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Updated May 23, 2024
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- Best Programs
- What to Look For
- Program Accreditation
- Applying
- Paying
- Careers
- FAQ
Pursuing a BSN online provides flexibility for aspiring nurses. Explore this guide for a list of the best online BSN programs.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty Images
Are you interested in becoming a nurse or advancing your registered nursing career? Earning an online bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) offers more flexibility and convenience than on-campus programs. Explore our rankings of the top online BSN programs to find a school that best fits your needs.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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Learn More About The Best Online BSN Programs
Using an objective approach, we have identified the top 10 online BSN programs. Our formula is based on distinctive factors to determine our rankings.
#1 The Best Online BSN Programs
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL- 4 year
- Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$3,358
- Out-of-state$15,000
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate62%
- Students Enrolled4,407
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
#2 The Best Online BSN Programs
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$4,478
- Out-of-state$19,810
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled71,881
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
#3 The Best Online BSN Programs
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled58,836
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
#4 The Best Online BSN Programs
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Madison, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$9,273
- Out-of-state$37,161
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled44,640
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
Average Tuition
- In-State$12,340
- Out-of-state$12,340
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled216
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
#6 The Best Online BSN Programs
University of Rochester
- Rochester, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$57,188
- Out-of-state$57,188
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate35%
- Students Enrolled11,741
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
#7 The Best Online BSN Programs
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$10,615
- Out-of-state$32,599
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled61,369
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
#8 The Best Online BSN Programs
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$6,380
- Out-of-state$6,380
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled147,866
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
#9 The Best Online BSN Programs
Texas A & M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$8,395
- Out-of-state$36,849
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled70,418
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
#10 The Best Online BSN Programs
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$3,735
- Out-of-state$16,004
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled13,061
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online BSN programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This ranking is from 2023.
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online BSN Program
Deciding which online nursing bachelor’s program works best for you depends on several factors such as program length, curriculum, clinical requirements, and accreditation. Our ranking of the best online BSN programs takes into account these considerations to help you make the right choice.
Admission Requirements
All pre-license nursing schools require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may require a minimum GPA, specific coursework prerequisites, and SAT or ACT scores. Post-license programs typically require a registered nurse (RN) license and an associate degree. Check with your program for more information on requirements.
Clinical Experience
All BSN programs require clinical experience but manage them differently. Find out if your program offers online learners the option of fulfilling clinical requirements close to home. Some programs will help you find facilities where you can complete your clinical experience, while in others, you will need to locate a suitable suite on your own.
Accreditation
Accreditation impacts your opportunities for employment, graduate studies, and certification. It is important to choose an online BSN accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Program Length
Full-time students typically earn their online BSN in four years. Accelerated BSN and RN-to-BSN bridge programs take less time, generally between 12 and 24 months, depending on the program’s requirements and the applicant’s previous experience.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
The NCLEX-RN pass rate shows how well the program prepares graduates for nursing careers. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, which administers the exam, the national NCLEX pass rate for first-time U.S. test-takers rose to 94.15% in March 2024 from 88.56% in December 2023. A higher-than-average pass rate can indicate a quality program.
School Graduation Rate
The school graduation rate reports the percentage of students who graduate in the expected time frame. A high graduation rate is a good indicator of the program’s commitment to learning and student success.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Not all online BSNs use the same learning and technology formats. Programs that offer an asynchronous or self-paced curriculum allow you to attend class when it’s most convenient for you. Others follow a synchronous or more structured schedule with fixed log-in times or hybrid courses that combine web-based instruction with in-person meetings.
Why Is Online BSN Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation ensures that a nursing program meets nationally established academic standards to prepare graduates for practice. All online nursing bachelor’s selected for our rankings have been accredited by the CCNE or the ACEN.
A program’s accreditation status has important implications for financial aid eligibility, licensure, and future educational and career plans:
- The NCLEX-RN and certification exams for an advanced practice nursing role require graduation from accredited nursing schools.
- Most nursing boards only grant licensure to graduates from accredited institutions.
- Government financial assistance can only be applied to accredited programs.
- Credits earned at nonaccredited schools may not transfer to other programs.
- Employers and graduate nursing programs may not consider graduates from nonaccredited schools.
- Graduating from an accredited program signals to employers that you have received a high-quality education, making you more competitive in the job market.
How Online BSN Programs Work
Depending on the program, you may complete all degree requirements online, except for clinical placements.
Asynchronous or self-paced programs appeal to highly motivated, independent learners who need minimal faculty supervision. Synchronous or more structured formats, which often have specific attendance requirements and similar guidelines, work best for students who desire more face-to-face interaction with faculty and other students.
Distance learners must complete clinical requirements in person to become licensed RNs. While some online programs can help you arrange placements close to your home, you may have to find your own clinical placements at approved sites.
Applying to an Online BSN Program
Online nursing bachelor’s programs generally follow the same admission procedures as traditional BSNs. Although criteria vary, all applicants must generally have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Many programs require specific math and science prerequisites for admission, but previous nursing or work experience is often not required.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Official transcripts
- Prerequisites in natural science
- Online application and payment of application fees
Admission Materials
- Letters of recommendation
- An essay or personal statement
- SAT or ACT scores (optional)
- Criminal background check and fingerprinting
- Physical exam and drug screening
- Immunization verification
GPA Requirement
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
Paying for Online BSN Programs
Prospective nurses often worry about how to pay for their online BSN. Several factors impact the cost of a nursing degree, including program length, required credits, and in-state versus out-of-state tuition rates. Depending on the program’s intensity, you may have difficulty working full-time while enrolled.
Many students offset the cost of their education with financial aid. You should begin your search for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for government-funded grants or loans.
You may also qualify for need-based or merit-based scholarships offered by schools or private organizations. Federal and state agencies offer student loan forgiveness programs for nurses who agree to work in high-need areas when they graduate.
What Can You Do With an Online BSN Degree?
BSN students receive training in nursing care, leadership, and case management, acquiring the skills for many professional opportunities. The degree also prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and state licensure as an RN.
RNs with a BSN degree find careers in various specialties, including geriatrics, pediatrics, and neonatology. While hospitals and physician offices are the major employers, RNs work in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities.
Employers have a strong preference for bachelor-prepared nurses, especially in administrative and supervisory positions. Graduate programs that prepare you for highly paid advanced practice roles require a BSN for admission.
Here are salary and outlook estimates for various nursing fields:
Registered Nurse
RNs provide patient care, administer treatments and medications, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in virtually every type of healthcare setting, from hospitals and clinics to nursing homes and home care.
Average Salary (2023)
$94,480
Job Outlook
6% (faster than average)
Public Health Nurse
A public health nurse works with groups and communities to promote health and safety, reduce health risks, and prevent disease through education, advocacy, and the direct delivery of care. These nurses often find employment in government and nonprofit organizations, school systems, and community clinics.
Average Salary (2024)
$72,060
Job Outlook
6% (faster than average)
Travel Nurse
Travel nurses take temporary positions in a variety of healthcare settings. They work on a short-term contractual basis, taking assignments that may last for a few weeks or as long as two years. Substantial nursing experience is typically required.
Average Salary (2024)
$83,386
Job Outlook
6% (faster than average)
Frequently Asked Questions About Online BSN Programs
You can become an RN by attending an accredited online nursing program. After graduation, you must pass the NCLEX-RN and obtain RN licensure from the state where you will practice.
The minimum educational requirement to become an RN is an associate degree in nursing (ADN). The other option is to receive a BSN degree.
Pursuing your bachelor’s in nursing online allows you to balance personal responsibilities or continue working while attending school.
Clinicals for nursing students must be completed through hands-on clinical placements at approved sites.
An online nursing degree is credible when offered through an accredited program. Accreditation ensures that a program meets educational and industry standards.
An RN-to-BSN program is the fastest way to obtain a BSN. A full-time student can complete this curriculum in as little as one year.
Related Pages
Page last reviewed on May 10, 2024
Are You Ready to Earn Your Online Nursing Degree?
Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.
