Nursing remains one of the most detail-oriented professions in the world. With a tendency to promote those with strong multi-tasking skills across a spectrum of tasks, nurses deliver exacting and caring treatment to restore their patients to health. Nurses should be motivated for professional growth and thrive in a complex working environment.

2027 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in New Jersey

When it comes to advancing a nursing career, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing opens doors to higher pay and more leadership roles. For working nurses in the Garden State, online RN to BSN programs offer the flexibility needed to balance jobs and family. Registerednursing.org ranks the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in New Jersey, evaluating factors like accreditation, affordability, and student success. These programs use distance learning to deliver coursework, and many hybrid options combine virtual classes with occasional in-person experiences. We consider hybrid and partially online programs as online, because they offer the convenience working nurses need. See the full ranking methodology to understand how we evaluate each program: https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

Saint Peter's University

Jersey City, NJ - Private 4-year - saintpeters.edu

RN to BSN - Online RN to BSN Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

Saint Peter's University offers an online RN to BSN program for registered nurses with a diploma or associate degree. This 100% online program requires 31-36 credit hours and can be completed in 14-21 months through accelerated 8-week terms. The curriculum emphasizes whole-person healthcare in the Jesuit tradition. The program is accredited by both the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and New Jersey Board of Nursing. Students receive personal advising and join an engaged online community. The program is designed to be affordable and accessible for working nurses seeking career advancement.

  • 100% online format
  • 31-36 credit hours required
  • 14-21 month completion time
  • Accelerated 8-week terms
  • For RNs with diploma/associate degree
  • CCNE and NJ Board accredited
  • Personal advising provided
  • Affordable program option
  • Engaged online community
  • Small class sizes
#2

Stockton University

Galloway, NJ - Public 4-Year - stockton.edu

RN to BSN - Nursing (RN to BSN)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Stockton University's RN to BSN program builds on your experience as a registered nurse, deepening your clinical reasoning, leadership, and community-health skills. Designed for working nurses, the program combines remote coursework with practice in state-of-the-art simulation and assessment labs and at clinical sites across New Jersey. The curriculum uses the Roy Adaptation Model and an interdisciplinary approach that links liberal arts, sciences, and professional nursing. You'll explore health promotion across the lifespan, evidence-based care, and nursing leadership, while learning to serve diverse and underrepresented populations. Since 1975, the program has helped RNs earn their bachelor's degree and advance in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, and community settings. It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and Stockton is consistently ranked among top public universities in the North. Dedicated faculty and small-group learning create a supportive environment for practicing nurses seeking career growth.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • Accredited by New Jersey Board of Nursing
  • RN-BSN program since 1975
  • State-of-the-art clinical simulation labs
  • Clinical sites across region and state
  • Uses Roy Adaptation Model framework
#3

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ - Public 4-Year - montclair.edu

RN to BSN - BSN in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Montclair State University’s RN to BSN program is designed for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. This fully online, asynchronous degree lets you balance work and family while building essential skills in critical thinking, leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare technology. The curriculum prepares you for expanded roles beyond bedside nursing, including administration, research, pharmaceutical sales, and legal nurse consulting. You’ll also complete a 90-hour clinical practicum, often at your current workplace, and finish with an Integration Practicum that synthesizes your learning. Transfer up to 90 credits, including 30 for passing the NCLEX-RN. Start in fall or spring, and choose between accelerated or self-paced formats. Montclair partners with local hospitals to offer a 20% tuition discount for eligible employees. U.S. News & World Report ranks Montclair among the top online bachelor’s programs. With affordable in-state tuition and a supportive enrollment team, this program helps you level up your nursing career.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • Starts fall/spring
  • Asynchronous online classes
  • 2.5 GPA minimum
  • 90 clinical hours
  • Employer reimbursement supported
  • Financial aid available
  • Strengthen critical thinking and leadership
  • Careers in administration and research
  • 30 credits for NCLEX-RN pass
#4

Kean University

Union, NJ - Public 4-Year - kean.edu

RN to BSN - RN-BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Kean University's RN-BSN program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers in a rapidly growing healthcare field. This 120-credit bachelor's degree, offered online and in hybrid formats, builds on your clinical foundation with coursework in population health, quality management, and transcultural care. You'll work closely with experienced faculty mentors in both classroom and clinical settings, developing critical thinking and leadership skills. The curriculum prepares you for roles such as surgical nurse, pediatric nurse, nurse case manager, and critical care nurse. With an average completion time of four semesters, the program is tailored for working adults, offering flexible scheduling. Kean's transfer partnerships with Ocean County College, Raritan Valley Community College, and Muhlenberg School of Nursing ensure a seamless transition from RN to BSN. The program is accredited by ACEN, and graduates often pursue advanced degrees at top institutions.

  • ACEN accredited
  • 4-Semester program
  • Complete in average of four semesters
  • 120 total credit hours
  • Transfer partnerships with three colleges
  • $30,000 salary difference with BSN
  • Faculty mentorship in clinical settings
  • Seamless progression from RN to BSN
  • Online and hybrid format options
  • Career paths include surgical, pediatric nursing
#5

Caldwell University

Caldwell, NJ - Private 4-year - caldwell.edu

RN to BSN - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Caldwell University's Online RN to BSN program is designed for licensed registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This accelerated program can be completed in as few as 30 credits, with courses offered in convenient 7-week modules. You'll benefit from rolling admissions, no application fee, and a significantly reduced tuition rate of $583 per credit. The curriculum builds on your nursing foundation, covering essential topics like population health and evidence-based practice, and includes a clinical component. Whether you aim for leadership roles, management positions, or further graduate study, this flexible online format lets you balance work and education. Plus, you can apply 12 credits toward an MSN in Population Health. Start your journey to a BSN today with Caldwell University.

  • $583 per credit
  • 30 total credit hours
  • Rolling admissions
  • $0 application fee
  • Accelerated 7-week course modules
  • Flexible start terms
  • Dual enrollment for MSN option
  • Clinical component included
*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2025. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Fast & Affordable Program Options

There are many benefits to enrolling in an RN to BSN program but two that many nurses look forward to the most are affordability and succinctness. While going to school may not be an option for many nurses who have busy schedules and busy home lives, RN to BSN programs offer flexibility that traditional programs don’t have.

Quickest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

To save the most time in a BSN degree program, many nurses leverage their experience and credentials and enroll in an RN to BSN program. These fast-tracked bridge programs accept a large number of credits from associate programs and work with nurses who have their licenses to deliver the shortest possible enrollment period. Most RN to BSN programs can be completed in two years or less. Here are a few of the shortest RN to BSN programs in New Jersey.

SchoolDegree NameLength
Rutgers UniversityOnline RN to BSN1 Year
St. Peter’s UniversityOnline RN to BSN14 Months

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

They do, though 6-month RN to BSN programs aren’t common in New Jersey. To be eligible, you’ll need to have a lot of transferable credits and a program that accepts them. You’ll also need a current nursing license and at least a year of experience. If you find a program that you think might put you on a 6-month timeline to graduation, take to the admissions department to learn how you can apply.

Cheapest Online RN to BSN Options

As mentioned, RN to BSN programs can be extremely affordable, but it’s good to be aware of the individual costs involved, especially when relocating to New Jersey from another state. Many schools (particularly state schools) divide their tuition rates by whether or not you are a resident of New Jersey or if you are an online student. Additionally, you may find that technology fees in combination with the cost of textbooks and room and board may add up to the cost of your total tuition. That being said, there are a few RN to BSN programs in the state that offer the lowest tuition rates:

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
Kean UniversityRN to BSN$12,972 per year (Resident)

$20,364 per year (Non-Resident)

Montclair State UniversityOnline RN to BSN$13,762 per year (Resident)

$22,472 per year (Non-Resident)

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

See Related Articles

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Admissions requirements for RNs to enter a Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) program are rigorous. While the applicants are already trained and licensed, it’s still important for universities – in partnership with the New Jersey Board of Nursing – to ensure that only the candidates who exceed the requirements are able to enter their accredited RN to BSN program. While each program is different, listed below are many of the criteria that you will encounter:

  • Submit a complete application
  • Submit all official secondary and post-secondary transcripts via mail or electronic means
  • College transcripts must reflect an overall GPA of 2.5
  • Students must have a minimum of 30 hours of credits to transfer
  • Have a valid RN license that is free from encumbrances
  • Out of state students are responsible to confirm that a BSN from their program is acceptable in the state where they want to practice

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

At Rowan University in Glassboro, the RN to BSN program is designed to place more emphasis on the art and practice of nursing on a broader scale. Some courses that are offered are:

  • NURS 03304 Nursing Informatics
  • NURS 03404 Research Applications In Nursing
  • NURS 03401 Community Health Nursing
  • NURS 03405 Health Care Policy And Finance

2026 List of RN to BSN Programs in New Jersey

If you're looking for the best RN to BSN programs in your state, take a look at the listings below:

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Browse Our List of Programs

Jump to City:

Caldwell, NJ

Caldwell University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • $583 per credit
    • 30 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • $0 application fee
    • Accelerated 7-week course modules
    • Flexible start terms
    • Dual enrollment for MSN option
    • Clinical component included

Ewing, NJ

The College of New Jersey

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Designed for working RNs
    • Off-campus coursework format
    • Develops nursing leaders
    • Focus on quality and safety issues
    • Prepares for leadership or advanced practice
    • 21st-century adult learning skills

Galloway, NJ

Stockton University

  • RN to BSN - Nursing

    Concentration: RN to BSN - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Accredited by New Jersey Board of Nursing
    • RN-BSN program since 1975
    • State-of-the-art clinical simulation labs
    • Clinical sites across region and state
    • Uses Roy Adaptation Model framework

Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University

  • RN to BSN - B.S. in Nursing (RN to BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • $520 per credit
    • Complete in 15-30 Months to Complete
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Part-time available
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • 45 clinical hours

Hackettstown, NJ

Centenary University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • $600 per credit
    • 30 total credit hours
    • Synchronous and asynchronous options
    • Scholarships available
    • Curriculum: nursing research, evidence-based practice
    • Pathway to advanced nursing study
    • Special pricing for full-time RNs
    • Credit for unencumbered nursing license

Jersey City, NJ

Eastern International College-Jersey City

  • RN to BSN - BS in RN to BSN Completion Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • 90 quarter credits total.
    • 36 general education credits.
    • 54 nursing course credits.
    • 16-month program length.
    • Online delivery format.
    • 2.5 GPA required.
    • Associate degree required.
    • RN license required.

New Jersey City University

  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • BSN preferred for all healthcare settings
    • Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society chapter
    • Program for RNs with associate degrees
    • Includes population health nursing courses
    • Scientific, critical-thinking, leadership skills
    • Focus on wellness and illness concepts
    • Prepares for hospital and community care

Saint Peter's University

  • RN to BSN - Online RN to BSN Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online format
    • 31-36 credit hours required
    • 14-21 month completion time
    • Accelerated 8-week terms
    • For RNs with diploma/associate degree
    • CCNE and NJ Board accredited
    • Personal advising provided
    • Affordable program option
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 21-Month program
    • Rolling admissions
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Transfer up to 30 nursing credits
    • For RNs with diploma or associate degree
    • Grade of 78 required in nursing courses
    • Clinical requirements include health examination

Lakewood, NJ

Georgian Court University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • $564 per credit
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Hybrid online and in-person format
    • Evening classes at Brookdale

Montclair, NJ

Montclair State University

  • RN to BSN - BSN in Nursing (RN to BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • 90 clinical hours
    • Employer reimbursement supported
    • Financial aid available
    • Strengthen critical thinking and leadership

Morristown, NJ

Saint Elizabeth University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • 1-Year program
    • 30 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • Capstone required
    • 100% online classes

Newark, NJ

Rutgers University-Newark

  • RN to BSN - RN to BS in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • $580 per credit
    • 4-Semester program
    • Complete in as few as four semesters
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Earn 12 graduate-level credits
    • Transfer-friendly credit policy

Trenton, NJ

Thomas Edison State University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 18-Month program
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • 6 start dates per year
    • Starts summer/fall/spring
    • Credit for prior learning
    • Up to 63 NCLEX-RN credits

Union, NJ

Kean University

  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • 4-Semester program
    • Complete in average of four semesters
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Transfer partnerships with three colleges
    • Ranked #2 in NJ online colleges
    • $30,000 salary difference with BSN
    • Faculty mentorship in clinical settings

Wayne, NJ

William Paterson University of New Jersey

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • $9,930 total program tuition
    • $331 per credit
    • 10-Month program
    • 30 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-06-21
    • 4 start dates per year
    • Starts summer/fall
*IPEDS 2025 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.