Key Takeaways:
- The cheapest online RN to BSN programs can cost well under $10,000 in total, making a BSN accessible without heavy debt.
- Most programs require only 30 credits beyond your associate degree, meaning you could finish in 12 to 18 months.
- Accreditation from CCNE or ACEN matters: these credentials signal program quality to employers and graduate schools.
If you are a registered nurse ready to level up your credentials, the good news is that earning a BSN has never been more affordable. RN to BSN programs let you keep working while you study, and many cost far less than you might expect.
GetEducated has tracked tuition data across hundreds of accredited programs so you can make a confident, cost-informed decision.
Top Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs for 2026
These programs are all designed for working nurses with an active RN license and an associate degree or nursing diploma. Each one is accredited and fully online. Here is what you need to know about each option.
GetEducated's Picks
- Alvernia University Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Sacred Heart University Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- King University Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
1. Walden University: BS in Nursing (Tempo Learning)
Walden offers a unique self-paced Tempo Learning format for this RN to BSN program, letting you work through competency-based modules at your own speed rather than following a fixed semester schedule.
- Estimated Cost: $12,220
- Credits: 51
- Format: 100% Online, Competency-Based
- Accreditation: CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)
The competency-based model is a good fit if you want to move quickly through material you already know. Visit Walden's program page for current tuition details.
2. Benedictine University: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Benedictine’s online RN to BSN program focuses on applying evidence-based practice to real clinical situations. Coursework builds on your current nursing experience and prepares you for leadership roles.
- Estimated Cost: $14,110
- Credits: 34
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
At 34 credits, this is one of the more compact programs on the list. Check Benedictine's tuition page for the latest rates.
3. Widener University: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Widener’s online RN to BSN is designed for busy professionals who need a program that fits around shift work. The curriculum includes nursing leadership and community health coursework.
- Estimated Cost: $15,268
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
Thirty credits is about as lean as RN to BSN programs get.
4. Northwest Florida State College: BS in Nursing
NWFSC delivers one of the most budget-friendly RN to BSN programs in the country, with a curriculum focused on community health, nursing research, and professional development.
- Estimated In-State Cost: $4,173 | Out-of-State: $4,203
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
The near-identical in-state and out-of-state pricing makes this a standout value for nurses across the country. Visit NWFSC's online FAQ for tuition and enrollment details.
5. Western Carolina University: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
WCU’s program is consistently ranked among the cheapest RN to BSN options in the nation, with asynchronous coursework that fits around any schedule. The program takes about one year to complete full-time.
- Estimated In-State Cost: $2,279 | Out-of-State: $6,334
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
In-state nurses get an exceptional deal here. Find current rates on WCU's distance learning tuition page.
6. University of North Georgia: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
UNG’s online RN to BSN program is accredited by ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, the other major nursing-specific accreditor alongside CCNE) and structured for working nurses who need flexibility.
- Estimated Cost: $6,496
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: ACEN
See UNG's tuition and fees page for current per-credit rates and fee breakdowns.
7. Fort Hays State University: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
FHSU’s online RN to BSN is well-regarded for its low tuition and straightforward admissions process. The program applies a flat per-credit rate regardless of your state of residence.
- Estimated Cost: $6,806
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
For full pricing details, visit Fort Hays State's student financial services page. GetEducated lets you compare this and similar programs side by side to find the right fit for your budget.
8. University of West Georgia: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
UWG’s program gives nurses a clear path to a BSN through an online format that emphasizes evidence-based practice and community health nursing.
- Estimated Cost: $6,864
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
Review current tuition on the UWG bursar's tuition and fees page.
9. Georgia Southern University: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Georgia Southern’s RN to BSN program is 31 credits and delivered in a mostly online format, designed to help practicing nurses earn their degree while continuing to work full-time.
- Estimated Cost: $7,364
- Credits: 31
- Format: Mostly Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
Check the Georgia Southern student accounts page for current tuition and fee details.
10. Henderson State University: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Henderson State offers a CCNE-accredited RN to BSN completion program with a curriculum built around nursing leadership and professional development. The 33-credit program is fully online.
- Estimated Cost: $7,500
- Credits: 33
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
11. Defiance College: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Defiance College’s RN to BSN program is a CCNE-accredited 30-credit completion track that builds on your existing nursing education with coursework in research, leadership, and population health.
- Estimated Cost: $7,500
- Credits: 30
- Accreditation: CCNE
12. Florida Gateway College: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Florida Gateway College offers a 31-credit online RN to BSN program with very competitive pricing, especially for Florida residents.
- Estimated In-State Cost: $4,275 | Out-of-State: $7,691
- Credits: 31
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
Florida nurses will find this one of the most affordable paths to a BSN. Visit FGC's fee payment page for the latest rates.
13. Washburn University: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Washburn’s online RN to BSN is built for working nurses, with a 32-credit curriculum covering nursing leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice delivered entirely online.
- Estimated Cost: $7,813
- Credits: 32
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
Get tuition details on Washburn's business office page. GetEducated’s verified RN to BSN rankings can help you compare programs like this one with confidence.
14. American College of Education: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
ACE focuses on healthcare educators and leaders. Its RN to BSN program is fully online with a 30-credit completion curriculum, offered at a low flat rate.
- Estimated Cost: $7,900
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
See current tuition in the ACE academic catalog.
15. University of the Cumberlands: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
The Cumberlands’ program is a 38-credit online track that includes courses in nursing informatics, public and community health, and leadership. It is one of the slightly longer programs on this list, offering a more comprehensive curriculum.
- Estimated Cost: $7,937
- Credits: 38
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
Visit University of the Cumberlands' tuition page for current details.
16. Ouachita Baptist University: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
OBU’s RN to BSN is a 30-credit online completion program with a faith-based mission. Coursework covers population health, nursing leadership, and research fundamentals.
- Estimated Cost: $8,250
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
Head over to OBU's RN to BSN program page for admission and tuition details.
17. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
UTRGV’s accelerated RN to BSN is designed for nurses who want to earn their degree fast. The 30-credit, fully online program includes community health, nursing research, and professional development.
- Estimated Cost: $8,365
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
See UTRGV's accelerated RN to BSN page for tuition and application details.
18. Pittsburg State University: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
PSU offers a 30-credit online RN to BSN at a flat rate for all students, regardless of state residency. The program covers leadership, informatics, and evidence-based practice.
- Estimated Cost: $8,460
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
19. University of North Florida: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
UNF’s online RN to BSN is a 30-credit program with a curriculum grounded in evidence-based nursing and community health. It is a solid choice for Florida nurses who want to stay close to home.
- Estimated Cost: $8,550
- Credits: 30
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
See UNF's RN-BSN tuition sheet for a full cost breakdown.
20. University of South Alabama: BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
USA’s online RN to BSN is one of the shortest on this list at 24 credits, making it a fast path to a BSN for nurses with a strong academic foundation. Coursework includes health promotion, research, and nursing leadership.
- Estimated Cost: $8,551
- Credits: 24
- Format: 100% Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
For current tuition rates, visit the University of South Alabama student accounting page.
Cheapest RN to BSN Programs FAQ
Here are answers to some of the most common questions nurses have when comparing affordable RN to BSN programs.
How much do registered nurses earn with a BSN?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 in May 2024. Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average across all occupations. BSN-prepared nurses often have an edge in hiring and salary negotiations at hospitals and healthcare systems that prefer or require a four-year degree.
What is the difference between CCNE and ACEN accreditation?
Both CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) and ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) are nationally recognized nursing-specific accreditors. Accreditation means an independent agency has reviewed the program and confirmed it meets established quality standards. Either credential is generally accepted by employers and graduate schools, so programs accredited by either agency are a solid choice.
Can I complete a cheap RN to BSN program while working full-time?
Yes. Most programs on this list are designed specifically for working nurses. The typical 30-credit load can be completed in 12 to 18 months part-time, and coursework is asynchronous at most schools, meaning you log in and complete assignments on your own schedule.
Are cheap RN to BSN programs lower quality?
Not necessarily. Lower cost often reflects a school’s state funding or flat tuition model rather than lower program quality. All programs on this list carry accreditation from CCNE or ACEN, which is the quality benchmark that matters most to employers and graduate programs.
Do cheaper RN to BSN programs transfer credits from my associate degree?
Yes. RN to BSN completion programs are built around the assumption that you have already completed an associate degree in nursing. Most accept your prior nursing credits in full, which is why many programs require only 30 additional credits. Some programs may also accept transfer credits from other colleges, so check each school’s transfer policy before enrolling.
Ready to Find the Cheapest RN to BSN Program for You?
The programs above prove that earning a BSN does not have to mean years of debt. Whether you are drawn to a flat-rate state university or a competency-based format that lets you move at your own pace, there is an affordable, accredited option for you. Browse GetEducated's full directory of online RN to BSN programs to compare costs, read verified reviews, and find the program that fits both your schedule and your budget.
