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.
Tennessee's RN to BSN programs are designed with working nurses in mind, offering flexible online and hybrid formats that build on your ADN or diploma. The programs below stand out for their affordability, unique in-state benefits like military-friendly calendars and community college articulation, and strong clinical partnerships across the state. Whether you work in a rural clinic or a Nashville hospital, you'll find a pathway that fits your schedule and career goals.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
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| #1 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | Military and Fort Campbell-area nurses | |
Austin Peay State University's RN to BSN is built around a military-friendly, accelerated online format with five start dates per year and 7-week courses. The program is CCNE-accredited and offers three concentration options, including Pathways to Certification electives in holistic, wound, or emergency nursing. Clinical hours are completed at your workplace, making it feasible for nurses balancing full-time work and family. With low in-state tuition and a net price under $10,000, it's a top value for Tennessee RNs.
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| #2 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | ~$19,000/yr (est.) | Tennessee community college ADN grads | |
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers a 100% online RN to BSN with a streamlined pathway for Tennessee Board of Regents community college ADN graduates, who automatically fulfill general education requirements. The program features 8-week terms, virtual or local clinicals, and the ability to finish within one year while working. Graduates benefit from UTK's strong reputation and median earnings of over $60,000, with a graduation rate above 73%.
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| #3 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | ~$16,000/yr (est.) | Rural and Appalachian health nurses | |
East Tennessee State University's RN-to-BSN targets rural and Appalachian healthcare, with a summer start and three semesters of nursing courses. The CCNE-accredited program allows the final practicum at your current workplace and offers a dual degree option for ADN students to begin BSN coursework early. Priced at $487 per credit, it combines affordability with a highly affordable net price and a graduation rate above 53%.
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| #4 | The University of Tennessee-Martin | Martin, TN | $11,000/yr (net price) | ||
The University of Tennessee-Martin offers a 100% online RN to BSN that can be completed in four semesters, featuring a 90% job placement rate and small class sizes. The ACEN-accredited program provides simulation labs and clinical experiences at local West Tennessee agencies, with a strong focus on rural healthcare. In-state tuition is just over $10,000, and the net price is about $10,700, making it a budget-friendly option.
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| #5 | Tennessee Tech | Cookeville, TN | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Tennessee Tech's RN-to-BSN is an online program through the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing, designed for ADN/ASN-prepared nurses. The curriculum builds on associate-level education with a focus on leadership and evidence-based practice. With an affordable net price and strong median earnings, it's a solid choice for Upper Cumberland nurses.
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| #6 | Bethel University | McKenzie, TN | $13,000/yr (net price) | ||
Bethel University's RN to BSN is a fully online program with 10-week courses, allowing full-time students to finish nursing coursework in under a year. Clinicals are completed locally, often at the nurse's current employer, and the capstone project applies directly to practice improvement. The private Christian university offers a low net price of $12,595 despite a higher list tuition, and provides online tutoring included in tuition.
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| #7 | South College | Knoxville, TN | $18,000/yr (net price) | ||
South College's online RN to BSN can be completed in as little as one year, with virtual labs and in-person clinicals at local facilities. The program builds critical thinking, evidence-based care, and leadership skills, and accepts transfer credits. Anchored in Knoxville, it offers a stackable pathway into South College's own MSN and DNP programs for Tennessee nurses.
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| #8 | Tennessee Wesleyan University | Athens, TN | ~$15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Tennessee Wesleyan University's RN to BSN is a fully online, CCNE-accredited program with clinical projects in your hometown, allowing you to apply learning to your current practice. The program offers a discounted rate for Covenant Health employees and provides the ability to challenge up to 12 credit hours. At $370 per credit, it's an affordable private option with a net price of $14,836.
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| #9 | Lincoln Memorial University | Harrogate, TN | $20,000/yr | ||
Lincoln Memorial University's RN-BSN Option is offered completely online with optional seated courses at three Tennessee locations for those who want face-to-face components. Designed for ASN or diploma nurses, it prepares graduates for LMU's own graduate nursing programs and emphasizes career mobility across the wellness-illness continuum.
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| #10 | Galen Health Institutes-Nashville Campus | Nashville, TN | $27,000/yr | ||
Galen Health Institutes' Online RN to BSN is anchored at its Nashville campus, with strong clinical and employment pipelines in Middle Tennessee. The CCNE-accredited program features six start dates per year and can be completed in 12-16 months full-time, with no application fee or essays required. It accepts transfer credits and provides academic support through faculty advisors.
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| #11 | Southern Adventist University | Collegedale, TN | $20,000 – $25,000/yr | ||
Southern Adventist University's RN to BSN is an ACEN-accredited, part-time online program completing in four semesters, with three start dates per year. The curriculum integrates advanced nursing theory, evidence-based practice, and leadership within a supportive Christian environment. With multiple delivery options and a net price of $24,345, it serves nurses seeking a faith-based education.
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| #12 | King University | Bristol, TN | $22,000/yr | ||
King University's RN to BSN features a cohort structure with accelerated 7-week courses, available online or on campus one evening per week. The curriculum includes nursing ethics, spiritual care, and a capstone portfolio, and offers advanced placement validation for prior learning. At a net price of $22,347, it's a private option integrating Christian values.
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| #13 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | $25,000/yr | ||
Lipscomb University's ACEN-accredited online RN-to-BSN emphasizes compassionate leadership within a Christ-centered framework. The program offers competency-based credit of up to 27 hours to reduce tuition costs and can be completed within 27 months, with a 90% job placement rate. It accepts up to 67 transfer credits and requires one on-campus orientation.
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| #14 | Union University | Jackson, TN | ~$27,000/yr (est.) | ||
Union University's RN-BSN track is an online program with rolling admissions and a per-credit cost of $400, completable in as few as 18 months. It prepares nurses for leadership and advanced practice, with requirements like CPR certification and background check upon acceptance. The curriculum integrates Christian studies online courses, appealing to nurses seeking a faith-integrated education.
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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.
Tennessee RN-to-BSN clinical requirements typically include 90-120 hours in community health. Many programs allow you to fulfill these hours at your current workplace, but you should confirm with the program that your employer site qualifies for the practicum before enrolling. Doing so can save time and reduce commute burdens while keeping your degree progress on track.
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.
