Best Online Registered Nurse (RN) Programs 2026

Why We Chose This Superlative: Socially Focused Curriculum and Learning Outcomes

Georgia State University offers an online RN-to-BSN program with strong clinical and community connections across the Atlanta metro area. Collectively, GSU students complete over 35,000 hours of community service learning each year and have access to a large healthcare network and urban career opportunities. The CCNE-accredited program prepares nurses for leadership, specialty practice, and graduate study.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $306
Out-of-State | $1,000

Credits to Graduate: 120

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Why Students Choose GSU Online:

• Socially Focused Learning: Build real-world experience through clinical and community partnerships across Atlanta.
• Flexible Pacing: Graduate in as few as three semesters or take fewer than nine credits per term for a lighter workload.

Know Before You Enroll:

• To qualify, you must have a Georgia RN license or be eligible to take the NCLEX (and be licensed by the end of your first semester), be a graduate or current student of an accredited associate or diploma nursing program, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• You can complete all coursework online, except for two in-person clinical rotations.
• Online programs include a $110 learning fee.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Choose from Seven-Week, Accelerated Courses With Flexible Start Dates

Texas A&M International University's RN-to-BSN is a fast-paced online program. Courses last seven weeks and can be completed in as few as 12 months, ideal for working RNs seeking faster advancement or preparation for graduate school. TAIMU offers six start dates each year, allowing you to begin your studies on your schedule. The ACEN-accredited program emphasizes ethical practice, cultural competence, and community health, incorporating both theoretical and practical components, including virtual and clinical practicum hours.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $281
Out-of-State | $794

Credits to Graduate: 120

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Why Students Choose TAIMU Online:

• Fast Pace: Take seven-week courses and potentially complete the program in about one year.
• Key Skills: Build leadership, critical thinking, communication, and evidence-based care skills.
• Well-Rounded Education: The curriculum integrates arts, sciences, and humanities into nursing practice.

Know Before You Enroll:

• Admission requires an unencumbered Texas RN license and a minimum GPA of 2.5 from an accredited institution.
• The number of credits you'll need to earn to graduate depends on how many general education courses you can transfer.
• Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher than the in-state rate.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Offers Students a Dedicated Online Resource to View Transfer Options

UF Online offers an RN-to-BSN program designed for working registered nurses seeking career advancement and preparation for graduate study. You can transfer up to 60 credits, including a full AA degree from a Florida public college. The school offers a free Transferology tool to help you see how your previous courses will transfer. The CCNE-accredited program emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and pathways to master’s or doctoral degrees in nursing. You can complete the program in five semesters with fully online, part-time study.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553

Credits to Graduate: 120

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Why Students Choose UF Online:

• Transfer-Friendly: Transfer up to 60 credits from an AA or previous college coursework, while using the free Transferology tool to verify eligible credits.
• Leadership-Focused: Develop skills in evidence-based care, information management, and health policy.
• Ample Experience: Complete 90 clinical hours, with half in a virtual simulation and half through an independent community project.

Know Before You Enroll:

• Tuition is significantly higher for out-of-state students, but still considerably cheaper compared to on-campus tuition. 
• Applicants must hold an active, unencumbered Florida RN license or Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) license.
• The program requires you to earn 120 credits, although the exact number depends on the number of credits you transfer.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Choose From Four-, Eight-, 12-, or 16-Week Course Offerings 

The University of Missouri-St. Louis' online RN-to-BSN program allows you to choose a course format that works best for you. These include four-, eight-, 12-, and 16-week course offerings, which are fully online and available in the evenings or on weekends. At the fastest pace, you can complete this CCNE-accredited BSN program in as few as two years while continuing to work.

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $643
Out-of-State | $1,431

Credits to Graduate: 120

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Why Students Choose UMSL Online:

• Flexible Formats: Study fully online and choose evening, weekend, or short-term options that fit your schedule.
• Hands-On Learning: Build real-world skills through 100+ clinical partners in hospitals and community settings.
• Career Advancement: Graduate ready for leadership roles or further study in UMSL’s DNP or Ph.D. programs.

Know Before You Enroll:

• You must be a licensed RN with an associate degree or nursing diploma from an accredited program.
• You’ll need reliable transportation for clinicals in the St. Louis area, including Illinois and Jefferson County.
• Out-of-state students should confirm program availability and local licensure requirements before applying.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Cheapest Per-Credit-Hour Tuition Rates for Out-of-State Online Students

WVU Parkersburg's online RN-to-BSN program stands out for its relatively low tuition, particularly for out-of-state students. The fully online program can be completed at a fast or steady pace, with three-semester (full-time) and five-semester (part-time) plans. The curriculum builds leadership, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice skills for roles in management, education, and public health.

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $188-$260
Out-of-State | $376-$401

Credits to Graduate: 120

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Why Students Choose WVU Parkersburg Online:

• Affordable Rates: WVU Parkersburg charges the lowest rates for out-of-state students on this list.
• Values-Based Education: Enroll in a program grounded in the National League for Nursing’s core values of ethics, self-directed learning, and community-centered care.
• Customizable Pacing: Choose a three- or five-semester plan — whichever fits your schedule.

Know Before You Enroll:

• The tuition range for in-state students applies to residents of West Virginia and Ohio.
• You must have an active, unencumbered RN license (or earn one soon after ADN graduation for conditional admission) and an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited school.
• All coursework must be completed within five years of starting your first nursing class.