohio State University in Columbus is known for its affordable tuition, including its RN to BSN program, which is available through online learning.

Students living in Ohio pay a rate of $307 per credit hour, while out-of-state residents pay $312 per credit, including fees.

The program consists of nine required nursing courses to graduate. It is accredited by CCNE and ranks highly among the best bachelor's in nursing programs, according to US News and World Report.

4. University of Wisconsin, Madison

The University of Wisconsin in Madison is known for its excellent nursing program. It delivers an RN to BSN degree through the convenience of distance education.

The tuition is $452 per credit, and it takes an average of 18 to 30 months to complete.

This land-grant research institution was founded in 1848 and ranks highly among the top public universities in the nation.

5. University of Arkansas

An RN to BSN degree is accessible for students through remote learning and asynchronous coursework at the University of Arkansas.

The cost per credit hour is $329.22, and 30 credits are needed to graduate. Additional charges apply for online courses and other fees.

It offers students five start dates during the year, providing much-needed flexibility for busy working professionals.

This bachelor's program is CCNE-accredited and is top-ranked by US News and World Report.

6. Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC. It has an RN to BSN degree that costs state residents just $2,800.

This tuition includes estimated charges for books and other applicable student fees.

All coursework is completed online and can be done in just four semesters. There are two start dates during the year.

The university ranks highly among the top public southern regional schools and was founded in 1889.

7. University of the Cumberlands

The tuition for a CCNE-accredited RN to BSN degree through distance education at the University of the Cumberlands is quite affordable.

The price of the RN to BSN online courses is just $220 per credit hour, including all student fees.

A total of 120 credits are needed to complete this nursing program, and a generous transfer policy is available.

This private, non-profit institution was founded in 1888 in Williamsburg, KY.

8. Purdue Global

Purdue Global provides an RN to BSN degree through the flexibility of online learning. It costs $315 per credit and takes about 18 months to finish.

Clinical fees for certain courses are applicable, and students should research mandatory charges before enrolling.

When considering the allowable number of transfer credits, most students require 17 to 22 courses to graduate.

It is CCNE-accredited and a popular choice for many registered nurses interested in earning their bachelor's degree in nursing.

9. University of Maryland

State residents pay just $318 per credit for the RN to BSN program at the University of Maryland through its online global campus.

Out-of-state students pay a rate of $499 per credit, while active-duty military members pay only $250. Their tuition does not include applicable charges for technology, courses, or other fees.

This program is CCNE-accredited and requires a total of 120 credits for graduation, allowing up to 90 transferable credits.

10. University of Phoenix

The RN to BSN degree at the University of Phoenix is CCNE-accredited and provides a high quality nursing education through distance learning.

It offers the convenience of a lock-in tuition rate of $350 per credit. Students must complete a total of 120 credit hours to graduate from the program.

This private, for-profit institution is known for its accessible online programs and does not require an application fee.

How Do You Pay for an RN to BSN Degree?

Students have many financial assistance options to help them pay for an RN to BSN degree.

To qualify for support, students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online.

Financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans help with an RN to BSN cost. Other assistance includes tuition reimbursement programs or installment payment plans.

Many colleges offer accelerated RN to BSN degrees, providing faster completion times and lower rates.

Is an RN to BSN Worth It?

Yes, obtaining an RN to BSN is worth it for registered nurses interested in elevating their skills and knowledge while advancing their healthcare careers.

Since RN to BSN programs are affordable, enrolling in a program can be a valuable and smart investment in career advancement in the nursing field.

Discover the Cost of an RN to BSN Program Today

An RN to BSN program's tuition cost depends on many factors. Use the list of tuition prices above to help you plan for earning your BSN and further your career.