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.
These are the top RN to BSN programs in Louisiana for 2026, organized with affordability and working-nurse flexibility at the center. Most schools deliver the degree fully online or in a hybrid format, so you can continue clinical shifts while earning your BSN. Graduation rates shown are institution-wide rather than specific to the nursing program.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Louisiana State University at Alexandria | Alexandria, LA | $7,000/yr (est. net price) | Budget-conscious nurses seeking online flexibility | |
LSUA's RN to BSN stands out for its low net price around $7,065 and a fully online accelerated format designed for working registered nurses. The program can be completed in as few as 10 months and emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare systems. Institution-wide, LSUA reports a graduation rate near 34 percent, and the program is ACEN-accredited and approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
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| #2 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Natchitoches, LA | $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) | Community college transfer students wanting online value | |
Northwestern State's RN to BSN is fully online with a flat $249 per credit hour, no additional fees, and a net price around $13,606. The curriculum can be completed in as few as 12 months, and articulation agreements with 11 Louisiana community colleges make transfer seamless. Institution-wide graduation rate is about 43 percent, and military tuition rates are available.
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| #3 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe, LA | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | Part-time students needing flexible pacing | |
ULM's online RN to BSN offers full-time and part-time scheduling, no entrance exam, and up to 39 credit hours awarded for current RN licensure. Net price is about $13,466, and institution-wide graduation rate runs near 54 percent. The curriculum includes health assessment, gerontology, pharmacology, nursing research, management, and a capstone, with CCNE accreditation. CCNE accredited
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| #4 | Louisiana Tech University | Ruston, LA | ~$12,000/yr (est.) | ||
Louisiana Tech's RN to BSN pairs 100% online coursework with flexible clinical experiences in community, leadership, and capstone courses. Net price is around $11,864 and institution-wide graduation rate is about 64 percent. The program uses a flat $400 per credit rate and offers TOPS scholarship eligibility for Louisiana residents.
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| #5 | Southeastern Louisiana University | Hammond, LA | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southeastern Louisiana's RN to BSN is delivered fully online in 8-week terms with three start dates each year. Total program cost is $9,500 including books and fees, and net price is about $13,154. Institution-wide graduation rate is near 45 percent, and the CCNE-accredited program pairs each student with a dedicated faculty coach. CCNE accredited
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| #6 | Nicholls State University | Thibodaux, LA | $8,000 – $9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Nicholls State's RN to BSN articulation awards credit for existing RN knowledge and is offered through flexible online coursework. Net price is about $12,947 and institution-wide graduation rate is around 54 percent. The CCNE-accredited program in Thibodaux currently requires the TEAS exam and a 2.8 GPA for admission. CCNE accredited
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| #7 | McNeese State University | Lake Charles, LA | $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) | ||
McNeese State's RN-to-BSN is a 100% online degree-completion option for nurses with an associate degree or diploma. Net price is about $12,493 and institution-wide graduation rate is near 47 percent. The CCNE-accredited program focuses on advancing nursing knowledge and leadership, with scholarships available. CCNE accredited
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| #8 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Lafayette, LA | $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) | ||
UL Lafayette's RN to BSN Online uses accelerated 8-week courses in a fully online format, with a net price near $13,530. Institution-wide graduation rate is about 53 percent, and the program is CCNE-accredited. The curriculum develops leadership, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice skills for working RNs. CCNE accredited
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| #9 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | ~$20,000/yr (est.) | ||
Grambling State offers a hybrid RN to BSN that can be completed in two semesters and accepts up to 42 nursing credits from prior education. Net price is about $19,809 and institution-wide graduation rate is near 36 percent. The program starts in fall and spring, with online coursework combined with on-campus requirements. CCNE accredited
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| #10 | Southern University and A & M College | Baton Rouge, LA | $20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southern University's RN to BSN is fully online and designed for working RNs, with articulation agreements covering nine Louisiana ADN programs including Delgado, Baton Rouge, and Bossier Parish community colleges. Net price is about $20,077 and institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 27 percent. The CCNE-accredited program has produced over 2,500 BSN graduates since 1985. CCNE accredited
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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.
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.
