University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class, unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlight the best programs for a bachelors in nursing.
A career in nursing is an exciting prospect that starts with you discovering the various types of nursing degrees and allows you to make meaningful contributions to the safety and welfare of society, including its most vulnerable members: the sick, the elderly, and the youngest. If you choose to become a nurse (which can mean work in nursing research, health promotion, nursing informatics, community health nursing, nursing leadership as registered nurses, and more) you will gain access to a broad field and have the training to deal with compelling challenges in nearly every area of medical and health sciences. This extends from managing staff to working side-by-side with surgeons to save lives. Many in-person and online nursing programs prepare students for nursing licensure, no matter their overall interests. BSN graduates who earn their RN to BSN degree through online nursing programs can put their nursing courses toward a successful career in whatever niche they choose.
A nursing career can be satisfying and rewarding personally, professionally, and financially. Some of the highest paying and fastest-growing fields in healthcare are among nursing specialties and in nursing practice such as nurse anesthetist, psychiatric nurse, registered nurses (RN), and family nurse practitioner. A bachelor's in nursing (BSN program or RN to BSN degree) also opens the doors to mid-level and senior positions in nursing leadership or management, nurse education, and delivery of medical services and improvement of patient outcomes as a nursing professional. Or you can continue on to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program after you complete your BSN degree, with higher level nursing courses and a number of prerequisite courses from when your in-person or online BSN program was completed and become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or family nurse practitioner. And, eventually, you may even choose to earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). During these in-person or online nursing programs, you will take many prerequisite courses, which will cover nursing theory, nursing informatics, critical thinking in nursing situations, health assessment, and more. An online nursing school or online nursing degree should have the same nursing courses that an in-person nursing program has, and lead to the same options for RN licensure.
Top 25 Best Online Bachelors in Nursing Programs
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Score: 86.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,205
- Out-of-State:$40,603
- Net Price: $13,376
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Total Enrollment: 48,956
- Undergrad Students: 36,306
- Graduate Students: 12,650
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Ohio State University
Score: 82.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,859
- Out-of-State:$38,365
- Net Price: $19,582
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 60,540
- Undergrad Students: 46,123
- Graduate Students: 14,417
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Texas A&M University-College Station
Score: 81.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,099
- Out-of-State:$40,328
- Net Price: $20,375
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 74,014
- Undergrad Students: 57,512
- Graduate Students: 16,502
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Rochester
Score: 81.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,348
- Out-of-State:$64,348
- Net Price: $39,775
- Acceptance Rate: 39%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 12,197
- Undergrad Students: 6,767
- Graduate Students: 5,430
- Grads Salary: $86,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of Delaware
Score: 81.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,080
- Out-of-State:$39,720
- Net Price: $18,044
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 80%
- Total Enrollment: 24,039
- Undergrad Students: 19,482
- Graduate Students: 4,557
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Clemson University
Score: 79.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,554
- Out-of-State:$39,498
- Net Price: $24,577
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 28,466
- Undergrad Students: 22,566
- Graduate Students: 5,900
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of South Florida
Score: 79.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,410
- Out-of-State:$17,324
- Net Price: $11,004
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 49,600
- Undergrad Students: 38,047
- Graduate Students: 11,553
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
University of Florida-Online
Score: 79.18
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,876
- Out-of-State:$16,579
- Net Price: $10,791
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Total Enrollment: 5,356
- Undergrad Students: 5,356
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 54:1
University of St. Francis
Score: 78.78
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,000
- Out-of-State:$37,000
- Net Price: $18,560
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 3,297
- Undergrad Students: 1,414
- Graduate Students: 1,883
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Auburn University
Score: 78.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,536
- Out-of-State:$33,944
- Net Price: $25,271
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Total Enrollment: 31,764
- Undergrad Students: 25,379
- Graduate Students: 6,385
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
University of Central Florida
Score: 78.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,368
- Out-of-State:$22,467
- Net Price: $13,108
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 68,346
- Undergrad Students: 58,662
- Graduate Students: 9,684
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 29:1
Michigan State University
Score: 78.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,988
- Out-of-State:$43,372
- Net Price: $22,803
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 82%
- Total Enrollment: 50,023
- Undergrad Students: 39,201
- Graduate Students: 10,822
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
George Mason University
Score: 77.31
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,815
- Out-of-State:$39,397
- Net Price: $18,479
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 39,049
- Undergrad Students: 27,014
- Graduate Students: 12,035
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
George Washington University
Score: 77.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,990
- Out-of-State:$64,990
- Net Price: $42,723
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 25,939
- Undergrad Students: 11,482
- Graduate Students: 14,457
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
University of Illinois Chicago
Score: 76.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,338
- Out-of-State:$29,360
- Net Price: $10,384
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 33,747
- Undergrad Students: 21,807
- Graduate Students: 11,940
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Florida International University
Score: 76.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State:$18,963
- Net Price: $9,881
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 55,609
- Undergrad Students: 45,688
- Graduate Students: 9,921
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Molloy University
Score: 76.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,840
- Out-of-State:$37,840
- Net Price: $27,243
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 4,807
- Undergrad Students: 3,271
- Graduate Students: 1,536
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Stanbridge University
Score: 76.31
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,710
- Out-of-State:$36,710
- Net Price: $21,416
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 2,259
- Undergrad Students: 2,035
- Graduate Students: 224
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Texas A&M International University
Score: 76.3
- 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
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Score: 75.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,578
- Out-of-State:$20,228
- Net Price: $13,799
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 2,842
- Undergrad Students: 1,982
- Graduate Students: 860
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Score: 75.52
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,770
- Out-of-State:$24,662
- Net Price: $18,588
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 9,237
- Undergrad Students: 7,169
- Graduate Students: 2,068
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Arizona State University
Score: 75.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,051
- Out-of-State:$32,193
- Net Price: $14,808
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 80,065
- Undergrad Students: 65,492
- Graduate Students: 14,573
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of Iowa
Score: 74.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,964
- Out-of-State:$32,927
- Net Price: $19,587
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 30,015
- Undergrad Students: 21,973
- Graduate Students: 8,042
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Rutgers University-Camden
Score: 74.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,079
- Out-of-State:$35,841
- Net Price: $14,151
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 5,966
- Undergrad Students: 4,185
- Graduate Students: 1,781
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Saint Louis University
Score: 74.43
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $53,244
- Out-of-State:$53,244
- Net Price: $29,651
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 81%
- Total Enrollment: 15,755
- Undergrad Students: 10,662
- Graduate Students: 5,093
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
How to Earn an online Bachelor's of Science in Nursing Degree?
- Decide that Nursing is the field you want to pursue
- Select a two-year or a four-year online program to begin
- Decide whether to attend on-campus, online, or both
- Research accreditation and accredited BSN online programs
- Select one or more accredited BSN online programs
- Apply for admission
- Apply for financial aid if needed
Typical BSN Degree Requirements
Associate degree in Nursing
There are a variety of types of nursing degrees: an RN program, RN to BSN program, BSN program, and much more. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) require between 65 and 70 semester hours of study depending on the school, which should take about two years. The coursework is divided among general education, nursing core, and the nursing electives. An associate degree in nursing can prepare you to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). You'll need at least a high school diploma or GED to get into an online nursing degree program.
Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
The bachelor’s (BSN program) requires between 120 to 125 credit hours depending on the institution. Students that lack sufficient background in science and math may have to take some additional courses such as chemistry or biology. The typical completion time is eight semesters or four years. You can also complete a LPN to BSN online program if you have already earned an associate degree. If you do not, you will at least need a high school diploma or GED to enter this degree level. Those interested in becoming registered nurses must earn this degree level or greater.
Master’s in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program requires that you first have a bachelor’s nursing degree plus two years (or three) of graduate study. The programs typically require 32-36 graduate semester credit hours. Some programs also require clinical study in a supervised clinical setting. Applicants without a bachelor’s or with those that aren't nursing degrees will have to perform supplemental coursework. An MSN program for students without previous nursing education is in the range of 79 to 85 semester hours. With this degree you can be an advanced practice registered nurse.
Academic Standards
Bachelor's level nursing degrees require a core of nursing study, general education, and laboratory work and learning. The three parts of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing education are the nursing core, nursing electives, specialization, and liberal arts education. Because nursing is a science-based profession, the liberal arts coursework includes the sciences, humanities, social studies, and social sciences. In a four-year online program, students usually complete the liberal arts education requirements in the first two years of study.
The nursing coursework prepares graduates for professional practice. They learn the methods for delivering nursing care, they get an understanding of the systems for delivering care, and take courses to promote further skill development and adapt to the ever-changing work environment. The nursing core includes clinical courses set in hospitals, clinics, or community locations. These provide important opportunities to apply learning under supervision.
Exam and Experience Needed
The national exam for the RN degree is the professional nursing test, NCLEX-RN. Applicants for the NCLEX must qualify under state rules and pass the exam. Many states also conduct a brief clinical exam to test comprehension of basic laboratory and clinical techniques. At the master’s level and in advanced nursing specializations applicants must demonstrate competence and achievement of the required amount of clinical experience hours.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
How long does it take to earn an online BSN bachelor’s degree online?
Students can complete a bachelor’s degree online in Nursing in four to five years. However, you may find that certain classes require practical experiences to complete them with satisfactory scores. Unless this is an internship you can complete at a local healthcare facility, you may need to attend a lab to complete these courses. Contact the school to make sure the degree is 100% online before applying to the online program.
How much does an online BSN bachelor’s degree cost?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing costs about $190,000 at a private four-year school and about $145,000 at a public four-year school at out of -state rates. Public in-state costs range about $80,000. However, you need to be aware that different regions also have different pricing schemes and the best known, most respected schools may charge more for their courses.
Also, be sure to consider other costs. Even if you’re planning to take courses online and therefore save money on your housing, you will still need to buy books and pay any technology fees the college or university of your choice may charge. Make sure to research this thoroughly before applying to any online program.
Does the school have the major(s) you’re considering?
University HQ recommends that student make sure their career goals are consistent with their choice of school. The school that the students select should have the major and related coursework to promote the student's job and career goals. Not every school has every major. They usually focus on the most sought-after majors in their respective regions. Therefore, you’ll need to double-check the school’s catalogs for any majors, minors, or specializations you want.
How many students graduate “on time,” in four years?
Roughly 35% of public-school students and 53% of private school students graduate on time at the four-year mark. Those numbers rise to 58% and 65% at the six-year mark. You can check your chosen school’s graduation rate by doing a little searching, either on their website or online. If the school has a significantly lower rate than other institutions, it can be indicative of your future experience there. It may suggest that they do not have the support structure necessary for students to succeed.
What kind of accreditation does the online program hold? How is it regarded in the field?
Accredited online programs have certifications from regional or national accreditation organizations. For nursing specialties you want to specifically look for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). These types of accreditation have wide acceptance and add value to a nursing degree.
Professional Organizations
ANA
American Nursing Association
The American Nursing Association is a large and prominent representative of the nursing profession. Members must be registered nurses and the association advocates for greater participation in the industry by its membership. The group has about 3.5 million members and has actively engaged in public policy to expand healthcare and promote the nursing profession. Members get information on industry trends, best practices, and new advances in techniques and technology. The nursing profession has become increasingly computerized and involved in technological innovations. The association helps members stay current on nursing technology. The association also works to advance practical issues for nurses; they promote greater rewards, professional recognition, and better working conditions.
Within the profession, the ANA works to improve standards for quality of service, health ethics, and their voice in the health delivery system and national policies that affect healthcare delivery. Members can take advantage of online education programs, continuing education courses, and professional information resources. Students are welcome in the association both as RNs and as aspiring nurses not yet qualified for licensure. The organization has 54 state-based affiliates, and these chapters welcome student members. Students will benefit from discussions of trends, assessment of issues, and opportunities to network with leading professionals.
AMSN
Academy of Medical - Surgical Nurses
This specialty organization focuses its efforts on promoting excellence in medical-surgery nursing practice and education. With about 12,000 members, the AMSN works to improve patient care and advocate for the medical-surgical nursing specialization. The organization works to improve patient care by providing continuing education and development opportunities for practicing medical-surgical nurses. Students can benefit from membership in the organization that can offer networking and referrals to clinical situations and internships.
STT
Sigma Theta Tau
Sigma represents more than 130,000 nurses and has activities in 90 countries. Sigma is an honor society of nursing students that continue membership after graduation. The mission of the organization is to promote quality nursing education, and this theme appeals to students and recent grads alike. Sigma operates through local affiliates; this global association maintains positive contributions to the nursing profession, For example, Sigma funds grants and specific research programs. Students can benefit from participation in Sigma activities including networking, leadership development, and professional growth opportunities. The association helps students gain access to job and career assistance including career advisors, job and interview coaches, and job placement assistance programs. Students and recent grads can get up-to-date information about job openings and salaries based on current market data.
ICN
International Council of Nurses
The council of Nurses is a collaboration of about 130 national and international associations that represent more than 20 million nurses. The ICN promotes the nursing profession and advances health policies in its member nations and in international settings. The association’s journal is a peer-reviewed source of authority on developments and issues in the nursing profession. The International Nursing Review is a scholarly platform that provides communications and discussions across national boundaries. The publication addresses issues and insights on regulations, government policies, and the needs for more and better international cooperation. The association has a global scope, and it seeks to advance health education. Students can take advantage of the ICS educational resources and networking opportunities.
NCSBN
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing
This is a governing body that has widespread influence and fundamental roles in the nursing profession. The NCSBN is an independent organization; a non-profit association consisting of state nursing boards that have governmental authority over the nursing profession. The NCSBN reviews and develops the national nursing exams. The Council is also an influential voice on public health policy issues. The association operates annual and special events that students can use for networking.