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.

The W's nursing program is designed to prepare a nurse generalist who exercises leadership in the prevention of illness and promotion of health as a member of the community and professional nursing and as an agent of change who helps to bring about modifications of nursing practice to meet emerging health needs. This is consistent with the belief that the professional nurse will be prepared to function as a generalist, a leader, and a change agent. Thankfully, online options are available from quality and accredited programs, as working registered nurses don’t typically have the time to return to the traditional classroom.

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.

Affordability Data Overview

• #30 Campbellsville University: Undergraduate Tuition: $24,596
• #29 Midway University: Undergraduate Tuition: $23,350
• #28 Belhaven University: Undergraduate Tuition: $23,016
• #27 Aurora University: Undergraduate Tuition: $22,830
• #26 Finlandia University: Total Program Cost: $15,000

#30 – Campbellsville University Online RN to BSN

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, and 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 University offers an online bachelor’s in nursing program 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

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 University is a private institution that 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

Finlandia University provides an online BSN degree program for those seeking an affordable education. Information provided by the University lists the total program cost at $15,000. This accredited institution offers a path for nursing students to advance their careers through distance learning.