10 Most Affordable/Cheap RN to BSN Programs

Affordable RN to BSN programs help working nurses increase their pay and marketability with a degree from an accredited online school. Standards for nursing education have increased over the years, but many students who want a BSN are working nurses who don’t want to go deep into debt to increase their credentials. Like traditional on-campus degree programs, affordable online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are offered by many institutions of higher learning. Some of the cheapest online RN to BSN programs are offered by mammoth-sized universities, regional public universities, small colleges, as well as dedicated nursing schools.

The easiest and cheapest online RN to BSN program will be the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that fits your budget, with delineated program objectives that meet your career objectives. Smaller regional public universities often offer some of the cheapest online RN to BSN programs with quality programs. When researching the easiest and cheapest online RN to BSN program, make sure to include the school’s accreditation status. If you are going to consider the cheapest online RN to BSN programs, it is important to select a school and program accredited by a legitimate nursing accreditation agency.

Our Method: Ranking the Most Affordable Nursing Schools

Our ranking of the most affordable online RN to BN programs puts schools in order based on one characteristic: their tuition cost, according to IPEDS data. However, ranking the most affordable online RN to BSN programs isn’t just about money – it’s also about quality, so every institution featured in the Best Health Degrees ranking is also regionally accredited, accredited by the CCNE or ACEN, and has an established track record of student satisfaction. That way, nursing students know their investments their nursing programs will see a return in higher pay and greater career opportunity.

Featured Programs

1. Daytona State College

Daytona State College offers an RN to BSN degree program that is considered one of the most affordable nursing schools available. DSC’s prepares graduates to seamlessly transfer from their RN certification to a more advanced nursing degree. Daytona State College’s RN to BSN degree program can be completed entirely online which makes earning the baccalaureate degree convenient to nursing who wish to remain employed while studying. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits DSC’s RN to BSN online degree program.

Daytona State College was established in 1957 as a public institution of higher education that sits alongside Florida’s Atlantic Ocean coastline. The college’s urban campus is home to more than 18,000 students and the Southeast Museum of Photography. Additionally, Daytona State College is a member school of the College System of Florida and partners with the public schools in Volusia and Flagler country.

Degree: RN to BSN

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2. University of Missouri-St. Louis

The University of Missouri-St. Louis’s College of Nursing RN to BSN degree program can be completed in only five consecutive semesters. UMSL’s coursework requires the completion of 120 credit units with RN to BSN coursework (30 credit units) that includes in Health Assessments, Nursing Theories, Ethics, Research, and a clinical component in the Population Health & Communities.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis was established in 1960 as a research institution of higher education. UMSL is the newest member school added to the University of Missouri system. The University of Missouri-St. Louis’ urban campus covers several hundred acres and is home to nearly 16,500 students. The University of Missouri-St. Louis’ St. Louis Mercantile Library on the campus of UMSL is the oldest library west of the mighty Mississippi River.

Degree: RN to BSN

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3. Minot State University

Minot State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program for the Registered Nurse (RN). It requires the completion of 30 credit hours in nursing and health-related services for a total of 122 general required credit units. And, the university allows for transfer credits from other eligible accredited institution of higher education.

It opened in 1913 as a normal school. And today Minot State University the 3rd largest institution of higher learning in the state of North Dakota. Minot State University’s rural campus is near the Canadian border and is home to nearly 4,000 students studying from MSU’s three colleges of Business, Arts & Sciences, Education and its graduate school. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the North Dakota Board of Nursing accredits Minot State University.

Degree: RN to BSN

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4. Nicholls State University

The Department of Nursing at Nicholls State University offers an online RN to BSN degree program. It has accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN). Additionally, it is one of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs in the southern portion of the United States. Nicholls State University’s RN to BSN degree program is designed for working RN’s who wish to pursue their BSN and be given credit for previous education and experience.

The university is a public institution of higher education that first opened in 1948 as Francis T. Nicholls Junior College. And today it is a member school of the University of Louisiana System of universities. Nicholls State University is named for a Louisiana State Supreme Court justice and a former governor of the state.

Degree: RN to BSN Articulation

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5. College of Coastal Georgia

The College of Coastal Georgia’s School of Nursing & Health Sciences is one of the most affordable nursing schools offering a Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree program. NursingSchoolHub.com recognizes the College of Coastal Georgia’s degree program as one of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs in the country. It is noted that degree candidates must also complete clinical rotations in their local community. Students enrolled in the RN to BSN plan have the option of completing the program in 3 semesters (full-time) or 6 semesters, as part-time student.

The College of Coastal Georgia was established in 1961 as Brunswick College and holds claim to the fact that it is the Peach State’s newest institution of higher learning. The school’s campus is home to more than 3,400 students studying from the College of Coastal Georgia’s colleges/schools – Business, Health Sciences, Arts & Sciences, and Education. The College of Coastal Georgia transitioned from a community college to a full four-year institution of higher education in 1971.

Degree: RN to BSN

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6. Columbia College

Columbia College’s Nursing Department offers an RN to BSN degree program that is available entirely online. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits Columbia College’s RN to BSN degree program. Students receive hands-on experience in basic medical and surgical settings along with many other nursing specialties. Upon completion of the degree program, students are eligible to sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Columbia College was established in 1851 as a private institution of higher learning. Although the school began as a nonsectarian university, it has since become affiliated with the Christian Church, the Disciples of Christ. The school’s 225+-acre campus is home to nearly 2,000 students. Columbia College operates its main campus in Columbia MO, as well as 40 extension facilities in fourteen states.

Degree: RN to BSN

See the program website for more on this affordable BSN!

7. Southwestern Oklahoma State University

The Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s RN to BSN degree program that can be finished online. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits SWOSU’s RN to BSN online degree program. Degree graduates have up to five years to complete the program, but for those who wish to finish quickly, the average time to complete the coursework is 6 eight-week terms (or about one-year) as a full-time student.

The Southwestern Oklahoma State University was established in 1901 and is one of only 6 member schools that make up the Regional University System of Oklahoma. The school operates with two rural campuses and is home to nearly 4,500 students. The first baccalaureate program (a teaching degree) was offered by the Southwestern Oklahoma State University happened in 1921.

Degree: RN to BSN

See the program website for more on this affordable BSN!

8. Columbus State University

Columbus State University’s School of Nursing offers an online RN to BSN degree program that has received accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Georgia Board of Nursing. Degree graduates are required to complete coursework Health Assessments, Clinical Nursing, Evidence-Based Practice, as well as a senior project that synthesizes the education a student receives.

Columbus State University was established in 1958. The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents manages Columbus State University. The school operates with three campuses — the main campus (suburban-like), a satellite campus on Fort Benning, and the Riverfront campus (urban-like), on the shores of the Chattahoochee River. Both campuses are home to nearly 7,400 students Columbus State University is home to the Coca Cola Space Center, which includes the Mead Observatory and a planetarium.

Degree: RN to BSN

See the program website for more on this affordable BSN!

9. University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers an RN to BSN degree program that is available entirely online. Course topics include Global Health, Informatics, Advanced Nursing Practice Issues, and Evidence-Based Concepts, among others. A total of 120 credit hours are required to complete the University of Southern Indiana BSN program, however, those with associate’s degrees from accredited schools may transfer those credits to the RN to BSN program.

The University of Southern Indiana was established in 1965 as a public institution of higher learning. The school’s 1,400 suburban acre campus is home to more than 9,000 students studying from more than 70-degree programs in the disciplines of Business, Liberal Arts, Nursing, Education, and Engineering. The University of Southern Indiana operates a semi-professional theater entitled the New Harmony Theater, in conjunction with the Actors Equity Association.

Degree: RN to BSN

See the program website for more on this affordable BSN!

10. Lamar University

Lamar University offers a Registered Nurse (RN) to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program that is 100% online. This BSN completion program is one of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs around. Students can complete the online RN to BSN degree program in as little as thirteen months. Nursing Coursework includes Care of Communities, Holistic health Assessments, Nursing Leadership, and Nursing Inquiry, to name a few.

Lamar University was established in 1923 as South Park Junior College. Lamar University holds the distinction of being a public state university that is a space-grant school. The school’s 290+-urban acre campus is home to more than 9,000 students study from more than 160 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through the school’s seven schools/colleges. These include the College of Engineering, Education, Business, Fine Arts, Arts & Sciences, Graduate Studies, and the Reaud Honors School. Lamar University was named in honor of the second Republic of Texas President — Mirabeau Lamar.

Degree: RN to BSN

See the program website for more on this affordable BSN!

How Much Can You Make with an Affordable BSN Online Degree?

Are you considering enrolling in an affordable online Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) degree program? Online programs are often cheaper, putting you in a good position starting out. Passing the national council licensure examination will be a breeze, too. If so, you have likely asked yourself these relevant questions:

How much do nurses make an hour starting out?
What is the top Bachelor of Science in Nursing salary?
How much does a nurse make a month?
How do I compare an RN vs BSN salary?
How do I compare an ADN vs BSN salary?

What’s a Bachelor of Nursing Salary on Average?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), whether earned in an online program or in a more traditional classroom setting, increases a Registered Nurse’s opportunities and potential salary. The average Bachelors of Science in Nursing salary is, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as follows.

The median nursing careers salary for the calendar year 2018 is $71,730. This translates to an average of $34.48 per hour for a Bachelor of Nursing salary. So how much does a nurse make a month? — around $5,977.50.

When comparing a Registered Nurse, RN vs BSN salary or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, ADN vs BSN salary, the reality is that a professional nursing careers salary (for those who have earned their BSN) is typically the highest salary, comparatively speaking, as those nursing professionals have completed the most nursing education. Registered nurses make more with a BSN, period.

In addition to asking how much do nurses make an hour starting out, it is important to consider the predicted job growth by the government’s statisticians. While nursing professionals are always in high demand, it is noted that the nursing industry is anticipated to grow at a 15% rate through the year 2026. The 15% estimate is near twice the average predicted the growth of all industries combined.

Can You Get an Online BSN Degree for Free?

Maybe you’re not ready for a BSN online program. With the onset and popularity of MOOCs, Massive Open Online Courses, one can truly take world-class academic courses online from some of the most preeminent institutions of higher learning. However, these self-paced, unsupervised courses generally do not offer any certifications for the coursework you have completed, unless the student agrees to pay a fee for a certificate to be issued. Unfortunately, there are no free online nursing courses with a certificate or free nursing degrees. An affordable BSN degree is the better option.

However, there are ways to help reduce tuition costs. There are countless nursing scholarships and financial aid options. If you can get your employer to help defer all (or some of) the costs of the classes, you may be able to earn some free nursing degrees, with this help, not because there are free online nursing courses with certificate available.

If you already have an associate degree from one of the community college nursing degree programs, you can get your bachelor’s faster. It’s not free, but online students can save a bundle.

What Kinds of Jobs Can I Get with an Online BSN?

Professional nursing skills and talents earned by completing an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree are typically in high demand. Nursing careers, including the many types of nurses and salaries, offer a wide variety of different types of nursing jobs and salaries. Nursing career options run the gamut, which allows each nursing degree graduate to select the work environment of a nurse specialty from a list of nursing fields available online, or with the school you have attended.

A list of nursing fields, best nursing careers, Bachelor of Science in Nursing jobs, a nursing careers list, types of nursing careers and the differing types of nurse and salaries are available through many online resources — including the government! A partial list of different types of nurses and descriptions for available nursing career options in a work environment of a nurse include working in:

Nursing Home
Hospital
School
Outpatient Clinic

The differing types of nursing careers offer BSN graduates a chance to reach for some of the best nursing careers. A Nursing careers list can help refine your search to decide which of the many types of nursing jobs and salaries, and the different types of nurses and descriptions would best fit your goals and talents.