How to Fund Your RN to BSN: A Guide to Financial Aid, Scholarships, & Costs

April 14, 2026 by Chamberlain University

As a registered nurse, you’re already making a profound difference in patients’ lives every day. Perhaps you’re considering the next step in your career journey and are ready to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. If so, one of your biggest questions is likely, “How can I afford this?” We’re here to help you discover that advancing your education might be more attainable than you might think. At Chamberlain University, we’re committed to making financial aid for an RN to BSN education accessible and straightforward.

Understanding Your Financial Aid Options for RN to BSN

When you’re exploring how to pay for your RN to BSN education, you’ll discover multiple pathways to reduce costs. Financial assistance for RN to BSN programs comes in several forms, each designed to support working nurses like you.

Federal Financial Aid forms the foundation of many students’ funding strategy. If you apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and qualify, you can access federal student loans for nursing school, federal grants including Pell Grants, and work-study opportunities.¹ At Chamberlain, more than 90% of our students receive some form of financial assistance, and we’re here to help you navigate every option.

Scholarships and Grants are funds you don’t have to repay. Chamberlain offers institution-specific aid including the RN to BSN Tuition Advantage Grant, which provides 25% to 30% tuition savings (up to $8,755 for eligible students). Our Commitment to Completion Grant offers up to $11,000 in savings throughout your program, plus two no-cost courses to reward your progress.² For additional information, on both of these offerings, including eligibility, visit Chamberlain’s website. And remember, external scholarships from professional nursing organizations can supplement these institutional offerings.

Employer Tuition Reimbursement is an option working nurses should inquire about at their workplace. Recognizing that your advanced degree can benefit both your career and place of work, many healthcare employers offer continuing education assistance. According to the IRS, this type of educational assistance is offered on a tax-free basis but employers are limited to contributing $5,250 per employee each year.³

Payment Plans and Out-of-Pocket Options round out your funding toolkit. Chamberlain works with you to develop flexible payment arrangements that fit your budget, ensuring that financial considerations don’t stand between you and your educational goals.

Leveraging Employer Tuition Reimbursement for Your Nursing Degree

Hospital tuition reimbursement for nurses represents a significant opportunity to reduce or eliminate the out-of-pocket cost of your RN to BSN education. Many healthcare employers offer tuition assistance, and some provide up to 100% tuition coverage in exchange for a post-graduation service agreement.³

How to Access Employer Tuition Reimbursement:

Step 1: Review Your Benefits Package. Start by checking your current employer’s benefits documentation or speaking with the HR department. Ask specifically about tuition reimbursement policies, annual caps, eligible programs, and any service commitment requirements.

Step 2: Understand Chamberlain’s Healthcare Partnerships. Chamberlain extends group-specific tuition rates to more than 12,000 partner locations across the country.⁴ These institutional education programs (IEPs) often provide tuition benefits , sometimes increasing your savings. Contact our enrollment team to learn whether your employer has a partnership with Chamberlain.

Step 3: Complete the Required Paperwork. If your employer offers tuition assistance, you’ll typically need to submit an application before each session begins. Chamberlain’s student finance advisors can help you coordinate this process, ensuring all documentation flows smoothly between your employer and our student finance office.

Step 4: Consider Direct Payment Options. Some employer programs pay the school directly, while others reimburse you after you’ve completed courses successfully. Understanding your employer’s payment structure helps you plan your personal budget accordingly.

How the RN to BSN Option at Chamberlain Works

Several factors work together to create a cost-effective pathway to your BSN degree.

Transfer Credits Can Dramatically Lower Your Total Cost. This is one of the most significant ways to reduce the cost of the RN to BSN Option. All RNs with a current, active, unrestricted RN license receive a minimum of 77 proficiency credits toward their BSN at Chamberlain⁶—that’s more than 60% of your degree already complete! You can transfer up to 15 additional qualifying credits from previous coursework, leaving as few as 30 credits to complete for your BSN.⁶ With sessions starting every eight weeks, you can finish your degree in as little as one year while enrolled full time.
Chamberlain-Specific Financial Assistance Reduces Your Tuition Costs.
- As mentioned earlier, the RN to BSN Tuition Advantage Grant is designed specifically for working nurses pursuing their BSN.⁷ Eligible students can save 25% on tuition (up to $7,296).² To consider this option in further detail and see if you are eligible, visit Chamberlain’s website. Also, those who qualify for an Institutional Education Program through their employer can save even more.⁴ To maximize your savings, complete the Healthcare/Education Partnership Eligibility Form if your employer has a relationship with Chamberlain.
Additional Chamberlain scholarships and grants include the DAISY Honoree Scholarship (5% tuition savings for DAISY Award recipients.² Military and Alumni Benefits Honor Your Service. Chamberlain offers special military rates for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.⁸
Strategic Session Planning Optimizes Your Investment. Since Chamberlain’s RN to BSN Option allows you to choose your pace—one course at a time, part time, or full time—you can align your educational expenses with your financial situation and employer reimbursement cycles.⁹

External Nursing Scholarships

Beyond Chamberlain’s institutional support, numerous professional organizations offer scholarships for registered nurses returning to school. Here are just a few high-value opportunities worth exploring:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Scholarships. AACN partners with various sponsors to offer multiple scholarships for nursing students. The Hurst Review-AACN Nursing Scholarship is a $2,500 award granted twice a year to ADN and BSN students with at least a 3.2 GPA who are enrolled at AACN member institutions.¹⁰ The AACN2: Pathway to Critical Care Nursing Scholarship awards $2,500 to baccalaureate nursing students committed to critical care practice.¹¹
American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN). AAMN awards four $1,000 scholarships annually to male undergraduate nursing students who are current AAMN members. The application evaluates personal statements, financial need, volunteer service, and professional association involvement.¹²
RegisteredNursing.org RN to BSN/MSN Challenge Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship specifically supports registered nurses working toward their BSN or MSN degree.¹³

Review the full list of American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) scholarships to see which opportunities might be available to you.

Securing Financial Aid at Chamberlain: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the financial aid process is straightforward when you break it down into clear, manageable steps. Here’s your action plan:

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

Visit fafsa.gov and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You’ll need to create an FSA ID if you don’t already have one. Be prepared to provide information about your income, assets, and family size. When prompted for school codes, enter Chamberlain’s code: 006385. Be sure to file your FAFSA for the upcoming academic year in a timely manner so as not to miss any set deadlines.

Step 2: Apply to Chamberlain University

Submit your application for Chamberlain’s RN to BSN Option. During the application process, you’ll work with an Enrollment Representative who can answer questions about program structure, transfer credits, and how your professional nursing experience translates into academic credit. Applying to Chamberlain triggers the evaluation process for institutional scholarships and grants, so this step is crucial for accessing Chamberlain-specific aid.

Step 3: Review Your Financial Aid Offer

Once Chamberlain receives your FAFSA information and you’re accepted into the program, you’ll receive a financial aid offer. This package will indicate the amount and sources of financial aid for which you may be eligible. Take time to review this offer carefully—your student finance advisor is available to explain each component and help you understand your options.

Step 4: Explore Additional Funding Sources

As mentioned, there are other options outside of federal aid you can explore as additional funding sources. Ask your student finance advisor about:

Chamberlain grants and scholarships you might not have been automatically considered for.
External scholarship opportunities from nursing organizations.
Employer tuition reimbursement and how it might impact your total financial aid package and eligibility.
Payment plan options if you have remaining costs.
State or local grants for nursing students.

Step 5: Create Your Personal Financial Plan

Your Chamberlain student finance advisor will work with you to develop a customized financial plan that combines all available funding sources. This plan considers your specific situation—including employer benefits, family contributions, and your preferred timeline for degree completion—to create a roadmap for funding your BSN degree.

Step 6: Maintain Eligibility Throughout Your Program

To continue receiving financial aid, maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by Chamberlain’s policies. Most scholarships and grants require you to maintain a minimum GPA (typically 2.0 or higher, though some merit-based awards require 3.0 or above). Stay in regular contact with your student finance advisor, especially if your financial circumstances change or if you have questions about your aid package.

Take the Next Step Toward Your BSN

We invite you to explore how affordable your RN to BSN education can be. Contact a Chamberlain Enrollment Representative at 877.751.5783 or request information online to discuss your specific financial situation. Our team can help you understand what financial assistance you’re eligible for and create a funding strategy tailored to your needs.

Imagine where a BSN can take your career—and explore options that may make the path more accessible.

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 135 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is financial aid available for RN to BSN programs?

Yes, comprehensive financial aid is available for RN to BSN programs through multiple sources. Federal aid accessed through the FAFSA includes Pell Grants, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and work-study opportunities. Chamberlain offers institution-specific grants like the RN to BSN Tuition Advantage Grant and the Commitment to Completion Grant to help make earning your degree more manageable. Additionally, employer tuition reimbursement programs, external scholarships from nursing organizations, and flexible payment plans are available.

What’s the difference between grants, scholarships, and student loans for nurses?

Grants and scholarships are funds that don’t require repayment. Grants can be need-based (like Federal Pell Grants), while scholarships may be merit-based, awarded for academic achievement, professional involvement, or specific demographics. Student loans must be repaid with interest, though federal student loans offer benefits like income-driven repayment plans and potential loan forgiveness through programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness.¹⁴ Federal loans may offer better terms than private loans, including fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options. Always maximize grants and scholarships before borrowing, and review all loan terms and conditions before committing.

How many transfer credits do most RNs get?

All registered nurses with a current, active, unrestricted RN license receive a minimum of 77 proficiency credits toward their BSN at Chamberlain University.⁶ This represents more than 60% of the 122-credit BSN degree requirement, recognizing the knowledge and skills you’ve already developed through your nursing education and professional experience. You can also transfer up to 15 additional qualifying credits from previous college coursework.⁶ We will evaluate your transcripts and professional credentials to determine your exact transfer credit total.

What is the Chamberlain University FAFSA school code?

Chamberlain University’s FAFSA school code is 006385. When completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov, enter this code in the school section to ensure Chamberlain receives your financial aid information. Filing your FAFSA is the first and most important step in accessing federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study programs. File your FAFSA for the upcoming academic year in a timely manner so as not to miss any set deadlines. If you need assistance with the FAFSA process, Chamberlain’s student finance advisors are available to help at 877.751.5783.

Who can I talk to about my specific financial aid options?

Chamberlain’s student finance advisors are dedicated to helping you navigate your financial assistance options and create a personalized funding strategy. Call 877.751.5783 to speak with an advisor who can discuss your specific situation, including federal aid eligibility, institutional scholarships and grants, employer tuition reimbursement coordination, external scholarship opportunities, and payment plan options. You can also request information online, and an Enrollment Representative will contact you to discuss financial assistance options. More than 90% of Chamberlain students receive some form of financial assistance , and our advisors are committed to helping you find a plan that fits your budget.

¹Source: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
²Source: https://www.chamberlain.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/scholarships
³Source: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/employer-offered-educational-assistance-programs-can-help-pay-for-college
⁴Source: https://www.chamberlain.edu/about/partnerships
⁵Source: https://www.chamberlain.edu/aspiring-nurse-program
⁶Source: https://www.chamberlain.edu/academics/transfer-students
⁷Source: https://www.chamberlain.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/scholarships/rn-bsn-tuition-advantage-grant
⁸Source: https://www.chamberlain.edu/academics/military
⁹Source: https://www.chamberlain.edu/academics/nursing-school/rn-to-bsn
¹⁰Source: https://www.aacnnursing.org/foundation/scholarships/hurst-review-scholarship
¹¹Source: https://www.aacnnursing.org/foundation/scholarships/aacn-2-pathway-to-critical-care-nursing-scholarship
¹²Source: https://www.aamn.org/scholarships-aamn-2025
¹³Source: https://www.aacnnursing.org/students/scholarships-financial-aid
¹⁴Source: https://nurse.org/education/student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses