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.
2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in California
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA - Public 4-Year - sonoma.edu
RN to BSN - Post-Licensure BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Sonoma State University's Online Post-Licensure BSN program provides registered nurses a dynamic pathway to elevate their nursing credentials through a hybrid learning model. Featuring two innovative tracks - Collaborative Nursing Education Continuum Model (CNECM) and Traditional RN to BSN - the program accommodates diverse professional backgrounds. Students can seamlessly transition from associate's to bachelor's level nursing, gaining advanced clinical expertise and leadership skills. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive healthcare education, preparing nurses for complex medical environments. With flexible extended education units and a community college pathway, the program offers accessibility and comprehensive professional development for working nursing professionals.
- Two admission track options
- Hybrid program format
- Advanced nursing curriculum
- Flexible extended education units
- Community college pathway available
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CA - Public 4-Year - csustan.edu
RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
California State University-Stanislaus delivers a strategically crafted online RN-BSN program tailored for practicing registered nurses seeking professional elevation. The program uniquely accommodates working nurses by offering asynchronous coursework that allows seamless integration with clinical schedules. Students can leverage their existing associate degree credentials to advance academic standing, developing sophisticated leadership and critical thinking skills essential for modern healthcare environments. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, professional communication, and comprehensive nursing theory, preparing graduates for expanded healthcare roles. No specific entrance exam requirements are mentioned, making the program accessible for currently licensed RNs looking to complete their bachelor's degree efficiently through a flexible online platform.
- Online RN-BSN program
- Designed for working nurses
- Professional advancement track
- Flexible learning format
- Builds on existing nursing credentials
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA - Public 4-Year - fullerton.edu
RN to BSN - RN-BSN Pathway
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Fullerton's RN to BSN Pathway offers a dynamic online and hybrid program designed specifically for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. The upper-division degree completion track enables licensed nurses to seamlessly transition from an associate's degree, providing flexible learning options that accommodate professional schedules. Emphasizing comprehensive nursing education, the program supports students in expanding their healthcare knowledge and clinical competencies. Featuring strategic partnerships with community colleges and a distance learning framework, this pathway allows RNs to enhance their professional credentials while maintaining their current employment. The program's innovative approach ensures registered nurses can efficiently pursue higher education without disrupting their professional commitments.
- Upper-division nursing degree pathway
- Designed for licensed RNs
- Hybrid program format
- Distance learning option
- Partnerships with community colleges
- Seamless ADN to BSN transition
California State University-Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA - Public 4-Year - csumb.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University Monterey Bay offers a dynamic hybrid RN to BSN program specifically designed for licensed registered nurses seeking comprehensive professional advancement. This innovative pathway allows students to complete their bachelor's degree in 3 full-time or 5 part-time semesters, emphasizing critical healthcare domains like global health, community care, policy, and research. An active California RN license is mandatory for admission. The program uniquely partners with local healthcare agencies, providing practical experiences that enhance leadership skills and broaden nurses' understanding of complex healthcare systems. With 30 total program units, students transform their clinical expertise into broader healthcare leadership capabilities through a flexible, strategically structured curriculum.
- 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
National University
San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - nu.edu
RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
National University's RN to BSN online program provides registered nurses a dynamic educational pathway tailored for working professionals. Completed in an accelerated 11-month timeframe, the program offers unprecedented flexibility with four- and eight-week course formats and year-round enrollment. CCNE-accredited and featuring a California Public Health Nurse Certificate option, this program empowers nurses to expand leadership skills and career opportunities. With no prerequisite courses required and potential transfer scholarship opportunities up to $4,800, nurses can advance their professional credentials while maintaining current employment. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, professional development, and hands-on leadership experiences across diverse healthcare settings.
- 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
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.
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| Stanislaus State University | Online RN to BSN | 10 months |
| West Coast University | Online RN to BSN | 8 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.
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| California State University LA | RN to BSN | $6,450 per semester |
| Sacramento State University | RN 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
2026 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:
- San Diego RN to BSN Programs
- Sacramento RN to BSN Programs
- San Francisco RN to BSN Programs
- Fresno RN to BSN Programs
- San Jose RN to BSN Programs
- Oakland RN to BSN Programs
- Pasadena RN to BSN Programs
- Los Angeles RN to BSN Programs
- Bakersfield RN to BSN Programs
Arcata, CA
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
- RN to BSN - Nursing (RN to BSN), B.S.
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Part-time available
- Synchronous and asynchronous options
- Cohort-based structure
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Small cohorts for meaningful connections
- Hybrid model with weekend intensives
Bakersfield, CA
California State University-Bakersfield
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 120 total credit hours
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- Cohort-based structure
- 90 clinical hours
- Eligible for Public Health Nurse certificate
- Online with on-campus orientation day
- Builds on Associate Degree in Nursing
Canoga Park, CA
California Career College
- RN to BSN - Online RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- 12-month program duration
- Online program format
- RN license required for admission
- Associate degree or diploma required
- No prerequisites required
- Transfer credits allowed for some courses
- All nursing courses at California Career College
- Includes capstone course
Carson, CA
California State University-Dominguez Hills
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Full-time and part-time options
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Asynchronous online classes
- 90 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- $70 application fee
- Requires active California RN license
Chico, CA
California State University-Chico
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Designed for licensed ADN nurses
- Serves remote rural areas
- Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- 100% online program
- Integrated advanced simulation training
Costa Mesa, CA
Pacific College
- RN to BSN - Nursing: RN-to-BSN Completion
Online Learning - Website
- Online program delivery
- Current RN license required
- 2.50 minimum GPA
- Associate degree in nursing required
- Program orientation required
- Interview with Program Director
- Capstone course included
- Clinical hours required
Fresno, CA
California State University-Fresno
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 121 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- 90 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- $50 application fee
- Military benefits accepted
Fresno Pacific University
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree completion program (RN to BSN)
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 18-Month program
- 42 total credit hours
- Cohort-based structure
- 2.4 GPA minimum
- Capstone required
- Designed for registered nurses with an ADN
- Offered at three central California campuses
Fullerton, CA
California State University-Fullerton
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN Pathway
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Distance learning option available
- Concurrent enrollment with ADN programs
Glendale, CA
Glendale Career College
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Campus Based - Website
- RN to BSN program
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- For licensed Registered Nurses
- Associate degree required
- Hands-on practical approach
- Classroom studies with training
- Flexible scheduling available
- Work while attending classes
Hayward, CA
California State University-East Bay
- RN to BSN - Post-Licensure
Online Learning - Website
- 1-Year program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Eligible for California PHN Certificate
- Mostly online coursework
- Curriculum includes health assessment, research, leadership
- One off-campus community experience course
- Requires CA RN license and ADN
La Verne, CA
University of La Verne
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 15-Month program
- 11 total courses
- Starts fall/spring
- Cohort-based structure
- Scholarships available
- Fully online coursework
- Accelerated 8-week sessions
- In-person clinical component
Loma Linda, CA
Loma Linda University
- RN to BSN - RN to BS in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Full-time and part-time options
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Long Beach, CA
California State University-Long Beach
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN Completion
Campus Based - Website
- RN license required
- In-person and online options
Los Angeles, CA
Angeles College
- RN to BSN - B.S. in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Campus Based - Website
- 92 quarter credits required
- 1040 total clock hours
- 150 clinical hours included
- Total cost $21,955
- Tuition $20,240
- Registration fee $100
- Books cost $1,505
- Equipment cost $110
California State University-Los Angeles
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 1-Year program
- Starts fall
- Local preference for transfer students
- Local preference for military veterans
- Approved by California Board of Registered Nursing
- One application cycle per year (fall)
- Submit application through Nursing CAS
West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies
- RN to BSN - Online RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- 120 credit hours required
- Up to 90 transfer credits accepted
- $495 per credit tuition
- $14,850 total tuition cost
- 8-month accelerated completion option
- 8-week course terms
- Active RN license required
- 2.25 minimum CGPA for admission
World Mission University
- RN to BSN - RN to B.S. in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 31 nursing course credits
- 126 total credits required
- 2.0 minimum GPA
- Associate degree required
- RN license required
- $11,100 total tuition
- Financial aid available
- Capstone project required
Northridge, CA
California State University-Northridge
- RN to BSN - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- 3-Semester program
- Complete in as few as three semesters
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Asynchronous online classes
- Prepares for Public Health Nurse certificate
- Qualifies for leadership roles
- Stronger candidate at Magnet hospitals
Ontario, CA
University of Phoenix-California
- RN to BSN - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to BSN degree.
- Complete in 14 months.
- Estimated cost $14,000.
- 33 core credits required.
- 90 direct care clinical hours.
- Active RN license required.
- Transfer up to 87 credits.
- One course every five weeks.
West Coast University-Ontario
- RN to BSN - Online RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- 120 total credits required
- Up to 90 transfer credits accepted
- Three pacing options available
- Accelerated Plus: 8 months
- Accelerated: 12 months
- Working Professional: 20 months
- Online coursework format
- 8-week academic terms
Pasadena, CA
Integrity College of Health
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN Bachelor of Science
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Total cost $11,143
- 46 weeks program length
- 120 semester credit hours
- 1,035 total clock hours
- 180 clinical hours required
- Blended and online options
- One evening/week campus option
- Proof of RN license required
Rancho Cordova, CA
Chamberlain University-California
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Complete in as few as 10 months
- 100% online coursework
- Direct care component included
- Tuition $635 per credit hour
- Total credits required: 122
- 77 proficiency credits awarded
- Transfer up to 15 additional credits
- Minimum GPA requirement: 2.0
Redding, CA
Simpson University
- RN to BSN - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN Track)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 99% pass rate, 100% job placement
- Accelerated program for working RNs
- Faith-based nursing curriculum
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Small classroom settings
- Personalized faculty attention
Riverside, CA
California Baptist University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Complete in 12 to 16 months
- Online RN to BSN program
- For RNs who passed NCLEX
- Bachelor's degree completion
Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University
- RN to BSN - Post-Licensure BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 2 concentration options
- Starts spring
- Prerequisite courses required
- Concurrent enrollment with ADN program
- 8 units via Extended Education starting summer
- CNECM application period Jan 15 - Mar 1
Sacramento, CA
California State University-Sacramento
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.6 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- Earn Public Health Nurse certificate
- Designed for working Registered Nurses
Carrington College-Sacramento
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- Online program delivery
- For licensed registered nurses
- Complete in 15 months
- Builds on nursing experience
- Focuses on leadership skills
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Patient-centered care approach
- Degree conferred by Sacramento campus
San Diego, CA
Ashford University
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- Accelerated 5 week courses
- 1 course at a time
- $0 Application Fee
- 120 total credits required
- 42 major credit requirements
- 60 hours of practice experience
- Active RN license required
- Online format
National University
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- No entrance exam required
- 11-Month program
- 180 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- Starts rolling
- $0 application fee
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
North-West College-San Diego
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Campus Based - Website
- For working registered nurses.
- Complete in four semesters.
- Earn BSN degree.
- California Public Health Nurse certificate.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Post-licensure RN to BSN program.
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice.
San Diego State University
- RN to BSN - Registered Nurse-Bachelor of Science (RN-BS) in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Complete in 6–12 months
- Cross enrollment for ADN students
- Waives general education for second bachelor's
- Designed for licensed registered nurses
United States University
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN To BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- 12-month completion time
- $13,150 total tuition
- 90-hour community experience
- Capstone project required
- Monthly payment plan available
- Undergraduate admission requirements
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco State University
- RN to BSN - ADN-BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Board of Registered Nursing, Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Builds on previous nursing education
- Professional role development
- Bridge to Professional Nursing course
- Restricted to ADN-BSN majors
- Explore leadership and management concepts
- Professional practice concepts course
San Marcos, CA
California State University-San Marcos
- RN to BSN - ADN/RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 3-Semester program
- Part-time available
- Fully online format
- Six 8-week course sessions
- Designed for California licensed RNs
- Designed for recent ADN graduates
- Leads to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Offered through CSUSM Extended Learning
Santa Ana, CA
Career Networks Institute
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Degree Completion
Online Learning - Website
- 12-month program duration
- 65.0 quarter credit units
- Online course delivery
- 90-hour clinical experience
- California RN license required
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required
- Personal interview required
- CPR certification required
Seaside, CA
California State University-Monterey Bay
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- $525 per credit
- 3-Semester program
- Starts fall
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- $70 application fee
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Hybrid online and face-to-face instruction
Sherman Oaks, CA
Casa Loma College-Los Angeles
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- RN to BSN program
- Bachelor of Science degree
- Online program format
- For registered nurses
- Advanced nursing roles preparation
- Leadership development focus
- Management career preparation
- Patient care enhancement
Signal Hill, CA
American University of Health Sciences
- RN to BSN - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- For California-licensed RNs
- Cohort-based program
- Post-licensure completion program
- Articulates with community colleges
- Builds on existing competencies
- Advanced nursing theories
- Leadership development focus
- Professional nursing practice emphasis
Torrance, CA
Homestead Schools
- RN to BSN - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) Completion Program
Campus Based - Website
- RN-to-BSN completion program
- 120 total credit hours
- 16-20 month program length
- 2.5 GPA admission requirement
- Current RN license required
- Associate degree or diploma required
- Transfer up to 72 credits
- 36 general education credits required
Turlock, CA
California State University-Stanislaus
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN-BSN program
- Offered at Stanislaus State
Visalia, CA
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 120 total program units
- 28 core nursing course units
- 12 general education units
- 80 transfer credits accepted
- Current RN licensure required
- Associate of Science in Nursing required
- Minimum 80 lower-division units
- Core courses include research capstone