Six schools offering online RN to BSN programs anchor Arizona's market this year , several are among the Best Nursing Schools in Arizona , with net prices ranging from roughly $8,700 at Yavapai College to more than $40,000 at Chamberlain University-Arizona, a nearly fivefold spread for the same credential. Arizona State University, the state's largest RN to BSN provider and home to ASU NP programs, charges Arizona residents $12,223 in tuition, while Grand Canyon University runs on a flat per-credit rate regardless of residency.
That cost gap sits alongside a real timeline gap: some programs finish in ten months, others stretch past a year depending on transfer credits and course pacing.
Employers rarely care which of these paths a nurse takes, but they increasingly expect the BSN itself, particularly at Magnet-recognized hospitals across Phoenix and Tucson.
Top-Ranked Online RN to BSN Programs in Arizona for 2027
Registered nurses in Arizona increasingly see the BSN as the next step rather than a detour: online RN to BSN programs let you continue working while building leadership, community-health, and evidence-based-practice skills. We weighed online accessibility alongside graduation rates, net price, and graduate earnings for CCNE- and ACEN-accredited options across the state. The programs below surfaced as the strongest fits for working Arizona RNs who need a credible, manageable path to the bachelor's degree.
How we ranked these
- Online accessibility and delivery flexibility
- Graduation rates and retention
- Net price and financial aid
- Post-completion earnings outcomes
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- In-house program catalog data
Arizona State University
#1Tempe, AZ · ~$15,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Arizona community college nursing graduates
Arizona State University's online RN to BSN, offered through the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, is built for working RNs with an associate degree: 36 nursing credits delivered in 7.5-week terms with no campus visits required. The school's overall graduation rate is 68%, and the typical net price for in-state students after aid lands around $14,967, according to federal data. Scorecard earnings show graduates of the school earning a median of about $62,668 roughly a decade after first enrolling.
- 36 total credit hours in 10 courses, each 7.5 weeks
- Active RN license and associate degree in nursing required
- No SAT or ACT required; 2.5 GPA minimum for admission
- Covers pediatric care, public health and healthcare reform
- Arizona community college ADN graduates can transfer up to 90 units
- Diploma does not indicate the online format
- Earn a BSN while completing an associate degree in nursing
- Nine classes at 7.5 to 15 weeks, integrated with ADN coursework
- Requires enrollment in an accredited associate nursing program
- Prerequisite work needs about a 3.0 GPA, no test scores required
- Total 120 credit hours for the bachelor's degree
Northern Arizona University
#2Flagstaff, AZ · ~$14,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Self-paced online learners
Northern Arizona University runs a CCNE-accredited RN to BSN that is fully online and designed for registered nurses who already hold an ADN or diploma. The school's overall graduation rate is 61%, the typical net price after aid is about $14,158, and federal earnings data put median post-enrollment earnings near $54,384 a decade out. Transfer-friendly policies allow up to 90 prior credits, so the remaining work can focus on nursing leadership, evidence-based practice, communication, and a local capstone project.
- CCNE-accredited and delivered 100% online for working RNs
- 30 nursing credits; up to 90 prior credits accepted
- Includes leadership, evidence-based practice and capstone
- Clinical projects are completed in your local community
- Current RN license in good standing required for admission
- Self-paced Personalized Learning option lets motivated students move faster
Grand Canyon University
#3Phoenix, AZ · ~$22,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Nurses seeking faith-integrated learning
Grand Canyon University's online RN to BSN is a popular private option for Arizona nurses who want faith-integrated coursework and shorter five-week classes. The school's overall graduation rate is 43%, and federal data list a typical net price near $22,472 with median post-enrollment earnings around $42,186 a decade out. Up to 90 transfer credits are accepted, and many students finish the nursing core in about 14 months while completing clinical hours in their own communities.
- $340 per credit; 120 total credit hours, up to 90 transferred
- CCNE-accredited with five-week online course sessions
- Core nursing courses can be completed in about 14 months
- Requires a 3.0 GPA, or 2.5 with qualifying test scores
- Christian worldview integrated into leadership and practice courses
- Local practicum and clinical hours arranged in your community
- RN to BSN to MSN pathway can be completed in about 30 months
Chamberlain University-Arizona
#4Phoenix, AZ · ~$40,000/yr (est.)
Chamberlain University's Arizona campus delivers a 100% online RN to BSN built around asynchronous, eight-week courses with no mandatory login times. The school's overall graduation rate is 50%, and while the typical net price is higher at about $40,096, federal scorecard data show median earnings of roughly $92,405 a decade after enrollment. Licensed RNs can complete the degree in as few as 10 months thanks to proficiency credits awarded for prior nursing education.
- ADN or diploma nurses receive 77 proficiency credits toward 122 total
- Up to 15 additional transfer credits can shorten the path
- 100% online with eight-week courses and no required login times
- Full-time students can finish in as few as 10 months
- Tuition Advantage Grant and employer partnerships lower cost for many
- Minimum 2.0 GPA and active, unrestricted RN license required
Pima Medical Institute-Tucson
#5Tucson, AZ
Pima Medical Institute's online RN to BSN is delivered from the Tucson campus, making it a home-grown Arizona option for working registered nurses. The school's overall graduation rate is 72%, and federal scorecard data show median post-enrollment earnings around $38,673 a decade out. The curriculum centers on nursing theory, evidence-based research, leadership, and management for nurses who want to move beyond bedside roles.
- CCNE-accredited and delivered fully online from Tucson
- 79 semester credits of coursework build on prior RN education
- Covers nursing theory, evidence-based research, leadership and management
- Requires an unencumbered RN license and prior college coursework
- Full-time students can complete in about one year
- Designed for RNs in Arizona healthcare and leadership roles
Yavapai College
#6Prescott, AZ · $3,000 – $9,000/yr (est.)
Yavapai College, a Prescott-based community college, launched what it describes as Arizona's first community-college-based, fully online RN to BSN, a flexible option for nurses who want to keep working while they advance. The school's overall graduation rate is 34%, but in-state tuition stays low, with a typical net price around $8,683 and median earnings near $39,890 a decade after entry. Eight-week courses and up to 90 transfer credits make a one-year completion realistic for many full-time students.
- ACEN-accredited and 100% online with eight-week course terms
- Nursing core around 30.5 credits; up to 90 prior credits transfer
- $305 per nursing credit based on Arizona in-state rates
- Full-time students can finish in about one year or three semesters
- No added prerequisites or entrance exam required for admission
- Optional Strategic Leadership certificate strengthens management skills
- Cohort includes working RNs across Prescott, Verde Valley and Arizona
Quick Answers About Arizona RN to BSN Programs
Before diving into program rankings and costs, here are straightforward answers to the questions Arizona nurses ask most often. These reflect 2026 admissions policies and program structures at ASU, NAU, and GCU.
Do any Arizona RN to BSN programs let you finish in six months?
Can you complete an RN to BSN fully online with no clinical hours?
What GPA and licensure do Arizona RN to BSN programs require for admission?
How long does it take to finish an RN to BSN in Arizona?
What Does an Online RN to BSN Actually Cost in Arizona?
Tuition sticker prices vary widely across Arizona's online RN to BSN programs, and the amount you actually pay after financial aid can look very different from the published rate. The table below compares per-credit tuition, estimated total program cost, and the institution-wide average net price (what students typically pay after grants and scholarships). Keep in mind that the net price figure reflects the school as a whole, not the RN to BSN program specifically, so your individual cost may be higher or lower. Of the schools listed, Yavapai College stands out as the cheapest option at $305 per credit. GCU and NAU also offer competitive pricing compared to larger universities, making them strong alternatives for budget-conscious nurses. For those searching for ASU RN to BSN cost details: ASU uses a per-term tuition cap model rather than a simple per-credit rate. As of Fall 2026, the maximum tuition per term is $6,089 for up to 11 credits, so total cost depends on how many terms you need to complete 36 credit hours. Exact per-credit figures for the RN to BSN track are not published separately, so contact ASU Online directly for a personalized estimate.
| School | Per-Credit Tuition | Credits Required | Estimated Total Tuition | Avg. Institution Net Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yavapai College | $305 | 120 (up to 90 transfer) | ~$9,150 (30 credits) | $8,683 |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) | ~$12,000/year (flat annual rate) | 120 (up to 90 transfer) | Varies by pace; contact NAU | $14,158 |
| Arizona State University (ASU) | Up to $6,089/term (11-credit cap) | 36 | Contact ASU for estimate | $14,967 |
| Grand Canyon University (GCU) | $340 (+$120 course material fee) | 120 (up to 90 transfer) | ~$10,200 (30 credits) | $22,472 |
| Chamberlain University | $635 | 122 (77 proficiency credits awarded) | ~$28,575 (45 credits) | $40,096 |
Arizona by City
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Fastest Online RN to BSN Completion Timelines in Arizona
Speed matters when you are balancing shifts, family obligations, and coursework. The three largest Arizona online RN to BSN programs all accept up to 90 transfer credits, but they differ in how quickly you can finish, how many times per year you can start, and how many upper-division credits you still need to complete. Below is a side-by-side look at the factors that most affect your timeline.
| Feature | Arizona State University | Northern Arizona University | Grand Canyon University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest Advertised Completion | 14 months (full-time) | 12 months (full-time) | 12 months (full-time) |
| Total Degree Credits | 120 credits | 30 upper-division nursing credits | 120 credits |
| Maximum Transfer Credits Accepted | Up to 90 credits | Up to 90 units | Up to 90 credits |
| Start Dates Per Year | 5 start dates | 3 start dates (varies by track) | 3 start dates |
| Part-Time Availability | Yes, flexible pacing available | Yes, extended timeline option | Yes, students may extend beyond 12 months |
| Year-Round Enrollment | Multiple sessions across fall, spring, and summer | Select sessions throughout the year | Start dates spread across fall, spring, and summer |
ASU RN to BSN: a Closer Look at Arizona's Largest Program
How much does the ASU online RN to BSN actually cost, how long does it take, and how do the two tracks differ? Prospective students comparing affordable RN to BSN programs most often want to know the cost, timeline, and differences between the two tracks before applying to this program, one of the largest RN to BSN pipelines in the state.
Two Tracks: Standard vs. Concurrent Enrollment
ASU offers two distinct pathways to the BSN, and picking the right one depends on where you are in your nursing education.
- Standard RN to BSN: Designed for nurses who already hold an associate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and a current, unencumbered RN license. Coursework is 100% online, delivered in 7.5-week sessions, and can be completed in as few as 14 months of full-time study. Total program length is 27 credits.
- Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP): Built for students who have not yet finished their AAS or earned licensure. In this RN to BSN dual enrollment pathway, CEP students take ASU BSN coursework alongside their associate degree at a partner community college, which typically shortens the post-AAS finish to roughly one to two semesters. Partner institutions include Eastern Arizona College, Yavapai College, and MaricopaNursing. Eligibility varies by partner: Eastern Arizona College has required a 3.0 GPA with specific prerequisites, while Yavapai College has set the bar at 2.75. Confirm current requirements directly with your community college, since partner criteria shift periodically.
Practicums, Cost, and Accreditation
The RN to BSN includes two practicum courses, generally focused on community health nursing and nursing leadership. These are project-based experiences rather than traditional hospital shift rotations, and many working nurses complete the fieldwork through their current employer or a local community organization. ASU has not published a fixed clock-hour requirement for these RN to BSN practicums. Note that clinical and field components are not available to Edson College students residing in Tennessee, Rhode Island, or Washington, so out-of-state applicants should verify eligibility before enrolling.
For current per-credit tuition, program fees, and any technology or nursing-specific charges, check ASU's Edson College tuition estimator directly. Rates change year to year, and ASU offers different pricing tiers depending on residency and program.
ASU's RN to BSN is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the standard credential you should expect from any reputable Arizona program. Institution-wide, ASU reports strong undergraduate graduation outcomes, though program-specific completion rates for the RN to BSN are not separately published.
Post-BSN Earnings: What Arizona RN to BSN Graduates Can Expect
Program-level earnings data for Arizona's ranked RN to BSN programs are not yet available through federal reporting, so we turn to the profession-wide picture. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses in Arizona is approximately $82,090, which already outpaces the national median. BSN-prepared nurses in Arizona typically command higher starting offers and faster advancement than their ADN counterparts, making the degree completion investment a clear financial win over time.
Accreditation, Clinicals, and Admissions Essentials
Choosing an accredited program protects your investment and ensures your BSN is recognized by employers and graduate schools alike. Verify these items before you apply, and prepare for what to expect from clinicals and admissions across Arizona's top online RN to BSN programs.
Accreditation: CCNE vs. ACEN
The two nationally recognized nursing accreditors are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and comparing ccne vs acen for rn to bsn can help you evaluate programs. Both satisfy employer and graduate-school requirements, but you should always confirm a program's current status directly with the accrediting body.
- ASU: CCNE-accredited; also holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and recognition by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
- NAU: CCNE-accredited as of 2026.
- GCU and University of Arizona: Confirm accreditation status through each school's nursing department or the CCNE/ACEN online directories before enrolling.
Standard Admissions Requirements
Most Arizona online RN to BSN programs share a similar admissions profile:
- A current, unencumbered RN license in good standing (ASU requires licensure with any state board; NAU specifies a U.S. license valid in your state of residence).
- An associate degree in nursing or equivalent.
- A minimum cumulative GPA, typically between 2.5 and 3.0.
- Prerequisite coursework such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics.
- Background checks and nursing school vaccination requirements are generally required before any clinical placement.
Transfer Credits and Prior Learning
Transfer credit policies vary, so confirm what courses and credits can be transferred to your RN to BSN program. NAU's program requires 30 upper-division nursing credits, meaning most of your lower-division and general education coursework transfers in from your ADN. ASU similarly builds on your existing associate degree. Ask each admissions office about prior learning assessments or challenge exams, which some programs offer to further reduce your course load.
Clinical and Practicum Requirements
Arizona's CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN programs generally require a practicum focused on community health or nursing leadership rather than traditional bedside clinical rotations. These hours can usually be completed in your own community or at your workplace, making the requirement manageable for working nurses. ASU, for example, embeds fieldwork within its community and public nursing courses. NAU includes a senior capstone, though the specific format and hour count should be confirmed with the program directly. Exact practicum hours are not consistently published, so request this detail during your admissions inquiry.
Note that ASU's clinical and field components are not available to students residing in Tennessee, Rhode Island, or Washington due to state-level regulations.
Out-of-State Students and Arizona Board of Nursing Rules
If you live outside Arizona and enroll in an Arizona-based online RN to BSN program, you generally do not need an Arizona nursing license. Arizona Board of Nursing regulations governing out-of-state distance programs primarily target pre-licensure and advanced practice tracks, not RN to BSN completion programs. As long as you hold a valid, unencumbered RN license in your home state, you should be eligible to enroll and complete your practicum locally. Verify any state-specific restrictions with your chosen program before applying.
Scholarships, Tuition Reimbursement, and Financial Aid for Arizona Nursing Students
The Arizona State Loan Repayment Program offers up to $25,000 over two years for RNs working in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas, providing substantial debt relief for nurses who commit to underserved communities. Beyond loan repayment, financial aid for nursing students can include institutional scholarships, employer benefits, and national awards to dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs and help overcome barriers to continuing nursing education.
State and Professional Association Awards
The Arizona Nurses Foundation awards $1,000 scholarships to nursing students demonstrating leadership potential, commitment to practicing in Arizona, and financial need. AzNA chapter scholarships add smaller amounts: Chapter 1 Central offers $500 for nurses advancing toward a BSN, while Chapter 30 provides $500 to Maricopa County residents maintaining a 3.0 GPA. These awards can be combined with other funding sources.
Institutional Scholarships
Grand Canyon University offers new RN-to-BSN students a 5 percent tuition discount, though it cannot be stacked with other GCU scholarships. ASU's Edson College of Nursing provides general nursing scholarships, and NAU offers similar awards, though amounts vary by academic year. Contact each institution's financial aid office for current availability.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Major Arizona health systems commonly subsidize nursing education for employees. Sun Health Foundation Scholarships and the Warren D. Ruff Scholarship support RNs at Banner Boswell and Banner Del E. Webb facilities pursuing BSN degrees. If you are currently employed at a hospital, check with your HR department about tuition assistance caps and eligibility requirements before enrolling.
Federal Aid and National Scholarships
RN-to-BSN students enrolled at least half-time can complete the FAFSA to access federal aid, including Pell Grants for eligible undergraduates. National opportunities include AACN Educational Advancement Scholarships ($2,500 to $10,000), American Nurses Foundation awards ($2,500), and HRSA Nurse Corps for loan repayment. Combining employer reimbursement with scholarships and federal aid can bring effective tuition close to zero.
How to Pick the Right Online RN to BSN in Arizona
Choosing an RN to BSN program comes down to five factors: cost, speed, clinical requirements, accreditation, and format flexibility. Before enrolling anywhere, verify that the program holds CCNE or ACEN accreditation. Some employers and nearly all graduate programs, including MSN Programs in Arizona and DNP Programs in Arizona, require it, and transferring credits from unaccredited schools can be difficult or impossible.
Working RNs should confirm whether coursework is asynchronous, how many start dates the school offers each year, and whether part-time pacing is available. These details determine whether you can realistically balance shifts with assignments.
Before committing, ask your employer about tuition reimbursement. A program with higher sticker price may cost you less out of pocket than a "cheap" alternative if your hospital covers $5,000 or more annually.
Your next step: request information from two or three programs on your shortlist. Compare total out-of-pocket costs after employer benefits and financial aid. That number, not published tuition, tells you which program is truly the most affordable for your situation.