Top 10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Nursing (BSN) Programs 2025
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Are you interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field? A bachelor’s in nursing can lead to a great career in the US.
Key Takeaways
- Professional nurses often pursue an bachelor’s in nursing programs online to gain the right prerequisites for licensure and critical health care skills.
- Graduates of online nursing programs can work in numerous healthcare settings including hospitals, physician’s offices, nursing care facilities, and home healthcare businesses.
- While a two-year RN degree and a BSN degree may have similar median salaries initially, a BSN degree opens up numerous career advancements opportunities that an associate degree cannot provide.
Best Online Bachelor's in Nursing Degree Programs in 2025
- Liberty University
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley +1
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock –1
- University of North Florida
- Southeastern Louisiana University
- Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis +4
- Franklin University –1
- Touro University Nevada –1
- Lewis University –1
- Campbellsville University –1
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best online bachelor’s in nursing degree programs saw considerable movement. Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis rose the most ranking positions as the university expanded its virtual simulation labs, allowing online BSN students to participate in realistic clinical scenarios and gain hands-on experience from a remote setting. IUPUI has also integrated telehealth and digital nursing into the curriculum, preparing students for the growing demand in virtual healthcare services.
Additionally, the university has strengthened its online support services, providing enhanced academic advising, tutoring, and career placement assistance tailored specifically for nursing students pursuing their degree remotely. These updates ensure that online BSN students receive a comprehensive and modern nursing education.
Featured Programs
Best Online BSN Programs 2025
- #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
66%
Student body
131K
Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Liberty University
Cost of Degree: $15,822Expenses: $21,458Starting Salary: $62,022Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Liberty University known for?
Liberty University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Law
- Social Work
- History
- Business
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Liberty’s online BSN nursing degree can be completed in 2.5 years. You will receive at least 39 credits for your RN degree when you enroll in the online RN-to-BSN program. You can complete the remaining credits by transferring your associate degree or nursing diploma credits and taking online BSN courses.
This program is available at Liberty University for licensed, practicing nurses. You will develop leadership, clinical, and critical thinking skills through the program. Students can pursue their education independently with our online RN program due to its flexibility, affordability, and convenience.
For admission, you must hold a minimum 2.0 GPA. The program also requires proof of an RN license. If Liberty’s program is available in your state, ensure the licensing and certification requirements are met.
Since you have real-world experience as an RN, you will not need to worry about completing practicums when you enroll in the nursing bachelor’s degree online. As you pursue your BSN at Liberty, you can maintain your job, family, and community commitments while earning your RN to BSN online.
Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $330
- Out of State: $330
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
- In-state: $22,511
- Out-of-state: $22,511
- #1 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025 #5 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025 #6 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
53%
Student body
44K
Median SAT/ACT
960/19
Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Cost of Degree: $9,467Expenses: $14,618Starting Salary: $71,138Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Texas Rio Grande Valley known for?
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Education
- Biology
- Engineering
- History
Most Influential Alumni
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s RN to BSN online program. This is a path for advancement as a nurse that allows you to continue working as an RN while you advance professionally. Learn to provide quality nursing care while gaining management skills in an accelerated, convenient online format.
As an online student, you’ll be prepared to acquire knowledge of nursing leadership theory, organizational structure, and healthcare management. You may use this as a stepping stone for graduate study. UTRGV administers its financial aid programs on an equal basis. Accordingly, students are eligible for financial aid regardless of their race, religion, creed, sex, age, or nationality. To practice professional nursing care for individuals, families, groups, and communities, online students can combine knowledge from theory and research with high-level skills and leadership concepts.
Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $332
- Out of State: $740
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
- In-state: $9,538
- Out-of-state: $19,33
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
42%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/21
Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Cost of Degree: $9,617Expenses: $17,401Starting Salary: $63,574Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Arkansas at Little Rock known for?
University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Chemistry
- Medical
- Law
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Biology
- History
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
The RN to BSN program helps registered nurses pursuing their AAS in Nursing degree earn their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Enroll in this online format if you’re thinking of advancing your career in the nursing field. The 12-month and 18-month track options are available for students who wish to finish their associate’s degree while working as registered nurses.
The core courses to expect in this online BSN program include economics, advocacy, health assessment, research, legalities, and wellness promotion. As a result of these courses, you will have an enhanced skill set, increased employment potential, and better educational prospects.
Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $191
- Out of State: $544
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
- In-state: $8,366
- Out-of-state: $18,957
- #13 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #7 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
68%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/21
Career Outlook for Nursing degree at University of North Florida
Cost of Degree: $5,964Expenses: $16,944Starting Salary: $79,186Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of North Florida known for?
University of North Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Communications
- Economics
- Nursing
- Anthropology
- Education
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
If you are already a registered nurse (RN) and wish to continue your nursing education and advance your career options, the online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is for you. A license in a state where RNs are in active practice may apply for this program online. In today’s healthcare arena, new high-tech equipment is used in hospitals, and implementing population-based healthcare management is more common. You can learn this training from this online bachelor’s program in nursing.
BSNs gain a broad knowledge base to excel in the current and future healthcare job market. Registered nurses can complete the online program in approximately one year as full-time nursing students. In the online cohorts, there will be six-week terms and eight-week terms. Community experience hours will be completed at a local agency by participants in the online cohort. You’ll have real-life experience in practicing nursing care assistance in agencies, healthcare organizations, clinics, hospitals, homeless shelters, and public or community health organizations.
Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $228
- Out of State: $742
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
- In-state: $6,389
- Out-of-state: $20,793
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
44%
Student body
16K
Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Southeastern Louisiana University
Cost of Degree: $8,373Expenses: $17,464Starting Salary: $68,885Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southeastern Louisiana University known for?
Southeastern Louisiana University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Communications
- Computer Science
- History
- Physics
- Education
- Engineering
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Registered nurses typically pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in Louisiana to fill critical leadership roles. Over 2,500 BSN graduates have graduated from Southern University School of Nursing since its inception in 1985, making it Louisiana’s leading producer of African American nurses.
Nurses seeking to advance their careers should consider the 100% online RN to BSN program. Nursing students can earn their BSNs online flexibly without disrupting other personal and professional obligations.
You might qualify for the 100% online RN to BSN program if you graduated from nationally accredited associate degree nursing programs. The instructors at Southeastern Louisiana University are experienced nurses and experts in teaching online programs to nurses. Just like in-person formats, they deliver the same quality of academics for would-be nurses.
Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $520
- Out of State: $820
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
- In-state: $58,440
- Out-of-state: $58,440
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
56%
Student body
31K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/24
Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
Cost of Degree: $10,449Expenses: $16,236Starting Salary: $81,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis known for?
Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Political Science
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
Registered nurses (RNs) can complete the fully online RN to BSN Degree Completion Option to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Choosing this option will prepare you to meet society’s current and future health needs and lay the foundation for future leadership roles.
If you study full-time or part-time, you can complete nursing courses in 12 to 24 months. There are two learning modules in the semester, each lasting about seven or eight weeks. The maximum number of courses per semester is four.
Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $350
- Out of State: $455
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
- In-state: $10,144
- Out-of-state: $32,582
- #4 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2025 #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs #5 Top 10 Best Online Business Management Bachelor's Programs 2025 #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Tennessee
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
49%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Franklin University
Cost of Degree: $9,577Starting Salary: $80,598What is Franklin University known for?
Franklin University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
You can enhance your nursing degree or diploma by earning a transferrable online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) from Franklin University. This online program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It meets the needs of busy RNs by offering nine six-week online courses and no clinical requirements.
Nursing programs online are especially effective for registered nurses with an associate degree (ADN) or nursing diploma. You can use this education as a qualification and effective credential to compete among the saturated pool of nursing applicants worldwide. Employers are becoming more selective about hiring practices due to a shortage of qualified nurses and an aging workforce.
Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $298
- Out of State: $298
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
- In-state: $9,577
- Out-of-state: $9,577
Tuition + fees
$10K
Student body
2K
The RN-BSN program is tailored to meet your needs and provide the best learning opportunities. Get ready to work alongside professors who hold leadership positions in their fields. Throughout your time at the university, you will also be supported by a team of dedicated professionals.
This one-year program allows you to earn a bachelor’s degree as a nurse professional while working, learning, and growing. The program offers online courses and no on-campus requirements to assist in completing the bachelor’s degree while working, learning, and growing.
To get admitted to this online program, you must have an ADN nursing degree from accredited nursing programs that CHEA or DOE recognizes. You should also have an unencumbered, active RN license in the state where you reside or practice. The best part of this online nursing degree is that you can finish it in one year.
Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $430
- Out of State: $430
Credits to Graduate: 36
Average Tuition
- In-state: $10,290
- Out-of-state: $10,290
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Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
62%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/25
Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Lewis University
Cost of Degree: $37,882Expenses: $15,830Starting Salary: $80,298Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lewis University known for?
Lewis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- History
- Religious Studies
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Lewis University’s online RN to BSN program has received national recognition. According to Nursing Process, Lewis is among the best RN to BSN programs within the Midwest region. To rank a school, three factors must be considered. And Lewis’s nursing program is known for its overall quality, reputation, and affordable tuition fees.
Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $1,056
- Out of State: $1,056
Credits to Graduate: 120
Average Tuition
- In-state: $36,530
- Out-of-state: $36,530
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
Tuition + fees
$26K
Graduation
41%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Campbellsville University
Cost of Degree: $26,990Expenses: $15,742Starting Salary: $53,033Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Campbellsville University known for?
Campbellsville University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Education
- History
- Business
- Nursing
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Campbellsville University offers an RN to BSN online program for registered nurses who want to advance their careers. You can finish this online degree in nursing for two years, without having to pay more than $14,000 in tuition. You may also utilize transferrable credits in order to save more.
This online nursing program covers the latest developments in medical technology as well as current trends in healthcare. Aside from learning managerial skills, you will also learn modern nursing procedures during this program. Some of the core courses you’ll tackle are pharmacology, microbiology, gerontology nursing, social statistics, and maternal-child nursing.
Online nursing graduates can advance their careers and become leaders in nursing or enter another field of nursing after completing Campbellsville University’s online nursing programs.
Online | Self-Paced
Average Cost per Credit
- In State: $335
- Out of State: $335
Credits to Graduate: 37
Average Tuition
- In-state: $26,100
- Out-of-state: $26,100
Career Outlook for Students with Nursing Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolRegistered Nursing/Registered Nurse
Degree Level: Bachelor's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,226
- Avg. Expenses*: $17,185
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $76,808
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 8 years
- Job Growth: 6.29%
- Number of Jobs: 3,390,000
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
| Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists | 10.42% | $212,650 |
| Nurse Midwives | 6.94% | $129,650 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 46.29% | $126,260 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 28.54% | $110,680 |
| Registered Nurses | 5.98% | $86,070 |
Top Industries
| Industry | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists | $212,650 |
| Nurse Midwives | $129,650 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $126,260 |
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What can graduates do with an online BSN degree?
A nursing career can range from working in an emergency room to caring for specific populations like kids or older adults. Nurses with a BSN can work in hospitals, healthcare facilities, clinics, assisted home living facilities, and physicians’ offices.
Online bachelor’s nursing programs can be your ticket to landing one of the following possible careers:
Critical Care Nurse
Critical care nurses are needed in emergency rooms and hospital intensive care units. Nurses in critical care must perform complex patient assessments and be calm and keen at performing urgent patient care. As a direct care provider, you will provide life-saving care to critically ill patients.
Health Coach
The job of a health coach is to assist clients in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They guide nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes. A health coach can provide education on various topics, including ergonomics, weight management, stress management, and yoga. You may work in clinics, hospitals, or nutritional facilities.
Pediatric Nurse
By the name of the nurse title itself, a pediatric nurse will work alongside families and their kids. A pediatric nurse performs physical examinations and cares for patients from infants through teens. Some roles include measuring children’s vitals, assisting in diagnostic tests, and helping take urine, blood, and stool samples.
Medical Writer
Schools and academic centers hire medical writers to create educational content for the institution’s perusal. You can conduct research, trial plans, or work in laboratories.
Additionally, medical writers may write for healthcare and science magazines and newspaper companies. With your medical writing skills, you may also create scientific proposals which can be used for conferences, lectures, and seminars. You’ll usually work with fellow medical staff, researchers, nurses, technical employees, and doctors.
Psychiatric Nurse
If you’re empathetic, patient, and have a warm heart for people battling mental diseases, you can land a job in the psychiatric nursing ward. This may lead you to work with complex situations; every day will become a learning journey. As a psychiatric nurse, your patients usually suffer from mental disorders, substance abuse, anxiety disorder, and eating disorders.
Nurse Manager
Some of the possible higher position jobs that an online bachelor’s in nursing can lead you to is a nurse manager. Nurse managers supervise and guide all medical staff, ensuring high-quality care is supplied to all patients in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
As a nurse manager, it’s also part of your role to train other nurses in giving treatments. You’ll delegate nursing tasks, write reports, and order medical supplies as needed. Nurse managers may only be able to assist patients during emergencies or understaffing.
Nurse Educator
In terms of nursing careers, one of a nurse’s prominent and promising roles is to become a nurse educator. While a university professor would require a master’s or doctorate in nursing, many healthcare facilities will give you a nurse educator job.
You will teach nurses in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities. Additionally, nurse educators should be committed to lifelong learning and enthusiasm for teaching to keep up with the latest nursing practices.
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Why Earn a BSN Degree
The benefits of higher education include career advancement, higher salaries, and improved patient care. Check out more appealing reasons and benefits below:
Better Pay
As a nursing professional, you will earn a higher income when you earn an online BSN degree as opposed to a two year associate degree in nursing (ADN). According to nurse.org, the average salary for an ADN nurse is $69,000, while the average salary for someone with a BSN may be as high as $84,000.
A BSN degree also opens up positions with higher levels of responsibility, like leadership or management positions.
It is also important to note that salaries for nurses with a bachelor’s degree depend on many factors including your state of residence, the type of nursing position, and years of experience.
Countless Job Opportunities
94% of BSN graduates found work within 4-6 months of graduating, according to a 2020 AACN survey. No matter which firm or community health nursing facility you want to work in, you will have no shortage of job opportunities after graduating with an online bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Increased Quality of Patient Care
Nurses with online nursing degrees will be trained to provide individualized patient care. Aside from learning the technical aspects of providing medical assistance to patients, nursing graduates will be trained to improve patient outcomes in many ways.
Comprehensive Education
Nursing programs online offers an in-depth education and the same support resources that an on-campus program includes. Not only can you proceed with your studies according to your own schedule, but you can take advantage of research libraries, tutoring, education and career counseling, support from your professors, and more.
Is a BSN degree worth the educational investment?
As discussed, nurses can command salaries that are higher than average, and the opportunities for career advancement with years of experience and specialization options are numerous.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for registered nurses is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade, and each year there are projected to be more than 200,000 job openings for nurses.
Even better, with advanced training, nurses can move into leadership roles and advanced opportunities such as nurse practitioner. This position has a median salary of $123,780 and the expected job growth rate exceeds 40% in the next decade. The career options are seemingly endless.
Bottom Line: Online nursing degree programs are definitely worth the investment. The predicted job growth rate is strong, the median annual salary is higher than many other occupations, and there are numerous opportunities for career growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the classes you need to take in an online bachelor’s of nursing degree program?
The BSN program emphasizes evidence-based nursing practices, critical thinking, and the application of nursing theory. Many courses that were taught on campus are available in online bachelor’s degree in nursing counterparts.
Some of the core courses to take are:
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Physiology and Anatomy
- Nursing Theory
- Nutrition
- Pharmacology
- Health assessment
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
Are there available financial aid options for those who want to study online bachelor’s of nursing?
In addition to prior college credits and work experience, federal grants and scholarships may reduce the amount and time spent on tuition for eligible students. Financial aid is available for online students through the Federal Student Aid program.
It’s important to ask the person in charge for online admissions regarding financial aid available for you. Some other financial assistance include military grants, student loans, and scholarships. Overall, there are many programs that are available for nurses looking for financial support.
How long does it take to finish an online bachelor’s of nursing degree?
It takes two to four years to complete a conventional bachelor of science in nursing degree. Working nurses can, however, go for accelerated programs with online degrees and transfer credits. Depending on the institution or program, sometimes, it will only take nine months to two years to earn a BSN online.
Nursing students looking for some flexibility in their education can choose from RN to BSN programs online. In many cases, some schools will also give you credit for work experience, transferable college credits that were previously earned, and associate degrees, which will allow you to complete your online BSN degree in a shorter time frame.
