Registered nurses who want to advance their education often consider an online RN to BSN degree. This program allows eligible nurses who already hold an associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while continuing to work.
For many working professionals, returning to college can be difficult. Work schedules, family responsibilities, tuition expenses, and clinical duties can make traditional campus-based education challenging. An online RN to BSN program can offer greater flexibility by allowing students to complete much of their coursework remotely.
However, not every nursing degree can be completed entirely online, and not every nurse qualifies for an RN to BSN program. Admission requirements, transfer credits, tuition, clinical or practicum expectations, and program accreditation should all be checked before enrolling.
This guide explains how online RN to BSN programs work, how much they may cost, which universities to compare, and how earning a bachelor’s degree can support long-term career development.
What Is an Online RN to BSN Degree?
An online RN to BSN degree is a bachelor’s degree completion program designed primarily for registered nurses who already have an eligible nursing qualification.
RN stands for Registered Nurse, while BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program builds on a nurse’s existing education and professional preparation rather than repeating the entire entry-level nursing curriculum.
Students typically study subjects that expand their knowledge of patient care, healthcare systems, research, leadership, and evidence-based nursing practice.
Common areas of study include:
- Evidence-based nursing practice
- Community and public health nursing
- Nursing leadership and management
- Healthcare quality and patient safety
- Nursing research and evidence appraisal
- Health assessment and care coordination
- Healthcare policy, ethics, and professional communication
- Population health and nursing informatics
The exact curriculum varies by institution. Some universities offer competency-based learning, while others use traditional semesters, weekly assignments, discussion boards, projects, and examinations.
An RN to BSN program is different from an entry-level nursing degree. It generally does not replace the education and licensing process required for someone who has never qualified as a registered nurse.
Who Should Consider an Online RN to BSN Program?
This type of program is particularly relevant to nurses who already have an associate degree in nursing or an eligible nursing diploma and want to complete a bachelor’s degree.
You may want to investigate an online RN to BSN program if you:
- Already hold an active registered nurse license.
- Want to continue working while completing your degree.
- Have an associate degree in nursing and want to progress to a BSN.
- Want to strengthen your preparation for nursing leadership or care coordination.
- Are considering graduate education in nursing in the future.
- Need a program that may accept eligible transfer credits.
Eligibility is not identical across universities. Some institutions require an unrestricted RN license before admission, while others may allow limited coursework before licensure or have specific arrangements for applicants completing their initial nursing qualification.
Read the program’s admissions policy carefully before paying an application fee.
Best Online RN to BSN Programs to Compare
The best program depends on your budget, previous education, state of residence, schedule, and professional goals. Instead of choosing a university solely because it appears on a ranking list, compare the actual program requirements and total cost.
1. University of Illinois Chicago
The University of Illinois Chicago offers an online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through its College of Nursing.
Its published program information describes a fully online bachelor’s completion option designed for working registered nurses. The university lists 30 credit hours for the program, a stated tuition figure of $9,990 at $330 per credit hour, and completion in as few as 12 months. These figures are the published program snapshot and should be reconfirmed with the university before applying.
The program may be worth investigating if you already hold the required nursing qualification and want a structured online option that fits around professional responsibilities.
Review the official UIC online RN to BSN program for current tuition, admission requirements, application deadlines, and course information.
2. University of North Carolina Wilmington
The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers an online RN to BSN program for registered nurses who want to advance their education.
Its published program information lists 30 credit hours of nursing coursework and indicates that eligible students may complete the program in as few as 12 months. The university also provides a tuition estimate for North Carolina residents, so applicants should verify the rate that applies to their own circumstances.
Coursework covers areas such as professional nursing practice, community health, leadership, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based care. The university identifies the program as accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
This option may suit working nurses who want to strengthen their clinical reasoning, leadership, and preparation for future nursing education.
Check the official UNCW online RN to BSN program for current costs, eligibility, accreditation information, and upcoming enrollment dates.
How to Choose Between These Programs
Both universities provide online RN to BSN options, but their published costs may not be directly comparable without considering residency, fees, transfer credits, and the full set of degree requirements.
Before making a decision, ask each university for a written estimate showing how many credits you need, what you will pay per credit, which fees apply, and whether any additional coursework is required.
You should also confirm whether the degree can be completed from your state and whether any professional or practicum requirements apply to your situation.
How Much Does an Online RN to BSN Degree Cost?
Tuition is one of the most important considerations when choosing an online nursing program. Costs vary by university, residency status, number of required credits, transfer evaluation, and mandatory fees.
Some RN to BSN programs publish a total tuition estimate for the nursing coursework. However, that figure may not include every general education course a student needs to finish the full bachelor’s degree.
For example, a student may have already completed most of the required undergraduate credits through an associate degree. Another student may need additional prerequisite or general education courses before graduating.
A reliable cost comparison should include:
| Expense | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Price per credit and the total number of credits required |
| Mandatory fees | Technology, registration, nursing, and other applicable fees |
| Transfer credits | Which previously completed courses will be accepted |
| Additional coursework | Whether general education or prerequisite classes remain |
| Learning materials | Required textbooks, digital materials, and software |
| Financial assistance | Eligibility for scholarships, employer support, or other aid |
Example of a Tuition Calculation
Suppose an eligible student needs 30 credits to complete an RN to BSN program and the university charges $350 per credit.
30 credits × $350 = $10,500 in tuition.
This is a hypothetical calculation, not a tuition quote from a specific institution. Additional fees or courses could increase the total.
When comparing universities, calculate the cost of completing your own degree rather than relying on the lowest advertised figure. A program with a lower price per credit may not be cheaper if it requires more credits or additional courses.
Can You Get Financial Aid for an Online Nursing Degree?
Potential funding sources include institutional scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, eligible federal student aid, military education benefits, and payment plans.
Eligibility depends on the student’s circumstances, the institution, and the type of assistance. Not every online program or student qualifies for every funding option.
Federal Student Aid
Eligible students may be able to use federal student aid for qualifying programs at participating institutions. The requirements depend on factors such as enrollment status, financial circumstances, citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, and the program’s eligibility.
The official Federal Student Aid website explains available aid options and application requirements.
Employer Tuition Assistance
Some healthcare employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for employees pursuing further education. Conditions can include minimum employment periods, grade requirements, annual funding limits, or a commitment to remain with the employer for a specified period.
Ask your employer’s human resources department for its written policy before assuming reimbursement will cover the program.
Scholarships and Institutional Assistance
Universities may offer scholarships or other funding for nursing students. Availability, award amounts, deadlines, and eligibility requirements vary.
Check the university’s financial aid office and nursing school scholarship information. Include any conditions attached to an award when calculating the total cost.
Admission Requirements for Online RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs are designed for students who already have nursing education, so their admission requirements differ from those of entry-level nursing programs.
Although requirements vary, applicants commonly need to provide some or all of the following:
- An associate degree in nursing or an eligible nursing diploma
- A current registered nurse license, often without restrictions
- Official transcripts from previous colleges
- A minimum cumulative GPA
- Completion of required prerequisite courses
- An online application and any required fee
Some universities may accept applicants who have completed the first part of an eligible nursing program, while others require an established nursing qualification and active licensure before admission.
GPA Requirements
Many universities set a minimum grade point average for admission. The threshold varies by institution, and some programs may impose additional requirements for particular courses.
If your previous academic record does not meet the stated requirement, contact admissions before applying. Ask whether there are alternative pathways, prerequisite courses, or other options available to your circumstances.
Transfer Credits
Transfer credit can significantly affect the time and cost required to complete a bachelor’s degree.
However, universities do not necessarily accept every course completed at another institution. Credit decisions may depend on the course content, grade earned, accreditation of the previous institution, and how the credit applies to the degree.
Request an official or preliminary transfer-credit evaluation before committing to a program. Ask how many credits remain after the evaluation and whether any courses must be completed at the new university.
State Licensure and Location Restrictions
Nursing is a regulated profession, and state requirements can affect program eligibility and professional practice.
If you live outside the university’s home state, verify that the program can enroll students in your location. If you intend to practice in a different state after graduation, check the applicable nursing board’s requirements.
Online delivery does not automatically mean a program is available to every applicant across the United States.
What Will You Learn in an RN to BSN Program?
An RN to BSN degree typically builds on existing nursing knowledge and introduces broader perspectives on research, healthcare delivery, leadership, and population health.
Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
Evidence-based practice involves using relevant research, clinical expertise, and patient needs to guide healthcare decisions.
Students may learn how to evaluate research findings, assess the quality of evidence, and apply appropriate findings to nursing practice. These skills help nurses think critically about clinical procedures and care decisions.
Nursing Leadership and Management
Leadership coursework may cover teamwork, communication, staffing, quality improvement, conflict resolution, and the organization of healthcare services.
These subjects can help nurses prepare for responsibilities involving care coordination, team leadership, or supervisory work. Completing a course does not automatically qualify a graduate for a management position, but it can provide a foundation for further development.
Community and Public Health Nursing
Community health courses explore the health needs of populations outside individual hospital encounters. Students may study prevention, health education, access to services, social factors affecting health, and community-based interventions.
The focus is on understanding how healthcare systems and community conditions affect outcomes.
Healthcare Research and Quality Improvement
Nurses often work in environments where patient safety, clinical quality, and consistent care processes are important.
Research and quality-improvement coursework can introduce methods for examining clinical evidence, identifying problems, measuring outcomes, and evaluating changes in practice.
Healthcare Policy and Professional Ethics
Healthcare policy influences how services are organized, funded, and delivered. Nursing programs may explore professional responsibilities, ethical decision-making, health regulation, and the wider systems in which nurses work.
The exact subjects depend on the university’s curriculum, so review the current course catalog before choosing a program.
How Long Does an Online RN to BSN Degree Take?
Some online RN to BSN programs advertise completion in approximately 12 months, while others take longer. The actual timeline depends on the program’s structure, credit requirements, course availability, transfer evaluation, and the number of classes a student takes each term.
A full-time student may complete the degree faster than someone taking one course at a time. Working nurses may prefer a slower schedule to balance academic work with professional responsibilities.
Before enrolling, ask:
- How many credits are required after transfer evaluation?
- How many courses can be taken each term?
- Are courses offered throughout the year?
- Are there fixed class meetings or mostly asynchronous assignments?
- What happens if a student needs to pause or reduce enrollment?
A realistic timeline is more useful than assuming you will graduate within the shortest advertised period.
Can You Complete Nursing School Entirely Online?
This question requires an important distinction.
An RN to BSN completion program can offer online academic coursework because students already have nursing education and are generally licensed registered nurses. Individual programs may still have specific practice, practicum, or other requirements that must be completed according to university rules.
By contrast, an entry-level nursing program designed to prepare someone for initial RN licensure typically includes hands-on clinical education. Online lectures alone do not replace required clinical training or the applicable licensing examination.
If you are not already a registered nurse, do not assume an online RN to BSN degree is the correct starting point. Investigate an approved prelicensure nursing pathway that meets the requirements of the state where you intend to seek licensure.
Career Opportunities After Earning a BSN
An RN to BSN degree can strengthen a registered nurse’s academic qualifications and support professional development. The opportunities available after graduation depend on work experience, employer requirements, additional certifications, and local regulations.
Staff Registered Nurse
Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, monitor conditions, administer treatments, educate patients, and communicate with other healthcare professionals.
A BSN may help meet the educational preferences of some employers, but it does not guarantee employment, promotion, or a higher salary.
Nurse Care Coordinator
Care coordination involves helping patients navigate healthcare services, appointments, treatment plans, and transitions between providers.
Depending on the employer, these positions may require nursing experience, knowledge of care management systems, and strong communication skills.
Nurse Case Manager
Nurse case managers may help coordinate treatment, evaluate patient needs, support discharge planning, and communicate with healthcare teams, patients, and insurers.
Requirements vary. Some roles require specific experience, additional qualifications, or professional certification.
Nursing Leadership
Nurses with appropriate experience and qualifications may pursue supervisory or leadership opportunities, such as charge nurse or unit-level management positions.
A BSN can support professional development, but employers may require substantial clinical experience and additional leadership preparation.
Graduate Nursing Education
A BSN can provide a foundation for applying to graduate nursing programs, including Master of Science in Nursing pathways. Admission requirements vary by program and may include licensure, clinical experience, prerequisite coursework, and minimum academic standards.
Students interested in becoming nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or advanced practice nurses should research the education, certification, and licensure requirements for their intended role before selecting a graduate pathway.
Registered Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
Nursing earnings depend on location, specialty, experience, shift patterns, employer, and level of responsibility. A bachelor’s degree does not guarantee a particular salary, and salary figures for all registered nurses should not be interpreted as the expected earnings of a new RN to BSN graduate.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $97,550 in May 2025. The BLS projects registered nurse employment to grow by 6% from 2025 to 2035, with approximately 180,800 openings per year on average over that period. These are occupation-wide figures, not a salary promise for graduates of a specific university. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses.
When evaluating career outcomes, compare salaries for the actual job you want, the geographic area where you plan to work, and the experience level required. A nurse moving into a different specialty or leadership position may have a different earnings profile from a nurse continuing in the same role.
It is also worth reviewing current job advertisements to understand which employers prefer or require a BSN. This provides more useful context than relying on general claims about how much a degree increases earnings.
Is an Online RN to BSN Degree Worth It?
An online RN to BSN degree may be a worthwhile investment if you already qualify for the program, need a flexible learning arrangement, and want to complete a bachelor’s degree without unnecessarily interrupting your employment.
Potential benefits include:
- The opportunity to continue working while studying
- A broader foundation in nursing research and evidence-based practice
- Additional preparation in leadership and healthcare systems
- A potential pathway to eligible graduate nursing programs
- Greater flexibility for students balancing professional and personal responsibilities
There are also considerations. Tuition and fees can be significant, online coursework requires independent time management, and the degree does not guarantee a promotion or salary increase.
The decision should be based on your professional goals, the requirements of employers you are targeting, the total cost of completion, and whether the program’s curriculum offers meaningful value for your situation.
Online RN to BSN Degree vs. MSN Degree
An RN to BSN program and a Master of Science in Nursing program serve different educational purposes.
An RN to BSN program allows eligible registered nurses with previous nursing education to complete a bachelor’s degree. An MSN is a graduate qualification that may support more specialized study, leadership development, education, or certain advanced nursing pathways.
Students who do not yet have a BSN should check whether a graduate program offers an eligible RN-to-MSN or another alternative route. Not every MSN program requires exactly the same entry qualification, and admission depends on the institution and pathway.
Before choosing between these options, verify the prerequisites, total tuition, expected duration, and professional requirements associated with your intended career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest online RN to BSN program?
There is no single lowest-cost program for every student. Tuition depends on residency, transfer credits, program fees, and additional courses. Compare the total amount you would actually pay after the university evaluates your previous education.
Can I work full-time while earning an RN to BSN degree online?
Many programs are designed with working nurses in mind, but the workload varies. Review course schedules, assignment expectations, and completion timelines to determine whether full-time employment and study are manageable together.
Do I need an active RN license to enroll?
Many RN to BSN programs require a current, unrestricted registered nurse license, along with an eligible nursing qualification. Some institutions have different entry arrangements. Check the official admissions requirements for the program you are considering.
Does an RN to BSN degree increase salary?
It may improve eligibility for certain roles or employers, but a salary increase is not guaranteed. Earnings depend on location, experience, specialty, employer policies, and the position obtained.
Can I become a nurse practitioner with an RN to BSN degree?
An RN to BSN degree alone does not qualify someone to practice as a nurse practitioner. The usual pathway includes further graduate-level nursing education and the applicable certification and licensure requirements.
Is an online RN to BSN degree accredited?
Accreditation depends on the specific institution and nursing program. Verify the university’s institutional accreditation and check the program’s status with the relevant nursing accreditor. For nursing programs, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) provides a program directory and accreditation information.
Can international students enroll in an online RN to BSN program?
Eligibility varies by university, prior nursing education, license, and country of residence. Some programs restrict enrollment based on state authorization or professional requirements. International applicants should contact admissions directly to confirm eligibility and transcript evaluation procedures.
Final Thoughts
An online RN to BSN degree can be a practical next step for registered nurses who want to complete a bachelor’s qualification while maintaining their professional responsibilities. The right program should fit your educational background, budget, schedule, and long-term career plans.
Start by checking whether you meet the nursing qualification and licensure requirements. Then compare tuition, transfer credits, accreditation, course content, and the total time needed to graduate. Use official university pages for current details and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for occupation-level salary and employment information.
A careful comparison can help you choose a program based on real costs and professional goals rather than marketing claims alone.