Maria Delgado, RN
June 27, 2025
Choosing an affordable RN to BSN program matters because it lets working RNs advance their education and careers without taking on overwhelming debt. By choosing a program with reasonable tuition and clear fees, you can focus on developing leadership skills, evidence‑based practice, and critical thinking rather than worrying about loan payments. Affordable pathways often use credit‑for‑prior‑learning policies, hybrid course delivery, and state‑subsidized rates to keep costs down while still delivering the comprehensive curriculum required for a bachelor’s degree. This financial flexibility means you can complete your BSN, qualify for higher‑paying roles, and pursue graduate education sooner, all while maintaining your existing work–life balance.
Cullowhee, NC - Public 4-Year - wcu.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Western Carolina University's online RN to BSN program empowers registered nurses to elevate their healthcare careers in just 4 semesters. Designed for working professionals, this comprehensive program enhances nursing knowledge, leadership skills, and prepares students for advanced graduate studies. With reduced tuition through NC Promise and 100% online coursework, nurses can seamlessly balance work and education. Admission requires a current nursing license, 2.5 GPA, and completion of prerequisite credits, making it an accessible pathway to professional growth.
Lake Worth, FL - Public 4-Year - palmbeachstate.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Palm Beach State College RN-BSN program offers registered nurses a strategic pathway to advance their careers and educational credentials. Designed for associate degree holders, this hybrid program enables nurses to enhance their professional skills, research capabilities, and career opportunities. Students gain critical knowledge for management positions and graduate nursing program entry. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based nursing care, preparing nurses for leadership roles in complex healthcare environments. With flexible learning options and accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, this program empowers nurses to elevate their professional trajectory.
Concentration: Computed Tomography (CT) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Elevate your medical imaging career with Palm Beach State College's specialized Computed Tomography (CT) concentration in the Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging program. Designed for registered technologists, this 100% online degree unlocks advanced professional opportunities. Gain cutting-edge skills, prepare for specialized credentialing exams, and position yourself for leadership roles in radiology. With a competitive cost of approximately $6,900 for Florida residents and a flexible 24-month full-time or part-time schedule, this program offers a strategic pathway to career advancement.
Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Palm Beach State College offers a Registered Nursing (R.N.) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program, designed for registered nurses seeking career advancement or admission to graduate nursing programs. This program focuses on leadership, providing the necessary education for progression into management positions. It emphasizes evidence-based nursing care, preparing students with research skills. The program is fully online, offering flexibility for working professionals. Admission requires an associate degree. Financial aid is available, making it an affordable option for advancing your nursing career. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, this program ensures a high-quality education for aspiring nurse leaders.
The Woodlands, TX - Public 4-Year - lonestar.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Lone Star College's RN-to-BSN program offers registered nurses a dynamic pathway to advance their professional nursing credentials. Designed for working healthcare professionals, this flexible program takes 1-2 years and transforms experienced RNs into comprehensive, leadership-focused nurses. Students develop critical skills in evidence-based practice, healthcare technology, community health, and professional leadership. With competitive admission requirements, including a 2.25 GPA and current RN licensure, the program provides online coursework and self-scheduled clinical experiences. Graduates gain expanded career opportunities, enhanced clinical reasoning skills, and the ability to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare environments.
Salt Lake City, UT - Public 4-Year - utah.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Utah's online RN to BSN program empowers licensed nurses to advance their careers through a flexible, comprehensive curriculum. Designed for working professionals, the 30-credit program focuses on health promotion, leadership, and complex healthcare systems. With a competitive tuition of $400 per credit, students can enhance clinical skills, improve patient outcomes, and prepare for advanced nursing roles. Admission requires an associate degree in nursing, current RN licensure, and a minimum 3.0 GPA, making it an accessible pathway for career growth.
Concentration: Geriatric Nursing Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Elevate your nursing career with the University of Utah's RN to BSN online program, designed for working nurses seeking advanced skills and leadership opportunities. This flexible degree allows registered nurses to deepen their clinical expertise while balancing professional commitments. With a focus on geriatric nursing leadership, students gain specialized knowledge in elder care, cultural competence, and advanced healthcare practices. The 30-credit program costs $400 per credit, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and current RN licensure. Graduates can pursue diverse roles like case management, clinical leadership, and patient education, with potential for further advanced nursing degrees.
Gainesville, FL - Public 4-Year - ufl.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Florida's RN to BSN online program offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing career. Designed for practicing RNs with an associate's degree, this affordable and high-quality program helps nurses develop advanced analytical and leadership skills. Students complete 90 clinical hours through virtual simulations and community-based experiences, with a minimum GPA requirement of 2.8. The program prepares nurses to excel in diverse healthcare settings and potentially pursue graduate nursing education.
Orlando, FL - Public 4-Year - ucf.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Central Florida's RN to BSN program offers licensed registered nurses a comprehensive online pathway to advance their nursing education. Designed for working professionals, this flexible program allows students to complete coursework remotely while maintaining their current nursing roles. With a total of 62 credit hours, the program covers advanced nursing practice, health assessment, research, and leadership skills. In-state tuition is competitively priced at $212.28 per credit hour, making it an affordable option for career advancement. Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and complete core nursing courses that emphasize professional development and comprehensive healthcare perspectives.
Huntington, WV - Public 4-Year - marshall.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Marshall University's online RN to BSN program transforms experienced nurses' careers by bridging associate degree credentials to a comprehensive bachelor's degree. Designed for working professionals, this accelerated program allows registered nurses to expand their clinical knowledge, enhance patient care skills, and unlock advanced career opportunities. With flexible 7-week block scheduling, students can complete the program in as little as two semesters, gaining critical insights into evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, and professional nursing roles.
Jacksonville, FL - Public 4-Year - fscj.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Florida State College at Jacksonville's online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) prepares practicing nurses for advanced healthcare roles through a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum. Designed for working professionals, this flexible program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and professional collaboration. Students can earn their degree while maintaining employment, with a competitive total cost of approximately $12,586. The program uniquely offers a Global Scholars Distinction, enhancing graduates' global perspectives and marketability. Fully online and accredited by ACEN, this BSN provides a pathway to leadership in complex healthcare environments.
Natchitoches, LA - Public 4-Year - nsula.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwestern State University's RN to BSN online program provides registered nurses a flexible, cost-effective pathway to advance their nursing careers. With a flat rate tuition of $225 per credit hour and no additional fees, students can complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as few as 12 months. The program is designed for working professionals, offering a 100% online curriculum that allows nurses to balance academic pursuits with their existing work and personal commitments.
Pueblo, CO - Public 4-Year - csupueblo.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Colorado State University Pueblo's RN-BSN online program provides working nurses a flexible pathway to advance their education and career. Designed for registered nurses seeking a bachelor's degree, the program enables professionals to enhance their skills without disrupting work responsibilities. Students gain comprehensive nursing knowledge, preparing for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking, cultural competence, and advanced practice skills. Graduates can expect improved job prospects, potential salary increases, and opportunities for career progression in various healthcare environments.
An affordable RN to BSN program combines rigorous academic standards with transparent pricing to make bachelor’s‑level nursing accessible. Look for institutions that bundle tuition, technology fees, and clinical‑placement costs into a single per‑credit rate, and that clearly disclose any additional expenses, such as textbooks or simulation‑lab fees, upfront. Programs that partner with healthcare systems for practicum placements often waive separate site fees or provide in‑kind support, further reducing out‑of‑pocket costs. Flexible formats, including part‑time or online coursework, cut commuting and childcare expenses, while credit‑transfer agreements recognize your existing ADN credits to shorten program length and tuition totals.
Different institutions structure RN to BSN tuition based on their funding models and resources. Public state universities typically offer the lowest in‑state per‑credit rates, thanks to government subsidies, while private colleges rely on full‑tuition revenue. Programs that invest in small cohorts, extensive simulation centers, or research‑active faculty may reflect those enhanced offerings in a modest tuition premium, balancing high‑quality instruction with program costs.
Geographic location also plays a significant role. Universities in metropolitan areas face higher facility and staffing expenses, and those costs are passed on to students, whereas rural or suburban campuses often charge less due to lower overhead. At the same time, urban programs may leverage local hospital networks to provide diverse practicum experiences, which can justify a slightly higher price point.
Program format, length, and accreditation fees shape the remainder of the price tag. Accelerated or competency‑based pathways can reduce total tuition by acknowledging your RN credentials and shortening time to degree, while traditional, semester‑based programs spread costs over a longer period. Accredited programs pay renewal and compliance fees to bodies like CCNE or ACEN, and students should also budget for textbooks, technology‑access fees, and any practicum‑site requirements.
| Attendance Type | Community Colleges | Vocational Schools | Private Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Time | $4,500 - $9,000 | $8,000 - $15,000 | $25,000 - $45,000 |
| Part Time | $6,000 - $10,000 | $9,000 - $17,000 | $22,000 - $50,000 |
An affordable RN to BSN program can still deliver high‑quality education when it upholds rigorous accreditation standards, offers robust clinical‑leadership experiences, and provides strong student support. Accreditation bodies ensure that even budget‑friendly programs cover essential competencies, like community health, research methods, and leadership, on par with more expensive alternatives. By partnering with healthcare organizations for practicum placements, these programs maintain low student‑to‑faculty ratios and real‑world learning without inflating costs. With dedicated advising and career services, graduates emerge equally prepared for advanced practice roles and management positions, proving that affordability need not compromise quality.
Looking for the most affordable LPN program? Ensure it also delivers on these essential quality points.
Striking the right balance between cost and quality in an RN to BSN program means finding a school that maintains transparent, mid‑range tuition while investing in accredited curriculum and meaningful clinical leadership experiences. Look for programs that clearly outline their fees yet still support small cohort sizes, robust practicum placements, and faculty‑mentored research opportunities. By weighing per‑credit cost against measurable outcomes, such as graduation rates, alumni career progression, and employer feedback, you can select a program that delivers the depth of a bachelor’s education at a price that honors your budget and professional goals.