50 Most Affordable RN to BSN School Programs

Get Matched With RN to BSN Programs

Nursing is a fantastic profession. These healthcare heroes help patients heal and return to their lives in the best shape possible. This level of responsibility necessarily requires that all nurses undergo rigorous training to earn licenses. The training doesn't end there, since states require their RNs to continue their education in order to maintain licensure. Thus, if an RN has only an associate degree in nursing, or another non-bachelor's degree or certificate, they can opt for an RN to BSN degree program that will satisfy their state's requirements for continuing education while simultaneously elevating their professional status.

Since there are many online RN to BSN degree programs available, nurses don't even have to stop work in order to continue learning. Then, once they have graduated, they can pursue specialty certifications so they can work with the specific populations that intrigue them the most. A BSN degree also allows RNs to enter a master's degree program and thereby become nurse practitioners.

Compare Popular Online RN to BSN Programs

Search Programs

Top 50 Affordable Rn to BSN Colleges and Universities

1

St. Petersburg College

Score: 100

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,682
- Out-of-State: $9,286
Net Price: $2,132
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 38%
Total Enrollment: 23,501
Undergrad Students: 23,501
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $63,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

2

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Score: 98.76

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,878
- Out-of-State: $9,992
Net Price: $2,341
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 55%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 20,363
Undergrad Students: 20,363
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $59,000
Student-to-faculty: 23:1

3

South Florida State College

Score: 97.35

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,165
- Out-of-State: $11,859
Net Price: $2,579
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 2,892
Undergrad Students: 2,892
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $31,900
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

4

West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Score: 94.68

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,420
- Out-of-State: $9,124
Net Price: $3,029
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: 30%
Total Enrollment: 2,288
Undergrad Students: 2,288
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $62,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

5

Seminole State College of Florida

Score: 94

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,227
- Out-of-State: $11,447
Net Price: $3,144
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 43%
Total Enrollment: 14,323
Undergrad Students: 14,323
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $62,000
Student-to-faculty: 26:1

6

Pensacola State College

Score: 93.04

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,348
- Out-of-State: $9,407
Net Price: $3,305
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 7,981
Undergrad Students: 7,981
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $55,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

7

Chipola College

Score: 92.98

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,120
- Out-of-State: $8,950
Net Price: $3,316
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 1,826
Undergrad Students: 1,826
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $61,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

8

Pasco-Hernando State College

Score: 89.4

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,155
- Out-of-State: $12,032
Net Price: $3,919
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 36%
Total Enrollment: 9,202
Undergrad Students: 9,202
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $37,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

9

CUNY Hunter College

Score: 83.89

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,382
- Out-of-State: $15,332
Net Price: $4,848
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 22,970
Undergrad Students: 17,256
Graduate Students: 5,714
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

10

CUNY Lehman College

Score: 83.14

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,410
- Out-of-State: $15,360
Net Price: $4,974
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 13,015
Undergrad Students: 11,211
Graduate Students: 1,804
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

11

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Score: 82.58

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,064
- Out-of-State: $18,944
Net Price: $5,068
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 16,426
Undergrad Students: 13,969
Graduate Students: 2,457
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

12

Texas A&M International University

Score: 80.71

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,846
- Out-of-State: $19,382
Net Price: $5,383
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 8,505
Undergrad Students: 6,979
Graduate Students: 1,526
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

13

Miami Dade College

Score: 80.15

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,838
- Out-of-State: $9,661
Net Price: $5,478
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 47,245
Undergrad Students: 47,245
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $61,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

14

Dalton State College

Score: 79.83

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,283
- Out-of-State: $10,189
Net Price: $5,532
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 22%
Total Enrollment: 4,527
Undergrad Students: 4,527
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $57,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

15

Daytona State College

Score: 78.99

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,106
- Out-of-State: $11,994
Net Price: $5,674
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 51%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 11,584
Undergrad Students: 11,584
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $59,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

16

Gulf Coast State College

Score: 78.69

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,370
- Out-of-State: $8,635
Net Price: $5,725
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: N/A

Graduation Rate: 38%
Total Enrollment: 4,694
Undergrad Students: 4,694
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $62,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

17

California State University-Los Angeles

Score: 78.23

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,818
- Out-of-State: $18,698
Net Price: $5,801
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 26,460
Undergrad Students: 22,737
Graduate Students: 3,723
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

18

Eastern Florida State College

Score: 77.49

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,496
- Out-of-State: $9,739
Net Price: $5,927
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 13,114
Undergrad Students: 13,114
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,300
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

19

Georgia Highlands College

Score: 76.73

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,944
- Out-of-State: $9,296
Net Price: $6,055
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 58%

Graduation Rate: 19%
Total Enrollment: 4,768
Undergrad Students: 4,768
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $52,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

20

Colorado Mountain College

Score: 76.51

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,100
- Out-of-State: $12,540
Net Price: $6,092
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 43%

Graduation Rate: 27%
Total Enrollment: 5,184
Undergrad Students: 5,184
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $55,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

21

Saint Johns River State College

Score: 75.94

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,830
- Out-of-State: $10,352
Net Price: $6,187
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 43%
Total Enrollment: 6,434
Undergrad Students: 6,434
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

22

Fayetteville State University

Score: 74.95

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,969
- Out-of-State: $7,969
Net Price: $6,355
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 6,787
Undergrad Students: 5,748
Graduate Students: 1,039
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

23

CUNY New York City College of Technology

Score: 74.65

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,332
- Out-of-State: $15,282
Net Price: $6,406
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Retention Rate: 61%

Graduation Rate: 21%
Total Enrollment: 13,087
Undergrad Students: 13,087
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

24

Chicago State University

Score: 74.41

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,754
- Out-of-State: $12,754
Net Price: $6,446
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Retention Rate: 55%

Graduation Rate: 28%
Total Enrollment: 2,317
Undergrad Students: 1,450
Graduate Students: 867
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

25

Indiana University-Northwest

Score: 73.77

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,179
- Out-of-State: $22,043
Net Price: $6,553
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 3,198
Undergrad Students: 2,860
Graduate Students: 338
Grads Salary: $63,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

26

Indiana University-Kokomo

Score: 73.21

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,179
- Out-of-State: $22,043
Net Price: $6,648
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 2,846
Undergrad Students: 2,669
Graduate Students: 177
Grads Salary: $62,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

27

CUNY York College

Score: 73.08

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,358
- Out-of-State: $15,308
Net Price: $6,670
Acceptance Rate: 59%
Retention Rate: 61%

Graduation Rate: 33%
Total Enrollment: 6,446
Undergrad Students: 6,199
Graduate Students: 247
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

28

Great Basin College

Score: 70.78

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,855
- Out-of-State: $13,448
Net Price: $7,058
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 38%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 3,197
Undergrad Students: 3,197
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $61,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

29

Northwest Florida State College

Score: 70.64

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,246
- Out-of-State: $11,625
Net Price: $7,082
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 38%
Total Enrollment: 4,898
Undergrad Students: 4,898
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $64,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

30

College of Staten Island CUNY

Score: 69.83

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,490
- Out-of-State: $15,440
Net Price: $7,217
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 10,248
Undergrad Students: 9,299
Graduate Students: 949
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

31

Northern Kentucky University

Score: 69.59

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,896
- Out-of-State: $21,480
Net Price: $7,259
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 15,801
Undergrad Students: 10,776
Graduate Students: 5,025
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

32

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Score: 69.58

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,195
- Out-of-State: $10,101
Net Price: $7,260
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 3,647
Undergrad Students: 3,647
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $53,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

33

Louisiana State University-Alexandria

Score: 69.5

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,050
- Out-of-State: $14,650
Net Price: $7,274
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 31%
Total Enrollment: 4,289
Undergrad Students: 4,289
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $53,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

34

Lake-Sumter State College

Score: 69.05

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,292
- Out-of-State: $13,276
Net Price: $7,350
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: N/A

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 4,460
Undergrad Students: 4,460
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $32,200
Student-to-faculty: 26:1

35

California State University-Fresno

Score: 68.11

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,980
- Out-of-State: $18,860
Net Price: $7,507
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 23,999
Undergrad Students: 21,354
Graduate Students: 2,645
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

36

California State University-Bakersfield

Score: 68.03

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,696
- Out-of-State: $19,576
Net Price: $7,521
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 9,613
Undergrad Students: 8,188
Graduate Students: 1,425
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

37

California State University-Stanislaus

Score: 67.83

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,826
- Out-of-State: $19,706
Net Price: $7,555
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 10,154
Undergrad Students: 8,926
Graduate Students: 1,228
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

38

College of Southern Nevada

Score: 67.06

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,110
- Out-of-State: $12,209
Net Price: $7,685
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 17%
Total Enrollment: 28,901
Undergrad Students: 28,901
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $55,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

39

Florida SouthWestern State College

Score: 66.42

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,401
- Out-of-State: $12,979
Net Price: $7,792
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 57%

Graduation Rate: 41%
Total Enrollment: 14,326
Undergrad Students: 14,326
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $60,000
Student-to-faculty: 27:1

40

College of Central Florida

Score: 65.99

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,710
- Out-of-State: $10,517
Net Price: $7,865
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 5,483
Undergrad Students: 5,483
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $55,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

41

California State University-Fullerton

Score: 65.63

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,073
- Out-of-State: $18,953
Net Price: $7,925
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 40,386
Undergrad Students: 35,432
Graduate Students: 4,954
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

42

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Score: 64.57

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,859
- Out-of-State: $19,939
Net Price: $8,105
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 31,559
Undergrad Students: 26,434
Graduate Students: 5,125
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

43

Farmingdale State College

Score: 64.53

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,576
- Out-of-State: $18,486
Net Price: $8,111
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 9,314
Undergrad Students: 9,264
Graduate Students: 50
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

44

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Score: 63.96

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,571
- Out-of-State: $7,571
Net Price: $8,208
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 7,666
Undergrad Students: 5,643
Graduate Students: 2,023
Grads Salary: $56,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

45

CUNY Medgar Evers College

Score: 63.71

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,352
- Out-of-State: $15,302
Net Price: $8,250
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 40%

Graduation Rate: 24%
Total Enrollment: 3,640
Undergrad Students: 3,640
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

46

Indiana University-Southeast

Score: 63.62

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,179
- Out-of-State: $22,043
Net Price: $8,264
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 61%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 3,672
Undergrad Students: 3,227
Graduate Students: 445
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

47

Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Score: 63.26

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,922
- Out-of-State: $8,673
Net Price: $8,325
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 35%

Graduation Rate: 22%
Total Enrollment: 1,242
Undergrad Students: 1,242
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $50,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

48

Northern New Mexico College

Score: 62.92

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,400
- Out-of-State: $14,328
Net Price: $8,383
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 53%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 1,154
Undergrad Students: 1,154
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $63,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

49

South Georgia State College

Score: 61.93

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,970
- Out-of-State: $9,322
Net Price: $8,550
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 52%

Graduation Rate: 17%
Total Enrollment: 1,793
Undergrad Students: 1,793
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

50

Coppin State University

Score: 61.86

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,001
- Out-of-State: $13,789
Net Price: $8,562
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 24%
Total Enrollment: 2,006
Undergrad Students: 1,757
Graduate Students: 249
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Why a Degree from an Affordable RN to BSN School?

Nurses who want to start a career with the strongest possible foundation should consider augmenting their credentials and working life with an affordable RN to BSN program or nursing school. With this approach, students are set for long-term success and a more streamlined rise in their career. This is because, once they have a full nursing bachelor's degree, RNs can use their academic background to apply for a master's degree program. This way, nurses can gain experience in the field and then return for a master's degree and then become nurse practitioners if they so choose.

While nursing students should be mindful of their upfront net costs for tuition, books, supplies, and room/board, they should also keep a long-term view. That is, they should consider the value of an RN to BSN nursing degree program and how that will help them earn more in the long-term. In fact, a full RN to BSN program opens up a wide range of careers.

This is because, with a full bachelor's degree in nursing, healthcare professionals will be able to build on their education in many different ways. If, for instance, a nurse decides that they wish to pursue some other field, their bachelor's degree will open those doors. Some decide to enter the world of medical equipment sales, for instance, and a college degree will certainly help land an interview in that field. BSN degree holders might also find it easier to move into healthcare administration. They will also find that they have most, if not all, of the coursework necessary to enroll in an MHA degree program. Thus, a RN to BSN program will prove to be valuable in the long-term.

Choosing an Affordable RN to BSN College

Choosing the right RN to BSN degree program is not an easy thing. There are many options available, and students have many variables in play that complicate the decision-making process. Essentially, students are faced with a litany of personal and practical factors that they must weigh when determining which BSN degree program will be the best for them, providing long-term success and happiness. Some of the personal factors can include their location and how far they are willing to travel for school, but students also look at things like campus amenities, sports teams, and even whether their friends or family members are there.

Our research covers the more practical factors. We look at each RN to BSN program's educational statistics, the gross and net price, as well as other important features. Included in the educational statistics is each school's retention rate. That number shows how many first-time, full-time students return for a second year. Researchers consider a high retention rate an indication that students and their families are happy with the school's curriculum, faculty, campus resources, and more. A high retention rate also tells students that the cohort they meet in the freshman dorms is likely to remain into their second year. This statistic then can be compared with the graduation rate and the transfer-out rate. When a high retention rate is found along with a high graduation rate, students can be assured of a cohesive college experience. The transfer out might seem negative, but it can indicate that students are prepared by that school to gain admission in a more competitive school from which they will likely graduate.

We also look at factors that impact students and their families in a direct way. Tuition rates, for instance, are a huge concern for most families. We address in-state and out-of-state costs both in terms of the gross price and the average net sums. For this reason, we also look at whether schools offer online nursing degree programs. Online programs can sometimes be cheaper, and they certainly bring far-flung programs to every student's laptop.

Online Options

Nearly every school in the nation has adopted online education for at least some of their courses. The COVID pandemic made this an imperative, and these programs will likely expand and grow as a result. In fact, prior to the pandemic some schools required that students take a certain number of credits online. Yet there are 100% online degree programs for RN to BSN students.

After all, many RN to BSN students will have already started their careers and thus will prefer to continue working. An online RN to BSN degree program allows students to fit coursework into their hectic schedules. For working registered nurses, this option might be the only feasible way to complete a degree. After all, nurses frequently find that their work schedules change with little or no notice. Thus, where students in traditional classroom courses would have to skip class to accommodate problems at work, online BSN degree students can fit their degree in around the changes.

Online education also means more opportunities to attend programs that may be hundreds of miles away. For instance, Ohio University offers an online RN to BSN program which students in, say, Oregon would find inaccessible except for the online option. There many such programs nationwide that are now opening their virtual doors to students everywhere. Therefore, students can thus complete their basic RN training in a local community college or nursing institute, start working, and complete their BSN through an online RN to BSN degree program.

Are RN to BSN Programs in High Demand?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the registered nursing employment sector is growing at a good clip. The BLS is projecting a 7% rate of growth through 2029. They note that this is faster than average. Though they don't delineate RNs who hold a BSN from those without, the BLS does track nurse practitioners, who must hold a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite before they earn their status.

The employment sector that nurse practitioners inhabit is growing at a phenomenal rate. The BLS projects a 45% rate of growth through 2029. That growth rate is nearly unheard of anywhere in the economy. This necessarily places BSN programs in high demand, which would include RN to BSN programs. Nurse practitioners all need to hold at least a master's degree, and perhaps additional professional certifications on top of that. Thus, it would behoove all RNs to complete their undergraduate degrees via an RN to BSN degree program.

Find Your Online RN to BSN Program

Additionally, nurses should consider the overall growth in the healthcare industry and how an RN to BSN degree program will help them take advantage of that growth. Those who have a proclivity for administration will be well-served by entering an RN to BSN degree program. This is because a full undergraduate degree will facilitate a promotion into hospital administration. A bachelor's degree can also help nurses enter any other career field they desire if they ever wish to make a change. Along those lines, a full undergraduate degree will help them when applying for a Master of Healthcare Administration degree, or other online master's degree programs.

What Can You Do with a BSN Degree?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a terrific option for registered nurses. For those who already hold a nursing license but have not yet completed a full undergraduate degree, RN to BSN degree programs are available. These programs can open up many doors that are not available for those who don't yet hold a bachelor's degree.

Perhaps most obviously, a full BSN degree will help nurses gain additional academic credentials. With an undergraduate degree in nursing, students can apply to a master's degree and become nurse practitioners. They can also use their undergraduate credentials to enter other master's degree programs, including those that represent a transition, such as a Master of Healthcare Administration.

A BSN might even become more of the norm within healthcare. Some states are considering rule changes that require all RNs to hold a full undergraduate degree. Thus, working nurses should consider an RN to BSN degree program in order to safeguard their licenses and even open up new opportunities. A BSN degree helps nurses rise through the ranks in their health systems. The additional training will look terrific on a resume.

A BSN degree will also help nurses become specialists in areas such as oncology, pediatrics, critical care, or hospice care, among many other options. Nurses may begin their specialty training while in their degree program or use their degree to apply for the additional training. Once a nurse has a special certification, they can pursue that passion. Furthermore, once they have a BSN degree, nurses can opt to change over into a new specialty area and thereby add new dimensions to their professional success.

In fact, once they hold special certifications, nurses may have an easier time entering a master's degree program to become a nurse practitioner. Admissions counselors in graduate degree programs will love seeing the added dedication to nursing.

BSN Graduates Earn More After College

One of the chief reasons to enter an RN to BSN degree program is to earn more after college. Nurses who have an RN license make a good salary but, once they have their BSN, they will find that they have an easier time earning raises and promotions. BSN degree holders can also pursue specialty certifications that will raise their credentials to a new level. For instance, hospitals and clinics are sure to reward nurses who maintain specialty credentials in fields such as oncology, psychiatry, assisted living, hematology, or informatics, among other nursing areas.

Currently, the website Payscale.com reports that BSN degree holders earn an average salary of over $86,000. This includes all nurses at all stages of their career, and in every state and town. They also note that a nursing director earns an average of over $97,000 and nursing managers are being hired for an average salary of $90,000 or more. These salary numbers don't include any bonuses, nor do they consider other benefits, including healthcare or tuition reimbursement.

Not only do BSN degree holders earn more than those RNs without a bachelor's degree, but they also have so many more opportunities than those with only an associate degree. Nurses with a BSN have the option of working towards a long list of specialty nursing fields and they are also eligible to apply for a master's degree program. Thus, a nurse with a BSN can soon find themselves enrolled in a degree program to become a nurse practitioner.

FAQs

What type of students should consider online RN to BSN bridge programs?
RNs who are currently working in a hospital or clinic should consider an RN to BSN degree program. That's because they can continue to work and gain experience while completing their bachelor of science degree in nursing.
Can I apply relevant learning, work, and life experiences toward credit?
This will depend on the program, but there's a low likelihood that work experience will earn students credit in a BSN program. However, students who do have multiple years of experience as an RN may find that they have an easier time gaining admission to top RN to BSN programs.
How long will it take to complete a RN to BSN degree?
Some programs list their total required credits at 120, which is equivalent to a full four-year degree program. However, students who have already completed an associate degree may transfer credits and reduce that number dramatically.
Why are clinical hours important for nurses?
Clinical hours help nurses learn to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. Since so many nursing duties are performed under extreme duress, it’s vital to learn how to regulate one's emotions and focus despite overwhelming odds. This helps calm patients who are under even more stress.
What are the admission requirements for nursing students?
Nursing students will need to provide full transcripts from every post-secondary institution they have attended. Most RN to BSN programs will require that applicants' transcripts reflect a GPA of at least 2.0, but some may have more stringent requirements. Nurses who have been in the field may also want to include their resume to demonstrate their experience level.

Sources:

Related Top College Resources

Top 50 Best Affordable RN to BSN Schools