BSN Degree Overview
While there are several different types of BSN degree programs, in general, these programs aim to equip students with the skills to provide total health care to individuals and/or families. Students must understand the science behind nursing, as well as have the practical nursing skills needed to care for patients. These degree programs are typically designed to help prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students in these programs receive hands-on training through labs and clinical care courses. Some programs may include an opportunity for an international training experience to learn about global health issues.
The Best BSN Degree Programs
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MCPHS University | $34650 | 85% | 74% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | Thomas Jefferson University | $41715 | 66% | 70% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | University of California-Los Angeles | $13240 | 12% | 92% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | California State University-East Bay | $7000 | 76% | 50% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | San Jose State University | $7852 | 64% | 64% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 6 | California State University-Sacramento | $7368 | 82% | 55% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | San Francisco State University | $7266 | 67% | 57% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | Rutgers University-Camden | $15264 | 79% | 65% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | CUNY Hunter College | $7382 | 35% | 57% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | Sonoma State University | $7880 | 91% | 62% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $11390 | 74% | 69% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | The University of Texas at Arlington | $11040 | 83% | 51% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | University of Pennsylvania | $57770 | 8% | 96% | 59% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | Molloy University | $32600 | 78% | 74% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 15 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $11639 | 87% | 56% | 83% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | California State University-Stanislaus | $7542 | 89% | 59% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | $8171 | 81% | 45% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 18 | California State University-Chico | $7806 | 72% | 67% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | Stony Brook University | $10175 | 44% | 76% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 20 | Binghamton University | $10201 | 41% | 82% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $11465 | 52% | 84% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | California State University-Channel Islands | $6802 | 86% | 54% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $9335 | 67% | 52% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | Farmingdale State College | $8538 | 55% | 52% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | California State University-San Marcos | $7717 | 62% | 54% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | University of Connecticut | $17226 | 49% | 84% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | Georgetown University | $56058 | 14% | 95% | 55% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 28 | Texas A & M University-College Station | $11361 | 58% | 82% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | University of California-Irvine | $13727 | 27% | 84% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | California State University-Northridge | $6977 | 59% | 55% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | California State University-Fullerton | $6924 | 53% | 69% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | California State University-Dominguez Hills | $6946 | 77% | 44% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 33 | The University of Texas at Austin | $10824 | 32% | 86% | 67% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | University of Utah | $8615 | 62% | 70% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | University of Florida | $6381 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | CUNY Lehman College | $7410 | 38% | 53% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | California State University-Los Angeles | $6768 | 48% | 52% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 38 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | $17935 | 24% | 95% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 39 | California State University-Long Beach | $6834 | 39% | 74% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 40 | La Salle University | $31650 | 78% | 66% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | San Diego State University | $7510 | 34% | 73% | 60% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 42 | James Madison University | $12206 | 77% | 84% | 62% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 43 | California State University-Fresno | $6589 | 58% | 56% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 44 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $16540 | 23% | 93% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 45 | California State University-San Bernardino | $6952 | 69% | 55% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 46 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $10725 | 54% | 88% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $8980 | 23% | 91% | 65% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | The University of Texas at Tyler | $8742 | 83% | 42% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $15407 | 61% | 84% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 50 | Duke University | $57931 | 8% | 95% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.
Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What is the Difference Between a BSN and an RN?
Students wondering what is the difference between a BSN and RN should first know that a registered nurse (RN) has several different educational pathways available to them. RNs can choose between earning a nursing diploma, an associate degree in nursing (ADN), an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Therefore a BSN is one pathway option to becoming an RN and helps prepare students for their licensing exam. RNs with a BSN may have more career opportunities available to them because of the additional education.
Types of BSN Degree Programs
There are several different types of BSN degree programs available to students depending on their educational and professional background in the field of nursing. The type of BSN degree program may determine how long it takes students to complete their degree. Some examples of different types of BSN degree programs include:
- Traditional BSN- for high school graduates
- Accelerated BSN- usually for those with a bachelor's degree in a field outside of nursing
- RN to BSN- designed for students who already have an associate degree in nursing
- LPN/LVN to BSN- for licensed practical/vocational nurses
- Early Admission Programs- accepts qualified students into the nursing program early
In addition to the different types of BSN degrees, there are also different formats. Many traditional BSN degree programs are available in-person on campus. Other non-traditional programs, such as an LPN/LVN to BSN, may be available in online formats to accommodate working professionals and their schedules.
Curriculum for a BSN Degree
The curriculum for a BSN degree usually requires around 120 credits of general education courses, core nursing courses, and electives. Students typically take their general education courses and/or lower-division courses in the first year or two of the program and may start focusing on core nursing courses during year 2 or 3, depending on the program. Core nursing courses usually cover a range of nursing topics, as well as nursing skills used while working with different populations, such as children or mental health patients. Nursing courses may be offered as or include labs to give students hands-on training and experience with nursing skills and techniques. Some BSN programs may conclude with a capstone course and/or a nursing intensive course. Some examples of lower-division courses for BSN programs may include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Math
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology for nursing
As students move into upper-division courses and/or are accepted into the nursing program, they may take courses in topics like:
- Health assessment
- Clinical care
- Nursing research
- Nursing care of adults
- Pediatric nursing
- Community health nursing
- Global public health
- Nursing practice
- Ethics
How Long Does it Take to Finish a BSN?
Traditional BSN programs are designed to take 4 years to complete. However, the time to degree completion may depend on the type of BSN students enroll in, and students who have already taken some college courses may be able to complete their degree faster. For example, students who have already earned a bachelor's degree in another field may pursue an accelerated BSN that can be completed in as little as 12 months. Students who already hold their RN license may be able to earn their BSN in as little as 9 to 12 months, depending on the format of the program. Learners may also be able to adjust the time to degree completion slightly by the load of courses that they take each semester.
Admission Requirements for a BSN Program
While nursing school requirements may vary slightly based on the type of BSN program and the institution that offers the program, here we will focus on the admission requirements for traditional BSN programs. Generally, students wishing to pursue a traditional BSN program need to first apply to the school of their choice as a pre-nursing major. Once students have completed their prerequisites for nursing, usually after their first year, they can begin the admission process to the professional nursing or pre-licensure nursing program. Admission is usually competitive, so applicants to nursing programs commonly need to meet a minimum GPA requirement, which may be around a 3.0 or higher, depending on the school. They need to fill out the appropriate application and, while specific courses vary by program, students also generally need to demonstrate success (with a minimum GPA or grades) in prerequisite courses in areas like:
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Psychology
- Anatomy
- Biology
- English
- Physiology
- Sociology
Additional admission requirements may differ by school and program. Some students may need to undergo an interview process. Other students may need to complete additional exams, such as a Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Students may also need to meet minimum admission requirements. Due to the unique admission requirements of each program, students should be sure to carefully learn about the admission process of their chosen nursing program.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for BSN Programs
Paying for nursing school may be a challenge for some students, so students should make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to see what federal loans and/or grants they may qualify for. Scholarships can help make up any difference and additional scholarships may require students to fill out their FAFSA first anyway. Nursing students can apply for a wide range of scholarships based on merit, financial need, talents, interests, and even those specifically offered to nursing majors. Many nursing schools offer different scholarships to their students based on different criteria and for various amounts. A few examples of nursing-specific scholarship options include:
- Fredrika and Joel Felt Endowed Scholarship in Nursing- This award from the University of Memphis is awarded to a nursing student who is in good standing and has financial need, but may not be eligible for other forms of aid. Students are chosen by the Dean.
- Chamberlain Opportunity Scholarship- Open to pre-licensure BSN students at Chamberlain University, this $1,000 scholarship is merit-based and requires students to maintain a specific GPA.
- Barton Endowed Scholarship- BSN students at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences can compete for this scholarship if they have a 3.5 GPA or higher.
Licensure & Certification for BSN Degrees
Graduates with their BSN are likely to go on and earn their RN licensure. In addition to this licensure, many nurses choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine and/or work with a specific population of patients. Some employers may require certification in a specialty field, but in general, certification demonstrates a nurse's competency and expertise in the area. Typically, to earn certification, nurses must meet the necessary education and/or training requirements and then pass an exam. Most certifications require a renewal process at regular intervals.
Certifications for various areas of nursing are available from several organizations. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which is part of the American Nurses Association (ANA), provides a range of specialty and clinical nurse specialist certifications in addition to nurse practitioner certifications. Some examples of certifications include ambulatory care nursing, informatics nursing, and pain management nursing. The renewal process for these certifications occurs every 5 years and requires students to choose professional development activities, such as continuing education, professional service, assessment, or publication and research.
Another organization, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), provides board certifications for different specialty areas of nursing. RNs may decide to pursue certifications like the CCRN (critical care RN) certification for adult, pediatric, or neonatal; the Progressive Care Nursing (PCCN) certification; or the Cardiac Medicine (CMC) (Adult) certification. These board certifications also require a renewal process with continuing education.
Other nursing-related positions may also have certification options. For example, nurse educators can pursue certification from the National League for Nursing. They may earn their Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) or Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE-cl) designation.
NCLEX Exam & RN Licensure
Most, if not all, BSN programs aim to prepare students to pass their NCLEX-RN exam to become an RN. This is the first step required to earn state licensure and practice as a nurse. Students must register for the NCLEX-RN exam and meet all eligibility requirements, which includes graduating from an approved nursing program. They then receive their Authorization to Test (ATT) and must complete the exam within 5 hours. Students will receive their results and then must complete any additional state requirements to earn their RN license, such as passing a background check.
Accreditation for BSN Programs
BSN programs commonly carry two levels of accreditation. Regional accreditation, or the first level of accreditation, usually applies to the institution as a whole and indicates that degree programs at various levels have met academic standards. Regional accreditation may also allow students to apply for financial aid and transfer college credits from one institution to another more easily. This accreditation may be given to schools by groups like the Higher Learning Commission.
The second level of accreditation is program-specific, and for BSN programs is awarded by nursing-related organizations. Most traditional BSN and/or graduate programs in nursing with this level of accreditation are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which is part of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), while other types of BSN programs, such as an LPN/LVN to BSN program may be accredited by other nursing groups, like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). This program-specific accreditation is important because it stands out to employers by indicating that students have completed a program that has met nursing-specific standards for quality.
What Can I Do with a BSN?
While many graduates with their BSN do go on to become nurses, there are several different career options for those with a BSN. Some of these roles may be specific types of nurses or different roles within the field, such as educator or manager. A few examples of possible careers for those with a BSN include:
- Nutritionist nurse
- Nurse manager
- Public health nurse
- Legal nurse consultant
- School nurse
- Case management nurse
Many BSN graduates that go on to work as an RN can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and physicians' offices, and commonly specialize in working with a specific population or within a particular area of nursing, like pediatrics, critical care, or rehabilitation. While nursing duties vary by the specific job, nurses in general work to provide quality health care to their patients. They may be responsible for monitoring patients' conditions, giving medication and/or treatments as needed, noting medical histories, educate patients and families on the patient's condition, and using different medical equipment. These professionals work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the job outlook from 2019 to 2029 for RNs was 7%, which is faster than the average.
How Much Can You Earn with a BSN?
According to the BLS, as of 2019 the median annual salary of RNs was $73,300. Another website, PayScale.com, reported that the median annual salary for students who hold a BSN degree was $85,539, as of 2020. Therefore, earning a BSN could provide a higher salary. Salaries for RNs also vary by industries. For example, RNs who worked in hospitals (state, local and private) had a median salary of $75,030, as of 2019 as compared to those who worked in nursing and residential care facilities with a median salary of $66,250, per the BLS. One of top paying industries for RNs as of 2019 was business support services with a median salary of $81,360.
How to Choose a BSN School and Program
When comparing BSN schools and programs, students may want to begin by finding the right type of BSN program that fits their level of education and/or qualifications. After determining the type of BSN program they need, students should look for a CCNE-accredited program to ensure a quality education and stand out to potential employers. Students may also want to explore and think about the different hands-on opportunities for training that different programs provide and find a program they think will best prepare them for their desired career. Other considerations for these programs may include tuition rates, available scholarships, and/or program formats.
Professional Organizations in Nursing
In order to stay updated in the field, connect with fellow nurses, and/or continue their career development, graduates with their BSN may consider joining one of several different professional nursing organizations. These organizations usually offer membership and typically provide a wide range of resources geared specifically to nurses. A few examples of professional organizations in nursing include:
- American Nurses Association- The ANA is perhaps the leading group for nursing certifications and offers diverse continuing education opportunities, including webinars, workshops, and online courses. The group hosts multiple conferences, maintains a blog, and provides an innovation award for professionals in the field.
- National League for Nursing- The NLN provides nursing professionals with a range of professional development programs, including a leadership institute, scholarships, and continuing education programs. The organization is involved in advocacy for nursing and does provide testing services and centers for nursing education, as well as certification for nurse educators.
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing- The AACN not only provides CCNE accreditation, but also leads a number of initiatives within the field of nursing, such as diversity and inclusion initiatives. The group also has conferences, leadership development opportunities, and online learning tools, like webinars.
