Nurses who return to school for a 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, 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.
The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2026
How We Choose Schools
At NurseJournal.org, we use a data-driven methodology to identify deserving nursing programs around the country, making it easy for you to find a program that meets your needs. Our lists are informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that evaluates data for accuracy.
Each school in this list is awarded a superlative based on metrics that we believe matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, career outcomes, accessibility, inclusivity, and individual program offerings, among other factors. Since many programs share similar offerings, our goal is to simplify your decision-making by highlighting features that are most relevant to your needs. We reserve the right to exclude schools that lack sufficient data for accurate calculations.
All data was verified in October 2025.
Using Our Rankings: What To Look For in an Online RN-to-BSN Program
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.
Admission Requirements
RN-to-BSN programs require an associate degree in nursing (ADN), although some admit those with a nursing diploma. Review the degree requirements, minimum transfer credits, and nursing prerequisites to find programs that match your experience.
Program Curriculum
While most programs offer similar core courses, they differ in the electives available to students. Consider what required and elective courses a program offers. Does the coursework reflect your areas of interest or prepare you for specialization?
Clinical Experience
Clinical requirements for RN-to-BSN programs vary. Some do not require clinicals for students with an ADN who have already completed clinical hours for their RN license. Online programs that require in-person clinicals may require distance learners to find a clinical placement on their own.
Accreditation
Accredited nursing programs meet high standards for academic quality. Earning a degree from an accredited nursing school allows you to pursue licensure, careers, and graduate study in the nursing field.
Program Length
Most online RN-to-BSN programs require 24-30 credits and take 12-24 months to complete. The total program length depends on the number of transfer credits from your ADN degree.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
Although RN-to-BSN graduates do not need to retake the NCLEX, the pass rate can still serve as a good indicator of how well a nursing program prepares students for RN licensure. Pass rates above the national average suggest better program quality and teaching effectiveness.
School Graduation Rate
The graduation rate measures how many students finished their nursing degree within a certain time frame. Higher graduation rates can indicate a supportive learning environment and commitment to preparing nurses for practice.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
When choosing a program, ensure the online learning format meets your needs. Review the technology requirements and check for any required clinical training on campus or at a health facility.
How Do Online RN-to-BSN Programs Work?
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 an Online RN-to-BSN Program
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.
- Admission Materials: Proof of ADN or nursing diploma (or completion of a number of credits and prerequisite courses), official transcripts, and RN license. Some schools may admit candidates without an RN license as long as they gain licensure within the first semester of schooling. If attending a school based in a particular state, an RN license from that state may be required.
- GPA Requirement: 2.5-3.0
- Other Requirement: Internet access; special computerized devices or software may be required
Why Is Online RN-to-BSN Program Accreditation Important?
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.
Paying for Your Online RN-to-BSN Program
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.
What Can You Do With a Degree From an RN-to-BSN Program?
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).
| Nursing Degree/Certificate | Average Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| BSN | $99,000 |
| ADN | $80,000 |
| Nursing Diploma | $74,000 |
| LPN/LVN | $54,015 |
Frequently Asked Questions
