RN to BSN Cost: How to Find The Best RN to BSN Tuition Rate

If you are a registered nurse who is ready to take the next step in advancing your education, you may be considering going back to school to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in an RN to BSN program. Earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing is an investment in your future, and there are many important factors to consider when making this decision. The RN to BSN tuition cost is certainly one of them.

As you research the average cost of RN to BSN programs offered by various education institutions, keep in mind that the initial tuition rates probably do not reflect the actual cost of a BSN. That’s because nursing schools often provide base figures that do not include all of the elements involved in calculating the true RN to BSN cost. When you’re looking for an affordable RN to BSN program, it's essential to do your research!

So what’s the best way to estimate your tuition cost for Chamberlain’s online RN to BSN Option? Start by watching this quick video. It will provide you with an overview of BSN credit requirements, the credit transfer process, and financial assistance options. Next, review the Seven Steps to Calculate Costs for an Online RN to BSN below to learn more details. Or simply call our Admission team at 877.751.5783. A representative will be happy to walk you through each option.

Seven Steps to Calculate Costs for an Online RN to BSN

1. Count your credits.

Upon acceptance into Chamberlain’s RN to BSN Option, you will be awarded any proficiency credits that qualify. The BSN degree curriculum requires 122 credit hours, but with an associate degree or nursing diploma and an active RN license, you’ll automatically receive 77 credits for your prior learning. This leaves just 45 credit hours to complete your bachelor’s degree. You can also transfer up to an additional 15 qualifying credits. You must complete a minimum of 30 credits at Chamberlain. All of these credits can translate into tuition cost savings for you.

2. Ask about employer tuition reimbursement.

See if your employer provides a reimbursement benefit for the Chamberlain RN to BSN Option tuition cost. If so, you may be eligible to sign up for a special payment plan that will sync with the timing of your employer’s payments.

3. Check if you qualify for a group-specific tuition rate.

Chamberlain offers special tuition rates to over 11,000 partner locations across the U.S. These partners include healthcare institutions, community colleges, and associations, and the goal is to provide accessible educational opportunities for registered nurses. Group-specific tuition rates plus waived application fees are intended to make Chamberlain RN to BSN Option tuition reimbursement dollars go further. See if Chamberlain has a partnership with your employer, educational institution, or nursing association.

4. If you are a member of our nation’s military community, see if you are eligible for active-duty or veteran assistance.

Chamberlain is committed to providing quality, accessible nursing education to members of our nation’s military community, including:

• Active-duty, National Guard, or Reserve service members
• Veterans
• Retired military
• Spouses of veteran, active-duty, or retired military members
• Department of Defense employees
• Veterans Affairs employees

Students may be eligible for GI Bill^® education benefits and/or tuition assistance based on prior or current military service. Active-duty military students may be eligible for tuition assistance for their RN to BSN Online Option through their branch of service or stationed base.

5. Explore scholarship and grant opportunities.

Grants and scholarships are forms of financial assistance provided by an educational institution, federal or state government, or other outside source to offset the RN to BSN Option cost. Typically, grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid. Chamberlain offers a variety of scholarship and grant opportunities to students who meet specified criteria. Many external scholarships are also available from various sources, and if you qualify, scholarships can help reduce the RN to BSN Option cost.

6. Look into other financial assistance options.

There are a variety of financial aid options that are available to those who apply and qualify, from student loans—a form of financial aid that must be repaid—to Federal Work-Study that enables students who demonstrate financial need to earn a portion of their RN to BSN cost.

7. Don’t leave money on the table.

Do your research on all the opportunities to offset the online RN to BSN Option cost. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you can use to your financial advantage. In fact, more than 90% of Chamberlain students receive some form of financial assistance.

Keep in mind that cost shouldn’t be your only concern when comparing BSN degree programs. Other important factors include accreditation, course curriculum, and the length of the nursing program. Student support is another key consideration.

If you are interested in finding the most economical RN to BSN online program, keep in mind that there are many sources of funding to help reduce program costs. Chamberlain’s CCNE-accredited bachelor’s in nursing program has 100% online coursework plus a direct care component, so you can continue working full time while enriching your nursing skills. Our Admission team is ready to discuss your options and help you in the next step of your nursing education.

*GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

Chamberlain University, an HLC-accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 130 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.

By Chamberlain University