Best RN to BSN Online

Badge for BEST ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS

Find top-ranked online RN to BSN degree programs for RN’s who want to qualify for roles as charge nurses, addiction nurses, and clinical nurse educators.

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About RN to BSN Degrees

Why go from RN to BSN?

Registered nurses who want to pursue leadership roles while also increasing their earning potential may want to enroll in an RN to BSN, or Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, program.

Back to top.

How long does it take to go from RN to BSN?

These unique programs typically allow students to transfer up to 60 credits, which can help expedite the process of earning a bachelor’s degree from four years to just two years.

Back to top.

What topics do courses cover?

Courses, which are available both online and on campus, explore topics like human anatomy, leadership in nursing, and healthcare policy.

Back to top.

What are RN to BSN students doing after graduation?

Depending on experience, graduates typically qualify for roles as charge nurses, addiction nurses, and clinical nurse educators. However, students should note that additional certifications and licensure may be required for certain career paths. The RN to BSN program also helps prepare students for graduate degrees.

Back to top.

Learn more about how to major in nursing.

Best RN to BSN Online Degree Programs

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/26

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Virginia Commonwealth University

    Cost of Degree: $15,642
    Expenses: $19,239
    Starting Salary: $71,749
    Salary after 4 years: $77,473
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    University of Rochester

    Rochester , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1465/32

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Rochester

    Cost of Degree: $61,678
    Expenses: $20,922
    Starting Salary: $100,671
    Salary after 4 years: $109,990
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4.5-5.5 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    48K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/26

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Cincinnati

    Cost of Degree: $12,334
    Expenses: $16,990
    Starting Salary: $71,749
    Salary after 4 years: $77,473
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • RN-BSN
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 9 months, or two semesters
    • Format: Hybrid
  4. Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

    Cost of Degree: $10,817
    Starting Salary: $145,231
    Salary after 4 years: $156,816

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/29

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of South Carolina

    Cost of Degree: $12,688
    Expenses: $17,251
    Starting Salary: $77,812
    Salary after 4 years: $84,020
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  6. #6

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $11,981
    Expenses: $17,240
    Starting Salary: $81,710
    Salary after 4 years: $88,228
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Massachusetts Amherst

    Cost of Degree: $16,952
    Expenses: $16,523
    Starting Salary: $83,298
    Salary after 4 years: $89,943
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
  8. #9

    East Carolina University

    Greenville , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    31K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at East Carolina University

    Cost of Degree: $7,325
    Expenses: $16,488
    Starting Salary: $66,119
    Salary after 4 years: $71,393
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 125-133
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. #10

    University of Arkansas

    Fayetteville , AR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    32K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/24

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Arkansas

    Cost of Degree: $9,656
    Expenses: $18,644
    Starting Salary: $76,080
    Salary after 4 years: $82,149
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  10. #13

    William Carey University

    Hattiesburg , MS
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/24

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at William Carey University

    Cost of Degree: $14,685
    Expenses: $16,248
    Starting Salary: $54,874
    Salary after 4 years: $59,954
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
  11. #14

    Adelphi University

    Garden City , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/25

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Adelphi University

    Cost of Degree: $43,800
    Expenses: $22,456
    Starting Salary: $85,360
    Salary after 4 years: $93,262
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  12. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    20K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at California State University, Dominguez Hills

    Cost of Degree: $7,060
    Expenses: $20,531
    Starting Salary: $70,017
    Salary after 4 years: $75,602
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 50-53
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  13. #16

    Marshall University

    Huntington , WV
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Marshall University

    Cost of Degree: $8,604
    Expenses: $15,340
    Starting Salary: $60,200
    Salary after 4 years: $65,002
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #17

    Oakland University

    Rochester Hills , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    20K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Oakland University

    Cost of Degree: $15,723
    Expenses: $14,636
    Starting Salary: $69,439
    Salary after 4 years: $74,979
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing, RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
  15. #20

    Jacksonville University

    Jacksonville , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/23

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Jacksonville University

    Cost of Degree: $43,520
    Expenses: $19,312
    Starting Salary: $77,366
    Salary after 4 years: $84,528
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  16. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/25

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Fitchburg State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,921
    Expenses: $16,816
    Starting Salary: $68,429
    Salary after 4 years: $73,887
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online
  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Southern Mississippi

    Cost of Degree: $9,450
    Expenses: $16,550
    Starting Salary: $61,644
    Salary after 4 years: $66,561
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
  18. Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Saint Xavier University

    Cost of Degree: $35,770
    Expenses: $15,150
    Starting Salary: $68,559
    Salary after 4 years: $74,906
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    RN to BSN Nursing
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion time: 205 Years
    • Format: Online
  19. #27

    Wilmington University

    New Castle , DE
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Wilmington University

    Cost of Degree: $12,030
    Starting Salary: $63,139
    Salary after 4 years: $68,985

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  20. #28

    Mississippi College

    Clinton , MS
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Mississippi College

    Cost of Degree: $21,098
    Expenses: $18,329
    Starting Salary: $60,836
    Salary after 4 years: $66,468
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online
  21. #29

    Keuka College

    Keuka Park , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1036/17

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Keuka College

    Cost of Degree: $36,191
    Expenses: $17,861
    Starting Salary: $63,275
    Salary after 4 years: $69,133
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 38
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  22. #30

    James Madison University

    Harrisonburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at James Madison University

    Cost of Degree: $13,092
    Expenses: $17,416
    Starting Salary: $91,383
    Salary after 4 years: $98,672
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
  23. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1006/18

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Francis Marion University

    Cost of Degree: $11,160
    Expenses: $13,307
    Starting Salary: $53,270
    Salary after 4 years: $57,520
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 11 months
    • Format: Online
  24. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/21

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Eastern Michigan University

    Cost of Degree: $16,410
    Expenses: $14,566
    Starting Salary: $63,376
    Salary after 4 years: $68,432
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  25. #33

    Quinnipiac University

    Hamden , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/26

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Quinnipiac University

    Cost of Degree: $51,790
    Expenses: $18,750
    Starting Salary: $91,728
    Salary after 4 years: $100,220
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  26. #34

    Lander University

    Greenwood , SC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/20

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Lander University

    Cost of Degree: $11,700
    Expenses: $14,870
    Starting Salary: $55,003
    Salary after 4 years: $59,391
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  27. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at William Paterson University

    Cost of Degree: $14,624
    Expenses: $17,900
    Starting Salary: $70,883
    Salary after 4 years: $76,537
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  28. #36

    Eastern Illinois University

    Charleston , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Eastern Illinois University

    Cost of Degree: $12,809
    Expenses: $13,696
    Starting Salary: $66,408
    Salary after 4 years: $71,705
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 35
    • Completion time: 14 months
    • Format: Online
  29. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/24

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Azusa Pacific University

    Cost of Degree: $42,330
    Expenses: $13,490
    Starting Salary: $75,740
    Salary after 4 years: $82,752
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN: Bridge to BSN
    • Required Credits: 40
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    BSN: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  30. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/23

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Oklahoma Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $25,148
    Expenses: $13,800
    Starting Salary: $58,668
    Salary after 4 years: $64,099
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  31. #39

    Molloy University

    Rockville Centre , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/26

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Molloy University

    Cost of Degree: $36,030
    Expenses: $20,800
    Starting Salary: $86,850
    Salary after 4 years: $94,891
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion time: 4.5-5.5 years
    • Format: Online
  32. #40

    Florida Atlantic University

    Boca Raton , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/22

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Florida Atlantic University

    Cost of Degree: $4,879
    Expenses: $19,974
    Starting Salary: $69,728
    Salary after 4 years: $75,290
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  33. #42

    Shenandoah University

    Winchester , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Shenandoah University

    Cost of Degree: $35,170
    Expenses: $15,330
    Starting Salary: $70,862
    Salary after 4 years: $77,423
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  34. #43

    West Liberty University

    West Liberty , WV
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1009/7

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at West Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $8,716
    Expenses: $15,789
    Starting Salary: $57,024
    Salary after 4 years: $61,573
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  35. #44

    Madonna University

    Livonia , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Madonna University

    Cost of Degree: $26,100
    Expenses: $15,690
    Starting Salary: $60,158
    Salary after 4 years: $65,728
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 16 months
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 38
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  36. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Salem State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,978
    Expenses: $17,938
    Starting Salary: $67,996
    Salary after 4 years: $73,420
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  37. #46

    Campbell University

    Buies Creek , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Campbell University

    Cost of Degree: $39,230
    Expenses: $21,310
    Starting Salary: $78,585
    Salary after 4 years: $85,861
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  38. #47

    D'Youville University

    Buffalo , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/22

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at D'Youville University

    Cost of Degree: $31,170
    Expenses: $13,700
    Starting Salary: $70,049
    Salary after 4 years: $76,534
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  39. #48

    Curry College

    Milton , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Curry College

    Cost of Degree: $44,530
    Expenses: $20,330
    Starting Salary: $69,236
    Salary after 4 years: $75,646
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Nursing Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $9,991
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,335
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $68,952
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $74,453
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 8 years
  • Job Growth: 5.92%
  • Number of Jobs: 3,258,400
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Nurse Anesthetists8.91%$196,110
Nurse Midwives6.10%$122,416
Nurse Practitioners44.53%$116,373
Medical and Health Services Managers28.40%$103,928
Registered Nurses5.60%$78,969

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$68,100$96,148$126,864

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Michigan15% higher than average$93,363
#3 Ohio14% higher than average$94,040
#4 Texas10% higher than average$97,405
#5 California26% higher than average$135,789
#6 Illinois7% higher than average$99,627

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Nurse Anesthetists$196,110
Nurse Midwives$122,416
Nurse Practitioners$116,373

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here