Take a look at California's most affordable and quick RN to BSN programs.

The golden state of California is an excellent place for registered nurses (RNs) to advance their education through an RN to BSN program. With an aging population, hospitals and other care facilities in the state are interested in hiring highly educated nurses who hold a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher. If you are a registered nurse and looking to advance your career, there's no better time to consider an RN to BSN program.

2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in California

Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in California? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. Our rankings highlight top programs that offer flexibility, quality education, and support for working nurses. We focus on what matters most to students, like affordability, accreditation, and student services. Whether you're advancing your career or seeking new opportunities, our list can guide your decision. Check out our detailed rankings to find the program that fits your needs. Learn more about our rankings methodology here.

#1

National University

San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - nu.edu

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

Online Learning - Visit Website

National University's online RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their nursing practice and leadership capabilities without pausing their careers. This accelerated program, achievable in just 11 months, stands out for its flexibility with four- and eight-week course options and year-round enrollment. It emphasizes a curriculum that bolsters clinical expertise, critical analysis, and managerial skills, preparing nurses for advanced roles in healthcare settings. Unique benefits include the possibility of earning a California Public Health Nurse Certificate and leveraging up to 31.5 quarter units from NCLEX-RN completion. With CCNE accreditation and financial aid options, it's a practical choice for nurses pursuing higher education and career growth.

  • 100% online program
  • Can complete in 11 months
  • No prerequisite courses required
  • Four- and eight-week classes
  • Start any month of year
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Potential $4,800 transfer scholarship
  • California Public Health Nurse Certificate option
  • 31.5 quarter units for NCLEX-RN
  • Hands-on leadership experience
#2

California State University-Stanislaus

Turlock, CA - Public 4-Year - csustan.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

California State University-Stanislaus provides an RN-BSN online program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their professional standing. This program stands out for its adaptability, catering to nurses who wish to continue working while pursuing higher education. It emphasizes the enhancement of clinical expertise and leadership abilities, preparing graduates for broader roles in healthcare. The curriculum is structured to leverage prior nursing experience, facilitating a smooth academic progression. Its online delivery model ensures that students can balance their studies with personal and professional commitments, making it an ideal choice for ambitious nurses seeking flexibility and advancement.

  • Online RN-BSN program
  • Designed for working nurses
  • Professional advancement track
  • Flexible learning format
  • Builds on existing nursing credentials
#3

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA - Private 4-year - calbaptist.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

California Baptist University offers an online RN to BSN program designed to enhance the skills of registered nurses through a Christ-centered curriculum. This program stands out for its integration of Christian principles with evidence-based nursing practices, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare. With a total of 124 units, the program emphasizes critical thinking, compassionate patient care, and hands-on learning through clinical rotations in top healthcare facilities across multiple counties. Unique highlights include being the first nursing program in Riverside County, partnerships with major hospitals, and a faculty dedicated to integrating faith with professional nursing education. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and advanced nursing opportunities.

  • 124 total program units
  • Clinical partnerships with major hospitals
  • Christian faculty and staff
  • First nursing program in Riverside County
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
  • Clinical rotations in multiple counties
  • Evidence-based care focus
  • 4-5 year program length
  • Comprehensive prerequisite sequence
  • Hands-on learning approach
#4

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA - Public 4-Year - csudh.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

California State University-Dominguez Hills provides an RN-BSN program that stands out for its fully online, asynchronous format, catering to the busy schedules of registered nurses. This program is not only flexible but also affordable, with semester fees designed to accommodate both part-time and full-time students. It emphasizes practical learning through 90 community health clinical hours and a health assessment skills seminar, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for advanced nursing roles. Notably, the program allows students to begin without an RN license and offers the acceptance of Advanced Placement credits, making it an accessible option for many. With a minimum completion time of two semesters, it's a swift path to advancing one's nursing career.

  • Fully online asynchronous program
  • Minimum 2 semesters to complete
  • 90 community health clinical hours
  • Part-time and full-time options
  • Accepts Advanced Placement credits
  • RN license not required before starting
  • Flexible semester-based progression
#5

University of La Verne

La Verne, CA - Private 4-year - laverne.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of La Verne provides an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their qualifications. This program is structured for efficiency, enabling completion in just three semesters, ideal for working professionals. It encompasses 128 semester hours, featuring a significant 90-hour public health practicum that aligns with the California Board of Registered Nursing's standards. Prospective students must hold an active RN license, achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA, and fulfill prerequisite course requirements. The curriculum is designed to deepen nursing knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for advanced roles in healthcare. Highlights include its online flexibility, focused practicum experience, and the requirement for NCLEX results, all while pursuing CCNE accreditation.

  • Online RN to BSN program
  • Three-semester completion
  • 90-hour public health practicum
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
  • Multiple prerequisite courses
  • 128 total semester hours
  • NCLEX results required
  • Pending CCNE accreditation
*Information sourced from the NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (2023).

Fast & Affordable Program Options

An RN to BSN program is practically guaranteed to be quick and affordable. These fast-tracked options are designed to make nurses’ lives easier by building on their working experience and training to supplement the first few years of a traditional BSN program, which means you’ll save time and money getting your degree.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

By design, RN to BSN programs are meant to be fast-tracked options, still, there are some that are faster than others. In most cases, you can expect your BSN programs to take less than two years to complete, but you can find some that can be completed in a much shorter amount of time. Here are a few of the fastest RN to BSN programs available in the State of California.

SchoolDegree NameLength
Stanislaus State UniversityOnline RN to BSN10 months
West Coast UniversityOnline RN to BSN8 Months

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

They do, though they are often challenging to find. Your best chance at enrolling in a 6-month RN to BSN program will probably be outside the State of California. You’ll need at least an associate’s degree and a large number of transferable credits to be considered. You’ll also need to be prepared to commit to a fast-paced, intense curriculum.

Cheapest Online RN to BSN Options

Getting an affordable degree is often more important to students than receiving their degree quickly. Finding an “affordable” RN to BSN program in California will take some research as this state is one of the most expensive states to enroll in nursing school. However, you can be sure that you won’t be paying as much for your BSN as you would have if you were enrolled in a traditional BSN program. To help with your search, here are few of the cheapest options in California for RN to BSN programs.

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
California State University LARN to BSN$6,450 per semester
Sacramento State UniversityRN to BSN$7,484 per semester (Resident)

$19,364 (Non-resident)

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Once you narrow down the schools you are interested in applying to, you must ensure that you meet (or exceed) all the entrance requirements. These will vary depending on the school, but in general, you can expect to find the following:

  • Must hold an active CA registered nursing license
  • Must have graduated from a board-approved/accredited school of nursing
  • Cumulative GPA from an Associate's Degree in Nursing program of at least 2.5

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

Once students meet the general education requirements for the program, they will begin the nursing-specific courses. Fresno State University's RN to BSN program, for example, offers the following nursing courses:

  • NURS 138: Bridge to Professional Nursing Concepts and Issues
  • NURS 145: Nursing Theories and Research
  • NURS 152: Advanced Leadership, Management, & Healthcare Systems
  • NURS 154: Applying Professional Nursing Principles

2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in California

Streamlining the RN to BSN process has become the top focus of the healthcare field in California. To support the forward movement, there are around 35 different RN to BSN programs being offered throughout the state. Nurses in California will be able to make the transition to a degree program and take advantage of the benefits associated with having higher credentials. BSN nurses in the state look to earn on average $18,000 more yearly than an ADN colleague. Opportunities for career advancement at higher wages are awaiting qualified BSN nurses!

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Jump to City:

Arcata, CA

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

  • Bachelor's - Nursing (RN to BSN), B.S.

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
    • Hybrid Flexible Learning Format
    • Part-time Study Option
    • Rural Healthcare Focus
    • Public Health Nurse Certification
    • Small Cohort Learning
    • Online and In-person Courses
    • Community Health Fieldwork

Bakersfield, CA

California State University-Bakersfield

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online program with hybrid format
    • 120 total semester units required
    • Public Health Nurse certification
    • 90 on-site clinical hours
    • Fall semester cohort admission
    • Critical thinking skill development
    • Community health focused curriculum

Carson, CA

California State University-Dominguez Hills

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online asynchronous program
    • Minimum 2 semesters to complete
    • 90 community health clinical hours
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Accepts Advanced Placement credits
    • RN license not required before starting
    • Flexible semester-based progression

Chico, CA

California State University-Chico

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible program delivery
    • 15-month completion timeframe
    • Designed for licensed RNs
    • Hybrid learning model
    • $11,400-$14,250 total cost
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • Advanced placement for ADN students

Fresno, CA

California State University-Fresno

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online/clinical program
    • Builds advanced nursing skills
    • 21 total nursing units
    • Prepares for management roles
    • Minimal in-person clinical requirements
    • 2.75 minimum GPA required
    • Active CA RN license needed
    • Multiple admission cycles yearly

Fresno Pacific University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree completion program (RN to BSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • 18-month cohort program
    • Minimum 2.4 GPA required
    • Active nursing license needed
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Multiple campus locations
    • 42 total required units
    • Professional role development focus
    • Healthcare leadership training

Fullerton, CA

California State University-Fullerton

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN Pathway

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Upper-division nursing degree pathway
    • Designed for licensed RNs
    • Hybrid program format
    • Distance learning option
    • Partnerships with community colleges
    • Seamless ADN to BSN transition

Hayward, CA

California State University-East Bay

  • Bachelor's - Post-Licensure

    Online Learning - Website

    • Mostly online program
    • Full-time or part-time options
    • For licensed RNs with ADN
    • Community health experience
    • Public Health Nursing Certificate eligible

La Verne, CA

University of La Verne

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

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN to BSN program
    • Three-semester completion
    • 90-hour public health practicum
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
    • Multiple prerequisite courses
    • 128 total semester hours
    • NCLEX results required
    • Pending CCNE accreditation

Loma Linda, CA

Loma Linda University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Nursing Degree
    • Flexible Full/Part-Time Options
    • Christ-Centered Faculty Approach
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
    • Scholarships $500-$3,000 Available
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Multiple Quarter Curriculum Options
    • Career Advancement Focus

Long Beach, CA

California State University-Long Beach

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN Completion

    Campus Based - Website

    • Multiple RN-BSN pathway options
    • In-person and online formats
    • Designed for working nurses
    • Enhances professional credentials
    • Part of respected nursing school

Los Angeles, CA

California State University-Los Angeles

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Approved by California Board of Nursing
    • One-year full-time program
    • CCNE Accredited program
    • Clinical sites in Los Angeles County
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing awarded
    • Limited annual application cycle
    • Supplemental admission criteria required

Northridge, CA

California State University-Northridge

  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Three-semester online program
    • Designed for licensed RNs
    • Develops professional nursing leaders
    • Flexible course scheduling
    • Public Health Nurse certification option
    • Builds upon existing nursing knowledge

Redding, CA

Simpson University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN Track)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • One class at a time
    • Designed for working RNs
    • Career advancement opportunities
    • State-of-the-art curriculum
    • Professional skill development
    • Flexible class structure

Riverside, CA

California Baptist University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 124 total program units
    • Clinical partnerships with major hospitals
    • Christian faculty and staff
    • First nursing program in Riverside County
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
    • Clinical rotations in multiple counties
    • Evidence-based care focus
    • 4-5 year program length

Rohnert Park, CA

Sonoma State University

  • Bachelor's - Post-Licensure BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Two admission track options
    • Hybrid program format
    • Advanced nursing curriculum
    • Flexible extended education units
    • Community college pathway available

Sacramento, CA

California State University-Sacramento

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Public Health Nurse certificate option
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Career advancement opportunity
    • Designed for working RNs

San Diego, CA

National University

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

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online program
    • Can complete in 11 months
    • No prerequisite courses required
    • Four- and eight-week classes
    • Start any month of year
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Potential $4,800 transfer scholarship
    • California Public Health Nurse Certificate option

San Diego State University

  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse-Bachelor of Science (RN-BS) in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-15 month program duration
    • Hybrid, mostly online format
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • 26 nursing course units
    • Assigned clinical sites
    • Up to 70 transfer credits
    • Comprehensive nursing curriculum
    • Advanced professional development

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University

  • Bachelor's - ADN-BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • ADN to BSN completion pathway
    • Emphasizes leadership and evidence-based practice
    • Designed for working RNs
    • Builds professional nursing competencies
    • Prepares nurses for advanced clinical roles

San Marcos, CA

California State University-San Marcos

  • Bachelor's - ADN/RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online program
    • Part-time, 3-semester track
    • 6 eight-week course sessions
    • For licensed California RNs
    • Offered through Extended Learning

Seaside, CA

California State University-Monterey Bay

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Active RN License Required
    • 3 Full-time or 5 Part-time Semesters
    • Hybrid Program Format
    • 30 Total Program Units
    • Community Health Focus
    • Partners with Local Agencies
    • Strengthens Leadership Skills

Turlock, CA

California State University-Stanislaus

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN-BSN program
    • Designed for working nurses
    • Professional advancement track
    • Flexible learning format
    • Builds on existing nursing credentials
*From: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 dataset. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/