5 Options for Affordable 2024 RN to BSN Programs in the US
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 RN to BSN programs in the United States for 2024, highlighting institutions that provide excellent nursing education without breaking the bank.
1. University of Central Florida
In-State RN to BSN Total Tuition Cost: $ 3,152.10 (30 credits)
Out-Of-State RN to BSN Total Tuition Cost: $ 18,483.90 (30 credits)
The University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando offers an RN to BSN program that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in nursing practice. UCF’s program emphasizes clinical experiences, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration. With access to cutting-edge resources and dedicated faculty, nursing students at UCF receive a well-rounded education that prepares them to meet the demands of the healthcare industry. This quick (not to mention incredibly affordable) RN to BSN program is available 100% online, making it perfect for students who are already working in the nursing field.
2. Dalton State College
In-State RN-BSN Total Cost: $3,204 (30 Credits)
Out-of-State RN-BSN Total Cost: $11,835.90 (30 Credits)
Dalton State College, situated in Georgia, provides a cost-effective pathway to becoming a registered nurse through its RN to BSN program. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience in clinical settings, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to provide safe and effective patient care. With a commitment to fostering strong clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and communication techniques, Dalton State’s nursing program empowers students to impact healthcare settings positively.
Though many RN to BSN programs allow their students to complete their education completely online, DSC does not. Students not living in Georgia will need to relocate in order to fulfill clinical requirements.
3. Florida SouthWestern State College
In-State RN-BSN Total Tuition Cost (online): $10,000 (30 credits)
Out-of-State RN-BSN Total Tuition Cost (online): $23,860.20 (30 Credits)
Residents of Florida have a unique opportunity to spend only $10,000 on their BSN at Florida SouthWestern State College, currently one of the most affordable degrees that you could possibly attain. Beyond residency in Florida need to meet these other admissions requirements:
- Complete either an Associate in Arts (AA) degree or an Associate in Science (AS) degree at Florida SouthWestern State College
- Be accepted into, and maintain enrollment in, one of the qualifying bachelor’s degrees: Cardiopulmonary Sciences or Public Safety Administration
- Maintain Florida residency for tuition purposes for all semesters enrolled at FSW
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher at point of graduation from the qualifying bachelor’s degree
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you are enrolled in the qualifying associate and bachelor’s degrees
- Complete the associate and bachelor’s degrees within six years of declaring a qualifying associate degree major
The program is offered fully online, so long as all clinical requirements and licensure exams are fulfilled.
4. Georgia Southwestern State University
Online Total RN-BSN Tuition Cost (In or Out of State): $10,159.80 (60 Credits)
Georgia Southwestern State University offers an online RN-BSN program that elaborates and expands on the education and training that the practicing nurse currently has. Upon graduation, the opportunities offered to the nurse will be more diverse and wide-reaching.
This accelerated BSN program is open to any nurse who has their license and has passed the NCLEX-RN. Unlike many other types of RN to BSN programs, GSWSU’s RN to BSN program allows its students to take their classes at their own pace and complete their education in as little as a year! While you can expect some hidden fees to be rolled into the incredibly low tuition, textbooks won’t be one of them — all required reading will be available through an open source.
5. Broward College
In-State Total BSN Tuition Cost: $15,116.70 (123 credits)
Out-Of-State Total BSN Tuition Cost: $29,938.20 (123 Credits)
Broward College, situated in Florida, offers a BSN program designed to prepare students for success as registered nurses, with the option of filling out an RN to BSN supplemental application. Broward College provides a strong foundation for nursing practice With a comprehensive curriculum covering nursing fundamentals, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning. The program emphasizes patient safety, cultural competence, and holistic patient care. Broward College’s nursing faculty are dedicated to mentoring students and fostering their growth as compassionate and competent healthcare professionals.
While the timeline to graduation is a bit longer than most RN to BSN programs, the affordability of their program is a huge factor that draws in so many students every year. The admissions requirements are also fairly straightforward — a nursing license from the State of Florida, a 2.5 GPA, and an associates degree from an accredited program.
