Nurses are more necessary than ever. Due to an ongoing nursing shortage, once you graduate from a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program, you can get licensure and leap into a healthcare career.
Online BSN programs are designed for busy registered nurses (RNs) with active licenses who want to advance their careers. If this sounds like you, continue reading to learn more about this year's best bachelor's in nursing online programs.
Start Your BSN Journey Now
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Bachelor's in Nursing Programs
How We Measured Student Satisfaction: We partnered with College Pulse to bring you data from students themselves on the schools on our list. The data and reviews aren't part of our ranking methodology.
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school's program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like affordability, specialization options, and online student resources. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools' facts in November 2025.
Why You Should Get a BSN
Career Advancement: A BSN opens more opportunities to move into leadership roles within your organization.
Increased earnings: A BSN opens opportunities for leadership roles and specialty positions, often leading to increased earning potential.
Job security: Having a BSN can boost job security due to the growing demand for nurses with advanced education, especially in settings like Magnet hospitals that prioritize higher degrees.
Prepare for graduate school: Earning a BSN is a prerequisite for a master of science in nursing (MSN).
Improved patient outcomes: Research shows that BSN-prepared nurses contribute to lower patient mortality rates, likely due to their additional education and training in evidence-based practice.
Benefits of Getting a BSN Online
According BestColleges' 2025 Online Education Trends Report, student perception of the potential return on investment (ROI) of online learning continues to be strong — 94% of all students say their online degree has or will have a positive ROI.
The majority (98%) of prospective online students, currently enrolled online students, and online program graduates would recommend online education to others.
Of these students, 76% say that online is better than or equal to on-campus learning.
Most online program graduates (69%) say their programs prepared them for employment after graduation, and 19% say they were extremely well prepared.
How to Choose the Best Bachelor's in Nursing Online Program for You
Before you apply to an online BSN program, it's important to consider cost, program length, and the jobs and earnings you can expect after you graduate to ensure your program is the best fit for you.
How Much Does a Bachelor's in Nursing Online Program Cost?
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$9,561
Avg. Net Price
$6,305
In-person
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$16,896
Avg. Net Price
$9,497
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the typical cost of an online bachelor's in nursing program is $9,561 for online students and $16,896 for in-person students.
The average net price, the cost after the school applies financial aid, is $6,305 for online students and $9,497 for in-person students. This reduction shows just how much financial aid can offset the cost of tuition.
Financial aid includes scholarships and grants. You can get financial aid by applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each year you're in school.
Find Financial Aid for Your BSN
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's in Nursing Degree?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
You can expect to spend four years earning your BSN online if you enroll as a full-time student in a typical program. You can shorten this timeframe by choosing an accelerated program, transferring credits from previous programs, and earning credit for life and work experience. If you're employed, seek out tuition reimbursement.
What Can You Do With a BSN?
A few jobs you can pursue after you graduate from an online BSN program include registered nurse, nursing instructor, and health services manager. These roles pay well, with health services managers earning the most at $117,960. As an RN, you can earn $93,600.
| Job | 2024 Median Annual Salary | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $93,600 | Develops and applies patient care to sick and injured patients. |
| Nursing Assistant and Orderly | $39,530 | Provides basic care to patients, maintains treatment areas. |
| Health Services Manager | $117,960 | Oversees the daily operations of healthcare facilities. |
Learn More About Nursing Jobs
Is an Online BSN Worth It?
Whether an online BSN is worth it depends on your goals and the return on investment (ROI), plus various other factors.
These online programs are built around flexibility for busy adults looking for a potential boost in salary. Plus, once you graduate, you can apply to graduate nursing programs.
Registered nurses earned over $2,700 more than licensed practical nurses in 2023, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). A BSN opens doors to leadership roles and serves as a stepping stone toward higher degrees that lead to advanced practice positions.
However, an online BSN program involves high costs and a significant time commitment. You'll also need to learn how to balance your work, studies, and potential debt. Research program accreditation and National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates to ensure quality and look for the most affordable programs.
Education Beyond a Bachelor's in Nursing
After you earn a bachelor's in nursing online, you can pursue advanced degrees such as a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP).
These degrees increase your opportunities to work as a nurse educator, professor, or healthcare administrator. Specialty tracks provide advanced training for specific niches within nursing like nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist.
Some of these roles pay six-figure salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), showing that these specialized skills are in demand. Online programs offer flexibility, so they can be ideal for busy professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online BSN Degrees
Absolutely, there are affordable RN-to-BSN programs online. BestColleges found online RN-to-BSN programs that combine affordability with great student outcomes. Each program offers flexibility and cost-effective options for busy nurses.
