10 Easiest Online Nursing Degree Programs 2027

If you're already a registered nurse, going back to school for a bachelor's degree can seem daunting. Between 12-hour shifts, rotating schedules, and family responsibilities, a traditional classroom program often isn't realistic. Yet many employers now prefer or require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), especially for leadership, specialty, and Magnet hospital roles.

The good news is that RN-to-BSN programs are some of the most flexible degrees available online. Much like the easiest online degrees in other fields, they're built to give you credit for what you already know and let you finish on your own schedule. The 10 programs below stand out for self-paced formats, generous transfer policies, and practice requirements you can complete close to home.

What Makes an Online Nursing Degree "Easier" To Earn?

It's important to start with what online nursing programs can't do. Programs that prepare you to become a nurse for the first time, such as an ADN or a traditional BSN, require in-person labs and hundreds of supervised clinical hours before you can sit for the NCLEX-RN. That's why the most accessible online nursing degree is the RN-to-BSN, which is designed for nurses who already hold an active license. Because you've already completed clinical training, these programs focus on leadership, evidence-based practice, community health, and research.

Several features make RN-to-BSN programs especially manageable. Most schools award a large block of credit for your RN license and associate degree, often 45 to 77 credits, so you may need only 30 to 45 credits to graduate. Many programs replace traditional clinical rotations with workplace projects or short practice experiences, and some, like the online RN-to-BSN programs with no clinicals, let you meet requirements without a formal preceptorship. Competency-based formats, eight-week courses, and monthly start dates add even more flexibility.

Easiest Online Nursing Degree Programs

The RN-to-BSN programs below combine fully online coursework with transfer-friendly policies and flexible practice requirements. Each one gives working nurses a practical path to a bachelor's degree without stepping away from patient care.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) uses a competency-based model that's a natural fit for experienced nurses. Instead of logging seat time, you'll move on as soon as you pass each assessment, and WGU's flat-rate tuition for each six-month term covers as many courses as you can complete. New terms begin on the first of every month.

The RN-to-BSN is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and can be finished in as little as one year. Hands-on requirements are light, with just 35 hours of clinical experience built into the program. If you've been working as a nurse for several years, much of the material may feel familiar, which can help you move through courses quickly.

2. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

Through the UW Flexible Option, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee offers a competency-based RN-to-BSN with no live class times, no group work, and no campus visits. You'll work in subscription periods of about 12 weeks, with new periods starting every month, and an all-you-can-learn tuition option lets you take as many courses as you want for one flat fee.

Admission is accessible, requiring an ADN or nursing diploma, an active RN license, a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and nursing work experience. ADN holders receive at least 60 transfer credits, and the CCNE-accredited program includes 30 nursing credits. For the capstone clinical project, you'll choose your own preceptor in your workplace or community.

3. University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) runs one of the largest RN-to-BSN programs in the country, with accelerated courses lasting five to eight weeks. Students who've already completed their general education and elective requirements may be able to finish in as few as nine months.

UTA doesn't require traditional supervised clinical experiences. Instead, you'll apply what you learn in your own workplace or community, then share a report or project with faculty and classmates, with no specific preceptor needed. The CCNE-accredited program is delivered fully online, making it a strong fit if you want a fast, public-university option.

4. Capella University

Capella University, a for-profit online school, offers its RN-to-BSN in two formats. FlexPath lets you complete as many courses as you can within each 12-week billing session, with no courseroom discussions, while GuidedPath follows a more traditional 10-week quarter schedule with weekly assignments.

According to Capella, the fastest 25% of FlexPath students finish in under nine months. You can transfer up to 135 quarter credits, and on average, BSN students transfer about 65% of the credits they need. The CCNE-accredited program ends with a competency-based practice learning capstone rather than traditional clinical rotations.

5. Chamberlain University

At Chamberlain University, a for-profit nursing school, your RN license earns you 77 proficiency credits toward the 122-credit BSN. That leaves about 45 credits to complete, and you may be able to transfer up to 15 more, so you could finish in as few as 10 months with full-time enrollment.

Courses run eight weeks with flexible deadlines, and the CCNE-accredited program doesn't require traditional clinical rotations. Instead, a practicum combines coursework, a project, simulations, and a limited number of on-site hours, and Chamberlain's Practicum Commitment program helps you find a site and preceptor. That support takes much of the stress out of meeting practice requirements.

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) awards 45 credits for your unencumbered RN license, and you can transfer up to 45 more from prior coursework. With up to 90 credits applied, you'll need as few as 30 credits at SNHU, which means you could finish in as little as one year.

Courses run in eight-week terms, and the CCNE-accredited program includes community-based clinical practice experiences that are different from prelicensure clinical training. SNHU also maintains partnership pathways with community colleges across the country, which can make transferring your ADN coursework more seamless.

7. Excelsior University

Excelsior University has served adult learners and working nurses for decades. Its fully online, asynchronous RN-to-BSN accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward the 120-credit degree, and courses start every eight weeks, so you won't wait long to get going.

The nursing programs hold accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Practice experiences are built into specific courses, such as a community health practicum and a capstone with direct practice hours, rather than requiring separate clinical rotations. Courses run eight or 15 weeks, giving you some choice in pacing.

8. Thomas Edison State University

With rolling admissions and six start dates per year, Thomas Edison State University (TESU) makes it easy to begin its online RN-to-BSN whenever you're ready. After you pass the NCLEX-RN, up to 63 credits in course equivalencies can be applied to your degree, and you can earn additional credit through prior learning assessment.

The CCNE-accredited program can be completed in as little as 18 months. If you're already thinking about graduate school, TESU also offers an RN-to-BSN/MSN option that lets 12 graduate credits count toward both degrees. That dual-credit structure can save you time and tuition if an advanced nursing role is on your horizon.

9. Arizona State University

For a large public research university option, Arizona State University (ASU) delivers its online RN-to-BSN through courses lasting 7.5 to 15 weeks, with a total of nine nursing courses. The baccalaureate nursing program is CCNE-accredited and approved by the Arizona Board of Nursing.

ASU also offers a concurrent enrollment option for students still completing an associate degree in nursing at a regionally accredited community college. If you've finished English 101, English 102, and college math with a 3.0 GPA, you can begin BSN coursework before you graduate from your ADN program. That overlap can shave months off your total timeline.

10. Herzing University

Herzing University, a private nonprofit school, offers an online RN-to-BSN that can be completed in as few as 12 months. You can transfer up to 90 credits, including block credit for your associate degree or nursing diploma, and courses run in eight-week sessions with six start dates a year.

Herzing's CCNE-accredited baccalaureate nursing program doesn't require traditional clinicals. Instead, you'll complete a 45-hour practice project, working with a liaison to address a health need in your own community. You can enroll full time or part time, depending on your work schedule.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. For an easiest-to-earn nursing list, transfer policies and practice requirements play an especially large role in our evaluation.

The programs that rank highest make it simpler for licensed nurses to finish without compromising educational quality. These are the key criteria:

• Accreditation: Every RN-to-BSN program on this list holds nursing accreditation from CCNE or ACEN.
• Program requirements: Block credit for RN licensure, high transfer limits, and limited or flexible practice hours all improve a program's standing.
• Online availability: Coursework must be fully online, with self-paced and asynchronous formats receiving extra consideration.
• Student outcomes: Time to completion, graduation data, and support for practice placements show how well a program serves working nurses.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Nursing Degree Online?

Most online RN-to-BSN programs take 12 to 24 months to complete, depending on your transfer credits and course load. Because your RN license and ADN typically cover more than half of the 120 credits you need, the remaining coursework is fairly limited. Students who enroll full time in accelerated or competency-based programs can sometimes finish in nine to 12 months, and earning an RN-to-BSN in 3, 6, or 9 months is possible in a few cases.

Your pace matters as much as the program's structure. Taking one course at a time keeps your workload manageable alongside full-time shifts, while doubling up in eight-week terms can cut your timeline in half. Completing general education courses before you enroll, through community college coursework or exams, is another way to speed up how fast you can finish an RN-to-BSN.

Are Online Nursing Degrees Easier Than On-Campus Programs?

For RN-to-BSN students, online programs are often easier to complete than campus programs simply because they fit around your work schedule. You won't have to commute after a long shift or rearrange your hours to attend class, and many programs let you submit work on your own timeline. The content, though, matches what you'd study on campus, and CCNE and ACEN apply the same standards to both formats.

Online study does require self-direction. You'll need to manage reading, discussion posts, and papers without the structure of a weekly class meeting, and practice projects may require you to coordinate with your employer or a community partner. Nurses who set a regular study routine and communicate early with faculty tend to have the smoothest experience.

How Much Does an Online Nursing Degree Cost?

Total tuition for an online RN-to-BSN program usually ranges from about $9,000 to $30,000. Public universities and flat-rate competency-based programs tend to cost the least, while private and for-profit schools often fall at the higher end. Because most of your credits come from your license and prior coursework, RN-to-BSN programs are typically far less expensive than a four-year BSN.

The number of credits you need to complete has the biggest impact on your final cost. Maximizing transfer credit, testing out of general education requirements, and choosing a flat-rate program if you can move quickly all help keep tuition down. Ask about technology fees, background check costs, and any expenses tied to practice experiences, such as liability insurance or immunization records.

Financial Aid for Online Nursing Degrees

RN-to-BSN students at accredited schools generally qualify for the same aid as other undergraduates. Many nurses also have access to employer benefits that can cover a large share of the cost.

• Federal grants and loans: Filing the FAFSA opens the door to federal aid, and the FAFSA covers online college at accredited schools. If you haven't yet earned a bachelor's degree, you may qualify for Pell Grants, and many online colleges accept Pell Grants for part-time students. Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans can help fill any gaps.
• Employer tuition assistance: Healthcare systems frequently help pay for BSN degrees, especially as they work toward Magnet recognition or higher BSN staffing levels. Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement as part of their benefits packages. Some schools also offer tuition discounts through hospital partnerships.
• Nursing scholarships: Professional nursing associations, specialty organizations, and foundations fund scholarships specifically for RNs returning to school. Many universities offer institutional scholarships for nurses as well, such as WGU's scholarships for new RN-to-BSN students. Learning whether financial aid covers a nursing degree can help you plan how to combine these sources.
• Loan repayment programs: Federal and state programs, including the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program, can help pay down nursing education debt in exchange for working in high-need facilities. Public Service Loan Forgiveness may also apply if you work for a government or nonprofit employer.
• Military benefits: Service members, veterans, and eligible family members can apply their benefits at online colleges that accept the GI Bill. Active-duty nurses may also qualify for Tuition Assistance, and several schools on this list offer military tuition rates.

How To Choose the Right Online Nursing Degree

Ease of completion is important, but the right program should also support your long-term nursing goals. Here are some factors to compare:

• Nursing accreditation: Choose a program accredited by CCNE or ACEN. Accreditation affects your eligibility for graduate nursing programs and many employer tuition benefits.
• Practice requirements: Ask how many practice hours are required and whether you'll need a formal preceptor. Programs with workplace-based projects are usually easiest to manage.
• State authorization: Online nursing programs must be authorized to enroll students in your state. Confirm that the school can accept students where you live and practice.
• Transfer and block credit: Find out exactly how many credits you'll receive for your license and prior coursework. An unofficial transcript review can clarify your remaining requirements.
• Pathways to graduate study: If you're considering an MSN or DNP later, look for programs with bridge options or shared credits. These can save time and money down the road.

Career Outlook With an Online Nursing Degree

A BSN can open the door to more roles, higher pay, and leadership opportunities in nursing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn a median annual wage of $97,550, and employment is projected to grow 6% through 2035. The BLS expects about 180,800 openings for RNs each year, many created as nurses retire or leave the field.

A bachelor's degree also prepares you to move into management over time. Medical and health services managers earn a median annual wage of $123,860, with employment projected to grow 24% through 2035. Nurse managers and directors often start with a BSN and build experience before pursuing a graduate degree.

FAQs About the Easiest Online Nursing Degree Programs

Online nursing degrees raise unique questions because of licensing and clinical requirements. These answers clear up some of the most common points of confusion.

Can You Become a Nurse Completely Online?

No, you can't complete prelicensure nursing training entirely online. Programs that prepare you for the NCLEX-RN require in-person labs and supervised clinical hours in healthcare settings. Some hybrid programs deliver lectures online, but the hands-on components must be completed in person before you can earn your license.

Is a BSN Required To Work as a Registered Nurse?

No, you can become an RN with an associate degree or nursing diploma and a passing NCLEX-RN score. That said, many hospitals prefer BSN-prepared nurses, and some require new hires to earn a BSN within a set number of years. A BSN is also typically required for military nursing, public health roles, and graduate nursing programs.

Can You Start an RN-to-BSN Before Passing the NCLEX?

Some schools allow it. Concurrent enrollment programs, like the one at ASU, let you begin BSN coursework while you're still finishing your associate degree, and UW–Milwaukee's Flexible Option accepts prelicensure ADN students in their final year as special students. Most programs, however, require an active RN license before you can take upper-level nursing courses.

Can You Go Straight From an RN-to-BSN Into an MSN Program?

Yes, and some schools make the transition especially smooth. Programs like TESU's RN-to-BSN/MSN let certain graduate credits count toward both degrees, which can shorten your path to roles like nurse educator or nurse leader. Many standalone MSN programs also welcome recent BSN graduates, though some specialties expect a year or more of clinical experience.

Do Competency-Based Nursing Programs Work Well for Experienced RNs?

They often do. Competency-based programs let you move forward as soon as you demonstrate mastery, so years of bedside experience can translate directly into faster progress. You can compare competency-based online nursing programs to see which formats and assessment styles fit the way you learn best.

Explore Online Nursing Degrees

An online RN-to-BSN program can help you advance your nursing career without putting your work or family life on hold. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about transfer credits, practice requirements, and start dates.