have as a registered nurse and enhance them with continued education. While you don’t need a BSN to start work, you will need it to get the best possible jobs in your area. The list below showcases the top 50 affordable RN to BSN programs in the country based on total annual cost.
Note that the numbers for total annual cost reflect the charges with in-state tuition rates. To see where we got our data from, please refer to the resources section at the bottom of this page.
1. Northwest Florida State College
Northwest Florida State College offers a number of great nursing degrees at an affordable rate. There is a big gap in tuition rates for in state and out of state students here, but the out of state rates are still lower than those in a lot of other schools. The graduation rate at this school is 44%, and the student population is 11,254. NFSC is accredited by the CCNE to offer undergraduate programs in the field of nursing.
- Total Annual Cost: $7,669
- In-state Tuition: $3,234
- Out-of-state Tuition: $11,604
- Location: Niceville, FL
2. San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University is accredited by the CCNE, and it features an impressive graduation rate of 47%. That means that nearly half of the students that come into this school come out with a degree. The average student population here is 32,508 per year, but the school strives to keep class sizes as low as possible.
- Total Annual Cost: $10,885
- In-state Tuition: $6,450
- Out-of-state Tuition: $17,610
- Location: San Francisco, CA
3. University of Hawaii at Hilo
University of Hawaii at Hilo is one of only a couple of colleges in Hawaii that offer RN to BSN programs. The out of state tuition for this school is nearly triple the in state tuition, so this may not be the best place to go if you are from out of state. The graduation rate here is 39%, which is high considering the limited number of colleges in Hawaii. The student population is about 4,851 a year, and the nursing program is accredited by the NLNAC.
- Total Annual Cost: $10,931
- In-state Tuition: $6,496
- Out-of-state Tuition: $18,256
- Location: Hilo, HI
4. Wilmington University
Wilmington University is a wonderful nursing school to attend because it is accredited by the NLNAC and the CCNE. This school is home to an average of 15,388 students per year, and it features a 36% graduation rate. There is no difference in tuition between in state and out of state students, so you can enjoy an affordable rate no matter where you come from.
- Total Annual Cost: $11,803
- In-state Tuition: $7,970
- Out-of-state Tuition: $7,970
- Location: New Castle, DE
5. Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Northwestern Oklahoma State University may not be the biggest school in Oklahoma, but it is certainly the most affordable when it comes to nursing degrees. This school has an average student population of 2,300 and a graduation rate of 31%. The nursing degrees offered here are accredited by the NLNAC, and the cost of living for the state as a whole is quite low.
- Total Annual Cost: $13,877
- In-state Tuition: $5,482
- Out-of-state Tuition: $11,692
- Location: Alva, OK
6. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University is one of the best nursing schools to go to in Kansas, and it is accredited by the CCNE. The school has a 42% graduation rate and an average student population of 15,450. There is a large gap between in state and out of state tuition here, so keep that in mind before you apply. You may need extra financial aid to cover your expenses.
- Total Annual Cost: $14,879
- In-state Tuition: $3,314
- Out-of-state Tuition: $12,003
- Location: Hays, KS
7. Middle Georgia State College
Middle Georgia State College is a fairly large school by Georgia’s standards, featuring a student population of 7,598. The school’s graduation rate is a low 11%, but that does not represent the nursing department alone. The RN to BSN program here is accredited by the NLNAC, which ensures that you can get a good education here if you put your mind to it.
- Total Annual Cost: $15,199
- In-state Tuition: $3,028
- Out-of-state Tuition: $6,980
- Location: Cochran, GA
8. Lewis-Clark State College
Lewis-Clark State College is one of the few schools in Idaho to offer nursing degree programs. It has a graduation rate of 30% and a student population of 4,652. The out of state tuition here is much higher than the in state tuition, but LCSC offers financial aid options to help offset that. The nursing program at this school is accredited by the CCNE.
- Total Annual Cost: $16,729
- In-state Tuition: $5,784
- Out-of-state Tuition: $16,096
- Location: Lewiston, ID
9. University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas is accredited by the CCNE to offer undergraduate degrees in nursing. As a whole, the school maintains a 41% graduation rate and a student population of 12,939. This school features several other degree programs for healthcare professions if you decide that nursing is no longer right for you.
- Total Annual Cost: $17,073
- In-state Tuition: $7,358
- Out-of-state Tuition: $12,856
- Location: Conway, AR
10. Arkansas Tech University
Arkansas Tech University is one of the largest schools in Arkansas to offer nursing degree programs. This school features a student population of 12,749 and a graduation rate of 41%. This is accredited by the NLNAC, as well as a number of other regional boards for other degree programs. The tuition rate for out of state students here is nearly double that of in state students, so you may want to compare tuition rates in your area with those at ATU.
- Total Annual Cost: $17,599
- In-state Tuition: $6,918
- Out-of-state Tuition: $12,888
- Location: Russellville, AR
11. Midwestern State University
Midwestern State University is accredited by the CCNE and it has a graduation rate of 40%. The student population for this school is 7,198, which is small enough to allow for good student to teacher ratios. The cost of attendance here does not differ much between in state and out of state students, so you can enjoy affordable tuition no matter where you come from.
- Total Annual Cost: $18,023
- In-state Tuition: $7,238
- Out-of-state Tuition: $9,188
- Location: Wichita Falls, TX
12. Wichita State University
Wichita State University has a very large population of students, with 19,348 people choosing to enroll in this school every year. The graduation rate for WSU is 41% as a whole, but nursing students here tend to do even better than that. The nursing program at this school is accredited by the CCNE to provide classes to prepare you for the future.
- Total Annual Cost: $18,050
- In-state Tuition: $6,926
- Out-of-state Tuition: $14,960
- Location: Wichita, KS
13. Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University offers affordable tuition rates across the board, but out of state students pay about double what in state students pay. The graduation rate here is 39% and the student population is 12,487 per year. TSU is accredited by the CCNE to offer undergraduate degrees in nursing, and the school has a great job placement program to look into once you earn your degree.
- Total Annual Cost: $18,118
- In-state Tuition: $6,129
- Out-of-state Tuition: $14,352
- Location: Stephenville, TX
14. Coppin State University
Coppin State University is one of the few New England states to make it on our list of the top 50 affordable RN to BSN programs in the country. This school is accredited by the NLNAC, and it has a student population of 4,700. The graduation rate here is only 17%, but you can surpass that if you pay attention well enough in your classes.
- Total Annual Cost: $18,185
- In-state Tuition: $5,732
- Out-of-state Tuition: $10,223
- Location: Baltimore, MD
15. Boise State University
Boise State University is accredited by the NLNAC, and it maintains a graduation rate of 28% throughout all of its departments. The student population at this school is about 29,684, which is larger than a lot of other schools on this list. With that in mind, the nursing department only makes up a small portion of the school, so you can still enjoy close communication with your professors.
- Total Annual Cost: $18,267
- In-state Tuition: $6,292
- Out-of-state Tuition: $18,892
- Location: Boise, ID
16. Lakeview College of Nursing
Lakeview College of Nursing may not be the most affordable school on this list, but it is certainly one of the best when it comes to graduation rates. An average of 86% of the 294 students that attend this college each year come out with a degree in nursing. LCN is accredited by both the NLNAC and the CCNE, which should ensure you that you can get a good education from this school.
- Total Annual Cost: $18,553
- In-state Tuition: $14,720
- Out-of-state Tuition: $14,720
- Location: Danville, IL
17. Nicholls State University
Nicholls State University is yet another school on this list that is accredited by both the NLNAC and the CCNE. This school has a graduation rate of 39% and a student population of 8,069. NSU offers a range of healthcare degrees outside of the nursing profession in case you ever decided to change your career path. This school can help you no matter what.
- Total Annual Cost: $18,674
- In-state Tuition: $5,679
- Out-of-state Tuition: $14,529
- Location: Thibodaux, LA
18. William Carey University
William Carey University is a great school to attend for nursing no matter where you come from. The tuition rates here are the same for in state and out of state residents, so you could easily move here if nursing degrees are not affordable in your area. The graduation rate at WCU is 58%, and the school is accredited by the NLNAC. There are approximately 4,010 students in attendance at this university every year.
- Total Annual Cost: $18,683
- In-state Tuition: $10,800
- Out-of-state Tuition: $10,800
- Location: Hattiesburg, MS
19. Colorado Mesa University
Colorado Mesa University is accredited by the CCNE to offer undergraduate degrees in nursing. His school has a graduation rate of 29% and a student population of 9,236. There is a wide gap between the cost of in state tuition and out of state tuition here, so you may need to get additional financial aid to pay for expenses if you live somewhere else.
- Total Annual Cost: $18,743
- In-state Tuition: $5,922
- Out-of-state Tuition: $14,482
- Location: Grand Junction, CO
20. Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences has a very small student population of 846. Over 50% of the students that enroll in MCHS come out with a degree, on average. This school’s nursing department is accredited by the CCNE, but other departments maintain equally high accreditations at this school.
- Total Annual Cost: $18,873
- In-state Tuition: $15,040
- Out-of-state Tuition: $15,040
- Location: Des Moines, IA
21. East Carolina University
The graduation rate at East Carolina University is high at 58%. That represents the school as a whole, which is home to about 30,775 students each year. ECU has accreditations from both the NLNAC and CCNE, so you know you are in good hands if you get an education here. Just be leery of the tuition rate if you are not a resident of North Carolina.
- Total Annual Cost: $19,081
- In-state Tuition: $6,158
- Out-of-state Tuition: $20,271
- Location: Greenville, NC
22. Adams State University
Adams State University has great tuition rates for in sate students, and it maintains a low student population of 4,210. The graduation rate here is 21%, which is low compared to some of the other schools on this list. Nevertheless, ASU offers CCNE accredited degree programs that can prepare you for work as a registered nurse.
- Total Annual Cost: $19,584
- In-state Tuition: $7,448
- Out-of-state Tuition: $18,080
- Location: Alamosa, CO
23. Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University has a solid graduation rate of 37%, which means that more than one third of the students that start here come out with a degree. EKU is home to 19,043 students each year, which is a lot compared to other schools in the state. The nursing degree program is accredited by the CCNE.
- Total Annual Cost: $19,695
- In-state Tuition: $7,536
- Out-of-state Tuition: $16,608
- Location: Richmond, KY
24. Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M University is accredited by both the NLNAC and CCNE. It has a graduation rate of 36% and a student population of 9,699. It is one of several schools that offer nursing programs in the Houston area, but this is the one that has the most affordable tuition rates.
- Total Annual Cost: $20,000
- In-state Tuition: $8,098
- Out-of-state Tuition: $18,718
- Location: Houston, TX
25. Angelo State University
Angelo State University is another school in Texas that offers an RN to BSN degree program. This school has a graduation rate of 31% and a student population of 8,042. The NLNAC accredited the nursing degree program here, which guarantees that you will get a good education if you pay attention to your classes.
- Total Annual Cost: $20,026
- In-state Tuition: $7,493
- Out-of-state Tuition: $18,113
- Location: San Angelo, TX
26. University of Alaska – Anchorage
The branch of the University of Alaska in Anchorage has the best nursing degree program in the state, both in affordability and accreditation. While the total cost of attendance may seem high here, it is only because of the high standard of living in many parts of Alaska. The graduation rate at this school is 26% and the student population is 27,649. The R to BSN program at this school is accredited by the NLNAC.
- Total Annual Cost: $20,657
- In-state Tuition: $6,079
- Out-of-state Tuition: $18,175
- Location: Anchorage, AK
28. Rhode Island College
Rhode Island College may not be the first school to come to mind when it comes to affordable educations, but it offers surprisingly low tuition rates for the New England area. This school has a graduation rate of 43% and a student population of 8,869. The nursing program is accredited by the CCNE to offer undergraduate degrees for students just like you.
- Total Annual Cost: $21,848
- In-state Tuition: $7,602
- Out-of-state Tuition: $18,300
- Location: Providence, RI
29. Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University has nursing degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. If you attend school here, you could choose from a Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Nursing. The graduation rate at this school is 41% and the student population is a staggering 30,038. The nursing degrees offered here are accredited by the CCNE.
- Total Annual Cost: $21,977
- In-state Tuition: $5,986
- Out-of-state Tuition: $21,543
- Location: Boca Raton, FL
30. Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg State University has a great graduation rate, with more than half (51%) of students earning a degree once they enroll here. The student population at this school is 11,644 and the nursing program is accredited by the CCNE. If you can manage to live with relatives to save money on living expenses, you can drastically cut down your total annual cost here.
- Total Annual Cost: $22,022
- In-state Tuition: $8,985
- Out-of-state Tuition: $15,065
- Location: Fitchburg, MA
31. Louisiana College
Louisiana College has a graduation rate of 39% and a small student population of 1,925. That small student population allows you to have a lot of one on one time with your professors so you can get the best education possible. The nursing degree programs offered here are accredited through the CCNE.
- Total Annual Cost: $22,061
- In-state Tuition: $13,780
- Out-of-state Tuition: $13,780
- Location: Pineville, LA
32. Georgia College & State University
Georgia College & State University has one of the highest graduation rates on this list, coming in with 57%. There is an average of 6,468 students at this university, and a number of them are pursuing degrees in health sciences. The nursing degrees at this school are accredited by the NLNAC. Note that out of state students pay much higher tuition rates here than in state students, which could impact the financial aid you need to get.
- Total Annual Cost: $22,651
- In-state Tuition: $8,790
- Out-of-state Tuition: $26,690
- Location: Milledgeville, GA
33. University of Southern Maine
The University of Southern Maine has a graduation rate of 30% and a student population of 12,050. Even though the tuition rates here may seem a little high, they are quite low compared to other states in the area. The nursing degree program at USM is accredited by the CCNE.
- Total Annual Cost: $23,175
- In-state Tuition: $8,920
- Out-of-state Tuition: $21,280
- Location: Portland, ME
34. Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University has a number of great nursing degrees for Arizona residents, including an RN to BSN program. The graduation rate here is 49%, and the school is accredited by the CCNE. The student population here is high at 28,659, but the school offers a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Nursing. If you want to go beyond your BSN, this is a great school to be in for that.
- Total Annual Cost: $23,255
- In-state Tuition: $9,742
- Out-of-state Tuition: $22,094
- Location: Flagstaff, AZ
35. South Carolina State University
South Carolina State University has a graduation rate of 34% and a student population of 5,040. This school is in a lesser-known part of South Carolina, which may contribute to its low student population. The nursing degrees here are accredited by the CCNE, and the school offers a number of financial aid programs to help you pay for your education.
- Total Annual Cost: $23,497
- In-state Tuition: $9,776
- Out-of-state Tuition: $18,910
- Location: Orangeburg, SC
36. Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing is a school designed just for nurses. With a 55% graduation rate, it’s a wonder that only 309 students attend this college every year. The nursing program is accredited by the CCNE. The tuition rate here is fairly high, but it is the same for in state and out of state students.
- Total Annual Cost: $23,615
- In-state Tuition: $19,782
- Out-of-state Tuition: $19,782
- Location: Quincy, IL
37. Western Connecticut State University
Western Connecticut State University has a good nursing program that is accredited by the CCNE. The graduation rate here is 43% and the student population is 8,002. This college is affordable overall, but make sure you note the difference between in state and out of state tuition before applying.
- Total Annual Cost: $24,030
- In-state Tuition: $8,893
- Out-of-state Tuition: $18,977
- Location: Danbury, CT
38. University of Maine
The University of Maine has a high graduation rate of 59%, which is impressive considering its student population of 12,910. Much of this school’s success is derived from its longstanding commitment to its students. The nursing program at the university is accredited by the CCNE and has been for a number of years.
- Total Annual Cost: $24,147
- In-state Tuition: $10,600
- Out-of-state Tuition: $27,970
- Location: Orono, ME
39. University of Hawaii at Manoa
If you’ve ever wanted to go to school in Hawaii, the University of Hawaii at Manoa may give you the opportunity to do that. This school has a student population of 23,898 yet it still manages to keep up a graduation rate of 56%. The nursing program here is accredited by the NLNAC and CCNE, which means that you will get a great education no matter what.
- Total Annual Cost: $24,368
- In-state Tuition: $9,904
- Out-of-state Tuition: $27,472
- Location: Honolulu, HI
40. Eastern Illinois University
Eastern Illinois University offers affordable tuition rates for in state and out of state students. This school has a graduation rate of 60% and a student population of 12,735. The nursing degrees here are accredited by the CCNE, and other health sciences major maintain their own accreditations.
- Total Annual Cost: $24,937
- In-state Tuition: $11,144
- Out-of-state Tuition: $28,124
- Location: Charleston, IL
41. San Diego State University
You may not have expected to see a school from California on a list of the top 50 affordable RN to BSN programs, but alas, San Diego State University is here. This school is a great choice all the way around, with a 66% graduation rate and a student population of 30,483. The university offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels, all of which are accredited by the CCNE.
- Total Annual Cost: $25,013
- In-state Tuition: $6,766
- Out-of-state Tuition: $17,926
- Location: San Diego, CA
42. University of Delaware
The University of Delaware has an incredibly impressive graduation rate of 82%. Even though it is located in a small state, the school still carries a student population of 23,304. In terms of accreditation, the University of Delaware is backed by the NLNAC and the CCNE. If you decide to go to school here, you can be confident in your education.
- Total Annual Cost: $27,747
- In-state Tuition: $12,112
- Out-of-state Tuition: $29,932
- Location: Newark, DE
43. Oakwood University
Oakwood University has a graduation rate of 38% and a student population of only 2,187. This school’s small student population and extensive financial aid opportunities make it a great place to be no matter where you come from. The nursing degree program here is accredited by the NLNAC.
- Total Annual Cost: $29,377
- In-state Tuition: $16,232
- Out-of-state Tuition: $16,232
- Location: Huntsville, AL
44. Lourdes University
You can complete every level of your nursing education at Lourdes University, including the Certificate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees in Nursing. These programs are accredited by the CCNE to ensure that you are getting a good education. The graduation rate at LU is 36% and the student population is 2,449.
- Total Annual Cost: $29,763
- In-state Tuition: $17,530
- Out-of-state Tuition: $29,763
- Location: Sylvania, OH
45. Allen College
Allen College may not be at the top of our list in affordability, but it could be on other merits. The school has an impressive graduation rate of 84% and a small student population of 710. In state and out of state tuition rates are the same here, so you can get an affordable degree no matter what. The RN to BSN program is accredited by the CCNE.
- Total Annual Cost: $29,943
- In-state Tuition: $18,829
- Out-of-state Tuition: $18,829
- Location: Waterloo, IA
46. University of Mobile
The University of Mobile has a graduation rate of 43% and a student population of 2,034. It provides the same tuition rates for students in the state of Alabama and elsewhere. The nursing department here is accredited by the CCNE, and the school offers a number of career resources to help you get a job in the future.
- Total Annual Cost: $31,703
- In-state Tuition: $18,540
- Out-of-state Tuition: $18,540
- Location: Mobile, AL
47. Waynesburg University
Waynesburg University has a solid graduation rate of 60% and a small student population of 2,270. The school is accredited by the CCNE to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctorate of Science in Nursing. If you need help paying with your tuition here, the financial aid department would be more than happy to help you out.
- Total Annual Cost: $32,933
- In-state Tuition: $20,540
- Out-of-state Tuition: $20,540
- Location: Waynesburg, PA
48. Piedmont College
Piedmont College boasts an impressive graduation rate of 52% for an average of 3,340 students each year. This school has degree programs for many other health sciences professions should you decide to look elsewhere in the future. The nursing program here is accredited by the NLNAC to offer undergraduate degrees.
- Total Annual Cost: $33,093
- In-state Tuition: $20,730
- Out-of-state Tuition: $20,730
- Location: Demorest, GA
49. Dakota Wesleyan University
Dakota Wesleyan University is one of the few schools in South Dakota to offer a nursing program at all. This university maintains a graduation rate of 42%, which is pretty high for the area. The student population here is only 796, which means that you could get a lot of hands on training with your professors. The associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in nursing are both accredited by the CCNE.
- Total Annual Cost: $33,433
- In-state Tuition: $22,700
- Out-of-state Tuition: $22,700
- Location: Mitchell, SD
50. Midway College
Midway College finishes off our list of the top 50 affordable RN to BSN programs in the country. This school has a wonderful graduation rate of 62%, and it only has about 2,180 students every year. The nursing programs here are accredited by the NLNAC, so you know you are getting a good education. Check out this and other nursing schools on this list to find the RN to BSN program that is right for you.
- Total Annual Cost: $33,833
- In-state Tuition: $22,000
- Out-of-state Tuition: $22,000
- Location: Danville and Midway, KY
RESOURCES
- Total annual cost, in-state tuition, out-of-state tuition: Data courtesy of the CNN Money College Cost Calculator. Total cost estimates use in-state tuition rates, plus the approximate cost of extra expenses for public or private colleges.
- Graduation rate, student population: Data courtesy of Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System for the 2011-2012 school year.
- Accreditations: Data pulled from each school’s individual website.