cheapest rn to bsn bridge program?

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Feb 1, 2014

Many say Western Governors Online University | Online Degree Programs | The University of You Is cheap. As long as you a working RN and work your butt off, you can finish very quickly!

I'm at GCU.edu and ttl cost is around $17000 that includes books (online) But I'm not in a hurry to graduate. 3 courses down and I'm happy with my selection.

Lot of options out there, you have to find the school that is the best fit for you. Best of luck

featherzRN, MSN · Feb 1, 2014

You can't beat WGU for cost IF you are willing to be a nut and try to get it all done in one term ($3600). Two terms would put you at about 7K, which is a lot more doable. I was able to get mine done in one term and I am pretty sure I could not have done a sub-4K BSN anywhere else. :)

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Feb 1, 2014

I agree with the WGU as far as what I've heard. I've also seen that UTA online advertises $9000 for their RN to BSN. You have to investigate what each program will ask you to get as "leveling" courses cause some have fewer requirement and are more generous in accepting prior college credit. Another trick is once you have that knowledge, get those courses at a local community college (read cheap!!) and don't enroll in the BSN college until you are closer to your nursing courses.

UlanaD · Feb 1, 2014

I have a coworker who finished Western Governor's RN-BSN in 4 months and it only cost like $3800. Lots of papers though!

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Feb 1, 2014

Just watch out for some, that have misleading figures. I know a few stated $9000 for the Nursing courses--BUT only to find out you required other classes as well, which of course cost extra.

featherzRN, MSN · Feb 1, 2014

I did all my prereqs AND my nursing classes at WGU for $3600. There, it's 'all you can finish' for the same price. Results not typical. :) I do hear good things about ULL also, although they charge extra for prereqs over the $8500 nursing price.

knnyz · Feb 2, 2014

WGU sounds like a bargain! And it seems like a fast (and rigorous) program, just what I'm looking for. Did anyone who graduated from WGU, or other online programs, go for their MSN? And did they have any trouble getting accepted to MSN programs because their bsn was "online"? In particular, Family Nurse practitioner and/or CRNA programs. Definitely not stopping after getting BSN, but a big concern for me is that after getting the BSN online would that hinder my goal of getting FNP or CRNA degrees?

featherzRN, MSN · Feb 2, 2014

Check over in the WGU forum but there are many accepted to fnp schools with a WGU degree. Only caveat here is that at WGU, you can't get any more then a 3.0 GPA (or any less). All classes are pass/fail and are equivalent to a 'b'. Pretty much every np program I checked would allow that, but at a very competitive school I assume you might have a problem. WGU also offers an MSN.

Honestly, I think most working RN's are doing an online RN to BSN or at the very least they are doing a hybrid program. Too hard to work and actually go to a classroom! :)