Best Hybrid RN To BSN Programs

Best Hybrid RN To BSN Programs

The Health Care Providers & Services industry is valued at over $700 billion, and this number is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. While it’s no secret that the industry is booming, you may not have realized the sheer number of well-paying positions that are opening up and in high demand—especially in the field of nursing. Today’s colleges and universities are meeting this demand by offering comprehensive hybrid RN to BSN programs for aspiring nurses.

As salaries increase and job openings become more competitive, these hybrid RN to BSN programs will become more necessary for helping nurses expand their skill set. Registered Nurses continue to provide vital support to physicians, but BSNs are able to do a great deal more. Of course these added responsibilities command a higher salary as well.

There are many hybrid RN to BSN programs to choose from, and the list is always getting bigger. You should select the one that situates best with your normal schedule, allowing you to work another job and have time to spend with your family.

What is a Hybrid RN to BSN Program?

In case you’re scratching your head wondering “what is a hybrid RN to BSN program anyway?” Let’s explain. Hybrid RN to BSN programs combine both online learning and face-to-face instruction. There are usually lab hours, clinical rotations, and on-campus requirements involved, but also a heavy amount of online learning from home.

Prerequisites for a hybrid RN to BSN program include having a current registered nurse license, graduation from an accredited school of nursing, and completion of the National Council Licensure Examination For Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Is a Hybrid RN to BSN Program Right for Me?

Whether you’re working in a different field and looking to become an RN, or you’re currently an RN who wants to make more money, a hybrid RN to BSN program might be the perfect fit for you. It’s also great for those students who want face-to-face interaction without living on campus.

Don’t be mistaken, RN and BSN are not mutually exclusive. You can attain a BSN degree and still perform RN duties. The difference is essentially a bachelor’s degree (BSN) versus an associate’s degree (RN), meaning more pay for those with a BSN and additional job opportunities.

When deciding on the right program for furthering your education, consider factors such as scholarship offerings, transfer credits towards your degree, and employment resources.

50 Best RN to BSN Hybrid Programs for 2023

1. Sonoma State University

Sonoma State University offers a standard 4-year program in addition to a BSN program for nurses who have already attained their two-year degrees. In order to apply, you have to be a registered nurse in the state of California, and hold at least a 3.0 GPA.

  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
  • Tuition: $7,388 (in state), $17,898 (out of state)
  • Program Length: 2 semesters
  • Location: Ronhert Park, CA

2. Metropolitan State University of Denver

The hybrid RN to BSN program at Metropolitan State University of Denver gives students the option of three Denver-based locations to conduct their clinical practicum portion of the education. There’s even an Accelerated Nursing Option for individuals with a non-nursing Bachelor’s Degree that can be completed in 18 months.

  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
  • Tuition: $669/credit hr
  • Program Length: 3 semesters
  • Location: Denver, CO

3. Mississippi University of Women

Don’t be fooled by the rural nature of Columbus, Mississippi, which is home to this first women’s college in the U.S. It’s nursing program is truly one of the nation’s elite, offering students a flexible hybrid RN to BSN curriculum allowing them to work remotely when necessary.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $319/credit hr (in state), $344/credit hr (out of state)
  • Program Length: 3 semesters
  • Location: Columbus, MS

4. Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

Since way back in WWII, Cabarrus College has held a flourishing nursing program that remains tops in the nation. Their hybrid RN to BSN program maintains small class sizes and personalized education throughout your time there.

  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Tuition: $375/credit hr
  • Program Up to 4 years
  • Location: Concord, NC

5. Michigan State University

Michigan State is a world-class university with plenty to offer on campus, including NCAA Division 1A sports. However, when doing their part-time hybrid RN to BSN program you won’t be needing to spend oodles of time on campus. If you can remain focused, you’ll have your degree in no longer than 5 semesters’ time.

  • Accreditation: Michigan Board of Nursing
  • Tuition: $452/credit hr
  • Program Length: 5 semesters
  • Location: Lansing, MI

6. Elmhurst College

Completing your degree in 1 year is a major selling point for Elmhurst College, despite its high costs. Being a small, private school, Elmhurst charges well over $973/credit hour to part-time undergraduate students. It’s flexible scheduling might make up for the high costs—plus the fact that it’s in the greater Chicago area, meaning that high paying jobs are awaiting fresh graduates.

  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $973/credit hr
  • Program Length: 1 year
  • Location: Elmhust, IL

7. California State University – Northridge

The hybrid RN to BSN program at Cal State Northridge might make you want to stay in sunny Los Angeles for awhile. Located in the San Fernando Valley, it’s just a 30-40 minute drive away from Malibu and the local beaches. The campus itself is huge and has a student population of over 30,000.

  • Accreditation: Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • Tuition: $6,549 (in state), $17,709 (out of state)
  • Program Length: 15 months
  • Location: Northridge, CA

8. Walsh University

Walsh University provides a great education especially for such a reasonable cost. However, if you have a full-time job or other serious commitments, this might not be the hybrid RN to BSN program for you. In fact Walsh University’s website claims “it is not recommended” to hold even a part-time job.

  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Associations of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $500/credit hour
  • Program Length: 15 months
  • Location: North Canton, OH

9. Missouri Southern State University

Missouri Southern State gives students the choice of taking their 29 credit hours of core nursing classes entirely online. Of course, clinical hours must still be performed at select facilities in Joplin, MO.

  • Accreditation: Missouri State Board of Nursing/ACEN
  • Tuition: $4,957 (in state), $6,614 (out of state)
  • Program Length: 14 months
  • Location: Joplin, MO

10. Georgia State University

Georgia State University is situated in the heart of downtown Atlanta, GA, with easy access to the subway and many fun spots to hang out after class. The best part about the school’s nursing program is that it can be completed in just one year. If you’re a motivated, self-starter, this could be the perfect fit for you.

  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $350.87/credit hr
  • Program Length: 1 year full-time/2 years part-time
  • Location: Atlanta, GA

11. Fairfield University

To the northeast we go! Fairfield University offers 34 nursing credits to students who already possess an associate degree, which makes it far easier to hit the ground running. They also provide a nice mixture of online and in-class time, making it a true hybrid RN to BSN program.

  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $675/credit
  • Program Length: 2.5 years
  • Location: Fairfield, CT

12. Cox College

Cox College has one of the most flexible hybrid RN to BSN programs around. They allow you to pretty much work at your own pace, with the option of finishing anywhere from 2.5 years to 5 years.

  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $387/credit hr
  • Program Length: 2.5 years
  • Location: Springfield, MO

13. Santa Fe College

Not to be confused with Santa Fe, New Mexico, this college is actually in Gainesville, Florida. Yes, that’s the same city that houses the University of Florida. But Santa Fe is significantly smaller, and is able to devote a vast amount of resources to their nursing program.

  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition: $780.86/credit hr
  • Program Length: 16 months (3.5 semesters)
  • Location: Gainesville, FL

14. Florida SouthWestern State College

Florida SouthWestern State College’s hybrid online RN to BSN program consists of 30 upper division nursing credit hours for graduation once general education courses and AS or diploma in nursing are satisfied. Total cost is estimated at $6700.00 for tuition, books and supplies. Scholarships available to qualified applicants.

  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
  • Tuition: $91.79/credit hr
  • Program Length: 30 credits
  • Location: Fort Myers, FL

15. CUNY New York City College of Technology

“City Tech,” as it’s known by locals, boasts nursing as its third most popular degree program. Located in the hip borough of Brooklyn, the college has a total enrollment of 17,282 students as of 2016.

  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
  • Tuition: $275/credit (in state), $560/credit (out of state)
  • Program Length: 30 credits (upper-division)
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY

16. San Diego State University

Who doesn’t want to come to San Diego? Not only does it have beautiful weather year round, but it’s become a bustling hub for health care jobs of late. The average salary for RNs in San Diego is significantly above the national average.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $396/unit
  • Program Length: 15 months
  • Location: San Diego, CA

17. California State University – East Bay

Cal State East Bay isn’t the first California college to come to peoples’ minds, but it’s one of the best for a hybrid RN to BSN program. Though it can be slightly expensive for out of state residents, you’ll only be paying tuition for one year – this is the amount of time it takes to finish, if you’re willing.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $6,564/year (in state) and $15,492/year (out of state)
  • Program Length: 1 year
  • Locations: Hayward, CA and Concord, CA

18. SUNY — Brockport

Unlike some other rigorous programs we’ve discussed, Brockport’s hybrid RN to BSN program allows you to attend either part-time or full-time. A full-time student can complete the course in as short as two semesters, while a part-time student might require at least three semesters. Students typically have to come to campus once a week but can choose between the Brockport location or Metrocenter campus.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $680/credit hr
  • Program Length: 2-3 semesters
  • Location: Brockport, NY

19. SUNY — Buffalo

If you’re okay with Buffalo winters, you should do fine at SUNY—Buffalo. In the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education 2017 inaugural ranking, it won the #1 public university in New York honor, and #28 in the nation. Not too shabby.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $270/credit hr
  • Program Length: 15 months
  • Location: Buffalo, NY

20. University of Oklahoma

The only hitch to OU’s hybrid RN to BSN program? You have to come to class on Saturdays. Other than that, the rest of your curriculum is conducted through an online portal. Plus, you get to enjoy some of the top college sports teams in the nation.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $152.50/credit hr
  • Program Length: 9 months (full-time), 2 years (part-time)
  • Location: Norman, OK

21. Weber State University

Ogden, Utah is a quiet community with a spectacular nursing school. Their hybrid RN to BSN program can be taken in as few as 2 semesters—if you buckle down. Students who reside outside of 50 miles from Ogden are allowed to take all classes online.

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Tuition: $186/credit hr
  • Program Length: 2 semesters
  • Location: Ogden, UT

22. Stony Brook University

Stony Brook is well known for their nursing program, which is currently the third most popular major at the university. In order to attend, you must have an RN license within 11 weeks from the start of your program.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $207/credit hr (in state), $536/credit hr (out of state)
  • Program Length: 1 year
  • Location: Stony Brook, NY

23. College of Saint Mary

The College of Saint Mary’s BSN program is centered around five concepts: patient-centered care, communication, leadership, safety, and professional role. Although the campus is small in size, its nursing program has a big heart. The reason? Saint Mary’s recognizes that nurses are full of compassion, and it’s because of this that they aim to offer an equally considerate experience for students.

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Tuition: $9,975 (full-time)
  • Program Length: 2 semesters (core requirements)
  • Location: Omaha, NE

24. Ohio University

Stony Brook is well known for their nursing program, which is currently the third most popular major at the university. In order to attend, you must have an RN license within 11 weeks from the start of your program.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $240/credit hr (in state), $243/credit hr (out of state)
  • Program Length: 1 year
  • Location: Athens, OH

25. Cal State Fullerton

Nestled in Orange County, California, Cal State Fullerton is primarily a commuter school that’s perfect for aspiring BSNs. Applicants can select either the campus or distance option when applying, however on the school’s website they note that the distance program is currently impacted. Prospects can choose from five degree paths towards getting their degree.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $5,472/yr (in state), $372/credit hr (out of state)
  • Program Length: 12 months to 20 months
  • Location: Fullerton, CA

26. Felician College

Felician College is a private Catholic school in Lodi, NJ that is heralded for its nursing program. Over 40% of its students are majoring in nursing, and the hybrid RN to BSN program is offered at six off-campus locations around New Jersey. Although Felician packs a lot of value, it’s definitely on the pricier end of colleges.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $1,704/credit
  • Program Length: 15 months
  • Location: Lodi, NJ

27. Cal State University-San Bernardino

CSUSB’s hybrid RN to BSN program is a little different than most. It’s face-to-face meetings, which take place one per month, occur not in San Bernardino but at the university’s satellite campus in Palm Desert, CA.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $185/credit
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Location: San Bernardino, CA

28. University of Alaska-Anchorage

Anchorage might provide the best environment for furthering your education, because a) there’s not much to do in town, and b) it’s cold and dark a lot of the year—making focusing on your studies a lot easier. There’s also a favorable 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, meaning you’ll get the attention and guidance you deserve.

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Tuition: $202/credit
  • Program Length: 15 months
  • Location: Anchorage, AK

29. East Central University

Many hybrid RN to BSN program students enjoy their education at East Central so much that they continue on to pursue a master’s degree. During most semesters, you can take at least 50% of your courses online. There are also five campus locations spread throughout Oklahoma.

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Tuition: $282/credit
  • Program Length: 12 months
  • Location: Ada, OK

30. Missouri Western State University

Although you are required to perform your clinical portion of the degree on campus, Missouri Western State is flexible regarding at-home study. Fortunately class sizes are around 10-to-1 students-to-faculty, and there are no more than 50 students in a given class.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $197/credit hr
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Location: St. Joseph, MO

31. Shawnee State University

Situated near the border of Ohio and Kentucky, Shawnee State was founded in 1986 which makes it one of the youngest universities on our list. The hybrid RN to BSN program offers ten classes that can be taken online, for 30 credit hours.

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Tuition: $294/credit hr (in state), $242/credit hr (out of state)
  • Program Length: 15 months
  • Location: Portsmouth, OH

32. Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale

Keiser is a private non-profit with branches throughout Florida. It’s hybrid RN to BSN program can be taken almost entirely online. Community College Week ranked the college 2nd nationwide for college with associate degree programs in the health profession, and 5th nationally for nursing.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $699/credit hr
  • Program Length: 4 semesters
  • Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL

33. SUNY — Binghamton

Housed in upstate New York, SUNY-Binghamton is one of the top public institutions in the Northeast. The Decker School of Nursing offers many options to students, making it one of the best in the U.S.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $402/credit hr (in state), $816/credit hr (out of state)
  • Program Length: 2-6 semesters
  • Location: Binghamton, NY

34. Northern Illinois University

At NIU you can apply up to 33 semester hours of credit from your prior nursing education. There’s also an RN Proficiency Examination you can take if you graduated from an ADN more than five years ago and haven’t practiced as an RN in the last two years.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $324/credit hr
  • Program Length: 15 months
  • Location: DeKalb, IL

35. Cardinal Stritch University

With 37 hours of core nursing courses, Cardinal Stritch offers a thorough hybrid RN to BSN program. But after two years, you’ll be graduated and landing your first high paying position with a BSN degree.

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Tuition: $550/credit hr
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Location: Milwaukee, WI

36. University of South Carolina — Upstate

In contrast to many other schools on this list, the RN to BSN at South Carolina – Upstate can be earned entirely online, including the clinical requirement. It’s a one of a kind program for those working other jobs or needing to stay home with the kids.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $383/credit hr
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Location: Spartansburg, SC

37. Labouré College

In contrast to many other schools on this list, the RN to BSN at South Carolina – Upstate can be earned entirely online, including the clinical requirement. It’s a one of a kind program for those working other jobs or needing to stay home with the kids.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $485/credit hr
  • Program Length: 1.5-3 years
  • Location: Milton, MA

38. College of Staten Island — CUNY

Although Staten Island has a great hybrid RN to BSN program, you have to be careful about going to school in New York City. It can be distracting. This explains why the university’s website states a time limit for completing the clinical phase of their Associate’s degree program. Surely the same rule is applied, or should be applied, to those seeking the BSN.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $275/credit hr (in state), $560/credit hr (out of state)
  • Program Length: 5 years max
  • Location: New York, NY

39. Tennessee State University

Upon admission, some students can have up to six hours remaining of pre-requisites in the subject area of humanities, communication, and general electives. TSU provides its students with flexible scheduling that allows them to complete their degree in just three semesters.

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Tuition: $452/credit hr
  • Program Length: 1 year
  • Location: Nashville, TN

40. St. Catherine University

A private, Catholic university, St. Catherine’s allows students to transfer a total of 90 of the required 120 credits. This allows students to complete their degree in as soon as 10 months and no longer than one year.

  • Accreditation: ACEN/CCNE
  • Tuition: $1,253/credit hr
  • Program Length: 1 year
  • Location: St. Paul, MN

41. Saint Catharine College

The campus is tiny, but Saint Catharine’s delivers undivided attention to its students. This is especially important when you’re trying to finish a hybrid RN to BSN in under 2 years. If you focus, you’ll have it in hand in just 18 months.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $372/credit hr
  • Program Length: 18 months
  • Location: St. Catharine, KY

42. Adelphi University

Located on New York’s Long Island, Adelphi University permits students to take up to 9 credits in non-nursing required courses. You must have a solid 3.0 GPA to be considered into the program.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $1,065/credit hr
  • Program Length: 18 months
  • Location: Garden City, NY

43. University of Wisconsin — Milwaukee

UWM has a great nursing program, and a very generous graduation standard. All you have to have is a 2.0 cumulative GPA to receive your diploma. Thirty semester credits must be completed on campus and a minimum of 20 must be earned in nursing.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $9,543 (in state), $19,901 (out of state)
  • Program Length: 2-4 years
  • Location: Milwaukee, WI

44. Mount Marty College

In case you didn’t think South Dakota was a nursing hotbed, you were wrong. Mount Mary College requires one of the best hybrid RN to BSN programs in the entire Midwest. The student-to-faculty ratio is an exciting 10-to-1, making it the perfect environment to ask questions and seek additional help.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $530/credit hr (1-8 hours) $940/credit hr (9-11 hours)
  • Program Length: 2-4 years
  • Location: Yankton, SD

45. Notre Dame of Maryland University

Not to confuse you with the other Notre Dame, this university is located in Maryland not Indiana. It is of course a hybrid RN to BSN program but it requires a face-to-face meeting once per week, in addition to clinical activities.

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Tuition: $1,126/credit hr (in state)
  • Program Length: 10 terms
  • Location: Baltimore, MD

46. Rowan University

Smack dab in the middle of New Jersey lies Rowan University. In order to graduate from its hybrid RN to BSN program you’re required to take 9 upper-division nursing courses.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $450/semester hr (in state)
  • Program Length: 10 terms
  • Location: Glassboro, NJ

47. Western Michigan University

The Bronson School of Nursing is a fantastic institution. Although there isn’t a lot going on in Kalamazoo, Michigan, that makes it a perfect study environment. Students have the option of taking the hybrid RN to BSN program or a traditional four year BSN program.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $384/credit hr (1 to 11 credits)
  • Program Length: 6 semesters
  • Location: Kalamazoo, MI

48. Framingham State University

Just outside of Boston, you’ll find a nursing mecca: Framingham State University. Though small, Framingham is a public institution that offers considerable attention to each and every student coming through the hybrid RN to BSN program.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $294/credit hr
  • Program Length: 1-2 years
  • Location: Framingham, MA

49. Grand Valley State University

The Kirkhof College of Nursing is partnered with Michigan State University Medical School as well as with Ferris State’s School of Pharmacy to deliver comprehensive results to undergraduate students. Upon graduation, many BSNs will relocate to the Chicago or Detroit area for high paying work.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Tuition: $480/credit hr
  • Program Length: 1+ years
  • Location: Allendale, MI

* Percentages have been rounded to the nearest hundredth of a percent, with averages taken over a 4-year reporting period. Nursing websites and/or the institutions’ websites were the locations that posted the NCLEX scores, and programs that didn’t report these scores were labeled as “not provided.” For your own reference, we recommend you contact the individual institutions.

**November 2016 is the year that tuition rate information was used from. You should go to the school’s website for an official tuition rate, especially before applying or enrolling in a program.

Note: In order to be considered for most programs, candidates will need to have a current unobstructed state licensure. Other programs will accept students who intend to take the NCLEX within a given time period. In any event, check with your desired program before proceeding.

Methodology

  • Provides a hybrid RN to BSN program
  • Provides employment services for students, placement services, career counseling (IPEDs) and on-campus daycare options for parents
  • Provides campus-based RN to BSN coursework and is accredited by one or both of the man nursing education bodies: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

The colleges we list have been ranked by average reported NCLEX scores. This is an indicator of the total strength of a school’s nursing programs. If they meet the aforementioned criteria, but lack NCLEX scores, they were still included because they are reputable RN to BSN programs. Without NCLEX scores, they were given an “n/a” for not applicable.

If you discovered any errors or inaccuracies, let us know right away!