Best Online RN to BSN Programs for Working Nurses

If you are a licensed RN looking to earn your BSN online, you already know the short version of why: Magnet-status hospitals require it or prefer it, salary data consistently shows BSN-prepared nurses earn more over a career, and most NP and DNP programs require a BSN for admission. The question is not whether to do it. It is which program fits your specific situation.

This guide does not rank programs 1 through 10. That framing is not useful for nurses, because the best RN to BSN program for an RN with an ADN, three young kids, and a night-shift schedule is not the same program as the best one for an RN who wants a research university credential and is targeting a Magnet hospital in a specific metro market. What follows is a curated set of programs organized by what they do best, with the data you need to make the right choice for your actual situation.

Every program featured here is CCNE-accredited. That is the non-negotiable baseline, and no program without it is worth your time or money regardless of how it is marketed.

Program	Accreditation	Per-Credit / Term Rate	Est. Total Cost	Key Strength	Start Dates
Western Governors University (WGU)	CCNE; HLC	$5,325 per 6-month term (flat rate)	~$10,650 if completed in 2 terms (1 year); faster = cheaper	Lowest cost if self-paced; competency-based; no deadlines	Monthly
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)	CCNE; NECHE	$342/credit	~$10,260 if 90 credits transfer; structure with flexibility	Multiple start dates; no waitlists; structured weekly pace; RN-to-MSN pathway	Multiple throughout year
Ohio University eCampus	CCNE; HLC	$400/credit	~$12,000-$18,000 depending on credits remaining	Public research university credential; 6th nationally (AllNurses.com); ranked top nationally	Fall, spring, summer
University of Utah (UOnline)	CCNE; NWCCU	$400/credit (flat; no residency premium)	~$12,000-$16,000 depending on credits	R1 research university; U of U Health connection; flat rate for all students	Fall, spring, summer
George Washington University	CCNE; MSCHE	$400/credit	~$8,400-$12,000 for 21-credit RN-BSN completion	Top-ranked research university; Washington D.C. policy + health system connections	Fall and spring
Chamberlain University	CCNE	~$364-$390/credit (verify current rate)	~$12,000-$14,000 typical	Largest nursing school in U.S.; 177,000+ nursing alumni; strong student support; 8-week terms	6 per year

Note: Total cost estimates assume 30 to 45 credits remaining after transfer evaluation. Actual cost depends on your specific transfer credits accepted, your prior degree, and any employer tuition reimbursement. Verify current per-credit rates directly with each program before budgeting.

What Every RN to BSN Program Must Have: CCNE Accreditation

Before anything else: verify CCNE or ACEN accreditation for every program you consider. CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) and ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) are the two recognized nursing accreditors in the United States. Without one of them, a BSN program does not meet the standard evaluated by most hospital systems for Magnet designation, and most NP and DNP programs will not accept your BSN for graduate admission.

Institutional accreditation (HLC, NECHE, SACSCOC, NWCCU) is separate from nursing programmatic accreditation. An institution can be regionally accredited without its nursing program being CCNE-accredited. Always check nursing accreditation specifically at ccneaccreditation.org, not just the institution’s general accreditation status.

All programs featured in this guide are CCNE-accredited. That is the floor, not a differentiator.

For a complete guide to understanding accreditation for nursing programs, see: Accredited Online Nursing Programs for Working Adults

For a complete overview of what to expect from RN to BSN programs, see: RN to BSN Online: What to Expect

 

What RNs Should Know Before Choosing

A few practical facts that apply across all of these programs:

Transfer Credits Are the Most Important Cost Variable

Almost every online RN to BSN program accepts 60 to 90 transfer credits, including a block of credits for your ADN and nursing license. If a program accepts 90 transfer credits (45 for your RN license and 45 from your prior ADN coursework), the remaining coursework may be as few as 30 credits. The difference between a program that accepts 60 versus 90 transfer credits at $400 per credit is $12,000. Before comparing per-credit rates between programs, call the admissions office and ask exactly how many credits they will evaluate for transfer based on your specific prior coursework.

Magnet Hospitals and BSN Hiring

As of 2025, approximately 47 percent of newly licensed nurses enter the field with a BSN, and that share continues to rise. Magnet-designated hospitals, which represent a significant and growing share of the most desirable hospital employers, require a defined percentage of their nursing staff to hold a BSN. This makes the BSN not just a career advancement credential but an access credential for certain hospital systems. The accreditation of your BSN (CCNE or ACEN) matters for these employers; the specific institution matters less than you might expect in most cases, with the exception of nurses in markets where specific university names carry hiring weight.

GPA and Graduate School

If you are planning to pursue an NP or DNP program after your BSN, pay attention to how the program grades. Traditional term-based programs (SNHU, Ohio University, GW, Chamberlain) award standard letter grades and produce a GPA. Competency-based programs like WGU award competency completions without traditional letter grades. Most graduate programs do accept WGU BSN graduates, but some highly selective NP programs require a minimum GPA and will use your BSN GPA as part of the evaluation. If you have a specific graduate program in mind, confirm its acceptance of competency-based transcripts before choosing WGU.

Clinical Requirements

BSN-level clinical requirements in RN to BSN programs are different from the pre-licensure clinicals you completed in your ADN program. At the BSN level, clinicals typically focus on community health, leadership, population health, and evidence-based practice. Many programs allow you to complete these hours at your current workplace or in your local community. Programs vary in the number of hours required; SNHU’s capstone includes 90 practicum hours, GW’s program includes 45 clinical hours plus a 68-hour practicum, and WGU streamlined its clinical requirements to reduce hours while maintaining CCNE standards. If you work full time in an acute care setting, programs that allow workplace-based clinical completion are significantly more manageable.

 

Best for Lowest Total Cost: Western Governors University

WGU’s flat-rate, competency-based model is the most cost-efficient path to a CCNE-accredited BSN for nurses who are disciplined self-directed learners. Instead of paying per credit, you pay $5,325 for a six-month term and complete as many courses as you can in that time. The program is designed to be completed in one year (two terms), which puts the total cost at approximately $10,650. Nurses who dedicate consistent study time and leverage their existing clinical knowledge to move quickly through competencies can finish in less than two terms, spending less than $10,650 total. Nurses who need more time pay for additional terms.

WGU’s model rewards exactly what working RNs have: existing clinical knowledge. Because competencies measure mastery rather than seat time, your years of nursing experience directly accelerate your completion. A nurse who has managed post-surgical patients for eight years will move through pathophysiology and evidence-based practice competencies faster than a recent ADN graduate with minimal experience.

Three things to know about WGU before enrolling. First, there are no letter grades and no GPA. If a specific graduate program you are targeting requires a minimum GPA from your BSN, confirm their WGU acceptance policy before starting. Second, WGU grants up to 90 transfer credits, reducing the coursework you need to complete. Third, WGU holds HLC (not NECHE or SACSCOC) institutional accreditation, which is recognized equivalently by employers and graduate schools.

WGU is also a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence in Nursing Education, which is a meaningful recognition of program quality beyond the baseline CCNE accreditation.

WGU RN to BSN	Details
Tuition	$5,325 per 6-month term; flat rate regardless of credits completed that term
Typical total cost	~$10,650 for 1-year completion (2 terms); faster completion = lower cost
Format	Competency-based; no set class schedule; no due dates; you demonstrate mastery at your own pace
Transfer credits	Up to 90 credits; block transfer for ADN + RN license
Start dates	Every month
CCNE accreditation	Yes
NLN recognition	National League for Nursing Center of Excellence in Nursing Education
GPA	No traditional GPA; competency completions recorded on transcript
Clinical requirement	Community-based field experience; streamlined in recent curriculum update
Graduate school note	Most programs accept WGU graduates; verify with your specific target NP/DNP program if GPA is required
Not available in	No enrollment restrictions noted for RN-BSN (prelicensure BSN has state restrictions, but RN-BSN does not)

 

WGU RN to BSN program details: wgu.edu/online-nursing-health-degrees/rn-to-bsn-nursing-bachelors-program.html

 

Best for Structure, Flexibility, and Multiple Start Dates: Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU’s online RN to BSN is the right choice for nurses who want a structured term-based program with frequent start dates, low per-credit cost, and the option to eventually pursue an NP or other MSN track through the same institution. At $342 per credit, it is priced below most private alternatives in the CCNE-accredited market. With up to 90 transfer credits accepted (45 for your RN license plus up to 45 from your ADN program), a nurse entering with full transfer credit may complete the remaining nursing coursework for approximately $10,260 in tuition.

Unlike WGU’s self-paced model, SNHU uses an instructor-led format with weekly deadlines, discussion posts, and faculty feedback. For nurses who want more structure and prefer knowing what is due each week, this is a meaningful advantage. The program consists of 10 nursing courses that follow the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) guidelines, with a capstone that includes 90 practicum hours completable in your community or workplace.

The most distinctive structural feature of SNHU’s nursing offering is the accelerated RN to MSN pathway. Nurses who meet the 3.5 GPA threshold in BSN coursework can take two graduate-level courses during their BSN and then transition directly into one of five MSN tracks (Population Healthcare, Family Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Quality and Safety, Nurse Executive Leadership, or Nursing Education), with those courses reducing the MSN credit requirement by 6 to 9 credits. For a nurse who knows she wants her NP eventually, this creates a more efficient ladder from RN to MSN than enrolling in two separate programs sequentially.

SNHU does not cap enrollment or maintain waitlists for the RN to BSN program. For nurses ready to start soon, the absence of admission caps is a practical advantage over some public university programs with limited seats. SNHU is not currently enrolling students in Washington state for nursing programs.

SNHU RN to BSN	Details
Tuition	$342/credit; same rate regardless of state of residence
Typical total cost	~$10,260 if 90 credits transfer; varies based on your accepted transfer credits
Format	Instructor-led; weekly deadlines; 8-week terms; structured online
Transfer credits	Up to 90 credits (45 for RN license + up to 45 from ADN)
Start dates	Multiple throughout the year; frequent enrollment windows
CCNE accreditation	Yes; NECHE institutional accreditation
Capstone	90 practicum hours; community or workplace completion
RN to MSN pathway	Accelerated pathway available; take 2 graduate courses during BSN for 3.5+ GPA students; reduces MSN requirement by 6-9 credits across 5 MSN tracks
No waitlists	No enrollment caps; no waitlists for RN to BSN
Not available in	Washington state for nursing programs
Military discount	Yes; active duty and veterans receive tuition discounts

SNHU RN to BSN program details: snhu.edu/online-degrees/bachelors/bs-in-nursing

Best for a Ranked Public Research University Credential: Ohio University eCampus

Ohio University’s online RN to BSN is the program for nurses who want the credential quality that comes from a 220-year-old public research university at a competitive per-credit rate. The program is CCNE-accredited, available online with fall, spring, and summer starts, and can be completed in two, three, or four consecutive semesters. At $400 per credit, it is priced in the same range as GW and Utah while carrying the Ohio University R2 research university credential.

Ohio University’s nursing programs have earned consistent external validation that carries weight with nurses who are evaluating employer recognition: the RN to BSN is ranked 6th nationally by AllNurses.com and 7th most affordable at a public university nationally by Nurse.org. These are specialty nursing publication rankings, not institutional marketing claims. For nurses who want a cost-competitive program with independently verified standing in the nursing-specific ranking landscape, Ohio University is the most defensible public university choice in the middle-cost range.

The program includes 45 clinical hours with nurse leaders plus a 68-hour practicum leading to a quality improvement project, both completable at the student’s current workplace. Ohio residents benefit from the state-supported tuition structure, which further reduces effective per-credit cost. Non-Ohio-resident students pay the same published $400 rate, making it accessible nationally at the same price.

 

Ohio University RN to BSN	Details
Tuition	$400/credit (effective Fall 2025); exempt from standard nursing differential fee
Typical total cost	~$12,000-$18,000 depending on transfer credits accepted
Format	100% online; asynchronous; fall, spring, summer starts
Completion options	2, 3, or 4 consecutive semesters based on course load
CCNE accreditation	Yes; HLC institutional accreditation
Nursing rankings	6th nationally (AllNurses.com); 7th most affordable public university BSN nationally (Nurse.org)
Clinical	45 clinical hours with nurse leaders + 68-hour practicum (quality improvement project); workplace completion available
Graduate pathway	RN-to-MSN pathway available; CCNE-accredited MSN tracks including top-ranked PMHNP (#1 nationally Nurse Practitioner Online)
University context	R2 research university; founded 1804; oldest public university in Ohio; 6,000+ exclusively online students

Ohio University online nursing programs: ohio.edu/chsp/nursing

Best for Nurses Targeting the Intermountain West or Research University Context: University of Utah

The University of Utah’s online RN to BSN is CCNE-accredited, priced at $400 per credit as a flat rate for both Utah residents and non-residents (effective Fall 2025), and can be completed in two, three, or four semesters with fall, spring, and summer start options. It is the only Intermountain West institution offering CCNE-accredited BSN, MSN, and PhD programs simultaneously, and its College of Nursing connects students to University of Utah Health, one of the region’s major academic medical centers.

The flat non-resident rate is a genuine differentiator. Most public universities charge non-resident premiums of 50 to 100 percent above in-state rates. The University of Utah charges $400 per credit to everyone for this program. For nurses outside Utah who want a public research university credential without a residency premium, this is a meaningful cost advantage over most public university competitors.

The program emphasizes health promotion, public and global health, and healthcare disparities, with 45 clinical hours with nurse leaders and a 68-hour practicum completable at the student’s workplace. Admission requires a 2.7 minimum GPA and an associate degree in nursing from an accredited institution, with applications to both the University of Utah and the RN-BS program required.

University of Utah RN to BSN	Details
Tuition	$400/credit flat rate; same for Utah residents and non-residents (effective Fall 2025)
Typical total cost	~$12,000-$16,000 depending on transfer credits
Format	100% online; asynchronous; fall, spring, summer starts
Completion options	2, 3, or 4 consecutive semesters
CCNE accreditation	Yes; NWCCU institutional accreditation
Residency premium	None; same flat rate for all students regardless of state
Clinical	45 clinical hours with nurse leaders + 68-hour practicum; workplace completion available
University context	R1 research university; University of Utah Health academic medical center connection; Intermountain West’s largest healthcare training pipeline
Graduate pathway	CCNE-accredited MSN and DNP available; top-10% nationally ranked MSW; flat $620.25/credit MSW for residents and non-residents
Admission note	Requires dual application to U of U and the RN-BS program; minimum 2.7 GPA; 9 nursing prerequisites required before starting

University of Utah online RN to BSN: online.utah.edu/ug-programs/nursing/index.php

Best for Nurses Who Want a Top-Ranked Research University Name: George Washington University

GW’s online RN to BSN program is CCNE-accredited, priced at $400 per credit, and requires only 21 credits of nursing coursework for RNs who hold the required prerequisites, plus a professional portfolio component that grants advanced standing credit. The relatively short credit requirement (compared to programs requiring 30 to 45 additional credits) means total tuition can be as low as $8,400 at current rates. The program includes 45 clinical hours plus a 68-hour practicum, both completable in the student’s local community.

The case for GW’s RN to BSN is specific. GW’s School of Nursing is ranked #6 for online MSN programs nationally by U.S. News, and has earned top-10 rankings for eight consecutive years across multiple NP specialties. The institutional name carries particular weight in mid-Atlantic and D.C.-area hospital systems, federal health agencies, and defense healthcare settings. For nurses in that geographic market or targeting federal health careers, GW’s credential has employer recognition advantages that programs from less prominent institutions cannot match.

GW’s program has fall and spring start dates with admission to both the university and the RN-BS program required separately. Prerequisites include completion of an associate degree from a recognized institution, a current unencumbered RN license, and a minimum 2.7 GPA. The program is not available in all 50 states; verify state availability before applying.

GW RN to BSN	Details
Tuition	$400/credit; 21-credit nursing completion program
Typical total cost	~$8,400 for 21 nursing credits; additional credits for prerequisites if needed
Format	100% online; asynchronous; fall and spring starts
CCNE accreditation	Yes; MSCHE institutional accreditation
School of Nursing ranking	#6 online MSN nationally (U.S. News); top-10 for 8 consecutive years; #3 PMHNP, #3 nursing administration, #4 FNP
Clinical	45 clinical hours + 68-hour practicum; local community completion
University context	Private R1 research university; Washington D.C.; near HHS, NIH, federal health agencies
Graduate pathway	Direct path to CCNE-accredited MSN programs; PMHNP, FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, Nurse-Midwifery tracks
Admission note	Dual application to GW and RN-BS program; 2.7 GPA minimum; verify state availability

GW School of Nursing programs: nursing.gwu.edu/programs

Best for Nurses Who Want the Largest Nursing Alumni Network: Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is the largest nursing school in the United States by enrollment, with more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni in its nursing community. For nurses who value being part of a large, nursing-specific professional network rather than a general university alumni network, Chamberlain’s scale is a genuine differentiator. The CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN uses 8-week course blocks, with typical completion in 12 to 15 months.

Chamberlain’s Tuition Advantage Grant program offers discounts of up to 30 percent for qualifying students; verify current availability and eligibility on Chamberlain’s website before calculating total cost. The program features strong student support infrastructure, including dedicated academic coaches and career services oriented specifically toward nursing advancement.

A note on institutional context: Chamberlain is part of Adtalem Global Education, a for-profit education company. It holds HLC institutional accreditation and CCNE nursing accreditation, and its graduates are hired broadly in hospital systems. The for-profit ownership structure is a fact worth knowing before enrolling, particularly if graduate school admission policies at specific NP programs are relevant to your plans. Verify that your target graduate program accepts Chamberlain BSN graduates without any conditions.

Chamberlain RN to BSN	Details
Tuition	Verify current per-credit rate at chamberlain.edu; Tuition Advantage Grant may reduce cost up to 30%
Typical total cost	~$12,000-$14,000 before any grant or employer assistance
Format	Online; 8-week course blocks; instructor-led; structured weekly work
Typical completion	12-15 months with transfer credits
CCNE accreditation	Yes; HLC institutional accreditation
Nursing community	177,000+ students, faculty, and alumni; largest nursing school in U.S. by enrollment
Tuition Advantage Grant	Up to 30% reduction for qualifying students; verify current terms at chamberlain.edu
Start dates	6 per year
Institutional structure	Adtalem Global Education (for-profit parent); HLC and CCNE accreditations in place; verify target graduate program acceptance policy

Chamberlain University RN to BSN: chamberlain.edu/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn

How to Choose the Right Program for You

The practical decision tree for most working RNs:

 

Step 1: Confirm how many transfer credits you will receive

Call or email each program you are considering and ask directly: ‘Given an ADN from [your institution], how many credits will I receive as block transfer credit for my associate degree, and how many additional credits will I receive for my RN license?’ The answer determines how many credits you need to complete and therefore your total cost. A $342/credit program where you need 45 credits ($15,390) can cost more than a $400/credit program where you need 30 credits ($12,000).

Step 2: Decide between self-paced and instructor-led

Self-paced competency-based programs (WGU) are best for nurses who can dedicate consistent study time, are disciplined without weekly deadlines, and want to use their clinical experience to move quickly. Instructor-led term-based programs (SNHU, Ohio University, GW, Chamberlain) are better for nurses who want structure, peer community, faculty feedback, and a traditional transcript with letter grades.

Step 3: Consider your graduate school plans

If you already know you want to pursue an NP or DNP, look at whether the BSN program offers a direct pathway to that graduate credential. SNHU’s accelerated RN to MSN pathway is the most explicit example: qualifying BSN students can take graduate courses during their BSN that reduce the subsequent MSN requirement. Ohio University’s CCNE-accredited PMHNP program (ranked #1 nationally) is a strong next step for Ohio eCampus BSN graduates. GW’s top-ranked MSN programs feed naturally from its RN-BSN.

Step 4: Factor in employer tuition reimbursement

If your employer offers tuition assistance, most hospital systems provide $5,250 per year under IRS Section 127 as a tax-free benefit, with some offering more. At that level, a $10,260 total program (SNHU with 90 transfer credits) could be fully covered in two years of employer assistance. A $15,000 program with $5,250/year employer assistance costs you out of pocket over three years at approximately $1,250 per year. Employer reimbursement changes the cost comparison significantly and should be calculated before choosing purely on per-credit rate.

For a complete framework on calculating total program cost and borrowing decisions, see: How Much Should You Borrow for an Online Degree?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it matter which CCNE-accredited program I choose for hospital hiring?

For the majority of hospital hiring, the CCNE accreditation is the credential signal evaluated, not the specific university name. Hospital HR systems verify that your BSN comes from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program. The university name matters more in specific contexts: Magnet hospitals in competitive markets where employer name recognition plays a role, federal healthcare agencies where specific research university credentials have weight, and NP program admissions at highly selective institutions that look beyond CCNE accreditation to institutional prestige. For most nurses at most hospitals, a CCNE-accredited BSN from any of the programs above is equivalent for hiring purposes.

How long does an online RN to BSN typically take?

For a working RN with a full transfer evaluation, most programs can be completed in 12 to 18 months on a part-time basis. WGU’s competency-based model is designed for 12-month completion and motivated nurses can finish faster. Instructor-led programs at SNHU, Ohio University, and GW range from two to four semesters (8 to 18 months) depending on course load. If you can take two courses per term at SNHU or Ohio University, two semesters (roughly 8 months) is a realistic target after transfer credits are evaluated.

Will Magnet hospitals accept an online BSN?

Yes. Magnet designation evaluates the percentage of BSN-prepared nurses on staff; it does not distinguish between online and in-person BSN programs. The CCNE or ACEN accreditation of the program is what matters, not the delivery format. Nurses at institutions seeking or maintaining Magnet status should confirm their BSN program is CCNE- or ACEN-accredited, which all programs in this guide are.

Can I apply employer tuition assistance to an online RN to BSN?

Yes, in most cases. Most hospital and healthcare system tuition assistance programs apply to accredited online degree programs just as they apply to in-person programs. Confirm your specific employer’s policy, particularly any requirements around minimum credit loads or eligible institutions. IRS Section 127 provides a $5,250 annual tax-free employer education benefit, and many healthcare employers specifically encourage BSN completion programs.

What prerequisites do I need before starting an RN to BSN?

Almost all programs require a current, active, unencumbered RN license. Most require completion of an ADN from a regionally accredited institution. Some programs have additional prerequisite requirements (statistics, anatomy and physiology, English composition) that must be completed before starting nursing coursework. GW’s program is among the shorter programs at 21 nursing credits but requires specific prerequisites; Ohio University, SNHU, and WGU have more flexible transfer credit evaluation that can accommodate students who completed their general education requirements as part of their ADN.

Ready to find the program that fits your nursing career goals and budget? See: See Your Best-Fit Online Programs in 60 Seconds

For the complete adult learner guide, see: The Complete Guide to Earning an Accredited Online Degree as an Adult Learner