The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2025

Nurses who return to school for a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree can improve their job prospects. And the numbers bear that out — a 2023 survey from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) found that employers have now preferred BSN-prepared nurses for 14 years running.

In some cases, registered nurses (RN) can earn a BSN online in as few as 12 months.

Explore the best online RN-to-BSN programs and learn tips on how to select and apply to a program. You can also explore your financial aid options and salary potential after graduation.

It’s important to consider several factors before enrolling in an online RN-to-BSN program. Each school has its own requirements, program formats, and coursework. Think about your goals and needs before deciding which program suits you best.

RN-to-BSN programs are designed for nurses with an ADN (or nursing diploma) who desire a BSN. These programs allow ADN-prepared nurses to bypass traditional four-year BSN programs and earn a BSN in just 12-24 months. Program length can vary based on the school or whether students are enrolled full or part-time.

Many RN-to-BSN programs are offered online. These flexible programs are ideal for working nurses and typically feature online asynchronous (recorded) or synchronous (live) courses and lectures throughout the week. Students must complete some requirements in person, such as clinical experiences and labs.

BSN programs offer core nursing courses accompanied by clinical training in adult medical-surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics, mental health, and critical care. They also feature additional coursework in nursing leadership and community health.

Applying to online RN-to-BSN programs begins with ensuring you meet eligibility requirements, filling out applications, and submitting required paperwork. Candidates must show proof they attained foundational nursing knowledge, whether through completion of certain nursing courses or a full nursing degree or diploma.

Nursing school accreditation ensures that a nursing program meets certain educational and practice standards established by accrediting bodies, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accredited programs undergo rigorous evaluations to ensure graduates have a high chance of passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Choosing an accredited RN-to-BSN nursing program increases the likelihood that graduates will be prepared for RN roles, such as community health nurses or nurse leaders. It also makes students eligible for financial aid and allows them to transfer course credits to other accredited schools.

All nursing programs in our rankings are accredited.

Several factors can impact the affordability of an online nursing program. These can include program length, required credits, in-state vs. out-of-state tuition cost, and whether students can work while enrolled.

Students may qualify for several financial aid opportunities to pay for their nursing degree. They can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines eligibility for government-funded grants or loans. Student loan forgiveness programs are also available to nurses who agree to work in high-need areas after graduation.

Nursing schools and private organizations offer need and merit-based scholarships and awards. Members of the armed forces and their family members may qualify for discounted tuition at some schools. Many healthcare employers also offer tuition reimbursement benefits to nurses who complete their degrees in exchange for a work commitment.

An online RN-to-BSN program offers financial and career advantages. Earning an online BSN can take as little as one year of study and can lead to higher pay and increased job prospects.

The popularity of the BSN has grown.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) strongly supports the BSN as the minimum educational requirement for RNs. Many employers, including acute care facilities, school systems, and public health agencies, hire only BSN graduates. In fact, 28% of healthcare employers now require a BSN in nursing candidates, per AACN data.

BSN-prepared nurses take on additional responsibilities in clinical settings, including as charge nurses and nurse managers. According to October 2025 Payscale data, nurses with a BSN reported an average annual salary of $99,000 — well above nurses with an ADN ($80,000) and licensed practical or vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs) ($54,000).