Every day, nurses strive to develop solutions through front-line patient care for some of the most important health challenges that plague our population. With dedication and evidence-based practice, nurses bring their ‘all’ to their rotation every day they’re at work. In order to be at their most effective, however, many nurses decide to return to school to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree – called a BSN for short – which positions them for greater practice and more leadership opportunities as well as higher salaries.

2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in New York

RegisteredNursing.org has carefully evaluated the top online RN to BSN programs across New York state, providing nurses with comprehensive insights into exceptional distance learning opportunities. These virtual nursing education pathways offer working registered nurses the flexibility to advance their academic credentials without disrupting their professional schedules. Our rankings consider critical factors such as program accreditation, faculty expertise, clinical placement support, and overall academic quality. Online RN to BSN programs have become increasingly essential, enabling nurses to seamlessly transition from associate's to bachelor's degree levels while maintaining their current employment. These remote learning options not only enhance professional credentials but also provide substantial career advancement opportunities for healthcare professionals seeking higher education. See our comprehensive ranking methodology.
#1

SUNY College at Plattsburgh

Plattsburgh, NY - Public 4-Year - plattsburgh.edu

Bachelor's - RN-to-B.S. Nursing Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

SUNY College at Plattsburgh offers a robust online RN-to-BSN program designed to elevate registered nurses' professional capabilities. Tailored for nurses holding associate degrees or diplomas, this fully online curriculum delves deep into comprehensive scientific and behavioral studies. The program features flexible learning experiences with an emphasis on professional development. Students benefit from personalized clinical coordination, enabling them to explore expanded nursing roles while maintaining their current employment. With CCNE accreditation and a competitive admission process requiring a minimum 2.5 GPA and an unencumbered RN license, this program provides a strategic pathway for career advancement in healthcare. Professional mentorship opportunities further enhance the educational experience.

  • Fully online RN completion program
  • Builds on associate degree nursing
  • Competitive admission process
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
  • CCNE fully accredited program
  • Unencumbered RN license needed
  • Additional student expenses apply
  • Flexible learning experiences
  • Professional mentorship available
#2

Maria College of Albany

Albany, NY - Private 4-year - mariacollege.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Maria College of Albany's hybrid RN-BS Nursing Completion Program offers licensed registered nurses a dynamic pathway to career advancement. This innovative program blends online and on-campus learning, accommodating working professionals with full- and part-time options. Accredited by ACEN, the curriculum delves into evidence-based practice, leadership development, and community health principles. Students explore advanced nursing theory, healthcare informatics, and critical research methodologies. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical decision-making, the program requires an unencumbered RN license and maintains a minimum 2.5 GPA threshold. Graduates emerge equipped to navigate complex healthcare environments with enhanced clinical expertise.

  • Hybrid learning format
  • Top nursing school
  • Evidence-based curriculum
  • Flexible full/part-time options
  • ACEN accredited program
  • 60 total credit hours
  • Clinical experience included
  • Online and campus options
  • Unencumbered RN license required
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA needed

Bachelor's - RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion

Online Learning - Visit Website

Maria College of Albany's fully online RN-BS Degree Completion program provides registered nurses a streamlined 12-month educational experience. Priced competitively at $385 per credit, the program enables nurses to advance their education without disrupting professional commitments. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes healthcare policy, transformational leadership, and holistic patient care. Students engage in 90 hours of clinical experience while developing advanced nursing skills. ACEN-accredited and designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible semester structures with fall and spring enrollment options. An unencumbered RN license and minimum 2.5 GPA are required, ensuring a high-quality learning environment for career-driven nurses.

  • Fully online 12-month program
  • Competitive $385 per credit
  • Designed for working RNs
  • 90 hours clinical experience
  • ACEN Accredited program
  • Fall and Spring enrollment
  • Requires unencumbered RN license
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA requirement
  • Comprehensive nursing curriculum
  • Flexible semester structure
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY - Public 4-Year - hunter.cuny.edu

Bachelor's - RN-to-BS Nursing Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

CUNY Hunter College's RN-to-BS Nursing Program offers a dynamic hybrid learning pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced professional development. Through fully online nursing major courses, students can complete their bachelor's degree with flexible part-time or full-time study options. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes research, community wellness, and professional nursing practice, strategically preparing nurses for leadership roles. Admission requires a 3.2 GPA, 36 liberal arts credits, and a current New York State RN license. With competitive CUNY tuition rates and a strong academic reputation, this program provides an accessible route for nurses to expand their clinical knowledge and career opportunities without compromising their current professional commitments.

  • Hybrid program with online nursing courses
  • Requires 3.2 GPA minimum
  • 120 total credits required
  • Part-time and full-time options
  • Accredited nursing program
  • No foreign language requirement
  • Fall and spring admissions
  • Online nursing major courses
  • Liberal arts transfer credits accepted
  • Prepares for graduate nursing study
#4

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY - Public 4-Year - stonybrook.edu

Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Baccalaureate Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Stony Brook University's online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a dynamic pathway to academic advancement. This hybrid learning format provides flexibility for working professionals, allowing seamless integration of clinical experience with advanced nursing education. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive patient care, leadership development, and evidence-based practice across diverse healthcare environments. With a structured pathway requiring a 2.50 GPA and 60 college credits, students can leverage their existing RN licensure to expand professional opportunities. The program's 60 upper-division credits are strategically designed to enhance communication skills, research competencies, and critical thinking essential for modern nursing practice. Ideal for associate degree nurses seeking career progression.

  • Hybrid distance learning format
  • 60 upper-division credits
  • RN license required
  • Designed for associate degree nurses
  • Emphasizes leadership skills
  • Evidence-based practice focus
  • Comprehensive patient care curriculum
#5

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica, NY - Public 4-Year - sunypoly.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BS Nursing Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers a dynamic online RN to BS Nursing Program tailored for licensed registered nurses seeking professional advancement. This flexible program enables working nurses to complete their baccalaureate degree without career interruption. Uniquely structured with full-time and part-time options, students can seamlessly integrate academic growth with professional responsibilities. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes professional nursing practice, health assessment, research methodologies, leadership strategies, and public health nursing science. Admission requirements include maintaining a 2.5 GPA, possessing a current RN license, and completing 26 lower division semester hours in specific sciences. The program features synchronous and asynchronous learning formats, allowing maximum educational accessibility for diverse nursing professionals.

  • Online flexible learning format
  • Full or part-time options
  • Requires current RN license
  • No application fee
  • Comprehensive curriculum
  • Practicum experiences available
  • Synchronous/asynchronous classes
  • Up to 76 transfer credits
  • Strong arts and sciences base
*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2023 Final Release.

Fast & Affordable Program Options

Nurses live busy lives and going back to school isn’t always an option, especially with the rising costs of tuition. Fortunately for working nurses, an RN to BSN program presents a valuable option to “level up” their education without the long enrollment period and expensive tuition costs associated with a traditional RN to BSN program.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

Most RN to BSN students graduate in two years or less when enrolled full-time. This is considerably shorter than a traditional BSN program which will require at least 4 years of study. If you’re looking to graduate in under a year, there are many options available in New York to do so:

SchoolDegree NameLength
Monroe CollegeOnline RN to BSN11 Months
Empire State UniversityOnline RN to BSN10 Months

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

It is possible to get your BSN degree in only 6 months, though you will need to meet several important enrollment requirements. Essentially, you’ll need to have a large number of transferable credits and you’ll need to find an RN to BSN program in New York that accepts these credits, in addition to the other primary requirements (RN licensure, experience in the field). If you think that you may qualify, talk to your prospective school’s registrar.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

RN to BSN programs are especially known for their affordability. Because you’ll only be required to commit to 1-2 years of full-time study, you can expect to pay around half price for your tuition. Keep in mind that you will still be required to pay full-price in fees, room and board, and other hidden costs, but ultimately, you’ll be paying much less. Here are a few of the most affordable RN to BSN programs in the state:

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
Hunter CollegeOnline RN to BSN$6,930 per year (Resident)

$18,600 per year (Non-resident)

Stony Brook School of NursingOnline RN to BSN$7,070 per year (Resident)

$26,860 per year (Non-Resident)

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

New York RNs who decide to pursue their BSN degree are forward-thinking individuals who are committed to their ongoing professional development – both for career advancement and to advance the practice of patient care across the state and beyond. While each accredited institution varies in how they select the best candidates for the RN to BSN stream, listed here are many of the criteria that you might encounter.

  • Present evidence of an ADN from a regionally accredited college program
  • Articulate a maximum of 24 nursing credits for transfer
  • Have completed up to 36 credits in liberal arts for transfer
  • Submit a transcript from each post-secondary institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher
  • Applicants must have completed a minimum of 36 credits in liberal arts & sciences
  • Possess a valid and up to date RN license for New York State
  • Submit evidence of current liability and health insurance
  • Submit evidence of up to date CPR credentials

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs offered throughout New York State provides a robust theoretical and practical framework for graduate and doctoral options. Colleges such as Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing offer courses like the following in order to broaden undergraduates’ understanding of leadership in this culturally diverse era:

  • NURS 379: Nursing and Societal Forces
  • NURS 380: Nursing Research & Theory
  • NURS 384: Nursing Culturally Diverse Families

2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in New York

To find the best RN to BSN programs in New York, take a look at our listings below.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Jump to City:

Albany, NY

Excelsior University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Nursing Degree
    • Flexible Scheduling Options
    • Generous Credit Transfer Policy
    • Comprehensive Arts and Sciences Curriculum
    • Develops Critical Nursing Skills

Maria College of Albany

  • Bachelor's - RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • Top nursing school
    • Evidence-based curriculum
    • Flexible full/part-time options
    • ACEN accredited program
    • 60 total credit hours
    • Clinical experience included
    • Online and campus options
  • Bachelor's - RN-BS Degree in Nursing Completion

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online 12-month program
    • Competitive $385 per credit
    • Designed for working RNs
    • 90 hours clinical experience
    • ACEN Accredited program
    • Fall and Spring enrollment
    • Requires unencumbered RN license
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA requirement

University at Albany

  • Bachelor's - BS in Nursing completion program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit nursing completion program
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 90 hours clinical learning experiences
    • Requires AS/AAS in Nursing
    • 2.5 minimum GPA requirement
    • Advanced career preparation
    • Public health focus
    • Leadership skill development

Amherst, NY

Daemen University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN – BS Program)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 83 major credits required
    • Hybrid program format
    • 120 total credit program
    • RN licensure prerequisite
    • Multiple clinical practice courses
    • Professional nursing development
    • Comprehensive science foundation
    • Minimum 2.0 GPA required

Brockport, NY

SUNY Brockport

  • Bachelor's - Nursing RN-to-BSN Fast-Track (BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Degree Completion
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Designed for RNs with Associate's Degree
    • Flexible Clinical Experience Options
    • Advanced Career Opportunities
    • New York State Education Registered

Bronx, NY

CUNY Lehman College

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • 37.5 total credits required
    • Online and in-person options
    • Prepares for graduate study
    • Requires unencumbered NY license
    • Rolling admissions available

Brooklyn, NY

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible program
    • Completes in 3 semesters
    • 60+ transfer credits accepted
    • 35 upper division credits required
    • Requires 125 total credits
    • Community health clinical experience
    • Prepares for graduate study

St. Francis College

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based nursing program
    • Builds on existing RN credentials
    • Emphasizes critical thinking skills
    • Part of Science & Health Science division
    • Prepares nurses for advanced roles

Buffalo, NY

Trocaire College

  • Bachelor's - Online RN to BS in Nursing Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible format
    • 30 credit hour completion
    • $410 per credit tuition
    • Accredited nursing program
    • Clinical experiences included
    • Leadership skills development
    • Supports career advancement

University at Buffalo

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • Ranked #1 Nationally
    • 1-2 Year Tracks
    • 32 Total Credits
    • GPA 2.5 Recommended
    • RN License Required
    • Fall/Spring Start Dates
    • Flexible Schedule

Canton, NY

SUNY College of Technology at Canton

  • Bachelor's - RN-BS Nursing Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Degree
    • Career-Oriented Curriculum
    • Asynchronous Course Delivery
    • ACEN Accredited Program
    • Advanced Nursing Leadership Focus
    • Flexible for Working Professionals
    • Graduate Transfer Opportunities

Delhi, NY

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

  • Bachelor's - Nursing: Online - RN-to-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online, flexible program
    • Five annual start dates
    • Accredited by ACEN
    • Minimum 2.6 GPA required
    • Up to 12 work experience credits
    • Virtual clinical simulation
    • Personalized academic advising
    • Affordable public tuition

Dobbs Ferry, NY

Mercy University

  • Bachelor's - RN to B.S. Degree Completion Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online RN to B.S. program
    • Reduced tuition rate
    • 120 total credit program
    • Flexible 1-2 year completion
    • Accredited nursing program
    • Requires valid RN license
    • Minimum 2.75 GPA required
    • 135 hours clinical requirement

Farmingdale, NY

Farmingdale State College

  • Bachelor's - Nursing RN to BS Completion

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online RN to BS program
    • CCNE accredited nursing degree
    • 121 total required credits
    • Leadership and community focus
    • Prepares nurses for advanced roles
    • Comprehensive clinical preparation
    • Flexible learning for working nurses

Keuka Park, NY

Keuka College

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 15-month completion time
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Face-to-face weekly classes
    • Supports NY BSN in 10 law
    • Career development support
    • Accessible faculty resources
    • Cohort learning model
    • Online coursework flexibility

Morrisville, NY

SUNY Morrisville

  • Bachelor's - Nursing, BS

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online nursing courses
    • 60 total credits required
    • RN-to-BS pathway
    • Accredited nursing program
    • Advanced clinical experiences
    • Leadership and management focus
    • Prepares for graduate studies
    • Practical experience included

New York, NY

CUNY Graduate School and University Center

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Format
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
    • 36 Credits for Nursing Diploma
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Leadership and Management Focus
    • Flexible for Working Nurses
    • Global Health Curriculum
    • High Program Completion Rate

CUNY Hunter College

  • Bachelor's - RN-to-BS Nursing Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program with online nursing courses
    • Requires 3.2 GPA minimum
    • 120 total credits required
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Accredited nursing program
    • No foreign language requirement
    • Fall and spring admissions
    • Online nursing major courses

Pace University

  • Bachelor's - Nursing RN-BS, BS

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online accelerated nursing program
    • Complete in 12 months
    • Take up to 12 graduate credits
    • Minimum 2.75 CGPA required
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Designed for working RNs
    • $87,000 average starting salary

Newburgh, NY

Mount Saint Mary College

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible program
    • Reduced tuition rates
    • Transfer up to 77 credits
    • Dedicated nursing advisor
    • 30 credits total program
    • 9 nursing courses required
    • Program completion: 1-18 months
    • CCNE accredited program

Niagara University, NY

Niagara University

  • Bachelor's - R.N. to B.S. Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Pathway for RNs to earn B.S.
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
    • Unencumbered NYS RN license needed
    • Advanced nursing science curriculum
    • Focuses on leadership skills

Orchard Park, NY

Bryant & Stratton College-Online

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 122 Total Credit Hours
    • 40 Months Program Length
    • CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
    • No NY and CA Enrollment
    • 135 Clinical Hours Required
    • No Additional NCLEX Required
    • Leadership Skills Development

Plattsburgh, NY

SUNY College at Plattsburgh

  • Bachelor's - R.N.-to-B.S.-in-Nursing Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Four-semester degree completion
    • On-campus and online options
    • 100% licensing exam pass rate
    • Affordable SUNY tuition
    • 26 nursing credits on-site
    • Seamless A.A.S. to B.S. pathway
    • Career advancement opportunities
  • Bachelor's - RN-to-B.S. Nursing Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online RN completion program
    • Builds on associate degree nursing
    • Competitive admission process
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
    • CCNE fully accredited program
    • Unencumbered RN license needed
    • Additional student expenses apply
    • Flexible learning experiences

Rochester, NY

Nazareth University

  • Bachelor's - R.N. to B.S. in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Two-year R.N. completion program
    • 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
    • Clinical experiences diverse settings
    • Modern nursing simulation center
    • Interprofessional healthcare training
    • Global study opportunities
    • CCNE-accredited program
    • Faculty support throughout studies

Roberts Wesleyan University

  • Bachelor's - R.N. to B.S. in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 12-24 Months Completion
    • 36 Total Credits
    • No Entrance Exam Required
    • 45% Tuition Discount Available
    • 125 Non-Patient Clinical Hours
    • Small Class Sizes
    • CCNE Accredited Program

St. John Fisher University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN Online

    Online Learning - Website

    • 12-18 month completion time
    • Fully online program format
    • 24/7 online tutoring access
    • No prerequisite courses required
    • 60 total nursing credits
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Project-based experiential learning
    • Fast-track to MSN available

University of Rochester

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS Online Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Coursework
    • 16-Month Program Length
    • Mobile iPad Learning Technology
    • 50-100% Scholarship Options
    • Expert Nursing Faculty Support
    • Career Advancement Focus
    • 4 Semesters Core Coursework

Rockville Centre, NY

Molloy University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online flexible format
    • 7 or 14-week course options
    • 24 nursing-specific credits
    • Expert faculty instruction
    • Population health emphasis
    • Leadership development focus
    • Total 120 credit program
    • Competitive per-credit tuition

Saint Bonaventure, NY

St Bonaventure University

  • Bachelor's - RN to B.S. in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Four-semester hybrid program
    • $730 per credit hour
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Meets NY state nursing requirements
    • Develops leadership skills
    • Requires active RN license
    • Nationally recognized nursing education

Saratoga Springs, NY

Empire State University

  • Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online nursing courses
    • Flexible 10-month completion
    • Part-time/full-time options
    • 41 upper-division nursing credits
    • Practice experience included
    • Mentorship throughout program
    • CCNE accredited program
    • 8-week or 15-week courses

Staten Island, NY

College of Staten Island CUNY

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • In-person and online sections
    • Focus on career advancement
    • Clinical simulation experiences
    • Professional development courses
    • Experienced nursing faculty
    • Elective learning opportunities

Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook University

  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Baccalaureate Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid distance learning format
    • 60 upper-division credits
    • RN license required
    • Designed for associate degree nurses
    • Emphasizes leadership skills
    • Evidence-based practice focus
    • Comprehensive patient care curriculum

Syracuse, NY

Le Moyne College

  • Bachelor's - RN-BS Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Bachelor of Science Degree
    • For RNs with Associate's Degree
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Flexible Professional Pathway
    • Comprehensive Nursing Education

Upstate Medical University

  • Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor of Science

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online nursing program
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Asynchronous learning format
    • For licensed RNs
    • Prepares for graduate study

Utica, NY

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS Nursing Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible learning format
    • Full or part-time options
    • Requires current RN license
    • No application fee
    • Comprehensive curriculum
    • Practicum experiences available
    • Synchronous/asynchronous classes
    • Up to 76 transfer credits

Utica University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN to BS program
    • Flexible learning for working nurses
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Builds on existing nursing knowledge
    • Minimum 2.8 GPA requirement
    • 127 total credits for degree
    • Preparation for advanced nursing roles

Valhalla, NY

New York Medical College

  • Bachelor's - R.N. to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • R.N. to B.S. Nursing pathway
    • Training in telehealth technologies
    • Database research skills
    • Approximately 40 students per cohort
    • Modern healthcare skill development
*Analysis based on: NCES IPEDS 2023 survey data.