Cheapest Online Nursing Degrees in 2026
RN-to-BSN and pre-licensure BSN programs have very different cost structures. This page explains both - and why the distinction matters before you enroll.
Critical: RN-to-BSN vs Pre-Licensure BSN Are Completely Different Programs
- You are already a licensed RN (Associate Degree in Nursing)
- Adding the bachelor's degree to your existing license
- 30-40 credits typical
- No clinical placement requirements at most schools
- Cost: $3,870-$15,000 at cheapest schools
- Fully 100% online is possible
- Starting with no nursing background
- Leads to licensure (NCLEX-RN exam)
- 120+ credits, 2-4 years
- Requires in-person clinical placements (cannot be fully online)
- Cost: $25,000-$80,000+ at most schools
- Fewer fully online options exist
Cheapest RN-to-BSN Programs (Online Completion)
| School | Per Credit | Total Cost | Credits | Accred. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida Online | $129 | ~$3,870-$5,160 | 30-40 credits typical | CCNE | In-state rate for all online students. AACSB hospital partnerships. |
| Liberty University | $330 | ~$9,900-$13,200 | 30-40 credits | CCNE | 10-year tuition freeze. Free electronic course materials. |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $342 | ~$10,260-$13,680 | 30-40 credits | CCNE | Accelerated 8-week courses. Strong student support advisers. |
| Ohio University | ~$375 | ~$11,250-$15,000 | 30-40 credits | CCNE | Public university. Strong regional employer recognition. |
| Western Governors University | Flat $3,970/term | $7,940-$15,880 | Self-paced | CCNE | Finish faster = pay less. Strong nursing hiring outcomes. |
CCNE vs ACEN: Which Nursing Accreditation Matters?
CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)
The gold standard for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs. Affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Required by many hospital systems for tuition reimbursement. All programs on this page hold CCNE accreditation.
ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing)
Also legitimate and widely recognized. Accredits all nursing education levels from vocational to doctoral. Some hospital employers accept ACEN; check with your employer before enrolling.
BSN Salary Premium Over ADN
RNs with a BSN earn approximately $7,000-$10,000 more per year than those with just an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), according to salary survey data from the American Nurses Association. More importantly, many hospital systems now require BSN for all nursing hires or for promotion to charge nurse and above.
~$9,790/year premium. A $10,000 RN-to-BSN program pays back in roughly 12 months.