Most Affordable Online RN To MSN Degrees

A ranking of the most affordable online RN to BSN degree programs. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.
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Updated January 31, 2023

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RN-to-BSN Degrees

Nursing has always been a dependable career choice, and it will continue to be so. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for nurses will grow by 16 percent between 2014 and 2024.

Currently, the minimum education required to be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) is an associate's degree in nursing or a nursing diploma from an accredited program.

However, many RNs without a bachelor's degree are wanting to return to school to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). With some many great options, and affordable online education, the harvest is ripe!

What kind of RN to BSN degree should you get?

Some of these RN's are hoping to go on for graduate study in the field of nursing, some are hoping to enter management or leadership positions in their medical institutions, and others are simply interested in personal or professional development.

Whatever the reason, an online RN to BSN program allows for a great degree of flexibility, which is especially important for nurses hoping to earn their BSN while working full or part-time.

How much money do you make with a RN to BSN degree?

By earning a full bachelor's degree in nursing you are setting yourself apart from the crowd and ensuring yourself a more lucrative future.

Registered nurses make, on average, upwards of $70,000 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, these programs below ensure you graduate ready for an elite career. You will can even go on to earn advanced degrees or specialize. As PayScale shows, these nurses can make nearly $90,000 a year.

What can you do with a RN to BSN degree?

These ten programs ensure you graduate ready for careers in an range of fields and settings. Whether you want to work in an emergency room, overseeing triage and taking care of clients in a fast-paced setting, or you want to work in patients' homes during hospice. These programs will help you get there.

But don't just take it from us! Look at the placement rates of graduates from these programs. And take note of where they ended up. They have acquired rewarding careers in a variety of settings:

What are the requirements for a RN to BSN degree?

We've been sure to note all the requirements for these programs below. But generally speaking, to earn a bachelor's degree you will need more than 160 credits to graduate. Whether you have some of these credits already or you're starting fresh, the programs below can help you get there.

In addition to coursework you may be expected to take part in a practicum or clinical. This includes hours spent working directly with patients, other nurses, and doctors. If you're currently working in a healthcare setting, take heart! Your job may, in fact, cover this requirement.

What are the most affordable RN-to-BSN degrees?

The following ten programs stand out from the rest because of their affordability. When considering a RN to BSN program it is important to consider whether an online program is available in your state, whether it meets your state's licensure requirements, and whether it is completely online or requires an occasional trip to campus.

Recommended RN-to-BSN Degrees

Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Most Affordable Online RN To MSN Degrees

Fort Hays State University

  • Hays, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Trying to find a flexible education to prepare you for a nursing career? Look at Fort Hays State University's RN-to-BSN program. The public college connects 8,759 distance learners with a top online education, offering 24 bachelor's programs remotely.

The RN-to-BSN program prepares students for a good career in nursing by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. The curriculum includes a variety of coursework, giving enrollees broad knowledge of both foundational and advanced nursing topics. Degree-seekers increase their industry knowledge with hands-on learning experiences, helping their career aspirations. Learners gain many benefits from internships, externships, and applied research projects. Guidance is available to students throughout the duration of the program by talking with an academic advisor or career counselor.

Scholarships, fellowships, and other internal and external funding opportunities let applicants decrease their educational expenses. The college supports degree-seekers in their educational journey with financial assistance, providing aid to 96% of enrollees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,990
Out-of-state
$14,070
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,582
Out-of-state
$10,206
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
15,908
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Most Affordable Online RN To MSN Degrees

Delta State University

  • Cleveland, MS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution, Delta State University provides flexible learning opportunities to degree-seekers from all walks of life. From its main campus in Cleveland, the Mississippi school supports 1,853 remote learners nationwide. The school's top-ranking online RN-to-BSN program attracts people interested in a nursing-related career.

Top faculty members and a supportive student body benefit learners enrolled in nursing. In a virtual classroom space, degree-seekers do coursework and projects that advance their personal and professional goals. Faculty-driven research projects, internships, and externships are some of the opportunities students can get involved with. It's possible for enrollees to mold the program to their needs and interests by working with a faculty advisor to create a customized plan of study and pick electives.

Many different internal and external opportunities for financial assistance help with the high price of an education at the college. Eligible applicants can benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of aid. Of all the college's enrollees, 94% get some kind of financial assistance to help lower educational expenses.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,501
Out-of-state
$7,501
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,501
Out-of-state
$7,501
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
3,751
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Most Affordable Online RN To MSN Degrees

The University of Arkansas

  • Fayetteville, AR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The RN-to-BSN at the University of Arkansas suits people looking for an online education in nursing with extra flexibility. The four industry-relevant online bachelor's programs at the public institution educate 3,417 remote degree-seekers. The college features institutional resources, such as a supportive virtual community, that benefit remote learners.

Engaging classes in the RN-to-BSN program provide students with knowledge relevant to the nursing industry. The curriculum includes general education and advanced classes, with the opportunity to customize courses and pick electives. Enrollees can add to their academic experience with hands-on learning opportunities. Degree-seekers who do internships, externships, or research projects get first-hand experience of what it's like to work in the nursing field.

Prospective applicants can ask the admissions office to learn more about enrollment requirements. Students can check with the financial aid office to see if they qualify for any funding opportunities, since 93% of enrollees receive some kind of financial assistance. Eligible learners can benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other aid options to offset the cost of their degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,104
Out-of-state
$11,376
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,092
Out-of-state
$11,394
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,265
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Most Affordable Online RN To MSN Degrees

American Public University

  • Charles Town, WV
  • 4 years
  • Online

From its campus in Charles Town, West Virginia, American Public University offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive education. Degree-seekers interested in nursing get a rigorous education with industry relevance through the RN-to-BSN program.

Participants in the nursing program benefit from a supportive remote learning community, connecting with classmates and faculty through a virtual classroom environment. Foundational and advanced topics in nursing are covered in the program's classes, giving enrollees the relevant knowledge to prepare them for their future careers in the nursing field. Students can do experiential learning opportunities, like internships and research projects, to develop skills for a future nursing job. Academic advising and career counseling are just some of the resources the institution provides degree-seekers to support their success.

When preparing for the costs of a nursing degree, learners should meet with the financial aid office to discuss funding opportunities. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal aid are some of the numerous funding options available to the college's students. At the institution, 100% of enrollees receive some form of financial assistance.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,804
Out-of-state
$6,804
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,615
Out-of-state
$6,615
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
45,249
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Most Affordable Online RN To MSN Degrees

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

  • Weatherford, OK
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The premier online degrees at Weatherford-based Southwestern Oklahoma State University suit students looking for a competitive program. The public institution supports 2,614 distance learners across seven online bachelor’s degrees. The RN-to-BSN offers degree-seekers a rigorous education relevant to the nursing industry.

Participants in the nursing program take advantage of its supportive virtual learning community by connecting with peers and faculty in a remote classroom environment. Enrollees complete coursework covering foundational and advanced topics to gain knowledge relevant to the nursing field. Degree-seekers build the competency needed for a nursing profession through hands-on practice in experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects. The institution offers resources focused on student success to help learners throughout the course of their program, such as academic advising and career counseling.

When preparing for the costs of a nursing degree, students should meet with the financial aid office to discuss funding opportunities. The college boasts numerous scholarships, fellowships, and federal aid. At the institution, 93% of all enrollees get some type of financial assistance.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,150
Out-of-state
$13,050
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,084
Out-of-state
$12,564
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
4,961
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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