[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses who return to school for a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree can improve their job prospects. And the numbers bear that out — a 2023 survey from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/research-data-center/new-graduate-employment-data” target=”_blank”]American Association of Colleges of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] (AACN) found that employers have now preferred BSN-prepared nurses for 14 years running.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In some cases, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/best-rn-programs-by-state/”]registered nurses (RN)[/hen-ui-link] can earn a BSN online in as few as 12 months.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore the best online RN-to-BSN programs and learn tips on how to select and apply to a program. You can also explore your financial aid options and salary potential after graduation.[/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 Nursing 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 RN-to-BSN Programs of 2025[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” 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″]Using Our Rankings: What To Look For in an Online RN-to-BSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It’s important to consider several factors before enrolling in an online RN-to-BSN program. Each school has its own requirements, program formats, and coursework. Think about your goals and needs before deciding which program suits you best.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do Online RN-to-BSN Programs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN programs[/hen-ui-link] are designed for nurses with an ADN (or nursing diploma) who desire a BSN. These programs allow ADN-prepared nurses to bypass traditional four-year BSN programs and earn a BSN in just 12-24 months. Program length can vary based on the school or whether students are enrolled full or part-time.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many RN-to-BSN programs are offered online. These flexible programs are ideal for working nurses and typically feature online asynchronous (recorded) or synchronous (live) courses and lectures throughout the week. Students must complete some requirements in person, such as clinical experiences and labs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN programs offer core nursing courses accompanied by clinical training in adult medical-surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics, mental health, and critical care. They also feature additional coursework in nursing leadership and community health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to an Online RN-to-BSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applying to online RN-to-BSN programs begins with ensuring you meet eligibility requirements, filling out applications, and submitting required paperwork. Candidates must show proof they attained foundational nursing knowledge, whether through completion of certain nursing courses or a full nursing degree or diploma.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Materials: [/hen-ui-text]Proof of ADN or nursing diploma (or completion of a number of credits and prerequisite courses), official transcripts, and RN license. Some schools may admit candidates without an RN license as long as they gain licensure within the first semester of schooling. If attending a school based in a particular state, an RN license from that state may be required.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]GPA Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]2.5-3.0[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Other Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]Internet access; special computerized devices or software may be required[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is Online RN-to-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] ensures that a nursing program meets certain educational and practice standards established by accrediting bodies, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accredited programs undergo rigorous evaluations to ensure graduates have a high chance of passing the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing an accredited RN-to-BSN nursing program increases the likelihood that graduates will be prepared for RN roles, such as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/top-community-health-nursing-jobs/”]community health nurses[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurse-exec-vs-admin-vs-manager/”]nurse leaders[/hen-ui-link]. It also makes students eligible for financial aid and allows them to transfer course credits to other accredited schools.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All nursing programs in our rankings are accredited.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for Your Online RN-to-BSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Several factors can impact the affordability of an online nursing program. These can include program length, required credits, in-state vs. out-of-state tuition cost, and whether students can work while enrolled.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students may qualify for several financial aid opportunities to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/paying-for-your-nursing-degree/”]pay for their nursing degree[/hen-ui-link]. They can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines eligibility for government-funded grants or loans. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses/”]Student loan forgiveness programs[/hen-ui-link] are also available to nurses who agree to work in high-need areas after graduation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing schools and private organizations offer [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]need and merit-based scholarships[/hen-ui-link] and awards. Members of the armed forces and their family members may qualify for discounted tuition at some schools. Many healthcare employers also offer tuition reimbursement benefits to nurses who complete their degrees in exchange for a work commitment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Degree From an RN-to-BSN Program?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online RN-to-BSN program offers financial and career advantages. Earning an online BSN can take as little as one year of study and can lead to higher pay and increased job prospects.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The popularity of the BSN has grown.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/position-statements-white-papers/academic-progression-in-nursing” target=”_blank”]American Association of Colleges of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] (AACN) strongly supports the BSN as the minimum educational requirement for RNs. Many employers, including acute care facilities, school systems, and public health agencies, hire only BSN graduates. In fact, 28% of healthcare employers now require a BSN in nursing candidates, per AACN data.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN-prepared nurses take on additional responsibilities in clinical settings, including as charge nurses and nurse managers. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Science_in_Nursing_(BSN)/Salary” target=”_blank”]October 2025 Payscale data,[/hen-ui-link] nurses with a BSN reported an average annual salary of $99,000 — well above nurses with an ADN ($80,000) and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/lpn-lvn/”]licensed practical or vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs)[/hen-ui-link] ($54,000).[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Nursing Salaries by Degree/Certificate[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nursing Degree/Certificate[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary (2025)[/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=”Nursing Degree/Certificate”]BSN[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary (2025)”]$99,000[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Degree/Certificate”]ADN[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary (2025)”]$80,000[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Degree/Certificate”]Nursing Diploma[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary (2025)”]$74,000 [/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Degree/Certificate”]LPN/LVN[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary (2025)”]$54,015[/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=”How long after getting an RN does it take to get a BSN?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With an RN-to-BSN program, you can earn a BSN in as little as one year. Designed for RNs, these bridge programs grant credit for holding an RN license, accelerating the completion time.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it easy to go from RN to BSN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN-to-BSN programs make it easier for RNs to earn a bachelor’s degree. These bridge programs provide BSN-level coursework and offer the option to earn a nursing degree online.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest way to get my BSN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The fastest way for RNs to get a BSN is to enroll in an RN-to-BSN program. These programs take as little as one year and are designed for current registered nurses.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do RNs with a BSN get paid more?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, RNs with a BSN report higher salaries. ADN-prepared nurses earn an average of $80,000 annually, while BSN-prepared nurses earn an average of $99,000 annually.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]