2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs Without Statistics

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from online RN to BSN programs without statistics?

You can expect a curriculum designed for working nurses, typically lasting 12 to 24 months. The coursework moves beyond clinical skills to focus on key professional areas. These include nursing leadership, community health, and evidence-based research, preparing you for systems-level thinking in healthcare.

The practicum is project-based, not a repeat of bedside clinicals. You’ll apply new knowledge directly to your work, perhaps by shadowing a nurse leader or developing a quality improvement proposal. It’s a practical experience designed to build on your existing expertise.

Where can I work with an online RN to BSN degree without statistics?

Employers value an accredited BSN, and don’t check for specific prerequisites like statistics, which means this degree opens the same doors as any other BSN program. A BSN expands your career options well beyond the hospital floor.

• Hospitals and Medical Centers: You become qualified for leadership roles like Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager in acute care settings.
• Outpatient Clinics: This degree allows you to manage patient care in specialized environments, such as oncology or cardiology clinics.
• Public Health Agencies: You can work in community health, focusing on education, disease prevention, and local wellness programs.
• Healthcare Informatics: The degree provides a pathway to roles that manage clinical data and information systems to improve patient outcomes.
• Long-Term Care Facilities: You can take on key leadership positions, such as Director of Nursing, in skilled nursing or assisted living centers.

How much can I make with an online RN to BSN degree without statistics?

With a BSN, you can expect your earning potential to increase significantly. The average annual pay for a BSN-prepared nurse is $102,263. However, your specific salary will depend on several key factors.

• Geographic Location: Salaries vary by state and city, with metropolitan areas on the coasts typically offering the highest pay to offset the cost of living.
• Type of Facility: Large, private hospitals and specialized surgical centers often have higher pay scales than smaller clinics or public health organizations.
• Years of Experience: Your deep experience as an RN is a powerful asset that you can leverage when negotiating your salary for a new role.
• Leadership Responsibilities: Moving into a role like Nurse Manager, which involves overseeing staff and managing budgets, commands a higher salary, with a median of over $101,000 per year.
• Specialized Skills: Developing expertise in a high-demand area like informatics can boost your income, with informatics nurses earning a median salary of over $85,000.

List of the Best Online RN to BSN Programs Without Statistics for 2026

1. Illinois State University – Online RN to BSN

Illinois State University offers a flexible RN to BSN program taught by the same dedicated faculty who lead its on-campus courses. The curriculum is delivered in manageable 8-week online sessions, allowing working nurses to balance their education with their professional and personal lives.

• Program Length: 1-2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 31
• Tuition: Cost information available upon request
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Texas at El Paso – RN to BSN Online Degree

The University of Texas at El Paso provides a supportive and accelerated pathway for working nurses to complete their BSN in as few as 2.5 semesters. The program is designed for employed RNs, offering individualized academic advisement and fully online nursing coursework to ensure success.

• Program Length: As little as 2.5 semesters
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $336.12
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

3. College of St. Scholastica – Online RN to BS in Nursing

The College of St. Scholastica offers a values-based program grounded in Benedictine principles, allowing RNs to earn their degree in as little as one year. The curriculum focuses on preparing nurse leaders to serve vulnerable populations and provides a direct pathway toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

• Program Length: ~2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $426
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Eastern Michigan University – Online RN to BSN

Eastern Michigan University focuses on developing advanced clinical reasoning and leadership skills through a well-rounded, 100% online curriculum. The program prepares nurses to address the complex cultural, economic, and social issues that influence modern patient care and healthcare delivery systems.

• Program Length: 1-2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 30
• Cost per Credit: $1,038.87 (In-State); $1,055.40 (Out-of-State)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Schreiner University – Online RN to BSN

Schreiner University provides a highly accelerated and accessible pathway, allowing working nurses to complete their BSN entirely online in just one year. The program is structured with 7-week courses and removes common barriers by not requiring chemistry or statistics for admission.

• Program Length: As little as 1 year
• Required Credits to Graduate: 33
• Cost per Credit: $262
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

6. Gardner–Webb University – Davis RN-BSN

Gardner-Webb University offers a holistic RN to BSN program grounded in Christian values, emphasizing clinical competence and social awareness. The curriculum is delivered in a flexible online format and offers a seamless transition option for graduates to pursue an MSN or DNP degree.

• Program Length: ~1 year
• Required Credits to Graduate: 30
• Cost per Credit: $385
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. Augsburg University – RN to BSN Completion

Augsburg University provides a unique BSN completion program with a distinct focus on transcultural nursing and addressing health inequities. The curriculum includes community immersion experiences and offers a direct pathway for qualified students to transition into the Master of Arts in Nursing program.

• Program Length: ~1 year
• Required Credits to Graduate: 32-36
• Cost per Credit: $1,277.56
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

8. Bemidji State University – Nursing B.S. (RN Completion)

Bemidji State University offers an affordable and flexible online program designed to develop critical skills in rural health, family health, and palliative care. With its banded tuition structure and personalized mentorship in small classes, the program provides an excellent return on investment for working nurses.

• Program Length: 3-5 semesters
• Required Credits to Graduate: 32
• Cost per Credit: $339.52
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

How long does it take to complete online RN to BSN programs without statistics?

Most online RN to BSN programs without statistics take 12 to 18 months to complete for full-time students, or around 24 months for those studying part-time. The main advantage isn't a shorter core program, but that you bypass a prerequisite course that often takes a full semester. This allows you to start your BSN coursework immediately, accelerating your path to graduation.

Choosing the right pace is a critical part of your plan. A part-time schedule can help you balance your studies with work and family life, preventing burnout. For those looking to finish even sooner, many institutions offer an RN to BSN online fast track. This efficiency is critical, as a vast majority of healthcare employers now prioritize candidates with this credential. This high demand, as shown below, makes completing your degree a timely and strategic career move.

How do online RN to BSN programs without statistics compare to traditional on-campus programs?

Both online and on-campus programs lead to the same respected BSN degree. The right choice for you depends entirely on your learning style and life circumstances. We'll explore the key aspects of both online and on-campus RN to BSN Programs.

Online RN to BSN Programs

The greatest advantage of an online program is its flexibility. You can complete coursework asynchronously, fitting your studies around your work shifts and family commitments. The number of programs offered fully online has grown by over 25% in the last decade, and today’s platforms offer robust student support. This path is specifically for existing RNs; those just starting their career should explore the quickest way to become a nurse.

On-Campus RN to BSN Programs

A traditional on-campus program offers a structured schedule and direct, face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers. This environment can be beneficial for students who thrive on in-person discussions and have predictable schedules. You also get immediate access to campus resources like the library and student centers.

What is the average cost of online RN to BSN programs without statistics?

The average total tuition for online RN to BSN programs is approximately $28,500, but costs can range widely from under $9,000 to over $51,000. This variation is often tied to the type of institution. Public, in-state universities offer the most affordable options, with average tuition around $9,600. Private universities, on the other hand, have higher tuition rates, averaging closer to $34,000 for the entire program.

For most working nurses, employer tuition reimbursement is the single most significant factor that reduces this cost. Many healthcare systems offer generous benefits that can cover a substantial portion of your tuition. The difference between institution types is a key factor in the initial cost, as the chart below illustrates. Programs like an online master's in psychology no GRE follow similar patterns of tuition variation depending on institution type and financial support options.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in online RN to BSN programs without statistics?

You have several excellent options to fund your BSN. It's very common for working nurses to use a combination of these resources to significantly reduce or even eliminate their out-of-pocket costs. Programs such as online masters programs in political science often follow similar financial aid structures, giving students multiple ways to fund their education.

• Employer Tuition Reimbursement: This is the most powerful financial tool for working RNs. Check with your HR department about your organization's policy, as many hospitals invest heavily in upskilling their nursing staff.
• Federal Student Aid: Filing the FAFSA is the essential first step to accessing federal loans and grants. Over 45% of RNs have used federally assisted student loans to advance their education.
• Nursing-Specific Scholarships: Many professional organizations, such as the American Nurses Association, offer scholarships specifically for RNs who are returning to school for their BSN.
• University Grants and Scholarships: Don't forget to check directly with the financial aid office of the schools you're interested in, as they often have their own institutional aid packages.
• Private Loans: These should be considered a final option after you have exhausted all other forms of aid, as they typically have higher interest rates.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in online RN to BSN programs without statistics?

The prerequisites for these programs are designed to be straightforward for working nurses. Universities have intentionally streamlined the admissions process, recognizing that you already have the foundational clinical education and experience. Programs like an energy MBA online follow similar structured prerequisites, ensuring students meet core academic and professional requirements before enrollment.

• Active RN License: You must hold a current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in the United States.
• Accredited Associate's Degree or Diploma: Your initial nursing education must be from a program accredited by the ACEN or CCNE.
• Minimum GPA: Most programs require a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 from your previous college coursework.
• Completed Prerequisite Courses: Beyond statistics, some programs may require foundational courses like English Composition or Anatomy & Physiology, which are typically completed as part of an ADN program.
• Professional Resume and References: Some schools may ask for a resume detailing your clinical experience to better understand your background.

While RN to BSN enrollment has leveled off recently, the overall trend in nursing shows a powerful and sustained push toward higher education, as you can see in the data.

What courses are typically offered in online RN to BSN programs without statistics?

The coursework in an RN to BSN program is designed to build upon your existing clinical expertise. It shifts the focus from hands-on skills to the leadership, critical thinking, and systems-level perspectives you need for advanced roles.

Just as online PhD programs in cybersecurity provide specialized courses to develop advanced technical and strategic skills, RN to BSN programs offer targeted courses to prepare nurses for leadership and evidence-based practice.

• Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice: This course teaches you how to read, evaluate, and apply clinical research to improve patient care. Crucially, the focus is on being a smart consumer of research, not on performing complex statistical calculations.
• Leadership and Management in Nursing: This develops your skills in leading healthcare teams, managing resources, and navigating the complex operational side of modern healthcare systems.
• Community and Public Health Nursing: You'll focus on health promotion and disease prevention for entire populations, learning to address health challenges outside the hospital setting.
• Health Informatics: It explores how technology and data are used to manage health information, track patient outcomes, and improve the quality and safety of care.
• Ethics and Legal Issues in Nursing: You will cover the complex ethical dilemmas and legal standards that shape modern nursing practice, preparing you to be a leader in patient advocacy.

Do Employers Value Online RN to BSN Programs Without Statistics?

Employers assess RN to BSN degrees based on accreditation standards, comprehensive curricula, and practical application rather than the inclusion of a statistics course. Many hiring institutions recognize that bypassing statistics allows for a dedicated focus on leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice—all critical skills for effective patient care and team management. This approach does not compromise academic rigor; instead, it accelerates the development of competencies that are immediately applicable in today's healthcare settings. Completion of a BSN through this pathway can also serve as a strategic stepping stone toward advanced roles, including opportunities from affordable psych NP programs online.

What types of specializations are available in online RN to BSN programs without statistics?

At the BSN level, specializations allow you to focus your final capstone project on a specific area of interest that aligns with your career goals. Here are some common specialization tracks:

• Nursing Leadership and Management: This track prepares you for roles like Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager by focusing on skills like budgeting, staffing, and quality improvement.
• Nursing Informatics: This focuses on the management of data and technology in healthcare, preparing you to work with electronic health records and clinical information systems.
• Public Health Nursing: This concentrates on community wellness and disease prevention, often involving work with government agencies or non-profit organizations.
• Case Management: This track focuses on coordinating long-term care for patients with complex or chronic conditions, ensuring continuity and quality of care.
• Nursing Education: This provides a foundation for roles in staff development within a hospital or in patient education, helping to train the next generation of nurses and empower patients.

Choosing a professional track builds upon the foundational BSN, which has become the standard for entry into the profession. As the data shows, it is now the most common credential for nurses earning their first U.S. license.

How to Choose the Best Online RN to BSN Program Without Statistics

Choosing the right program is the most important step in your educational path. When evaluating the best online RN to BSN programs without statistics, a structured approach ensures you select an option that truly aligns with your career goals, budget, and learning style.

Use these five key criteria to guide your decision.

• Accreditation: This is the most critical factor and is non-negotiable. Ensure the program is accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
• Program Cost and Financial Fit: Look beyond the sticker price to the net cost. Calculate your final out-of-pocket expense after factoring in your employer's tuition reimbursement plan and any available scholarships.
• Program Length and Pacing: Select a program with a schedule you can realistically manage. Consider whether a full-time, part-time, or accelerated format best fits your professional and personal life.
• Faculty and Student Support: Look for programs with strong faculty mentorship and robust student support services. This is especially important if you are looking for the easiest RN to BSN online programs, which are designed to help working professionals succeed.
• Curriculum and Capstone Options: Make sure the program offers professional tracks or capstone projects that align with your specific career ambitions, whether in leadership, informatics, or public health.

What career paths are available for graduates of online RN to BSN programs without statistics?

A BSN degree prepares you to take on greater responsibility and expand your impact on patient care. Let's explore five common career paths that open up for BSN-prepared nurses.

1. Nurse Manager

You will oversee the nursing staff on a specific unit or for an entire department. This role involves managing budgets, creating schedules, ensuring high-quality patient care, and implementing hospital policies. It requires strong leadership and organizational skills to guide your team effectively.

Median salary: $101,340 per year.

2. Case Manager

As a case manager, you coordinate long-term care plans for individual patients, especially those with chronic or complex conditions. You serve as a vital link between patients, their families, and various healthcare providers to ensure seamless and effective continuity of care.

Median salary: $77,590 per year.

3. Informatics Nurse Specialist

This role bridges the gap between clinical care and information technology. You will help design, implement, and optimize electronic health records and other clinical data systems to improve patient outcomes, enhance workflow efficiency, and ensure data integrity and security.

Median salary: $85,290 per year.

4. Public Health Nurse

Working for government or non-profit agencies, you will focus on promoting community health and preventing disease. Your work involves providing health education, running wellness programs, and addressing the health needs of diverse populations, often outside of a traditional hospital setting.

Median salary: $75,990 per year.

5. Clinical Research Nurse

You will assist in managing clinical trials for new treatments, medications, and medical devices. This role involves ensuring patient safety, maintaining meticulous records, and guaranteeing the integrity of the data being collected, contributing directly to advancements in medical science.

Median salary: $81,530 per year.

Industry data shows that 17.3% of nurses who enter the field with a BSN later earn a master’s degree. For those with a prior non-nursing bachelor's, there are even online direct entry MSN programs available.

What is the job market for graduates of online RN to BSN programs without statistics?

The job market for graduates of online RN to BSN programs without statistics is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% employment growth for registered nurses through 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to approximately 189,100 job openings for RNs each year, driven by the healthcare needs of an aging population and a retiring nursing workforce.

In such a high-demand market, holding a BSN gives you a significant competitive advantage. It positions you as a top candidate for the most desirable roles and provides strong leverage for negotiating salary and schedule. With this credential, you are well-positioned to be selective and can target the best places to work as a nurse. This robust growth ensures long-term career stability for qualified nurses.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their Online RN to BSN Programs Without Statistics

How Can I Overcome Common Challenges in Online RN to BSN Programs Without Statistics?

Many online RN to BSN students face obstacles such as managing a flexible schedule, navigating unfamiliar technology, and maintaining self-discipline without the structure of a traditional classroom. To address these challenges, consider setting clear daily and weekly study goals, establishing a dedicated workspace, and proactively seeking academic support from faculty or peers. Leveraging online tutoring services and discussion forums can facilitate smoother transitions between coursework and professional responsibilities. Additionally, researching resources from recognized platforms, such as the easiest nursing school to get into, may provide further insights into effective strategies and available supplementary support.

References:

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2023). Data spotlight: Declines in RN to BSN program enrollments. Retrieved from AACN Nursing
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2023). Data spotlight: RN to baccalaureate program characteristics. Retrieved from AACN Nursing.
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (n.d.). Impact of education on nursing practice. Retrieved from AACN Nursing.
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2024). Schools of nursing enrollment increases across most program levels, signaling strong interest in nursing careers. Retrieved from AACN Nursing.
• Health Resources and Services Administration. (2022). National sample survey of registered nurses: Education and training report. Retrieved from HRSA.
• Journal of Nursing Regulation. (2023). Nurse licensure compact: Evidence from practice and policy. Retrieved from Journal of Nursing Regulation.
• Nursing World. (n.d.). RN to BSN resources. Retrieved from Nursing World.
• ZipRecruiter. (2024). BSN nurse salary. Retrieved from ZipRecruiter.

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