Top RN to BSN Programs in Maryland

Top RN to BSN Programs in Maryland
Maria Delgado, RN

Maria Delgado, RN

June 19, 2025

RN to BSN programs provide educational pathways for registered nurses who want to achieve their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The RN to BSN programs in Maryland serve an essential function to build up nursing personnel strength while enhancing medical service delivery results. The state faces growing healthcare requirements especially concerning elderly populations along with populations who need underserved care. BSN-prepared nurses gain advanced clinical capabilities and leadership competencies needed to tackle healthcare challenges. 

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2026 Top RN to BSN Programs in Maryland

TopNursing.org is proud to present our comprehensive guide to the top RN to BSN programs in Maryland, helping aspiring nurses make informed educational decisions. Our expert team has carefully evaluated nursing programs across the state, considering factors like academic quality, clinical opportunities, student support, and career preparation. Maryland offers exceptional pathways for registered nurses looking to advance their education and professional credentials. These top-ranked programs provide rigorous coursework, flexible learning options, and strong connections to healthcare networks throughout the state. Whether you're seeking online or traditional classroom experiences, our rankings highlight the most competitive and comprehensive RN to BSN programs Maryland has to offer. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Stevenson University

Owings Mills, MD - Private 4-year - stevenson.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Stevenson University's RN to BS in Nursing program is an accelerated online option that can be completed in just 15 months, offering flexibility for working registered nurses. It does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam and is fully accredited by the CCNE. Students can fulfill clinical hours on the job and benefit from personalized faculty support. With competitive tuition rates, potential discounts up to 20%, and up to $30,000 in assistance, it's an affordable pathway to advance nursing careers without application fees. A minimum 2.5 GPA and current RN license are required for admission.

  • 100% Online Accelerated Program
  • Complete in 15 Months
  • $495 Per Credit Hour
  • No Application Fees
  • Clinical Hours On-Job
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
  • Current RN License Needed
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Partnership Tuition Discounts
  • Personalized Faculty Support
#2

Coppin State University

Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - coppin.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Coppin State University's RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers through a comprehensive bachelor's degree. This campus-based program enhances skills in healthcare leadership, evidence-based practice, and culturally competent care, requiring 120 credit hours with a 3.0 minimum GPA. As an HBCU and military-friendly institution, it offers a flexible pathway for working professionals, focusing on clinical reasoning and health promotion without an ACT or SAT entrance exam requirement.

  • 120 total credit hours
  • For licensed RN professionals
  • 3.0 minimum GPA required
  • Comprehensive clinical training
  • Flexible professional pathway
#3

Frostburg State University

Frostburg, MD - Public 4-Year - frostburg.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Frostburg State University's RN to BSN program is an online, flexible option for registered nurses seeking to advance their education without a specified concentration. Designed for working professionals, it can be completed in 15 to 60 months with asynchronous learning, allowing students to balance studies with their careers. The program emphasizes leadership, complex clinical care coordination, and community health, including a 135-hour community-based practicum. Accredited and military-friendly, it prepares graduates for expanded nursing roles and further studies. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required, as it's a bachelor's level program tailored for RNs.

  • Online asynchronous learning
  • 15-60 month completion time
  • 135-hour community practicum
  • Accredited nursing program
  • Leadership and care coordination focus
#4

Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD - Public 4-Year - salisbury.edu

Bachelor's - RN to B.S.N.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Salisbury University's RN to BSN program is tailored for licensed registered nurses aiming to advance their education. It accepts up to 60 transfer credits from an associate degree, requiring only 30 additional credits for completion. The curriculum is designed with flexibility for working professionals, emphasizing career enhancement. Admission necessitates an active unencumbered RN license, a competitive GPA, a detailed application, professional references, and a narrative of academic goals. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required, as this is a bachelor's level program focused on building on prior nursing experience.

  • Transfers up to 60 credits
  • Requires 30 additional credits
  • Active RN license required
  • Flexible professional pathway
  • Comprehensive admission process
#5

Towson University

Towson, MD - Public 4-Year - towson.edu

Bachelor's - Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Towson University's RN-to-BS degree completion program offers a hybrid format, combining online coursework with an in-person clinical practicum in the final term, ideal for working registered nurses. It requires a Maryland or Compact RN license, a minimum 2.50 GPA, and part-time enrollment is recommended for flexibility. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is needed for this bachelor's level program. Emphasizing personalized academic advising, it enhances clinical skills and professional growth without a specific concentration focus.

  • Flexible online/hybrid format
  • Designed for working RNs
  • Minimum 2.50 GPA required
  • 120 total degree units
  • Maryland/Compact RN license needed
  • Part-time enrollment recommended
  • Final term in-person practicum
  • Personalized academic advising
*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023.

Program Curriculum & Length

Length

Curriculum

Nursing Research
Public Health Nursing
Pharmacology
Pathophysiology
Healthcare Ethics and Law
Nutrition

Clinical Rotations

Are Online RN to BSN Programs Available in Maryland

The state of Maryland provides RN to BSN programs through online and in-person learning as well as hybrid educational formats. Working nurses choose online programs because they offer flexible scheduling which makes their education easier to manage. Students enrolled in these programs can complete their coursework independently which suits their needs for balancing work and school responsibilities. A few universities maintain in-person programs for students who want traditional classroom learning. Hybrid programs blend online lectures with in-person sessions to support students who want flexibility and traditional classroom interaction. Students who work non-standard hours can find courses at specific institutions that run during evenings and weekends. 

2026 Fastest RN to BSN Program Options in Maryland

Maryland offers exceptional opportunities for nurses looking to advance their education through streamlined RN to BSN programs. These accelerated pathways help working healthcare professionals quickly transition from associate's to bachelor's degrees with minimal disruption to their careers. Nurses in bustling areas like Baltimore, Columbia, and Silver Spring can benefit from the shortest program options that maximize learning efficiency. By choosing programs with high graduation and retention rates, students can swiftly upgrade their credentials, enhance their professional skills, and potentially increase their earning potential. These targeted educational tracks recognize the demanding schedules of current nursing professionals and provide flexible, career-focused routes to higher education.
School NameHighlightsRetention & Grad Rates
Stevenson University
  • 100% Online Accelerated Program
  • Complete in 15 Months
  • $495 Per Credit Hour
  • No Application Fees
  • Clinical Hours On-Job
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
  • Current RN License Needed
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Frostburg State University
  • Online asynchronous learning
  • 15-60 month completion time
  • 135-hour community practicum
  • Accredited nursing program
  • Leadership and care coordination focus
  • Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Notre Dame of Maryland University
  • Flexible online and campus options
  • Accelerated 2.5-year completion
  • 30 transferable nursing credits
  • Clinical experiences at top hospitals
  • Supportive cohort learning model
  • Emphasis on caring science
  • Social justice focused curriculum
  • Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
*Information sourced from the NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (2023).

Admission Requirements

Active RN License 
 Current, unencumbered RN license in the state of practice
Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing 
 Graduation from an accredited nursing program (ACEN or NLNAC)
Official Transcripts 
 From all previously attended colleges or universities
Minimum GPA 
 Typically 2.5 to 3.0 cumulative GPA
Completed Prerequisites 
 Courses such as English Composition, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, Psychology or Sociology, and Nutrition
Background Check and Immunizations 
 Required for practicum or community health experiences

Certification and Licensing

Certifying BoardMaryland Board of Nursing (MBON)
CertificationGraduate from an MBON‑approved BSN program, submit official transcripts, complete a criminal history record check (fingerprints), declare primary state of residence, and pass the NCLEX‑RN exam
License Renewal PeriodBiennial renewal by the 28th of your birth month (renewal opens 90 days before, with a 30‑day grace period)
Continuing Education30 contact hours every two years or alternatives (1,000 practice hours in 5 years or completion of a Board‑approved nursing program within 5 years), plus a one‑time implicit bias training for first renewal
License Application Fee$187 non‑refundable NCLEX exam application fee, fingerprint processing fees apply
Clinical HoursCompletion of all required didactic coursework and clinical practicum hours, verified via official transcripts
Application Processing TimeApproximately 4–6 weeks after NCLEX results and background clearance
License by Endorsement$230 endorsement application fee (optional $70 temporary license), submit active‑license verification, transcripts, and fingerprint clearance

Salary and Job Outlook

Maryland-based BSN-prepared nurses find excellent job prospects with above-average compensation in the state. The typical salary for registered nurses in Maryland reaches about $92,000 annually although it changes based on work experience, specific nursing specialty, and location. The starting compensation for RNs with BSN degrees matches that of entry-level nurses yet BSN graduates typically gain rapid career advancement leading to management positions with higher salaries. The healthcare facilities in Maryland are expanding their services because they need additional skilled nurses to serve increasing patient demands at their hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. The nursing shortage in Maryland becomes more severe because of its projections particularly in rural areas and underserved regions which heighten the need for educated nursing professionals. 

Salary & Career OutlookMarylandUSA
Avg Annual BSN Salary$87,433$62,340
Avg Hourly Wage$42.04$29.97
90th Percentile Salary>$102,911$80,510
Median Salary$87,433$62,340
10th Percentile Salary<$71,660$47,960
Projected Job Growth (2022–2032)~22%3%
Annual Job Openings~13,000~54,000

2026 Affordable RN to BSN Program Options in Maryland

Maryland offers promising opportunities for registered nurses seeking to advance their education through affordable RN to BSN programs. Nurses across Baltimore, Columbia, and the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area can find budget-friendly pathways to complete their bachelor's degree. These programs provide accessible options for working professionals looking to enhance their clinical skills and career prospects without incurring overwhelming educational expenses. By focusing on tuition-friendly approaches, these institutions help nurses smoothly transition from associate's to bachelor's level education. The carefully selected programs in this table represent excellent choices for nurses seeking quality education that supports both professional growth and financial stability.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Stevenson University
  • 100% Online Accelerated Program
  • Complete in 15 Months
  • $495 Per Credit Hour
  • No Application Fees
  • Clinical Hours On-Job
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
  • Current RN License Needed
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • $31,800 - $47,600 (Undergraduate)
Coppin State University
  • 120 total credit hours
  • For licensed RN professionals
  • 3.0 minimum GPA required
  • Comprehensive clinical training
  • Flexible professional pathway
  • $5,600 - $8,400 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $11,000 - $16,500 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Frostburg State University
  • Online asynchronous learning
  • 15-60 month completion time
  • 135-hour community practicum
  • Accredited nursing program
  • Leadership and care coordination focus
  • $8,000 - $12,000 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $20,100 - $30,200 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 institutional data.

Advancement Pathways

The BSN degree in Maryland enables nurses to access numerous professional advancement options in their nursing career. BSN graduates can qualify for positions like charge nurse and nurse manager as well as clinical coordinator roles. Strong communication skills, organizational abilities, and critical thinking competencies which BSN training emphasizes are often needed for these roles. The educational program allows nurses to continue their studies at the graduate level for roles such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or healthcare administration. The advanced roles provide nurses with increased independence while offering higher compensation together with stronger roles in clinical choice-making processes. Nursing professionals who hold a BSN can obtain specialized certifications which showcase their expertise in case management, informatics, and quality improvement. Maryland healthcare facilities now insist on a BSN degree for career progression especially when they work to achieve Magnet status or meet federal nursing regulations. The possession of a BSN degree may also affect future continuing education needs as well as expected professional standards. The degree provides nurses with enduring career development opportunities while creating multiple nursing practice and additional professional possibilities.

Programs in Maryland

Jump to City:

Adelphi, MD

University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible learning format
    • CCNE accredited program
    • In-person community health practice
    • Emphasizes leadership skills
    • Prepares for advanced nursing roles

Baltimore, MD

Coppin State University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • 120 total credit hours
    • For licensed RN professionals
    • 3.0 minimum GPA required
    • Comprehensive clinical training
    • Flexible professional pathway

Notre Dame of Maryland University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Flexible online and campus options
    • Accelerated 2.5-year completion
    • 30 transferable nursing credits
    • Clinical experiences at top hospitals
    • Supportive cohort learning model
    • Emphasis on caring science
    • Social justice focused curriculum

Frostburg, MD

Frostburg State University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online asynchronous learning
    • 15-60 month completion time
    • 135-hour community practicum
    • Accredited nursing program
    • Leadership and care coordination focus

Owings Mills, MD

Stevenson University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Accelerated Program
    • Complete in 15 Months
    • $495 Per Credit Hour
    • No Application Fees
    • Clinical Hours On-Job
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
    • Current RN License Needed
    • CCNE Accredited Program

Salisbury, MD

Salisbury University

  • Bachelor's - RN to B.S.N.

    Campus Based - Website

    • Transfers up to 60 credits
    • Requires 30 additional credits
    • Active RN license required
    • Flexible professional pathway
    • Comprehensive admission process

Towson, MD

Towson University

  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Flexible online/hybrid format
    • Designed for working RNs
    • Minimum 2.50 GPA required
    • 120 total degree units
    • Maryland/Compact RN license needed
    • Part-time enrollment recommended
    • Final term in-person practicum
    • Personalized academic advising
*Data accessed from: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics.