Compare tuition, completion times, and online options at every accredited Tennessee RN-to-BSN program.
Tennessee offers 14 RN to BSN programs, 13 fully online and one campus-based option, giving working nurses across the state a flexible pathway to the bachelor’s degree increasingly expected by Magnet hospitals and academic health systems.
Affordability varies dramatically: institution-wide net prices range from $9,735 at Austin Peay State University to over $18,000 at several public universities, with private programs climbing higher. For many nurses, the financial calculation outweighs other program features when choosing where to enroll.
The practical result is that the best-value programs are those that combine low net price, high acceptance of prior nursing credits, and clinical placements that fit around a work schedule, a reality that makes cost-weighted comparisons particularly useful for Tennessee’s ADN-trained nurses.
Below are topnursing.org's top 10 RN to BSN programs in Tennessee for 2026. Each card shows net price, institution-wide graduation rate, online or campus format, and a program highlight. Graduation rates reflect the entire institution, not just nursing program outcomes.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | Working RNs needing asynchronous flexibility | |
Austin Peay State University's online RN to BSN is built for working registered nurses who want a fully asynchronous path with accelerated seven-week courses and five start dates each year. The program is CCNE-accredited, follows the Fort Campbell campus calendar, and includes concentrations in holistic, wound care, or emergency room nursing. Students can complete the 30-credit program in as few as 12 months, and clinical hours can be arranged at the student's workplace. In-state tuition is lower than out-of-state for this public university. CCNE accredited
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| #2 | Tennessee Tech | Cookeville, TN | $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) | ASN-prepared nurses wanting online completion | |
Tennessee Tech's online RN-to-BSN is a completion option for registered nurses with an ASN or ADN, delivered through the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing. The program builds on associate-level education and offers the flexibility working nurses need, with an online format that balances study with career and family commitments. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles and further graduate study in nursing. CCNE accredited
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| #3 | The University of Tennessee-Martin | Martin, TN | $11,000/yr (est. net price) | Rural Tennessee nurses pursuing leadership | |
The University of Tennessee-Martin's RN to BSN can be completed 100 percent online in as few as four semesters, with clinical experiences at local West Tennessee agencies. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, leadership, and health promotion, and the program reports a 90-percent job placement rate. Small class sizes and simulation labs add real-world practice for nurses pursuing management, community health, or specialized clinical roles.
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| #4 | The University of Tennessee Southern | Pulaski, TN | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | ||
The University of Tennessee Southern offers an online RN to BSN designed for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma. Students complete eight courses over two full-time semesters, covering evidence-based practice, community health, healthcare policy, and a leadership capstone. The program is CCNE-accredited, approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing, and offers part-time progression for working nurses. In-state and out-of-state tuition are the same at this public university. CCNE accredited
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| #5 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | ~$16,000/yr (est.) | ||
East Tennessee State University's online RN-BSN is a three-semester, asynchronous pathway with a summer start, and it emphasizes rural and Appalachian health. The capstone practicum can be completed at the student's current workplace if they provide direct patient care. ETSU also offers a dual degree option for students still in ADN or ASN programs, and in-state tuition is lower than out-of-state for this public institution. CCNE accredited
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| #6 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | ~$19,000/yr (est.) | ||
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's RN to BSN is a fully online completion track that can be finished in as little as one year through eight-week terms. Clinical components are completed virtually or close to home, and Tennessee Board of Regents community college graduates may have general education requirements satisfied. Out-of-state online students pay a significantly higher tuition rate than Tennessee residents. CCNE accredited
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| #7 | Bethel University | McKenzie, TN | $13,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Bethel University's online RN to BSN is a private option based in McKenzie, Tennessee, with 10-week courses and local clinicals that let working nurses keep their jobs. Full-time students can finish required nursing courses in under a year, and the program includes a capstone clinical reasoning practicum. As a private university, tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. CCNE accredited
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| #8 | South College | Knoxville, TN | $18,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
South College's online RN to BSN is designed for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma, and it can be completed in as little as one year. The program combines 100-percent online classes with virtual labs and in-person clinicals in local facilities. Admission requires a current unencumbered RN license and an associate degree or diploma in nursing. As a private institution, tuition is the same regardless of residency. CCNE accredited
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| #9 | Tennessee Wesleyan University | Athens, TN | ~$15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Tennessee Wesleyan University's RN to BSN is a fully online degree completion with clinical projects completed in the student's own community. The program can be finished in as little as one year, and students may challenge up to 12 credit hours to accelerate. A discount is available for Covenant Health employees, and as a private university, tuition is the same for all students. Employer tuition reimbursement
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| #10 | Lincoln Memorial University | Harrogate, TN | ~$20,000/yr (est.) | ||
Lincoln Memorial University's RN to BSN is an online program for registered nurses with an ASN or diploma, with optional seat courses at three Tennessee locations. The curriculum prepares nurses as generalists across the wellness-illness continuum and supports career mobility and graduate study. As a private university, tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state learners.
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Nearly all RN to BSN programs in Tennessee are now fully online, with only one campus-based option. The differences affect how working nurses manage their schedules, complete clinical requirements, and build professional connections. Out-of-state students should also compare tuition policies, as costs can vary significantly between online and on-campus enrollment.
Asynchronous coursework allows 24/7 access; designed for working nurses with variable shifts. Austin Peay, UT Knoxville, and ETSU use accelerated formats (7- or 8-week terms) with multiple start dates per year. Clinical hours are completed virtually or at a facility close to home, often at the student’s current workplace. For example, ETSU and Tennessee Wesleyan arrange practicums at the student’s employer or a local site. Networking occurs through discussion boards, group video calls, and occasional virtual events. While convenient, building informal peer relationships can take more intentional effort. Out-of-state tuition is often higher at public universities (e.g., UT Knoxville charges $33,256 vs. $13,812 in-state), but some private schools charge the same rate regardless of residency. Austin Peay markets affordable in-state tuition but does not extend that to all out-of-state online learners.
Fixed class schedules require commuting and consistent attendance, making it harder to accommodate rotating or night shifts. UT Martin is the only campus-based option and follows a traditional semester calendar. Clinical placements are typically arranged by the school at predetermined partner facilities near campus, which may require additional travel and limit flexibility. In-person classes, labs, and campus activities offer spontaneous interaction with peers and faculty, fostering stronger immediate professional bonds. Out-of-state rates apply uniformly; UT Martin’s out-of-state tuition is $16,600 compared to $10,560 for Tennessee residents. Non-residents seldom receive in-state pricing for campus programs.
How quickly can you earn a BSN while working as a nurse in Tennessee? The answer depends heavily on your previous coursework, your chosen program's structure, and how many credits you can tackle at once.
For registered nurses entering with an associate degree or diploma in nursing, a full-time RN to BSN program in Tennessee typically spans 12 to 18 months. Most programs require between 30 and 35 upper-division nursing credits beyond the prerequisites, though some schools like Tennessee State University require a full 120 credit hours for the degree but award 30 credits for your prior nursing education. The University of Memphis offers a 30-credit online program that can be finished in as few as 12 months of full-time study.
Part-time study extends the timeline significantly. Nurses balancing 12-hour shifts often need two to three years to complete the degree, taking one or two courses per semester. Many Tennessee programs explicitly design their schedules to accommodate working nurses, with asynchronous online courses that let you log in when your shift ends.
Several Tennessee schools advertise accelerated completion options:
While not every university markets a strict 12-month schedule, many feature rolling start dates or frequent course offerings that let motivated students finish quickly. Check individual program plans: some, like South College, operate on a quarter system (180 quarter credits total, with 45 awarded for previous nursing education), which can accelerate pacing if you take courses year-round.
For nurses working 12-hour shifts, rigid class times are a non-starter. Most Tennessee RN to BSN programs are built for flexibility. Institutions like the University of Memphis use asynchronous formats, meaning you never log in at a set time. Others offer evening or hybrid options, though those are less common post-pandemic. Part-time enrollment is widely supported, and many schools cap the number of courses you can take while employed to keep workloads manageable.
Two factors outweigh all others: your transfer credit evaluation and your semester credit load. If your prior associate program aligned tightly with the BSN curriculum, you may enter with more credits applied toward the degree, shortening your path. Conversely, any missing general education courses (history, statistics, etc.) will tack on extra semesters. How many nursing credits you take each term is the other lever, doubling up on courses during a light work rotation can trim months off your finish date, while sticking to one course at a time stretches the timeline to three years or more.
To lock in the fastest route, review each program's credit award policy and speak with an admissions counselor about your transcript. Knowing exactly which credits transfer, and which you still need, lets you build a realistic, efficient plan.
The net price for RN to BSN programs in Tennessee ranges from $9,735 at Austin Peay State University to $18,976 at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. This figure represents the institution-wide average cost after grants and scholarships are factored in, not specific program tuition. For the most affordable options like Austin Peay and UT Martin, median graduate debt comes in around $20,500 to $21,000, offering a clearer financial picture.
Choosing between programs that accept a large block of transfer credits and those that evaluate coursework piece by piece can dramatically affect your timeline and budget. Some Tennessee RN-to-BSN programs build directly on your ADN foundation, accepting up to 72 credits, while others require you to complete additional institutional coursework, extending the path to graduation.
Each program sets its own limit on how many credits you can bring from previous nursing and general education courses. These caps determine how many classes you must still take at the university.
All programs expect a solid academic foundation, but the specific courses and minimum GPA vary.
An active, unencumbered Tennessee RN license is non‑negotiable at all three institutions. They also expect you to hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing, though some may grant provisional admission while you complete your licensure exam. No minimum clinical experience hours are specified; your license serves as proof of clinical readiness.
Accreditation is a quality assurance process that confirms a nursing program meets national standards for education and training. For RN to BSN programs, two main bodies grant this approval: the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). A program’s accreditation status directly impacts your ability to transfer credits, qualify for federal financial aid, and pursue graduate studies later on.
Employers often prefer or require nurses who have graduated from an accredited program because it signals a rigorous, up-to-date curriculum. If you plan to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, most graduate schools require a BSN from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program. Accreditation also unlocks access to federal student aid, making the degree more affordable.
Most RN to BSN programs in Tennessee hold CCNE accreditation, the more common designation for bachelor’s-level nursing education.1 Based on the latest available data in 2026, the following schools have current CCNE accreditation for their RN to BSN programs:1
Some programs may also carry ACEN accreditation, but CCNE is the primary accreditor for these institutions. Always check the program’s website or the accreditor’s online directory to confirm status before applying.
Beyond accreditation, program-level outcomes give a clearer picture of how graduates fare. Federal data sources, such as the College Scorecard, sometimes report metrics like the number of students who complete the program, median earnings one year after graduation, and the employment share among recent completers. These figures are not occupational wages for all nurses but rather the actual earnings of program graduates in the first year after earning their degree. A high completion count often indicates a well-supported student body, while strong early-career earnings suggest the credential is valued in the job market. For programs that report this data, it can be a useful tiebreaker when comparing schools. Because data is not always available for every institution, you may need to contact the school directly for the most recent outcomes.
The difference in lifetime earnings between an ADN-prepared RN and a BSN-prepared RN can reach six figures over the course of a career. In Tennessee, registered nurses as a whole earn a median annual wage of $68,020, but the top quarter of earners exceeds $77,000, a threshold more often reached by nurses with a bachelor’s degree. Below we unpack the state’s RN wage landscape, the early-career earnings trajectory, and how the BSN opens doors to higher-paying clinical and leadership roles.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee employed approximately 68,000 registered nurses in 2024.1 The state-level pay distribution underscores the financial incentive to advance:
Wages climb further in metro areas. Here is how major Tennessee markets compare:
The Nashville metro leads the state, followed closely by Memphis, while Knoxville and Chattanooga hover near or just below the statewide median.
BLS occupational figures reflect all registered nurses, from recent ADN graduates to BSN-prepared ICU managers with decades of experience. The 10th percentile (around $52,000, $53,000) approximates what many new nurses earn, while the 90th percentile ($88,000, $90,000) highlights the ceiling for seasoned, credentialed RNs. Program-level earnings for RN-to-BSN completers in Tennessee are not yet available, but the wide spread itself shows how much earning power can grow with experience, and with the bachelor’s degree that employers increasingly prefer for specialty and charge roles.
A BSN is not just a terminal degree; it is the essential prerequisite for graduate nursing pathways, such as nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee, that lead to substantially higher earnings. In Tennessee and nationwide, the following advanced roles require a BSN before entry:
By completing an RN to BSN, you position yourself to pursue these higher-paying, greater-responsibility roles and build a long-term nursing career path, turning the early-career earnings gap into a lasting advantage.
Navigating the details of RN to BSN programs in Tennessee often raises specific questions about clinicals, military benefits, and tuition assistance. Below are answers to common queries to help you plan your next steps.
