![5 Affordable RN to BSN Programs [Updated 2025]](https://www.registerednursing.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/RN-Affordable-RN-to-BSN-Programs-768x512.jpg)
Registered nurses (RNs) who are looking to get their Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing often face the challenge of finding high-quality educational programs that are also affordable. With tuition and living expenses rising, finding an RN to BSN program that offers both quality education and reasonable costs can significantly impact a student’s future. This article will explore some of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs in the United States for 2025, highlighting institutions that provide excellent nursing education without breaking the bank.
Looking to complete your program in a short amount of time? Check out the Fastest RN to BSN Degree Programs.
Lake Worth, FL - Public 4-Year - palmbeachstate.edu Online & Campus Based - Visit Website Palm Beach State College's hybrid RN-to-BSN program provides registered nurses an innovative pathway to career advancement. Targeting associate degree holders, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based nursing care and leadership development. This accredited program delivers comprehensive training for management positions and graduate nursing program preparation. With flexible learning options and a focus on professional skill enhancement, students gain critical knowledge for navigating complex healthcare environments. The program's strategic design enables nurses to elevate their credentials while maintaining work-life balance, making it an attractive option for career-driven healthcare professionals seeking affordable educational progression. Concentration: Computed Tomography (CT) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website Palm Beach State College's specialized Computed Tomography (CT) concentration offers registered technologists an exceptional online pathway to advanced medical imaging expertise. This 24-month program strategically prepares professionals for specialized credentialing exams and leadership roles in radiology. With a remarkably affordable tuition of approximately $6,900 for Florida residents, the curriculum combines cutting-edge technical training with comprehensive clinical preparation. Designed for working professionals, the program provides biannual start dates, flexible scheduling, and a robust clinical component across hospital settings, ensuring students gain practical skills while advancing their careers in medical imaging technology. Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website Palm Beach State College's online RN-to-BSN Leadership program empowers registered nurses to transform their professional trajectories. Specifically designed for working professionals, this fully online curriculum focuses on nursing leadership, evidence-based care, and advanced research skills. The program prepares nurses for management positions and graduate nursing program entry, offering financial aid to support affordable educational advancement. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, it requires an associate degree for admission. By prioritizing flexible learning and comprehensive skill development, this program enables nurses to enhance their credentials while maintaining their current professional commitments. Jacksonville, FL - Public 4-Year - fscj.edu Online Learning - Visit Website Florida State College at Jacksonville offers a strategic online BSN program tailored for working nurses seeking professional advancement. Their comprehensive curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and global healthcare perspectives. With a remarkably affordable total cost of $12,586, the program provides exceptional value for registered nurses. Students can complete coursework flexibly while maintaining employment, benefiting from doctorally prepared faculty and a Global Scholars Distinction option. The fully online, ACEN-accredited program ensures graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in complex healthcare environments. No specific entrance exam requirements are mentioned, making it accessible for working professionals seeking career progression. Cullowhee, NC - Public 4-Year - wcu.edu Online Learning - Visit Website Western Carolina University delivers a strategically designed online RN to BSN program tailored for working nurses seeking career advancement. Through a flexible 4-semester curriculum, students enhance clinical leadership skills and expand healthcare knowledge. The program's affordability stems from NC Promise's reduced tuition rate of $500 per semester, making professional development financially accessible. With 30 total credit hours and part-time scheduling options, nurses can seamlessly integrate academic pursuits with professional responsibilities. No standardized entrance exam is required, simplifying admission for licensed registered nurses maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA. The fully online format enables geographical flexibility, allowing nurses to progress professionally without disrupting current employment. Pensacola, FL - Public 4-Year - pensacolastate.edu Online & Campus Based - Visit Website Pensacola State College offers an innovative RN to BSN program strategically crafted for working nurses seeking career advancement. The hybrid program provides maximum flexibility, allowing registered nurses to seamlessly balance professional responsibilities with academic growth. Students complete 120 credit hours across three semesters, focusing on critical areas like healthcare management, evidence-based practice, and leadership development. Military-friendly and affordably priced, the program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum that prepares nurses for expanded clinical roles and potential graduate studies. The online format enables professionals to enhance their credentials without disrupting current employment, making it an attractive option for ambitious healthcare practitioners. Dallas, TX - Public 4-Year - dallascollege.edu Online Learning - Visit Website Dallas College's RN to BSN online program provides a strategic pathway for working nurses to elevate their professional credentials efficiently. Tailored for registered nurses, the program offers remarkable flexibility with completion times ranging from 12-24 months. Students can expect a comprehensive curriculum that builds upon existing nursing knowledge while maintaining professional commitments. The program's standout feature is its exceptional affordability, with total tuition around $2,800, making it an economical choice for career advancement. Applicants must hold an unencumbered RN license, possess an associate nursing degree, and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. Specialized online nursing faculty ensure high-quality instruction, enabling nurses to seamlessly integrate academic growth with their current healthcare roles.2026 Top Affordable RN to BSN Programs
Palm Beach State College
Bachelor's - Registered Nursing (R.N.) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)
Bachelor's - Registered Nursing (R.N.) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)
Bachelor's - Registered Nursing (R.N.) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Bachelor's - Nursing (B.S.N.)
Western Carolina University
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Pensacola State College
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Dallas College
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN to B.S.N. Track
Online RN to BSN Programs – A Great Option for Frugal Students
One option that can be considered right off the bat to save money is an online RN to BSN program. Online options can often be cheaper when compared to their on-campus counterparts. Here are a few reasons why:
Lower Tuition – Many online RN to BSN programs often lower tuition or per-credit rates for online coursework. Even if they don’t, many schools charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state online students, giving them many more feasible program options to consider.
Commute Savings – Online RN to BSN programs eliminate the costly expenses associated with commuting to campus, including gas, car wear and tear, parking permits, public transportation costs, and more. In addition, students don’t have to worry about relocation or moving expenses if they don’t live within a reasonable distance from campus.
Flexible Scheduling – With asynchronous courses and flexible scheduling, many students can fit their coursework around their work schedules, helping them maintain their income while they complete their RN to BSN studies.
Additional Money-Saving Strategies for RN to BSN Students
Beyond choosing an affordable program, savvy RN to BSN students can employ several strategies to minimize their educational expenses. Many programs offer credit for prior learning experiences, allowing students to receive academic credit for their professional nursing experience, continuing education courses, and certifications. This credit recognition can reduce the total number of courses required, directly lowering tuition costs. Students should also explore competency-based education options, where they can accelerate through material they already know, potentially completing their degree in less time and for less money.
Financial aid opportunities specifically designed for working nurses include employer tuition assistance programs, nursing-specific scholarships from professional organizations, and state-funded workforce development grants. Many students overlook these targeted funding sources, focusing only on traditional federal aid. Additionally, some programs offer payment plans that allow students to spread tuition costs over multiple months without interest, making the financial burden more manageable for working professionals. Students should also consider the tax benefits of educational expenses, as tuition and fees may be deductible, and employer tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually is typically tax-free.
RN to BSN Program Tuition Comparison
By Institution Type and Delivery Method
Institution Type | Delivery Format | Average Cost Range | Cost Per Credit Hour | Total Program Cost | Program Length |
Public Universities | Online | $8,000 – $15,000 | $300 – $500 | $9,000 – $18,000 | 18-24 months |
Public Universities | Traditional/Hybrid | $10,000 – $18,000 | $350 – $600 | $12,000 – $20,000 | 18-24 months |
Private Universities | Online | $15,000 – $35,000 | $500 – $1,200 | $18,000 – $40,000 | 12-24 months |
Private Universities | Traditional/Hybrid | $18,000 – $40,000 | $600 – $1,400 | $20,000 – $45,000 | 18-24 months |
Community Colleges | Online | $6,000 – $12,000 | $200 – $400 | $7,000 – $14,000 | 18-30 months |
Community Colleges | Traditional/Hybrid | $7,000 – $14,000 | $250 – $450 | $8,000 – $16,000 | 18-30 months |
For-Profit Colleges | Online | $20,000 – $50,000 | $700 – $1,500 | $25,000 – $55,000 | 12-18 months |
Additional Cost Considerations
Cost Category | Range | Notes |
Application Fees | $25 – $100 | One-time fee |
Technology Fees | $100 – $500/semester | Online programs |
Books & Materials | $500 – $1,500/year | Digital textbooks often cheaper |
Clinical Fees | $200 – $800/semester | If clinicals required |
Graduation Fees | $100 – $300 | One-time fee |
Lab Fees | $150 – $400/semester | For on-campus components |
Financial Aid Options
Aid Type | Typical Coverage | Eligibility |
Federal Pell Grant | Up to $7,395/year | Need-based |
Federal Student Loans | Up to $12,500/year | Most students qualify |
Employer Tuition Assistance | $2,000 – $10,000/year | Hospital/healthcare employers |
State Grants | $500 – $5,000/year | Varies by state |
Nursing Scholarships | $1,000 – $10,000 | Merit and need-based |
Military Benefits | Full tuition coverage | Veterans and active duty |
Cost-Saving Strategies
Strategy | Potential Savings | Description |
In-State Tuition | 50-70% reduction | Establish residency before enrollment |
Transfer Credits | $3,000 – $8,000 | Use existing college credits |
Accelerated Programs | 20-30% total cost | Complete degree faster |
Employer Partnerships | $2,000 – $15,000 | Discounted tuition rates |
Community College Start | $5,000 – $12,000 | Complete prerequisites at lower cost |
Program Duration Impact on Total Cost
Program Length | Typical Cost Range | Benefits | Considerations |
12-15 months | $20,000 – $45,000 | Faster completion, quicker ROI | Intensive workload |
18-24 months | $12,000 – $35,000 | Balanced pace, manageable | Standard timeline |
24-36 months | $8,000 – $25,000 | Part-time friendly, lower cost | Longer time to degree |
Note: Costs shown are estimates and can vary significantly based on location, specific institution, and individual circumstances. Always verify current tuition rates with specific schools.
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