25 Best Online BSN Programs

Located in the Houston-Dallas-Austin triangle and home to more than 72,530 students is Texas A&M University. Open since 1876, Texas A&M began as Texas’s first public institution of higher learning. Today, the research-intensive flagship university offers 133 undergraduate degrees, 175 master’s degrees, 92 doctoral degrees, and five professional degrees.

Among the 133 undergraduate degrees is an online RN to BSN program for those with an RN and an associate degree in nursing. The Texas A&M College of Nursing originated in 2008 to address nursing shortages across the state. It is one of the best online BSN programs. This nursing degree online serves as the foundation for advancing nursing research and professional success in order to impact the nursing field positively.

Students have the option to complete this degree in three semesters, four semesters, or five semesters, but the entire degree is 30 credit hours. During the time in this program, students will also complete individual practicums within their own community. Currently one of the top five universities in the nation, Texas A&M offers endless possibilities to its students.

Founded in 1963 in sunny Orlando, Florida, the University of Florida began with the mission of supporting the growing U.S. space program. Over the years, it has grown into the educational institute it is today: in fall 2021, 70,310 students attended UCF. With 13 colleges, UCF offers more than 220 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, both in traditional classroom settings and online.

Today UCF is one of the best colleges as far as quality education and value. UCF is home to the Spectrum Stadium, which hosts NCAA sports (Go Knights!), as well as other concerts and shows for its large population.

Over 40 years ago, in September 1979, 50 undergraduate nursing students and four faculty members launched the BSN program at UCF. A research-driven program, UCF uses the latest, cutting-edge technology for the most advanced simulation training in order to virtually practice reality-based healthcare situations.

The online RN to BSN program at UCF consists of 30 credit hours, and it can be completed in as few as three semesters or as many as ten semesters. This nursing degree online is demanding and focuses on the sciences more than some other BSN programs. However, because it is demanding, it prepares students for advancement into leadership roles in the healthcare setting.

Founded in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors whose aim was to expand education online, Western Governors University formed into what it is today—a nonprofit, online university based in Salt Lake City, Utah. It now consists of four online colleges: Business, Information Technology, Education, and Health Professions, and offers more than 60 degree programs.

Recognized as the fourth-largest producer of bachelor’s in nursing for minorities, WGU currently enrolls 150,116 students and employs 3,939 full-time faculty. It is one of the best online BSN programs.

WGU’s RN to BSN program has a lot to offer. It was co-founded by the National Education Progression in Nursing Collaborative (NEPIN) to support academic achievement for nurses. This online nursing degree is recognized by the Nurses on Board Coalition (NOBC) as a Founding Healthcare Leadership and is also recognized by the ELNEC Hall of Fame for the adoption of CARES palliative care competencies for all WGU undergraduate nursing programs.

WGU produces 17% of the nation’s MSN prepared nurse educators, 12% of RN to BSN graduates, and 20% of MSN leadership and management graduates. This program is also recognized as the fourth-largest producer of bachelor’s in nursing for minorities. This program, which takes most students 18 months to complete, builds on previous nursing education and focuses on theory, research, leadership, and other current trends in healthcare.

Located in the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio, is the University of Cincinnati, a public research university which just happens to be the oldest and second-largest university in Ohio. With more than 40,000 students from all 50 states and 114 countries, UC has 379 degree programs and a student-teacher ratio of 19:1. This university consists of 117 buildings and spreads across 473 acres.

Among famous alumni from the US are Albert Sabin, who invented the first polio vaccine, and Astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon!

UC’s online RN to BSN degree utilizes collaboration with other UC health colleges and clinical partners to ensure learning and research opportunities for students.

In this online nursing degree program, students gain real-world experience to grow professionally in the nursing field. The RN to BSN program features only nine required courses, each lasting 14-weeks. A 14-week capstone project is also required at the end of the program. Students have the option of choosing a full-time or part-time schedule for this program.

Nestled in Amherst, one of America’s most iconic towns, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst is ranked as one of the nation’s top public research universities. Serving more than 32,000 students from all 50 states and 71 countries, UMass Amherst is not only the largest public research university in New England, but also one of the most all-inclusive academic institutions in the Northeast United States.

With more than 300,000 UMass graduates working in Massachusetts, UMass is officially the largest producer of skilled workers that improves the state’s economy. UMass not only educates and graduates more than 18,000 students per year, but it ensures these new graduates possess the skills that today’s jobs demand.

UMass Amherst’s online College of Nursing has been going strong for nearly 60 years. The RN to BSN program combines online education with student-tailored practice in the healthcare field. Students must complete 120 credits in order to earn this online bachelor’s degree in nursing, and a capstone project is required near the end of this program.

The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program allows students 24/7 access to their classrooms, as well as technical support. Students have the opportunity to make their own schedules in a lively, interactive online environment with faculty and colleagues. The UMass Amherst faculty are skilled at accommodating the needs and learning styles of distance learners.

Established in 1831 as the state’s first public college, the University of Alabama is not only the oldest and largest university in Alabama, but it also serves as the flagship of the University of Alabama educational system. UA’s enrollment of 38,316 students in Fall 2021 is a current record. UA currently offers 203 major educational programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and post-graduate certificates.

This beautiful campus spreads across 1,200 acres in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and is made up of 13 colleges. For eight consecutive years, UA has been awarded the Tree Campus USA Winner. Some notable AU alumni include the novelist Harper Lee, the American football quarterback Joe Namath, and Tom Cherones, the director of Seinfeld. 

With their motto, “Some Offer Classes, We Offer Futures,” UA’s online RN to BSN program allows students higher salaries, increased job security, and more leadership opportunities in the healthcare setting. The program is offered exclusively online and consists of 25 credit hours of nursing courses that are completed after the core curriculum classes. Clinical hours can be completed in a facility close to the student’s home.

Founded in 1889 by Thomas Green Clemson, Clemson University serves 21,653 undergraduate students and over 6,000 graduate students, earning it the rank of second largest university in South Carolina. CU offers more than 80 majors and over 120 graduate degree programs from seven colleges. CU’s retention and graduation rates rank among the best in the nation.

CU stretches out over 20,000 acres in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by Lake Harwell in Clemson, South Carolina. Sports are a big part of Clemson, and the Tigers compete in the NCAA Division 1 Atlantic Coast Conference.

CU’s RN to BSN nursing program online takes 12 months full-time to complete. Part-time routes are also available. The program focuses on:

• ethical decision making
• critical thinking
• effective leadership in the nursing setting

While this program is exclusively online, a one day on-campus orientation is required prior to starting coursework. After initially entering the program, students must complete Nursing 4060, Issues in Professionalism, and earn a B or higher. This course validates the student’s nursing knowledge from their associate degree. Thirty-two additional semester hours in nursing are required to complete this degree.

Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, began in 1910 as a teacher-training school. It has expanded into what it is today—an eight-campus system with its administrative center in Kent. More than 26,500 students are enrolled, and 89 countries are represented by KSU’s student body. KSU offers more than 370 programs of study, including an online RN to BSN degree.

A strong point of Kent State is its faculty. Currently, more than 2,700 full and part-time faculty are employed by KSU. Impressively, more than 70% of faculty have the highest degree in their field. More than 166 faculty members have active U.S. patents for research, and over 16 faculty members are Pulitzer Prize winners.

Founded in 1967 and graduating 13,500 nursing students, KSU’s RN to BSN program is one of the nation’s largest and most respected online nursing programs. Consisting of 120 credit hours, this nursing degree is 100% online and takes as little as a year to complete. Classes start every seven weeks, so students can begin at any time during the year. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Online students have the same advantages and resources that on-campus students have, including BlackBoard Learn, the top learning management system, and innovative learning experiences. There is 24/7 technical support help, and exams are proctored virtually. KSU also offers virtual advising sessions via video chat or telephone.

Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Boone, North Carolina is Appalachian State University. ASU spans 1,200 acres with its 30 academic buildings and enrolls more than 20,000 students each year. ASU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. With more than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs, ASU has something to offer every student. It’s great to be a Mountaineer!

One of the top online nursing degrees available to part-time students is offered by Appalachian State University. ASU’s online RN to BSN program provides a flexible pathway for working RNs to complete their BSN in a year. Their mission is to provide evidence-based nursing education in an intellectually stimulating environment with the goal of preparing the nursing student with the skills and knowledge to practice nursing in a variety of challenging, complex healthcare settings. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

This online nursing program consists of 120 credit hours, which includes 30 semester hours of ASU coursework and non-traditional clinical hours, which involve class projects and research. The online courses are taught by professional nursing faculty who use effective methods of online instructional strategies such as discussion forums, quizzes, papers, case studies, and lectures. ASU’s RN to BSN program accepts approximately 150 students per year into each cohort.

Since 1865, Indiana State University, located in Terre Haute, Indiana, has been offering students a quality education to open a pathway to a successful career. ISU offers more than 100 majors, including over 70 online programs, which provide challenging, fulfilling opportunities for its population of over 9,000 students. With 217 student organizations, students can really get involved at ISU.

ISU consists of five colleges and represents students from all 50 states and over 65 countries. Three of ISU’s core values are diversity, inclusion, and equity, and its vision is to improve its community and inclusive excellence with goals to be nationally known for:

• community engagement
• experiential learning
• career readiness

Indiana State University offers an online BSN degree for Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses. , which consists of foundational studies requirements, 45 nursing credit hours, and credits of support courses. Clinical hours are performed in the student’s community. Deadlines for program applications are November 1 for the spring entry and June 1 for the fall entry.

The University of Memphis, founded in 1912, is located in Memphis, Tennessee and was previously known as Memphis State University. In fall 2021, there were 21,622 students enrolled and 2,400 full-time faculty and staff. UofM represents more than 250 areas of study, holds more than 40 programs ranked nationally, and represents 72 countries in its student body.

Outside of the classroom, UofM offers more than 200 campus organizations, including fraternities, sororities, clubs, and recreational sports teams. The Memphis Tigers compete in the NCAA Division I American Athletic Conference. NFL football players Wade Smith and DeAngelo Williams are UofM alumni.

The Loewenberg College of Nursing offers a flexible, affordable online RN to BSN program via UofM Global. The courses are seven weeks long, and a student could finish in 12 months. The university’s core requirements consist of 41 credit hours, and the nursing courses are 31 credit hours. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Students may earn credit by exam for three classes (Health Assessment and Lab, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology). In addition, students may earn up to four credit hours for professional nursing experiences presented in a portfolio. Applications for the online BSN program are open continuously. The fall deadline is August 1, the spring deadline is January 1, and the summer deadline is June 1.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a metropolitan research university that serves more than 8,000 students each semester, offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and more than 40 graduate programs. UA Little Rock nursing students have one of the country’s top simulation hospitals, known as SimCare.

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing’s goals are to contribute to the three purposes of the university:

• research
• education
• service

The school offers an online RN to BSN program that is 30 credit hours and can be completed in as little as one year. Each of the eleven required courses is eight weeks long. For the final project, which includes 75 clinical hours, students will prepare an evidence-based portfolio that reflects an area of interest.

Eligible applicants must have an RN degree from an accredited nursing university and have 1,000 hours of work experience in the last 12-24 months. If a student does not have these work hours, he or she has the option of passing a clinical proficiency exam. The application deadline for the fall semester is July 1, and the deadline for the spring semester is July 1.

The University of Arkansas also offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice and Executive MBA dual degrees.

The University of North Dakota was founded in 1883, six years before the state itself was even established! Today, UND, located in Grand Forks, is the largest campus in North Dakota, spreading across 521 acres. With more than 225 academic programs, 250 student clubs and organizations, and over 13,000 enrolled students, UND is always bustling with activity!

The online RN to BSN degree at UND is one of the best online nursing programs in the nation. This program is 31 nursing credit hours, 120 total credit hours, and takes 1-2 years to complete. Clinical hours will be completed in the student’s local community.

Live internet classes are required, which are set at times most convenient for students. Students will receive numerous resources to help them earn their nursing degree, including:

• online tutoring
• library resources
• tech support
• advising services

Applications are only accepted once per calendar year, and students must start in the fall semester. Applications are due by July 1.

Ball State University is a public research university in Muncie, Indiana, that has grown to more than 20,000 students. Its top-ranked academic programs make it one of the best universities not only in the Midwest but in the nation. Currently, BSU offers more than 180 undergraduate and 100 graduate majors. Notable alumni include late-night talk show host, David Letterman!

BSU is a national leader in nursing education, and they offer an RN to BSN online degree that is flexible and utilizes past transferable credits. There are three or six semester options, so students can attend part-time or full time, depending on their schedules. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The degree requires 120 credits, and many students are able to count as many as 30 previous credits towards this degree. BSU requires 180 clinical hours, which can be completed in the student’s community. The rolling admission means you can apply anytime; the fall semester deadline is July 1, the spring semester deadline is December 1, and the summer semester deadline is April 1.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is the fastest-growing university in the UNC system. The university is located in Charlotte, one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, fueled by an economy tied to banking, finance, and tech industries. Currently, there are 30,448 students at UNC Charlotte, and 37% of undergraduate students are first-generation college students!

UNC Charlotte offers an online RN to BSN degree that is designed to be completed in just 12 months for those who have finished the full prerequisite requirements. In addition to the general education requirements, students will need to complete 28 credit hours of nursing classes, along with clinical hours.

Applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or better in all college courses, including all nursing prerequisites. To apply to UNC Charlotte’s RN to BSN program, students will need to apply to both the university and the nursing school. Applications for the spring semester are due November 1; for the summer semester, April 1; and for the fall semester, May 1.

From its roots in 1743 as a private academy to the public research university it is today, the University of Delaware, located in Newark, serves more than 23,996 students. UD also began America’s first study abroad program, which originated in 1923. Today, more than 30% of students complete a study abroad program.

UD has been offering online nursing programs since 1993. UD’s RN to BSN program is fully online and consists of 120 credit hours, including 59 non-nursing credits and 31 credits of nursing classes (including an 84-hour practicum). Thirty credit hours are awarded for the student’s current RN license.

The bachelor’s degree program offers courses using online technology, video lectures, asynchronous discussions, and real-time discussions between faculty and students. Applicants must have an overall 2.5 GPA from all previous college coursework, along with an active RN license. Courses are provided in the fall, winter, and summer sessions. For fall admission, the deadline for applications is May 1, and for spring admission, the deadline is November 1.

Opened since 1957, George Mason University, located near Washington D.C., is Virginia’s largest public university, enrolling more than 38,600 students from all 50 states and over 130 countries. The beautiful 677-acre campus houses the academic buildings, plus more than 6,200 students who live on campus. There are currently 211 degree programs offered at GMU, including an online RN to BSN degree.

GMU’s online RN to BSN program is 120 credit hours, and students can complete this degree in as little as two semesters. Students can take this program on a full or part- time basis, and courses are offered in a seven-week rotation. Courses in this program include topics on health assessment, nursing leadership, and research, and many of them are project-based.

George Mason also offers a co-enrollment BSN program that allows students to take online BSN courses while completing their AAS in nursing.

GMU’s nursing school requires a separate application, in addition to the application to GMU. For a fall start, students should submit their application by March 1, and for a spring start, students should submit by October 1. The BSN program is highly competitive, and admission to the university does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk in the heart of vibrant coastal Virginia, is a research university with more than 23,000 students. Students can choose from over 120 undergraduate programs and 130 graduate academically rigorous programs at the master’s and doctoral levels.

More than 100 programs are offered through ODU online learning. Eight colleges make up ODU, including the College of Health Sciences, which houses the nursing program.

ODU has been providing quality nursing education since 1987. They currently offer one of the best online BSN programs for both full and part-time students. The bachelor’s degree program is 120 credit hours, and at least 30 must be from ODU. ODU nursing students will work with faculty mentors to build a professional portfolio, which is an advantage when seeking employment.  

ODU’s bachelor’s degree program is flexible and supportive. They also offer a concurrent enrollment program that helps new nurses earn this BSN in their own community. Students can apply to enroll at both their local community college and ODU’s online program and take classes both online and in a traditional classroom setting.

Liberty University, located in Lynchburg, Virginia, is an accredited evangelical liberal arts university with 17 colleges, over 90,000 students, and more than 600 programs of study ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees. Since the mid 1980s LU has offered online programs, and today more than 400 are offered exclusively online.

LU’s online RN to BSN degree consists of 120 credit hours and typically takes 2.5 years to complete. A minimum of 39 credits can be transferred with your RN license. The classes are offered in a flexible eight-week format, with eight different start dates throughout the year. This program is asynchronous, so students do not need to log in at certain times and can complete their work on their own schedules.

For the past eight years (and counting!), LU has frozen tuition for all of its programs. Service members, veterans, or military spouses may be eligible for the military tuition discount, which is $250 per hour!

What began in 1794 as a small college in the southwest territory is today The University of Tennessee at Knoxville—Tennessee’s flagship university and public research institution. Today, over 31,000 students are enrolled at UT, and more than 900 programs of study are offered. The mascot, Smokey, a bluetick coonhound, represents the Volunteers!

The UT College of Nursing offers the online RN to BSN degree with flexible start dates and full and part-time options. The program is 34 credit hours of coursework in an eight-week course format. To be eligible for this program, students must have a minimum of 63 credit hours eligible for transfer to UT.

Students enrolled online are eligible for receiving an additional 26 credit hours for proficiency credit. Depending on the transfer credit and prerequisites needed, this program may take 1-2 years to complete. Applications are due December 1 in order to begin in the spring and July 1 to start in the fall.

Just four blocks from the White House in Washington, DC is the home of George Washington University. One of the largest private employers in Washington, DC, GW has three campuses and approximately 11,000 undergraduate students and 15,000 graduate students from all 50 states and 132 countries. More than 500 student-athletes participate in the 27 sports teams offered, including sports at the NCAA Division I level.

GW’s RN to BSN online program is part-time, allowing working nurses to progress through this degree on their own time. The program consists of 21 credit hours of coursework and a professional portfolio, which provides an additional 15 hours. Nursing students at GW have access to library resources and student services, so they are always supported while pursuing their degree.

This program is 15-months long and four semesters worth of work. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA on all previous college coursework. The application deadline for the Spring is October 15, and the deadline for the Fall is January 15. The GW school of nursing offers fixed-rate tuition for it’s programs and helps students acquire financial aid.

Georgia Southern University is the state’s largest university with 27,000 students from all 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and 102 countries. GSU offers 141 programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. For the 11th year in a row, GSU was named a “military-friendly” gold school by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, STEM Jobs, and Military Spouse magazines.

The online RN to BSN program is designed for working nurses and can be completed in 3-4 semesters (around 1-2 years). Some individuals finish this program even quicker. After prerequisites and core classes, there are a total of 8 required nursing courses, which totals 28 hours.

Students should submit their applications by April 1 for fall semester entry and October 1 for spring semester entry. Upon acceptance, students must attend the mandatory admissions orientation, held on campus on the first day of classes. The rest of the program is 100% online.

Founded in 1889 as a teaching college, Western Carolina University, located near the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains in Cullowhee, North Carolina is “home” to more than 11,000 students. Offering more than 120 degrees, WCU is in the UNC system and has been consistently ranked as one of the Top 10 Regional Universities in the South.

This BSN online is 30 credit hours, including 24 credit hours of core RN to BSN courses and six credit hours of upper-division WCU electives. As part of the NC Promise, in-state students at WCU will pay reduced tuition.

Students are admitted to WCU’s program twice a year, either in January or August. Before being admitted to this program, students need to either have a current RN license or to pass the NCLEX exam. They need 62 non-nursing credit hours with a minimum GPA of a 2.5. The deadline for spring admission is August 20, and the deadline for fall admission is February 25.

Allen College is a small, private college located in beautiful Waterloo, Iowa, that specializes in healthcare education. Students can choose programs in radiography, health sciences, nursing, occupational therapy, or health education. Currently, there are around 314 undergraduate students at Allen College, and admission is competitive, as the acceptance rate is 50%.

Allen College’s online RN to BSN program consists of a minimum of 124 semester hours. Fifty-four general education courses should be completed at another institution.  Clinical hours may be completed in the student’s community. Both full and part-time routes are available, depending on the student’s current schedule. Students enrolling in the RN to BSN program are eligible for a 25% tuition scholarship.

Students can either begin this program in the fall or spring term. Applications for Allen College’s RN to BSN program are accepted on a rolling basis, but they take 6-8 weeks to review. Allen College uses a holistic review process, balancing academic achievement, work experience, community service, and other life experiences.

Founded in 1910, the University of Southern Mississippi is a Carnegie R1 research institution, as well as one of the leading research universities in the nation. Some points of research at USM are ocean science, engineering, polymer science, and more. USM’s black and gold colors have remained the same over the years, but the mascot evolved—from a Tiger to a Golden Eagle!

USM’s online RN to BSN program has a nearly 100% graduate employment rate, making it an excellent place to pursue a degree. This program, which is 120 credit hours, can be completed in as few as three semesters. Students can begin this program in the fall, spring, or summer semester and choose 8, 10, or 16-week course options.

An alternate option in this program lets students who are enrolled in a Mississippi ADN program also to take non-clinical RN-BSN courses to speed up this program. The deadline for fall admission is June 1; for spring admission is November 1; and for summer admission, April 1. USM has over 175 nursing graduates each year.