Compare costs, completion times, and online options across every accredited Louisiana RN-to-BSN program.
Louisiana’s largest health systems, including Ochsner Health and LCMC Health, now prioritize or require a BSN for many inpatient and specialty nursing roles, raising the stakes for RNs with an associate degree.
The 13 ranked RN-to-BSN programs across the state range in net price from about $7,000 to over $22,000 per year, reflecting substantial variation in affordability. A closer look at cost differences, program length, online flexibility, and accreditation will help you sort through the options.
In Louisiana, a BSN is rapidly becoming a baseline credential for hospital advancement, not just a résumé enhancer.
Louisiana offers a range of affordable and flexible RN to BSN programs, many with 100% online coursework to accommodate working nurses. Our ranking weighs net price, graduation rates, and program quality to help you find the right fit. The schools below stand out for their value and commitment to advancing nursing careers in 2026.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Louisiana State University-Alexandria | Alexandria, LA | $7,000/yr (net price) | Low-cost online option for any-state RNs | |
LSUA’s RN to BSN is a fully online, accelerated program that charges no out-of-state tuition, making it a standout for affordability. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare systems, preparing graduates for unit leader and manager roles. With a low student-faculty ratio and the ability to transfer up to 75% of previous credits, students receive personalized support and a quick path to completion.
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| #2 | Louisiana Tech University | Ruston, LA | $12,000/yr | Louisiana RNs using TOPS for affordable BSN | |
Louisiana Tech’s RN to BSN program is entirely online with flexible clinical experiences, tailored for nurses with an ASN. Its flat per-credit tuition and eligibility for Louisiana TOPS scholarships keep costs predictable. The interdisciplinary curriculum builds leadership and team-based care skills, culminating in a professional e-portfolio capstone.
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| #3 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe, LA | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | RNs avoiding entrance exams for BSN | |
ULM’s online RN to BSN program stands out for its absence of an entrance exam, making admission straightforward for working RNs. Credit is awarded for your current license, and full-time or part-time options let you balance work and study. The curriculum covers health assessment, leadership, and public health, culminating in a capstone project.
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| #4 | Nicholls State University | Thibodaux, LA | $8,000 – $9,000/yr | ||
Nicholls State’s CCNE-accredited RN to BSN articulation validates and builds on your existing nursing knowledge. The online coursework covers research, community health, and leadership, with a TEAS entrance exam required. Located in Thibodaux, it’s part of the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing, offering strong local healthcare connections.
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| #5 | McNeese State University | Lake Charles, LA | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
McNeese State’s fully online RN-to-BSN is a straightforward degree-completion path for nurses with an associate degree or diploma. CCNE-accredited, it builds on clinical experience to prepare for leadership roles in hospitals and community health. The flexible format and available scholarships make it an accessible next step.
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| #6 | Southeastern Louisiana University | Hammond, LA | $13,000/yr | ||
Southeastern Louisiana University’s RN to BSN program is a standout for its transparent pricing: just $9,500 total including books and fees, payable in three installments. The 100% online curriculum uses 8-week terms and pairs each student with a dedicated faculty coach. CCNE-accredited and offering block transfer for associate degrees, it’s a practical, supportive option.
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| #7 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Natchitoches, LA | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Northwestern State’s online RN to BSN charges a flat $249 per credit with no additional fees, making it one of the most affordable in the state. Articulation agreements with 11 community colleges streamline credit transfer. The program can be finished in 12 months, and military members receive a discounted rate, enhancing its value for service members and families.
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| #8 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Lafayette, LA | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
UL Lafayette’s RN to BSN Online program uses accelerated 8-week courses to help working nurses earn their degree quickly. The affordable, fully online curriculum develops leadership, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice skills. Hands-on experiences are woven in, and graduates are prepared for management, community health, or education roles.
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| #9 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | ~$20,000/yr (est.) | ||
Grambling State’s hybrid RN to BSN can be completed in just two semesters, with up to 42 credits awarded for prior nursing education. NLNAC-accredited and approved by the Louisiana Board of Nursing, it allows working RNs to balance online convenience with on-campus requirements. A current Louisiana RN license is required, and science lab waivers are available.
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| #10 | Southern University and A & M College | Baton Rouge, LA | $20,000 – $25,000/yr | ||
Southern University’s CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN has articulation agreements with nine Louisiana community colleges for seamless credit transfer. A permanent, active Louisiana RN license and completed prerequisites are required before starting. With real-world nursing faculty and a strong legacy of producing African American nurses, it offers a culturally supportive path to leadership roles.
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| #11 | Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | |||
LSUHSC-New Orleans offers an accelerated, one-year campus-based RN to BSN in both New Orleans and Shreveport. The program admits three times a year and builds on RN experience using adult education principles. An unencumbered Louisiana RN license is required, and scholarships are available to help fund this intensive pathway.
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| #12 | Dillard University | New Orleans, LA | ~$22,000/yr (est.) | ||
Dillard University’s hybrid RN to BSN combines online convenience with on-campus instruction at Louisiana’s oldest HBCU. The ACEN-accredited program allows transfer of up to 57 credits and integrates service learning. With dedicated advisors and simulation labs, it prepares nurses for leadership and graduate study in a culturally rich environment.
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| #13 | Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport | Shreveport, LA | |||
LSU Health Shreveport’s RN to BSN uses a hybrid format with in-person and synchronous online classes, designed for associate-degree nurses. Full-time students can finish in 12 months. As an off-campus instructional site of LSU Health New Orleans, the program addresses Louisiana’s nursing shortage and offers multiple start dates each year.
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The table below compares annual tuition and net price for Louisiana's major RN-to-BSN programs. Net price is the institution-wide average after grants and scholarships, so your actual cost will depend on your financial aid package. Among public schools, LSU Alexandria offers the lowest in-state tuition at $7,050, while Grambling State and Southern University show the largest gaps between sticker price and net price, suggesting fewer students receive substantial aid.
| School | Type | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University-Alexandria | Public | $7,050 | $14,725 | $7,065 |
| Louisiana Tech University | Public | $10,125 | $16,866 | $11,864 |
| McNeese State University | Public | $8,489 | $9,989 | $12,493 |
| Nicholls State University | Public | $8,149 | $9,242 | $12,947 |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | Public | $8,373 | $20,851 | $13,154 |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | Public | $9,190 | $21,290 | $13,466 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Public | $10,418 | $24,146 | $13,530 |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Public | $8,864 | $19,652 | $13,606 |
| Grambling State University | Public | $7,683 | $16,706 | $19,809 |
| Southern University and A & M College | Public | $9,922 | $17,272 | $20,077 |
| Dillard University | Private | $22,734 | $22,734 | $22,094 |
Earning a BSN in Louisiana can significantly increase your earning potential. While the mean annual wage for registered nurses in the state is $67,400, BSN-prepared nurses often command a 10-20% premium, bringing annual earnings into the $74,000-$81,000 range.
How quickly can you earn a BSN after your ADN in Louisiana? For most registered nurses, an RN to BSN program takes 12 to 18 months of full-time study. Part-time students balancing work and family often finish in 18 to 24 months. The exact timeline depends on your previous coursework, the program structure, and whether you choose an accelerated plan.
Several Louisiana schools compress the curriculum so you can graduate faster. These accelerated options rely on condensed terms and generous transfer credit policies:
LSU Alexandria (LSUA) also uses 7-week online terms but typically requires 45 additional credits, which may extend your timeline beyond a year unless you transfer in a substantial share of general education credits. Always confirm with an advisor how many of your prior credits will apply.
RN to BSN programs build on the nursing foundation you already have. Most Louisiana schools expect you to enter with approximately 75 to 90 credits from your associate degree or diploma and any general education courses. The remaining 30 to 45 credits, often called upper-division nursing credits, make up the BSN core. At University of Louisiana at Lafayette you complete exactly 30; at LSUA the figure is 45. Because your prior education covers the bulk of the 120-credit degree, the program itself focuses only on the additional coursework, which is why even “full-time” finishes in a year or so.
Many Louisiana RN to BSN programs are designed with working nurses in mind. Online delivery, asynchronous classes, and rolling start dates let you spread the work over four or five semesters instead of three. At schools like McNeese and LSUA, the 7-week session model means you can take one or two courses at a time, finish in roughly 24 months, and still manage a full-time nursing schedule. Southern University and Louisiana Christian University offer similar online flexibility, though specific durations vary by enrollment pattern. If you need the slowest possible pace, speak with the program coordinator to map out a multi-year plan that fits your life.
Many Louisiana schools, like Northwestern State University and LSU Alexandria, offer fully online RN to BSN programs designed for working nurses. While online delivery provides flexibility, clinical or practicum requirements vary. Always verify with the program whether workplace-based capstone projects can replace on-site hours, and consult the Louisiana State Board of Nursing for any state-specific mandates.
Fully online with no on-campus requirements (e.g., Northwestern State, LSUA). May allow workplace-based projects; confirm with each program's nursing department. Some programs accept employer-based capstone projects in lieu of traditional clinical hours; check program websites and FAQs. Review CCNE or ACEN accreditation through program documentation or accreditation body directories. Contact the Louisiana State Board of Nursing for any specific clinical hour mandates or alternative capstone options.
In-person classes with fixed meeting times on campus. Typically completed at designated clinical sites coordinated by the program. Capstone often involves a supervised on-site practicum with fewer alternatives. Review CCNE or ACEN accreditation through program documentation or accreditation body directories. Contact the Louisiana State Board of Nursing for any specific clinical hour mandates or alternative capstone options.
Admission requirements for RN to BSN programs in Louisiana are built around a core expectation: you must already hold an active, unencumbered RN license. Beyond that, GPA thresholds, prerequisite coursework, and transfer credit caps vary, giving you room to find a program that matches your academic record and schedule.
Every RN to BSN program in the state requires a current, unencumbered RN license. GPA minimums differ:
Schools with a 2.0 threshold offer an especially accessible on-ramp for nurses whose associate-degree grades were modest.
Most programs separate the nursing credits you bring from your ADN or diploma from the general education courses needed for the bachelor's degree. Typical prerequisites include freshman- and sophomore-level English, math, sciences, and humanities. Many programs require a C or better in each prerequisite.
Transfer credit caps influence how much prior coursework applies. ULM accepts up to 39 semester credits from an ADN. Louisiana Christian University allows a more generous 63 transfer hours. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette asks applicants to complete 45 semester hours of lower-division coursework with a C or better before upper-division nursing courses begin.
Check each program's specific course equivalencies; some science sequences must be recent or repeated if taken several years ago.
Several Louisiana universities maintain articulation agreements with the state's community colleges, smoothing the path from ADN to BSN. Graduates of Delgado Community College and Baton Rouge Community College often benefit from pre-negotiated credit transfer arrangements with public universities like LSUA, ULM, and Southeastern Louisiana University. These agreements reduce credit loss and guesswork. Ask an advisor whether your associate program has a direct pipeline into the BSN program you are considering.
If you balance a full-time nursing job, look for programs with liberal transfer policies and low GPA floors. ULM's 2.0 minimum and online delivery create a forgiving entry point. Louisiana Christian's 63-credit maximum can shorten completion time. LSUA's fully online format and 2.25 GPA requirement also suit busy schedules. Some programs, like those offered as a single continuous track, remove the need for a separate upper-division application, further simplifying enrollment.
Accreditation is a quality seal for nursing education. The two major national accreditors for RN-to-BSN programs are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, meaning they meet rigorous standards for evaluating nursing programs. There is no inherent hierarchy; neither is universally better. However, CCNE generally accredits baccalaureate and graduate-level programs, while ACEN accredits all nursing education levels, including associate and diploma programs. For RN-to-BSN students, CCNE is more common, but many graduate schools and employers accept both without preference. What matters most is that a program holds recognized programmatic accreditation, not which agency grants it.
Most Louisiana universities offering the RN-to-BSN pathway maintain CCNE accreditation. Here is the accreditation standing for each program, based on the CCNE directory of accredited programs:
Two programs currently lack programmatic accreditation: - Louisiana State University , Eunice: Not accredited by CCNE - Southern University at New Orleans: Not accredited by CCNE
If you are considering either of these, contact the program directly to ask about their accreditation timeline and how it may affect your funding eligibility or career options.
Attending an accredited RN-to-BSN program is more than a box to check: it directly impacts your financial aid, licensure pathway, and long-term mobility. Federal student aid (such as Pell Grants or federal loans) generally requires enrollment in a program with recognized accreditation.1 Employers, especially hospitals with Magnet designation or academic health centers, often prefer or require a BSN from an accredited program. Additionally, if you plan to pursue a master's or doctoral degree later, most graduate programs require a BSN from an accredited institution.1 While a non-accredited program may offer a degree, it could create barriers you don't face with an accredited one. Verify accreditation status on the CCNE or ACEN websites before you apply, as statuses can change, and you want the most current information.
Louisiana’s Magnet-designated hospitals, including Ochsner locations across the state, now often require or prefer BSN-prepared nurses. This trend makes earning your RN to BSN a career investment, not just a credential: it aligns you with hiring standards at top employers and positions you for long-term advancement and higher earning potential.
Healthcare systems across Louisiana are moving toward a baccalaureate-educated nursing workforce, creating a distinct advantage for RNs who complete a BSN.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Louisiana earned a median annual wage of approximately $68,000 as of 2025. While specific BLS data for BSN-only RNs is not broken out statewide, national patterns show that hospitals and health systems pay a premium for BSN credentials, often $5,000 to $10,000 more per year. In Louisiana, this salary differential is reinforced by major employers like Ochsner Health and LCMC Health, which actively prefer or require BSNs for many nursing positions. The earlier infographic in this article detailed how the BSN wage gap compounds over a career, translating to tens of thousands in additional lifetime earnings.
A BSN opens doors beyond bedside care. Louisiana RNs with a baccalaureate degree can move into charge nurse, nurse manager, or clinical educator roles. It also serves as the required foundation for graduate study: MSN programs, nurse practitioner tracks, and leadership certifications all require a BSN first. Many RN-to-BSN programs in this guide embed leadership and community health coursework tailored to these paths.
Program costs for RN-to-BSN programs in Louisiana vary widely. Some online options, like Northwestern State University, charge as little as $249 per credit, while private HBCUs like Dillard University have higher tuition of about $22,734. Median federal student loan debt among graduates of these institutions ranges from $19,500 (LSU Health New Orleans) to $31,000 (Dillard). When measured against the typical BSN-driven salary increase, most graduates recoup their investment in two to three years. Additionally, many employers offer tuition reimbursement, Ochsner Health, for instance, provides up to $5,250 per year in tuition assistance for eligible nurses. This can drastically reduce out-of-pocket costs, making the ROI even stronger.
The Louisiana State Board of Nursing approves both ADN and BSN programs, and the state has no pending legislation to mandate a BSN for licensure. However, the Board’s updated 2025 information notes that employers increasingly prefer BSNs. Magnet-recognized hospitals, such as those within the LCMC Health system, require a higher proportion of BSN-prepared nurses to maintain designation. This has prompted facilities to incentivize RN-to-BSN enrollment through flexible scheduling and direct financial support. Checking with your current employer about tuition benefits can uncover thousands in hidden funding.
Navigating your options for an RN to BSN program in Louisiana raises many practical questions. Below are answers to the queries we hear most often from nurses planning their next career move.
