30 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Nursing Degrees from Private Colleges

In this article, we profile the 30 most affordable online bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) and online RN to BSN degree programs at private colleges. Earning a bachelor’s in nursing from an accredited institution often increases earning potential for registered nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 20 percent expected employment increase over the next five years. This means nurses with advanced degrees like a BSN will be in demand. But working registered nurses don’t typically have the time to return to the traditional classroom. Thankfully, online options are available from quality and accredited programs.

Ranking Online BSN and Online RN to BSN Programs

We looked at 158 accredited private colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered online bachelor’s in nursing or online RN to BSN degree programs. From the list, we selected schools with an undergraduate tuition under $25,000 per year. We confirmed accreditation and listed our schools in order of affordability, choosing the 30 least expensive institutions. Below are the resulting selections for our 30 most affordable online bachelor’s in nursing degree programs from private colleges.

#30 – Campbellsville University

Online RN to BSN

Campbellsville, Kentucky

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $24,596 One of the best ACEN-accredited online RN to BSN programs on our list is offered by Campbellsville University. This fully online program allows students to hone their nursing skills without having to attend traditional on-campus classes. The program consists of 43 credit hours of study that cover courses like:

• advanced health assessment
• community health nursing
• legal and ethical environment of healthcare management
• nursing informatics
• research methods

Admission requires:

• a copy of your RN license
• a complete application
• official SAT or ACT scores

Campbellsville University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 98th best regional university in the South.

#29 – Midway University

Online RN to BSN

Midway, Kentucky

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $23,350 Midway University offers an online bachelor’s in nursing program is for registered nurses with an active RN license. The program is 100% online and designed to be completed in just 12 to 24 months depending on supporting credits earned elsewhere. Online classes include:

• community health nursing
• introduction to professional nursing
• nursing leadership and management
• teaching and learning
• trends and issues in professional nursing

Applicants must hold a current RN license to be accepted to the program. Midway is accredited and ranked. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 69th best regional university in the South.

#28 – Belhaven University

Online RN to BSN

Jackson, Mississippi

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $23,016 Belhaven University’s BSN program online prepares practicing registered nurses with advanced nursing skills. Depending on the number of transferrable credits, students may complete the bachelor’s in nursing degree in just 12 months. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These classes include:

• community and population nursing
• leadership and management in nursing
• nursing research and theory
• physical assessment for the practicing RN
• professional role development

Belhaven is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 52nd best regional university in the South and the 20th best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #205 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#27 – Aurora University

Online RN to BSN

Aurora, Illinois

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $22,830 Aurora University is a private institution. It offers accredited online RN to BSN programs for registered nurses seeking distance education options. This fully online program is designed to be completed in 18 months to three years, depending on supporting transfer credits. All courses are delivered online and include:

• dimensions of professional practice
• ethical and public considerations in healthcare
• introduction to nursing informatics
• leadership and management
• lifespan development
• nursing research

To be admitted to the program, a current Illinois or Wisconsin registered nurse license is required. Also needed are transcripts that show a minimum GPA of 2.5. Aurora is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest.

#26 – Finlandia University

Online RN to BSN

Hancock, Michigan

Website Total Program Cost: $15,000 (information provided by the University) The online BSN degree program from Finlandia University is affordable and accredited. The program is for working nurses and offers part-time and full-time completion options. While the program can be completed in just five full-time semesters, students may take up to five years to finish the program. Classes are delivered online and taught by experienced nursing faculty. These courses include:

• community nursing
• diagnostic and therapeutics nursing
• transition to professional practice

The program is fully accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Also, Finlandia is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional college in the Midwest.

#25 – Utica College

Online RN to BSN

Utica, New York

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $19,996 Utica College offers bachelor of science nursing programs online for working registered nurses seeking a BSN degree. The flexible online platform makes it convenient for nurses to attend classes while working full- or part-time. Required nursing courses include:

• care of populations and communities
• end of life and palliative care practice
• health assessment
• leadership and informatics in professional nursing
• socialization to professional nursing
• trends in professional nursing

Admission requires an associate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and an active RN license. If students do not hold an active RN license, they must be eligible to become licensed within six months of starting the program. Utica is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 122nd best regional university in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #132 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#24 – Ohio Christian University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Circleville, Ohio

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $19,540 Ohio Christian University’s online bachelor’s in nursing degree program consists of 120 credits that can be taken entirely online. This RN to BSN online program delivers flexible online courses taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These classes include:

• community health nursing
• ethics in nursing
• health promotion and wellness
• nursing research and evidence based practice
• nursing theory–foundations for professional nursing practice

The program emphasizes a Christian theology and mission to offer Christ-centered patient care. Ohio Christian is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional college in the Midwest.

#23 – University of Mount Olive

Online RN to BSN

Mount Olive, North Carolina

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $19,000 The online BSN degree from University of Mount Olive is an accredited nursing program designed to equip registered nurses with advanced nursing skills. Flexible online options allow students to complete their degree on a part-time or full-time basis. Most courses run five weeks in length and move at an accelerated pace but have no specific class or login times. Students access course materials when it is convenient for them. Some of the courses offered include health policy and issues in nursing, introduction to nursing leadership, law and ethics for healthcare professionals, and transcultural and global nursing. University of Mount Olive is accredited and ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 32nd best regional college in the South.

#22 – Allen College

Online RN to BSN

Waterloo, Iowa

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $17,769 Allen College offers accredited online RN to BSN programs designed for working registered nurses. Full-time and part-time options are available. Clinical requirements may be done in the student’s area of residence. Classes are delivered online and include:

• application of evidence-based practice
• community and public health nursing
• health policy and ethics
• introduction to nursing research
• nursing informatics
• nursing leadership

Admission to the program requires:

• a current Iowa license as a registered nurse
• computer literacy
• a minimum cumulative GPA average of 2.5 on all post-secondary coursework

Allen College is accredited and has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report in recent years.

#21 – Husson University

Online RN to BSN

Bangor, Maine

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $17,035 Husson University offers one of the more affordable bachelor of science nursing programs on our list. This 120-credit hour online program is for registered nurses with an unencumbered nursing license and the desire to earn a bachelor’s in nursing degree. All classes are delivered online and include:

• health informatics and technology
• interprofessional collaboration in rural public health
• nursing research
• public health policy issues and challenges
• quality improvement in healthcare systems
• role transition

Husson is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #172 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#20 – Mississippi College

Online RN to BSN

Clinton, Mississippi

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $16,740 Mississippi College’s BSN program online is for registered nurses who want to develop nursing skills that will help transform health care. The program focuses on faith-based curricula. Online courses are taught by faculty who are dedicated to the values and competencies that advance nursing practice. The program is 100% online and CCNE-accredited. Courses run seven weeks in length. Students study at their own pace, taking one, two, or three courses at a time. Applicants must possess a current unrestricted RN license in their state of residence and have maintained at least a 2.0 GPA. Mississippi College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 31st best regional university in the South and the 22nd best value school.

#19 – Davenport University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $16,726 Davenport University’s online bachelor’s in nursing is a pre-licensure program for students pursuing a career as a professional nurse. The program is accredited and offers rolling admission for highly qualified candidates. A separate BSN with licensing options is also available. This program is approved by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. 120 credits are required to complete the degree, but transfer credits are accepted. An associate degree in nursing is welcome. It will offer the student an advanced standing role thanks to Davenport’s partnerships with community colleges. Davenport is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #186 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#18 – Bethel University

Online RN to BSN

St. Paul, Minnesota

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $18,915 (information provided by the University) Bethel University offers fully online bachelor of science nursing programs that equip nurses for professional careers in health care. The program requires an active RN license at the time of admission, although pre-licensure options are available. Students enrolled in the program complete 100% of their coursework online. Courses start every six weeks and include:

• application in research
• cultural diversity in healthcare
• ethical theory and applied nursing ethics
• nursing informatics
• nursing management
• the professional nurse

An RN to MSN bridge program is also offered for those wishing to pursue an advanced nursing degree. Bethel is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South.

#17 – Wayland Baptist University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Plainview, Texas

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $15,060 The online BSN degree program at Wayland Baptist University offers online coursework with face-to-face clinical components on the weekends. To be eligible for admission, students must have a clean criminal record with no convicted misdemeanors or felonies. Admitted students take courses online, which include:

• adult health
• current issues in nursing
• ethical and legal issues in nursing
• fundamentals of nursing
• leadership and management with clinicals
• nursing theories and research

Wayland Baptist is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. The school is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

#16 – Nebraska Methodist College

Online RN to BSN

Omaha, Nebraska

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $13,802 Nebraska Methodist College offers an online BSN degree program for registered nurses who want to earn advanced skills in nursing. The flexible RN to BSN program is offered entirely online and may be completed in just 18 months. Convenient online courses allow students to take classes in the comfort of their own home at times best for them. Courses include:

• collaborative nursing leadership in a global society
• complexity in nursing
• lifespan psychology
• nursing assessment for RNs
• the sociology of culture
• Most courses run five weeks in length. Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available. The nursing program is CCNE-accredited. The school has earned recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

#15 – Adventist University of Health Sciences

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Orlando, Florida

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $13,480 Adventist University of Health Sciences offers online bachelor of science nursing programs that can be completed 100% online with no clinical rotations. Faith-based courses adhere to the school’s mission and the standards set forth by ACEN-accredited nursing programs. Courses are taught by the same instructors who teach on campus. These courses include:

• applied health assessment and promotion
• community health nursing for RNs
• conceptual foundations in professional nursing
• introduction to research for RNs
• nursing informatics for RNs

Transfer credits are accepted. The program also lays a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing an MSN degree. Adventist University has been recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

#14 – Mercy College of Ohio

Online RN to BSN

Toledo, Ohio

Undergraduate Tuition: $13,430 Mercy College of Ohio offers online RN to BSN programs with 100% online coursework. There are three program starts for the RN to BSN. Coursework may be completed on a timeline determined by the student. In some cases, three semesters may result in an earned BSN degree, although students have up to six years to complete the program. The RN to BSN track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The school has been recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Admission is designed for licensed, registered nurses who have a diploma or ASN degree, and in some cases transfer credits may be accepted.

#13 – National University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

La Jolla, California

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $13,016 National University’s BSN program online provides a foundation for professional nursing practice at the baccalaureate level. Accredited with the AACN and CCNE, this program offers online courses taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include:

• community population in nursing
• evidence based practice
• health informatics
• introduction to biomedial statistics
• nursing leadership and management
• quality improvement

Upper level nursing electives allow students to take courses in areas of interest like:

• ethics
• healthy aging
• issues and trends in nursing
• National University is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #119 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#12 – Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Online RN to BSN

Columbus, Ohio

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $12,673 Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers a fully accredited online bachelor’s in nursing degree program. It’s for registered nurses who want to earn their baccalaureate degree in nursing. This program is highly flexible with online classes designed to fit with busy working schedules. Courses include:

• caring health practices in health assessment
• conceptual foundations of nursing
• nursing informatics
• nursing research and evidence based practice
• transcultural concepts

Several application deadlines are available, including:

• March
• June
• November

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

#11 – Brandman University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Irvine, California

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $12,300 The online BSN degree program at Brandman University is  for registered nurses who want to advance their careers as nursing professionals. Classes are delivered online and offer flexible requirements designed to fit with busy working schedules. Part-time and full-time options are available. The core curriculum may be completed in just 12 months. Courses include:

• evidence based thinking for scholarship and practice
• improving patient care outcomes
• managing healthcare reform
• nursing’s public image and professional issues
• transitions to inquiry-based practice for the baccalaureate general nursing practice

Brandman is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #63 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#10 – Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Concord, North Carolina

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $12,268 The bachelor of science nursing programs at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences include the online RN to BSN degree. This program is for bachelor’s degree-seeking registered nurses who hold an unencumbered RN license to practice in the state of North Carolina. All courses are delivered online. The the clinical project may be completed in the student’s geographic location. Online courses include:

• health and population service
• health assessment
• health policy
• nursing informatics
• quality and safety in nursing
• transitions in care

The baccalaureate degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The school has been recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

#9 – Park University

Online RN to BSN

Parkville, Missouri

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $12,130 Park University’s ACEN-accredited online RN to BSN programs allow registered nurses to complete the requirements of a BSN degree. Part-time and full-time completion options are available. Courses may be completed entirely online. Students have up to five years to complete the RN to BSN degree. The program is open to licensed registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing. Clinical requirements may be fulfilled in the student’s geographic location. This means no travel to campus is necessary. Classes are taught by experienced instructors. Small class sizes provide personalized attention to online students. Park is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs are ranked #220 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#8 – Our Lady of the Lake College

Online RN to BSN

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $12,046 The accredited online BSN degree program at Our Lady of the Lake College prepares registered nurses to fill leadership roles in various areas of healthcare and evidence-based patient care. Students may transfer up to 96 credits to help jumpstart the completion of their degree. However, to be admitted, students must have a permanent and active RN license and diploma or associate degree from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program. They must have a GPA of 2.0 or better. Each online course runs eight weeks, and students typically take two courses at a time. No campus visits are required, and classes do not have mandatory login times. In previous years, the school has earned recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report but is not currently ranked.

#7 – Franklin University

Online RN to BSN

Columbus, Ohio

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $11,881 Franklin University’s accredited BSN program online offers an accelerated pathway to the baccalaureate in nursing degree. It’s accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The online RN to BSN program can be completed entirely through distance learning. Classes are taught by university professors and include:

• community health nursing
• genetics in nursing and healthcare
• health assessment and promotion
• health information governance
• legal aspects of healthcare management
• nursing research and evidence based practice
• transition to professional nursing

Franklin is listed by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as having a top online bachelor’s program.

#6 – William Carey University

Online RN to BSN

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $11,700 William Carey University offers the accredited online bachelor’s in nursing degree. It’s for licensed registered nurses who want to earn a bachelor’s in nursing degree at an accelerated pace. In just 12 months, students may earn the degree but may also take additional time as needed. Online classes are taught by university professors and include:

• concepts of baccalaureate nursing
• community nursing
• health assessment
• introduction to research
• managing healthcare
• writing and reporting research

To graduate, students must complete at least 30 hours of credit at William Carey and receive a C or better in all nursing courses. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 41st best regional university in the South and 2nd best value school in the country.

#5 – Baptist Memorial College of Health and Sciences

Online RN to BSN

Memphis, Tennessee

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $11,204 One of the most affordable BSN programs online on our list is the RN to BSN from Baptist Memorial College of Health and Sciences. Courses are taken entirely online and without on-campus requirements. However, students working on prerequisites may be required to spend on-campus time. Full-time and part-time completion plans are available, but the overall course requirements are the same. These courses include:

• health assessment
• introduction to medical sociology
• nursing research in evidence based practice
• professional nursing role and quality care
• transitions to professional nursing

The nursing programs are CCNE-accredited. The school has been recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

#4 – Indiana Wesleyan University

Online RN to BSN

Marion, Indiana

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $9,791 Indiana Wesleyan University offers some of the most affordable bachelor of science nursing programs on our list. The post-licensure online RN to BSN degree is for working registered nurses with an active and unencumbered RN license who wish to pursue a bachelor’s in nursing degree. A blended format offers online and onsite classes that are designed to accommodate busy nursing schedules. To add to the convenience of the program, students are admitted seven times a year. Most courses are delivered online and include:

• evidence-based nursing
• foundation for professional practice
• introduction to baccalaureate nursing
• perspectives in poverty and health

Indiana Wesleyan is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 27th best regional university in the Midwest.

#3 – Baker College

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Flint, Michigan

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $9,000 One of the most affordable BSN program online degrees on our list is the online BSN (post-licensure) program at Baker College. Participation in the program requires an unencumbered license as an RN. This online program offers conveniently scheduled courses with no required campus visits. Courses include:

• community health nursing
• fundamentals of professional nursing practice
• introduction to healthcare informatics
• nursing assessment for the registered nurse
• nursing theory and research

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The school is also accredited. Baker College has received recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional college in the Midwest.

#2 – Western Governors University

Online RN to BSN

Salt Lake City, Utah

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $6,070 One of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs on our list is the accredited nursing program at Western Governors University. All classes are delivered online and taught by university instructors. These courses include:

• advanced standing for RN license
• community health and population focused nursing
• evidence based practice and applied nursing research,
• health assessment
• information management and the application of technology
• and professional roles and values in nursing

The school is ranked and accredited. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Western Governors as a top regional university in the West.

#1 – Brigham Young University

Online RN to BSN

Rexburg, Idaho

Undergraduate Tuition: $3,920 The most affordable online bachelor’s in nursing degree program on our list is offered by Brigham Young University. The program is open to currently licensed registered nurses who want to earn a bachelor’s in nursing degree. Courses may be taken entirely online and include:

• advanced nursing concepts
• community nursing
• health and wellness in aging adults
• nursing leadership
• nursing research
• path0physiology
• professional seminar in RN to BSN topics

The program is ranked and accredited. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 10th best regional college in the West. BYU offers our most affordable online RN to BSN degree program.

Related Resources:

• 5 High-Paying Careers in the Nursing Field
• 20 Most Affordable Master’s In Nursing Education Online Degree Programs
• 20 Most Affordable Master’s In Nursing Leadership and Nurse Administration Online
• Ultimate Guide to Nursing & Healthcare Degrees and Careers
• What Is the Employment Outlook for Nurse Educators?

This concludes our list of the 30 most affordable online bachelor’s in nursing or RN to BSN degrees from private colleges.