Nurses who hold a bachelor's degree in nursing are highly sought-after by healthcare employers. One of the most popular degrees for full-time working professional nurses to earn is a Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When deciding on the right RN to BSN program, you must consider factors such as ensuring a reputable organization accredits it, that it offers flexibility to fit your schedule, and, most importantly, the cost.
The good news is many inexpensive nursing programs are available for registered nurses to advance their careers, with several accessible through the convenience of distance education. Here is a list of the top five most affordable RN to BSN programs.
1. Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University (WCU) in Cullowhee, North Carolina, has a top-ranked nursing program and is a leading provider of training in the field.
It offers an online RN to BSN degree accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Students can complete it in just four semesters, and it requires 30 hours of nursing coursework.
What Makes This RN to BSN Program Affordable?
WCU has one of the most affordable RN to BSN programs out there, where residents can typically earn this degree for an estimated cost of $2,800, which breaks down to just $65.81 per credit hour.
In addition, WCU participates in the NC Promise: Use Your Advantage tuition program, which means the cost is currently reduced to just $500 per semester for residents enrolled in undergraduate studies.
Non-residents pay an estimated $7,800, or $232.47 per credit hour, to complete this online nursing degree.
What Nursing Topics Are Covered in This Program?
The curriculum of this RN to BSN degree explores subjects that enhance the leadership skills of registered nurses while expanding on their basic nursing education.
Coursework covers research and community health topics and teaches therapeutic communication principles and goal-oriented nursing care.
2. University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville ranks highly among the most affordable online colleges. It delivers a reasonably priced Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing through flexible distance learning.
This degree is CCNE-accredited, and part-time enrolled working nurses can finish it in five semesters. They must complete a total of 120 credits, with 30 credits focused on core nursing courses.
What Makes This RN to BSN Program Affordable?
The cost for Florida residents is just $129.18 per credit hour for online programs, which is set at 75% of the regular in-state tuition, making it a very affordable RN to BSN degree. Non-residents pay $552.62 per credit.
Many grants and scholarships not requiring repayment are available for qualified students to help defray these costs even further. To determine eligibility, students should begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Another way UF extends affordability is through the Free Seat Program, which waives the cost of tuition and fees for one bachelor's level course for eligible veterans and active-duty military members.
What Nursing Topics Are Covered in This Program?
With a strong focus on critical thinking and communication skills, graduates of this nursing program are prepared as generalists in providing holistic care for diverse populations.
Courses in this program include:
- legal and ethical issues in nursing
- genetics and genomics in healthcare
- leadership and innovation
3. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) in Manchester prides itself on its commitment to offering low tuition costs and has some of the most affordable rates in the nation.
It provides an online RN to BSN degree developed by nurses and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It requires 120 total credits, including 30 core nursing credits.
What Makes This RN to BSN Program Affordable?
SNHU extends affordability by only charging $330 per credit and waives application fees. Active-duty military members and spouses get up to a 30% tuition discount.
Students earn 45 credits for having an unrestricted RN license and can transfer up to 45 other credits. Entering the program with the allowable 90 transferred credits helps to save on costs and time, enabling students to finish it in one year.
It also provides the opportunity to save money by allowing registered nurses to earn college credit for work and life experience.
What Nursing Topics Are Covered in This Program?
With a curriculum focused on evidence-based practices and strategies to promote population health, SNHU teaches lifelong learning skills and essential nursing education for keeping up with the ever-evolving healthcare field.
Course subjects include information management and patient care technologies. It also covers nursing pathophysiology and community health topics.
4. Western Governors University
Western Governors University (WGU) has several nationwide locations and offers a flexible and affordable RN to BSN degree through online learning.
Registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing can enroll in this CCNE-accredited program and enhance their practical knowledge in the field while working full time.
What Makes This RN to BSN Program Affordable?
WGU charges by term instead of per credit, meaning less cost for a degree. The tuition for a six-month term is $4,885. Students need to complete 23 total courses to earn this bachelor's degree in nursing.
Individuals can complete the program faster by accelerating through material they already know, helping registered nurses control their costs for a nursing degree.
For more tuition savings, students can transfer up to 80 credits from an accredited institution, plus another 10 credits may be granted upon transcript evaluation.
What Nursing Topics Are Covered in This Program?
Registered nurses add a depth of knowledge to their nursing education in this evidence-based RN to BSN degree and learn to enhance patient outcomes and community health.
Course topics covered include:
- comprehensive health assessment
- information technology in nursing practice
- interpersonal leadership
5. Ohio University
Ohio University (OU) prepares students for working in critical care and home health organizations with its RN to BSN degree. U.S. News and World Report ranks its online nursing program as one of the best ones in the nation.
This flexible degree is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, which offers five-week courses students can complete in one year.
What Makes This RN to BSN Program Affordable?
Ohio University has one of the nation's most affordable RN to BSN degrees, costing $307 per credit hour for residents. Non-residents pay a rate of just $312 per credit.
This program requires nine nursing courses totaling 31 credit hours, meaning registered nurses can earn this bachelor's degree for less than $10,000.
It also provides a pay-as-you-go option, making tuition more affordable and providing the opportunity to budget the cost of getting a nursing degree.
What Nursing Topics Are Covered in This Program?
This program teaches students essential clinical reasoning and professional communication skills in nursing to implement evidence-based practice principles.
In addition, it explores core coursework in subjects such as leadership in nursing and health assessment and promotion.
Find an Affordable RN to BSN Program Today
With these top five affordable RN to BSN degree options available through the flexibility of online learning, registered nurses have many opportunities to find the ideal program to advance their nursing career today.
