Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) Degrees Online: Small Colleges

In this article, we profile the 30 best small colleges for online bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) degrees. According to Nurse Journal and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for registered nurses will increase 19 percent through 2022. While there are several pathways to becoming a registered nurse, earning a BSN sets nurses apart from the competition. The four-year degree provides continued education opportunities by making graduate nursing programs accessible (MSN). It often enables nurses to earn more money than their registered nurse peers. We reviewed 124 private and public nonprofit colleges and universities with an undergraduate enrollment of up to 2,000 students. To narrow our search, we confirmed accreditation at the national or regional level to ensure all schools on our list were accredited. We then collected the most recent undergraduate tuition from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator and selected the most affordable institutions. Many of the small colleges on our list have received rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We selected the 30 most affordable schools and ranked them in order of affordability. Below is our list of the 30 best small colleges for online bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) degrees.

#30 – Malone University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Canton, Ohio

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $29,900 Malone University offers an online bachelor’s in nursing for individuals with a nursing diploma or associate’s degree. The program can be completed in just 14 months with students taking one course per term. The entire program is delivered online and allows working professionals to keep their professional obligations. The degree’s curriculum is built upon nursing and healthcare best practices with Christian values infused into nursing practice. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and holds membership with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. U.S. News and World Report ranks Malone University #75 in regional universities Midwest.

#29 – Briar Cliff University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Sioux City, Iowa

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $29,786 Briar Cliff University is one of several institutions to offer online BSN degrees to current nurses holding a nursing diploma or associate’s degree. The Briar Cliff program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Courses in the curriculum include:

• evidenced based practice and research in nursing
• nursing leadership in the health care delivery system
• health assessment for registered nurses

Briar Cliff is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. This is intended to assist students taking online classes in other states. U.S. News and World Report ranks Briar Cliff #31 in regional colleges Midwest.

#28 – Northwest Nazarene University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Nampa, Idaho

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $29,000 Northwest Nazarene University is one of several institutions to offer online BSN programs for individuals with an associate’s degree in nursing. The online format allows working nurses to keep their professional commitments while earning their bachelor’s degree. Northwest Nazarene’s program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Admission requirements include:

• an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• 2.75 GPA minimum
• current RN licensure in good standing
• prerequisite classes in science, English, and statistics

Students can transfer up to 62 credits from a two-year college. Courses include:

• concepts of leadership and management in professional nursing
• introduction to evidence based practice
• nursing of diverse communities and populations

U.S. News ranks NNU #47 in regional universities West.

#27 – Davis & Elkins College

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Elkins, West Virginia

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $28,992 Davis & Elkins College offers an online bachelor’s in nursing for working nurses seeking to advance their careers and education. The degree can be completed entirely online in just 12 months. The program totals 40 credits divided into 36 hours of coursework and a 4-credit practicum. The 4-credit clinical takes place in the student’s own work environment. 24 credits are awarded to nurses with two or more years of experience. Classes include:

• ethical perspective in health care
• history of the U.S. health care system and health care reform
• integrated concepts in nursing
• transition to professional nursing

U.S. News and World Report ranks Davis & Elkins College #173 in national liberal arts colleges.

#26 – Carlow University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $28,596 Carlow University’s RN to BSN is an online program that can be completed in just 11 months. Admission to Carlow’s RN to BSN program requires an unencumbered RN license and graduation from an accredited nursing program. Carlow will accept up to 88 transfer credits that will apply to the required 120 credits for the BSN. A minimum of 32 credits must be completed at Carlow University to graduate with its BSN. Courses include:

• community health nursing for the RN
• evidence based practice
• nursing leadership and management for the RN

U.S. News and World Report ranks Carlow University #111 in regional universities North.

#25 – Graceland University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Lamoni, Iowa

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $28,110 Graceland University offers a fully online degree where students can transfer in up to 28 credits towards the BSN. Admission requirements include:

• a current RN license
• 2.5 minimum GPA on all previous coursework
• a strong recommendation of two years of experience as an RN

The Graceland program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education to confer a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Coursework includes:

• evidenced based practice
• fundamentals of health care
• pathophysiology and related pharmacology
• trends and issues

U.S. News and World Report ranks Graceland University #126 in regional universities Midwest.

#24 – La Roche College

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $27,720 La Roche College offers a BSN program that can be completed in just 18 months online. It’s geared toward individuals with nursing diplomas or associate degrees. The La Roche program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education. 30 of the 120 credits must be courses taken via La Roche College along with a minimum of a “C” grade in each nursing class. Admission standards include:

• a current RN license
• minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA
• two letters of reference
• a personal statement

The online BSN degree also works well as a stepping stone to La Roche’s RN to MSN program should the student want to matriculate into a master’s program. U.S. News ranks La Roche #19 in regional colleges North.

#23 – Marian University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $27,400 Marian University offers an online bachelor’s in nursing for current registered nurses with diplomas and associate degrees. The program can be completed entirely online. It’s accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Students can choose from 5-week or 8-week terms and may take one or two classes at a time. Admission criteria include:

• an associate degree or diploma from an NLNAC accredited program
• a current RN license
• 2.5 GPA
• transcripts from all institutions attended

The program combines current theory and applied practice focusing on patient outcomes. U.S. News and World Report ranks Marian University #122 in regional universities Midwest.

#22 – Carson-Newman University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Jefferson City, Tennessee

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $27,400 Carson-Newman University offers online BSN programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The program can be completed entirely online excluding clinicals. It can be finished in just 14 months with students receiving up to 30 transfer credits. Courses in the curriculum include:

• altered health states
• dimensions of professional nursing for registered nurses
• community/public health
• nursing research and evidence based practice

Admission criteria include 2.75 GPA, unencumbered RN license, and official transcripts. Carson-Newman is ranked #66 in regional universities South by U.S. News.

#21 – Immaculata University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Immaculata, Pennsylvania

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $27,350 Immaculata University is one of many institutions to offer online BSN degrees for current registered nurses with diplomas or associate degrees. The program offers flexible courses that can be taken even with full-time employment. Students can finish the Immaculata program in less than two years. Admission standards include a 2.0 minimum GPA and current RN license. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Immaculata’s online BSN degree combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills needed in the field. Immaculata also offers a master’s in nursing with concentrations in nursing education and nursing administration. It can be completed after graduation from the online BSN program. U.S. News ranks Immaculata #165 in national universities.

#20 – Tabor College

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Hillsboro, Kansas

Undergraduate Tuition: $27,220 Tabor College offers a nursing online program for current registered nurses seeking a bachelor’s degree for career stability and potential promotion. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Tabor program is built on the pedagogical underpinnings of treating the individual in a holistic manner to address:

• physical needs
• mental needs
• emotional needs
• spiritual needs

The curriculum includes current best practices combined with traditional theoretical and research based approaches. Individuals can transfer up to 84 previous credits earned as part of their associate degree or diploma. The degree can be finished in as few as 24 months. U.S. News and World Report ranks Tabor College #43 in regional Colleges Midwest.

#19 – Dakota Wesleyan University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Mitchell, South Dakota

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $27,030 Dakota Wesleyan University offers an online RN to BSN programs for current registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas. The program can be completed in just 14 months with full time enrollment. However, students can enroll at the credit level best suited for the individual situation. Students can transfer in up to 71 total credits towards the 125-credit degree. Courses start three times per year and last eight weeks total. Admission requirements include:

• an active, unencumbered RN license
• nursing degree or diploma from an accredited institution
• a 2.5 cumulative grade point average

U.S. News ranks DWU #30 in regional colleges Midwest.

#18 – Alderson Broaddus University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Philippi, West Virginia

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $26,610 Alderson Broaddus University provides online nursing programs for currently registered nurses with diplomas or associate degrees. The RN to BSN program is delivered asynchronously online and requires no campus visits. Students can attend full or part-time depending on their preference and situation. Full-time students can complete the entire program in 18 months. Students can earn transfer credits from past courses as well as work experience. Courses include:

• community mental health nursing
• excellence in nursing
• nursing professional development
• transition to professional baccalaureate nursing practice

Admission requirements include:

• unencumbered RN license
• diploma or associate degree in nursing
• 2.5 minimum GPA
• drug screening,
• background check

U.S. News ranks Alderson Broaddus #26 in regional colleges South.

#17 – Lees-McRae College

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Banner Elk, North Carolina

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $25,878 Lees-McRae College has a bachelor’s in nursing online program for currently licensed registered nurses. The program is designed for students to keep their work obligations while attending school. Classes run for eight weeks with students taking two courses per term. Each 16-week semester results in four completed courses, provided the student earns a passing grade. Students can finish in two years. The Lees-McRae program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Courses include:

• contemporary issues in health care
• evidenced based practice and research
• leadership and management
• statistics for critical decision-making

 U.S. News and World Report ranks Lees-McRae College #19 in regional colleges South.

#16 – D’Youville College

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Buffalo, New York

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $25,870 Unlike several other RN to BSN programs, the D’Youville College online RN to BSN program does not require students to have any prior work history. Admission requirements include an associate in applied science degree or a nursing diploma. Students with an associate degree in nursing from an accredited institution are offered conditional acceptance. Registered nurses with associate degrees are able to complete the program in two years of full-time study. Featured nursing courses include:

• community and population based nursing
• evidence based nursing
• leadership to advance quality and safety
• vulnerable populations

U.S. News and World Report ranks D’Youville #146 in regional universities North.

#15 – Midway University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Midway, Kentucky

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $23,950 Midway University offers online BSN programs to students with associate degrees in nursing (ADN). To be considered for admission, students must:

• hold a current RN license
• submit a resume
• have an ADN or nursing diploma
• a minimum 2.5 GPA
• clinical practice within the last five years

Work experience is preferred but not required. All courses are available online. Degree completion takes anywhere from 12 to 24 months, depending on how many transfer credits students receive. Courses include:

• adaptation for mental health
• community health nursing
• health assessment and clinical inference
• trends and issues in professional nursing

U.S. News and World Report ranks Midway University #89 in regional universities South.

#14 – Finlandia University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Hancock, Michigan

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $22,758 Finlandia University offers one of the most affordable online BSN degrees due to its “$15,000 price guarantee.” The current cost of the program is $500 per credit hour plus applicable fees. However, once the student reaches a total amount paid of $15,000, the student (or financial aid funds) are no longer required to pay. The Finlandia program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education as well as the Higher Learning Commission. Classes include:

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

Students may attend part-time or full-time. They can complete the degree in five semesters with full-time enrollment. U.S. News ranks Finlandia #62 in regional colleges Midwest.

#13 – Mount Aloysius College

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Cresson, Pennsylvania

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $22,430 Mount Aloysius College offers an online nursing program. It provides current registered nurses with associate degrees and diplomas with a full online pathway to a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN). The Mount Aloysius program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Classes are offered in accelerated 8-week sessions and include courses such as:

• health assessment for nursing
• human pathophysiology
• informatics in health care
• organizational behavior

The program is structured so current registered nurses can keep their professional obligations while attending school. U.S. News and World Report ranks Mount Aloysius College #26 in regional colleges North.

#12 – Cumberland University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Lebanon, Tennessee

Undergraduate Tuition: $21,810 Cumberland University is one of the few RN to BSN programs where students can finish the entire program in as few as 12 months. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Classes are offered completely online and include topics such as:

• communication and critical thinking in nursing
• foundations of nursing science
• improved clinical and assessment
• leadership and management

Admission requirements include:

• associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution
• unencumbered RN license
• completion of BIO 203, 203L, 213, and 214

Cumberland is ranked #106 in regional universities South by U.S. News.

#11 – Lincoln Memorial University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Harrogate, Tennessee

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $21,410 Lincoln Memorial University offers a bachelor’s in nursing online for current registered nurses seeking additional education. The Lincoln Memorial program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. It includes courses such as:

• foundations of nursing informatics
• health assessment of humans as adaptive systems
• pathophysiology of ineffective human responses
• promotion of adaptation in the elderly

Students with a current RN license may receive up to 31 credits of upper-level nursing hours toward the BSN. The program includes current nursing theory and research methods. It also include i best practice nursing skills needed to effectively treat patients. U.S. News and World Report ranks Lincoln Memorial University #80 in regional universities South.

#10 – Kentucky Christian University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Grayson, Kentucky

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $19,256 Kentucky Christian University is one of few online nursing programs that integrate Christian principles into its curriculum. The program is 36 credits. Students must have a total of 120 credits upon graduation. Students may transfer in courses from other institutions to go toward completing the 120 credit total. While all of the coursework is done online, the program includes three clinical experiences that must be completed in the student’s own community. Typical time to completion for the majority of students is 18 months. The program is designed for working professionals to keep those obligations while attending classes. U.S. News ranks Kentucky Christian #48 in regional colleges South.

#9 – Medical University of South Carolina

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Charleston, South Carolina

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $16,822 Medical University of South Carolina offers online nursing programs. They’re for the diploma or associate degree holding registered nurse wanting to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). The entire degree is completed online and can be finished in just 12 months. This is done by attending three consecutive semesters including fall, spring, and summer. Skill-building courses are 5-weeks. Research intensive classes are longer. Students spend time building a strong theoretical and research-based foundation that drives their patient care. Admission requirements include:

• three references
• 100-word essay
• resume
• a minimum 2.5 GPA
• an associate degree in nursing with an unencumbered license

U.S. News ranks Medical University of South Carolina #62 in best medical schools.

#8 – Claflin University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Orangeburg, South Carolina

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $16,480 Claflin University offers a bachelor’s in nursing online program. It’s for currently licensed registered nurses with an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution. The program is offered online with the exception of an intensive learning day held once per month at the campus. The RN to BSN program consists of 30 credits of core nursing coursework. Admission criteria require students to have:

• an associate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited school
• unencumbered RN license
• all general education requirements completed with a 2.5 or higher

Nursing courses include:

• community health nursing
• health promotion across the lifespan
• nursing research and evidenced based practice

U.S. News ranks Claflin #173 in national liberal arts colleges.

#7 – Linfield College

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

McMinnville, Oregon

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $13,900 Linfield University offers online BSN programs designed for new and experienced registered nurses seeking a bachelor’s degree (BSN). The program is offered through Linfield’s Good Samaritan School of Nursing. It’s accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Coursework includes:

• evidenced based nursing
• integrated experiential learning
• professional communication in healthcare
• transition to professional nursing

Linfield’s program is specifically geared towards nurses becoming leaders in the communities where they serve. As such, the curriculum is built on the underpinnings of:

• social justice
• multicultural awareness
• the care of vulnerable and marginalized populations

U.S. News ranks Linfield #143 in online bachelor’s degree programs.

#6 – Kettering College

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Kettering, Ohio

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $12,408 Kettering College confers online BSN degrees to students wanting a bachelor of arts degree in nursing. The program is designed for current registered nurses with an associate’s degree. The program can be completed in three semesters with full-time enrollment and transfer credits toward general education requirements. The entire program must be completed within five years. Admission standards include:

• an associate degree or equivalent in nursing
• an unencumbered nursing license
• a cumulative GPA of 2.5

Nursing courses include:

• BSN nursing success strategies and nursing informatics
• community health perspectives
• nursing leadership and management

U.S. News ranks Kettering College #26 in regional universities Midwest.

#5 – Averett University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Danville, Virginia

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $10,800 Averett University offers a bachelor’s in nursing online for current registered nurses seeking an undergraduate degree. The program is designed for currently employed registered nurses. However, it  will consider RNs not currently employed. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The RN to BSN program also prepares students to sit for the American Organization of Nurse Executives and Certified Nurse Manager and Leader certificates. These can be valuable to graduates as they complete the degree and search for positions or promotions. U.S News and World Report ranks Averett University #17 in regional colleges South and #9 in best value schools.

#4 – Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Alva, Oklahoma

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $7,066 Northwestern Oklahoma State University offers online nursing programs designed for full-time students. Students can matriculate during fall, spring or summer semesters. All nursing courses are completed online. However, the program does require students to live in or travel to one of several locations for clinical rotations. Travel expenses are the responsibility of the student, although most students share living and travel expenses. This Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education-accredited program requires students to take courses such as:

• holistic assessment
• introduction to nursing care and skills
• nursing care of the adult I
• pharmacology and nursing care

U.S. News and World Report ranks Northwestern Oklahoma State University #96 in regional universities West and #246 in best online bachelor’s programs.

#3 – Bluefield State College

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Bluefield, West Virginia

Undergraduate Tuition: $6,728 Bluefield State College provides online BSN programs in the “2+2” format. Students with associate degrees in nursing can complete their bachelor’s degree in three or four semesters. Every nursing class is delivered online with the exception of clinical coursework to be completed in the student’s own community. Students can choose to attend live lectures or view archived lectures in an asynchronous fashion. The 120-credit program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Admission standards include:

• a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution
• a 2.5 minimum GPA
• a current RN license
• completion of English and math prerequisites

U.S. News ranks Bluefield State #50 in regional colleges South.

#2 – Dickinson State University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Dickinson, North Dakota

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $6,554 Dickinson State University offers an online bachelor’s in nursing for students with a current RN license and a diploma or associate’s degree from an accredited institution. The Dickinson State program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. It’s approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. The program’s admission requirements include:

• an unencumbered RN license or evidence of pending license
• minimum 2.5 nursing GPA
• evidence of passing program prerequisite courses

Students applying for the online RN to BSN may be admitted without completing all prerequisites. U.S. News and World Report ranks Dickinson State University #51 in regional colleges Midwest.

#1 – Mayville State University

Online Bachelor’s in Nursing

Mayville, North Dakota

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $6,456 Mayville State University offers an online bachelor’s in nursing program. It’s geared toward adult learners who prefer an online education allowing them to keep their current professional obligations. Admission requirements include:

• a 2.5 minimum nursing GPA
• diploma or associate degree in nursing
• RN license by July 15th for fall semester matriculation or November 15th for spring semester
• two letters of recommendation

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Courses include:

• ethical dilemmas in health care
• evidenced based practice
• issues in health care system focus on rural health
• population focused and community based nursing care

U.S. News ranks Mayville State #45 in regional colleges Midwest. Related Resources:

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