[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an online [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree offers more flexibility and convenience than on-campus programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a BSN, you can increase your earning potential, strengthen your clinical decision-making, and prepare for graduate-level nursing programs. An online format allows you to balance nursing school with work and other responsibilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore our rankings of the top online BSN programs to find a school that best fits your needs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online BSN Programs in 2025[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What To Look for in an Online BSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Deciding which online nursing bachelor’s program is right for you depends on factors such as program length, curriculum, clinical requirements, and accreditation. Our ranking of the best online BSN programs considers these considerations to help you make the right choice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All pre-license nursing schools require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may require a minimum GPA, specific coursework prerequisites, and SAT or ACT scores. Post-licensure programs typically require a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link] license and an associate degree. Check with your program for more information on requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Clinical Experience[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All BSN programs require clinical experience, but these are often managed differently from school to school. Find out if your program lets online learners fulfill clinical requirements close to home. Some programs will help you find facilities where you can complete your clinical experience, while others require you to locate a suitable site on your own.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation enhances your opportunities for employment, graduate studies, and licensure. It is important enroll in an online BSN program accredited by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acenursing.org/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ACEN) or the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation” target=”_blank”]Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education[/hen-ui-link] (CCNE).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Program Length[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Full-time students typically earn their online BSN in about four years. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/absn/”]Accelerated BSN[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/nursing-bridge-programs/”]RN-to-BSN bridge programs[/hen-ui-link] take less time — generally between 12-24 months — than traditional programs, depending on the school’s requirements and your previous experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]School NCLEX Pass Rate[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN pass rate[/hen-ui-link] shows how well the program prepares graduates for nursing careers. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, which administers the exam, the national NCLEX pass rate for first-time test-takers dipped to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/exams/exam-statistics-and-publications/nclex-pass-rates.page” target=”_blank”]87% in 2025[/hen-ui-link] from 91% in 2024. A higher-than-average pass rate can indicate a quality program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]School Graduation Rate[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The school graduation rate reports the percentage of students who graduate in the expected time frame. A high graduation rate is a good indicator of the school’s commitment to learning and student success.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Online Learning Format and Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Not all online BSNs use the same learning and technology formats. Programs that offer an asynchronous or self-paced curriculum allow you to attend class when it’s most convenient. Others follow a synchronous or more structured schedule with fixed log-in times or hybrid courses that combine web-based instruction with in-person meetings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is Online BSN Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]Nursing school accreditation[/hen-ui-link] recognizes programs that meet high academic standards for preparing RNs. Graduating from an accredited program signals to employers that you have received a quality education. All online nursing bachelor’s selected for our rankings have been accredited by the CCNE or the ACEN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A program’s accreditation status has important implications for financial aid eligibility, licensure, and future educational and career plans:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NCLEX-RN exam, RN licensure, and certification exams require an accredited nursing degree.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Government financial aid assistance only applies to accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Credits earned at nonaccredited schools may not transfer to other programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers and graduate nursing programs may not consider graduates from nonaccredited schools.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Online BSN Programs Work[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online BSN programs blend online classes with in-person [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/clinical-experience-for-online-nursing-students/”]clinical requirements[/hen-ui-link]. Online courses come in several formats. Asynchronous classes require no set meeting times and are generally less structured. Synchronous classes use live video conferencing and other tools to provide structured, face-to-face interaction among faculty and students. With either option, you’ll need to meet some basic technical requirements, such as a stable internet connection.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While some online programs can help you arrange clinical experience placements close to your home, you may have to find your own clinical placements at approved sites.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because delivery formats and requirements vary, review programs carefully when applying.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to an Online BSN program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online nursing bachelor’s programs generally follow the same admission procedures as traditional BSNs. Although criteria vary, all applicants must generally have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Many programs require specific math and science prerequisites for admission.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading]

High school diploma or GED certificate[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Official transcripts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prerequisites in natural science[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online application and payment of application fees[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admission Materials[/hen-ui-heading]

Letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An essay or personal statement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SAT or ACT scores (not always required)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Criminal background check and fingerprinting[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical exam and drug screening[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Immunization verification[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]GPA Requirement[/hen-ui-heading]

Minimum 2.5 GPA[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for Your Online BSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing students often worry about [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/paying-for-your-nursing-degree/”]how to pay for an online BSN[/hen-ui-link]. Several factors influence the cost of a nursing degree, including program length, geographic location, required credits, and in-state versus out-of-state tuition rates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many students offset the cost of their education with [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid[/hen-ui-link]. You should begin your search for financial aid by filling out the [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa” target=”_blank”]Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)[/hen-ui-link] to determine eligibility for government-funded grants or loans.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You may also qualify for need-based or merit-based [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]nursing scholarships[/hen-ui-link]. Federal and state agencies offer student loan forgiveness programs for nurses who agree to work in high-need areas when they graduate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do as a BSN?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN students receive training in nursing care, leadership, and case management, acquiring the skills for many professional opportunities. The degree also prepares graduates for the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-link] and state licensure as an RN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs with a BSN degree find careers in various specialties, including geriatrics, pediatrics, and neonatology. While hospitals and physician offices are the major employers, RNs work in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers strongly prefer bachelor-prepared nurses, especially in administrative and supervisory positions. Graduate programs that prepare you for highly paid advanced practice roles require a BSN for admission.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs with a BSN earn higher salaries than those with an associate degree. According to October 2025 Payscale data, ADN-prepared nurses earn an average pay of about [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Associate_Degree_Nursing_(ADN)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$80,000[/hen-ui-link], while BSN-prepared nurses earn approximately [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Science_in_Nursing_(BSN)/” target=”_blank”]$99,000[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]BSN-Prepared Nurse Average Salaries[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Occupation[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Critical Care RN[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$108,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Operating Room RN[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$84,358[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Nurse Case Manager[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$82,571[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Emergency Room RN[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$79,048[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Occupation”]Hospice RN[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$76,589[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it possible to earn a BSN online?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, you can earn a BSN online. Nursing schools offer pre-licensure BSN programs for those with no prior nursing experience and post-licensure programs to help RNs advance their education.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest way you can earn a BSN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An accelerated BSN enrolls students with a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field; these programs can take as little as one year. RNs cao earn a BSN in as little as one year with an RN-to-BSN program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long are most BSN programs?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN programs typically take four years for those with no prior nursing experience or a college degree. Accelerated BSN and RN-to-BSN programs take 1-2 years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is BSN higher than RN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs can practice with a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree. Earning a BSN can mean higher-paying career opportunities and additional clinical or leadership responsibilities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”py-4 my-0 text-center border-b md:pb-8 md:border-none”]Related BSN Career Resources[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”3-col” ids=”33999,34312,33995″][/hen-ui-article-row]