Registered nurses (RNs) looking to advance in their careers are increasingly choosing the path of an RN to BSN program. These programs are specially designed for RNs who have already earned an Associate's Degree in Nursing and want to pursue a Bachelor's degree (BSN). The state of Maryland offers many quality options for a BSN continuation degree, with both online and in-person options available.

Fast & Affordable Program Options

There are many ways to advance your career as an entry-level registered nurse, but one of the more common ways is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This can help you secure higher-paying roles and a more respected educational portfolio. If you have spent some time in the nursing field and have an associate degree, you will likely qualify for an RN to BSN program — a fast-tracked bridge program that will allow you to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in only two years or less, saving you both time and money.

2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Maryland

Registered Nursing (.org) presents the most comprehensive guide to the best online RN to BSN programs in Maryland, helping nursing professionals advance their careers through flexible distance learning options. These virtual programs offer registered nurses the opportunity to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing without disrupting their current work schedules. Online RN to BSN programs provide critical pathways for nurses to enhance their professional credentials, expand clinical knowledge, and increase potential career opportunities in healthcare. Maryland offers several high-quality online programs that combine academic rigor with convenience, allowing nurses to balance professional responsibilities while pursuing advanced education. These programs recognize the unique needs of working healthcare professionals seeking academic progression. Review our comprehensive ranking methodology.
#1

Stevenson University

Owings Mills, MD - Private 4-year - stevenson.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Stevenson University delivers a dynamic online RN to BSN program tailored for working nurses seeking career advancement. The 15-month accelerated curriculum provides maximum flexibility, allowing registered nurses to complete clinical hours at their current workplace. With CCNE accreditation and competitive tuition rates around $495 per credit hour, students benefit from personalized faculty guidance. The program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and current RN licensure. No entrance exams are mandatory, and potential tuition discounts up to 20% make this an attractive option for budget-conscious professionals. Military-friendly policies and partnership discounts further enhance the program's accessibility for healthcare practitioners aiming to elevate their nursing credentials.

  • 100% Online Accelerated Program
  • Complete in 15 Months
  • $495 Per Credit Hour
  • No Application Fees
  • Clinical Hours On-Job
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
  • Current RN License Needed
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Partnership Tuition Discounts
  • Personalized Faculty Support
#2

Towson University

Towson, MD - Public 4-Year - towson.edu

Bachelor's - Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Towson University offers a comprehensive RN-to-BSN hybrid program designed for working registered nurses seeking academic advancement. The flexible online curriculum allows professionals to complete most coursework remotely, with a final in-person clinical practicum. Requiring a minimum 2.50 GPA and valid Maryland/Compact RN license, the program supports part-time enrollment to accommodate healthcare professionals' demanding schedules. Students benefit from personalized academic advising, creating tailored study plans that enhance clinical knowledge and professional development. The 120-unit degree provides a strategic pathway for associate degree nurses to elevate their nursing credentials while maintaining their current employment.

  • Flexible online/hybrid format
  • Designed for working RNs
  • Minimum 2.50 GPA required
  • 120 total degree units
  • Maryland/Compact RN license needed
  • Part-time enrollment recommended
  • Final term in-person practicum
  • Personalized academic advising
#3

Frostburg State University

Frostburg, MD - Public 4-Year - frostburg.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Frostburg State University's fully online RN to BSN program presents a dynamic educational pathway tailored for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, complex clinical care coordination, and community health strategies. Students can complete the program flexibly in 15-60 months, taking just one class per semester with year-round enrollment options. A distinctive 135-hour community-based practicum provides hands-on learning opportunities. The program is military-friendly and accredited, offering asynchronous learning that accommodates diverse professional schedules. No specific entrance exam requirements are mentioned, making it accessible for practicing nurses looking to elevate their academic credentials and professional competencies.

  • Online asynchronous learning
  • 15-60 month completion time
  • 135-hour community practicum
  • Accredited nursing program
  • Leadership and care coordination focus
#4

University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MD - Public 4-Year - umgc.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

University of Maryland Global Campus offers a comprehensive online RN to BSN program tailored for practicing nurses seeking career advancement. This CCNE-accredited program provides flexible digital learning with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Students engage in an in-person community health practice, enhancing their real-world skills while maintaining professional employment. The curriculum strategically focuses on emerging healthcare trends like telehealth and population health management. Designed for working professionals, the program cultivates advanced leadership capabilities, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice skills. No specific entrance exam is required, making it accessible for registered nurses looking to elevate their professional credentials and expand career opportunities in dynamic healthcare environments.

  • Online flexible learning format
  • CCNE accredited program
  • In-person community health practice
  • Emphasizes leadership skills
  • Prepares for advanced nursing roles
*Source: IPEDS 2023 survey results, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

Quickest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

While all RN to BSN programs are by definition faster versions of a traditional BSN program, some RN to BSN programs are still faster than others. Many RN to BSN programs last about two years, but in Maryland, you could conceivably graduate with a BSN in a year or even less. Here are a few of the fastest RN to BSN programs that Maryland has to offer:

SchoolDegree NameLength
Montgomery CollegeOnline ADN to BSN1 year
Frostburg State UniversityRN to BSN15 Months

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

Yes, they do, though you will likely be hard-pressed to find one available in Maryland. Six-month RN to BSN programs are hard to come by, and when they are available, they require a substantial amount of transferable credits along with several years of nursing experience.

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
University of Maryland GlobalOnline RN to BSN$318 per credit (Resident)

$499 per credit (Non-resident)

Coppin State UniversityOnline RN to BSN$ 2,418 per semester (Resident)

$ 5,746 per semester (Non-resident)

Learn more about the cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Entrance requirements for most accredited RN to BSN programs are straightforward. As long as you meet or exceed these requirements, you have a good shot of being accepted. Some programs are competitive, so be sure you review your school's requirements carefully to make sure you don't miss anything. Below are some common admissions requirements for schools in Maryland:

  • Must submit official transcripts from all schools attended
  • Copy of State of Maryland or compact state licensure
  • Completion of prerequisite courses
  • Must provide two academic letters of recommendation
  • Overall GPA of 3.0

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

Most RN to BSN programs require students to complete lower-division, pre-professional coursework before starting their upper-division core nursing courses. Nursing courses offered as part of the RN to BSN program at Baltimore's University of Maryland School of Nursing include:

  • NURS 450: RN-to-BSN Transition: Implications for Practice, Policy, and the Profession
  • NURS 454: Pathophysiologic Implications to Patient Assessment
  • NURS 460: Health Informatics for the Registered Nurse
  • NURS 462: Nursing Leadership and Management for the Registered Nurse

2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Maryland

Take a look at the listings below to find Maryland's best accredited RN to BSN programs.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Jump to City:

Adelphi, MD

University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible learning format
    • CCNE accredited program
    • In-person community health practice
    • Emphasizes leadership skills
    • Prepares for advanced nursing roles

Baltimore, MD

Coppin State University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • 120 total credit hours
    • For licensed RN professionals
    • 3.0 minimum GPA required
    • Comprehensive clinical training
    • Flexible professional pathway

Notre Dame of Maryland University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Flexible online and campus options
    • Accelerated 2.5-year completion
    • 30 transferable nursing credits
    • Clinical experiences at top hospitals
    • Supportive cohort learning model
    • Emphasis on caring science
    • Social justice focused curriculum

Frostburg, MD

Frostburg State University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online asynchronous learning
    • 15-60 month completion time
    • 135-hour community practicum
    • Accredited nursing program
    • Leadership and care coordination focus

Owings Mills, MD

Stevenson University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Accelerated Program
    • Complete in 15 Months
    • $495 Per Credit Hour
    • No Application Fees
    • Clinical Hours On-Job
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
    • Current RN License Needed
    • CCNE Accredited Program

Salisbury, MD

Salisbury University

  • Bachelor's - RN to B.S.N.

    Campus Based - Website

    • Transfers up to 60 credits
    • Requires 30 additional credits
    • Active RN license required
    • Flexible professional pathway
    • Comprehensive admission process

Towson, MD

Towson University

  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Flexible online/hybrid format
    • Designed for working RNs
    • Minimum 2.50 GPA required
    • 120 total degree units
    • Maryland/Compact RN license needed
    • Part-time enrollment recommended
    • Final term in-person practicum
    • Personalized academic advising
*The data used in this analysis come from NCES's IPEDS 2023 survey.