Registered nurses in New Jersey face a shifting professional standard as healthcare organizations increasingly require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates steady employment growth for registered nurses nationwide, while regional healthcare networks in New Jersey heavily favor BSN-prepared personnel for clinical leadership, specialized care, and Magnet hospital staffing. For associate degree and diploma nurses, completing a BSN provides direct salary advancement and broader employment stability.
New Jersey's Top RN to BSN Programs
New Jersey's RN to BSN programs provide flexible pathways for nurses to advance their education and careers. These programs emphasize practical learning, diverse coursework, and accessible formats tailored to working professionals. This section highlights leading programs in the Garden State, focusing on their unique features, admission requirements, and flexible study options.
1. Rowan University
Rowan University's Online RN to BSN program is designed for working nurses seeking a flexible and accessible pathway to earn their BSN. Delivered entirely online, the program features 7- to 14-week modules, allowing students to balance education with professional commitments. With the ability to transfer up to 90 credits, this program supports efficient degree completion.
RN-BSN Program Details:
Credit Hours: 120 total (30 core nursing credits; 90 transferable credits)
Fully Online Format
Graduation Rate: 69% (university-wide)
Admission Requirements — To qualify for the RN to BSN program at Rowan University, you must have:
Graduation from an ACEN-accredited associate degree or diploma program
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
Current RN licensure or eligibility to be licensed in New Jersey
A valid CPR certification
Application Deadlines — Rowan University offers multiple start dates, with the following deadlines:
Fall: July 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: April 1
Financial Aid — Students may qualify for financial assistance, including grants, loans, work-study opportunities, and scholarships available to Rowan University students.
2. Ramapo College of New Jersey
Ramapo College of New Jersey offers a highly flexible RN to BSN program, with 95% of coursework delivered online and limited on-site practical components. The program can be completed in as little as 18 months or adjusted to fit a student's individual pace.
RN-BSN Program Details:
Credit Hours: 32 core nursing credits
NCLEX Pass Rate: Nearly 99%
Admission Requirements — Admission details are provided by the admissions department. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the office directly for comprehensive information.
Application Deadlines — The program offers Spring, Fall, and Summer start terms. Contact the admissions team for specific application deadlines.
Financial Aid — Federal grants and loans are available to support students in financing their education.
3. Montclair State University
Montclair State University RN to BSN program integrates essential aspects of nursing theory and practice. Students develop skills in information technology, evidence-based practice, effective communication, and critical thinking, preparing them to meet the complex needs of patients and families across diverse healthcare settings. This affordable program features asynchronous online coursework with an in-person clinical component.
RN-BSN Program Details:
Credit Hours: 27 upper-division nursing credits and a 3-credit statistics course
Curriculum Flexibility: Self-paced or accelerated asynchronous coursework
NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%
Admission Requirements — Applicants must be graduates of an accredited associate degree or diploma program, have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and possess RN licensure in New Jersey or be eligible for licensure in the state.
Application Deadlines — Applications are accepted for Fall and Spring semesters, with deadlines posted ahead of each term.
Financial Aid — The Office of Student Financial Aid assists students in finding scholarships, grants, and loans from various sources to support their education.
4. Saint Elizabeth University
Saint Elizabeth University's RN to BSN program is tailored for working nurses, offering a fully online, accelerated format that allows completion in as few as three semesters. This program emphasizes equipping nurses with the skills and knowledge to provide exceptional care and compassion to patients in various settings.
RN-BSN Program Details:
Credit Hours: 30 core nursing credits
Duration: As little as one year
NCLEX Pass Rate: 83%
Admission Requirements — Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and hold a valid RN license.
Application Deadlines — Application deadlines are available through your application advisor. Contact them for the most up-to-date information.
Financial Aid — SEU is recognized for excellence in financial aid, with advisors available to guide students through the process and determine eligibility for scholarships, grants, and loans.
5. Rutgers University, Camden
The Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden RN to BSN track prepares working nurses for clinical leadership, community health, and graduate study. Designed with maximum schedule flexibility, the curriculum offers asynchronous coursework, hybrid options, and direct pathways into advanced practice degrees. The school maintains clinical affiliations with more than 125 healthcare providers throughout South Jersey and the greater Delaware Valley.
RN-BSN Program Details:
Credit Hours: 120 total credits (30 residency credits completed at Rutgers; 33 credits awarded for NCLEX/RN licensure; up to 60 general transfer credits accepted)
NCLEX Pass Rate: 84%
Admission Requirements — Applicants must hold an active, unencumbered RN license, graduate from an accredited associate degree or diploma program, and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (3.0 preferred for select transfer tracks).
Application Deadlines — Applications are accepted for Fall and Spring entry terms. Fall priority deadline is July 15; Spring priority deadline is November 1.
Financial Aid — Students have access to federal loans, state grants, Rutgers merit awards, and employer partnership discounts, including tuition reductions for Cooper University Health Care employees and regional 3+1 community college partners.
6. Rowan College at Burlington County
Rowan College RN to BSN program is designed for both current RNs and those pursuing their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing. For RNs who already hold an associate degree, the program focuses on completing 30 nursing credits to earn a BSN.
The 3+1 option allows students without an associate degree to complete both their AAS and BSN, providing a seamless pathway to advanced nursing education and a strong foundation for future MSN studies.
RN-BSN Program Details:
Credit Hours: 30 nursing credits for RNs; 92 total for AAS-to-BSN students
NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%
Admission Requirements — Applicants must be currently enrolled in or have completed an RN program.
Application Deadlines — Contact the admissions office for details on admission requirements and deadlines at [email protected].
Financial Aid — Financial aid opportunities may be available upon request.
7. Saint Peter's University
Saint Peter's University offers both traditional and online RN to BSN programs, designed to prepare nurses for professional practice and leadership roles. With flexible scheduling, personalized advising, and close faculty mentorship, this program supports working nurses in achieving their career goals. It can be completed in as few as 14 to 21 months.
RN-BSN Program Details:
Credit Hours: 31-36
Duration: 14-21 months
NCLEX Pass Rate: Nearly 100%
Admission Requirements — Applicants must hold a current RN license in New Jersey and have CPR certification. Malpractice insurance and a license in the state where you live is required for those enrolling in the online RN to BSN program.
Application Deadlines — Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Financial Aid — Financial aid options include institutional awards, government grants, external scholarships, loans, and payment arrangements.
8. Kean University
Kean University's affordable RN to BSN program is available at the main campus as well as their Ocean County College in Toms River. This program equips nurses with the clinical knowledge and credentials needed to advance their careers. Graduates are prepared for roles in healthcare facilities, schools, government agencies, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical industries. With hybrid and online class options, the program offers flexibility to fit students' schedules.
RN-BSN Program Details:
Credit Hours: 120 total required for graduation, including up to 30 transferable lower-division nursing credits and 28 upper-division nursing credits.
Graduation Rate: Nearly 80%
Employment Rate: Close to 80% of students are employed within six months of graduation
Admission Requirements & Application Deadlines — Admission requirements can be obtained by contacting an admission advisor.
Financial Aid — Information on financial aid and scholarships is available upon request.
9. Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a highly flexible and convenient RN to BSN program tailored for working nurses. The program is fully online, requiring no in-person attendance, and is mostly asynchronous, allowing students to balance their education with their careers. Students can complete the program full-time in as little as one year or part-time at their own pace.
RN-BSN Program Details:
Credit Hours: 30 minimum credits for the RN to BSN portion, with a total of 120 credits required for graduation. Transfer credits and credits for prior degrees or training are accepted, with students averaging 32 credits.
NCLEX Pass Rate: 92%
Admission Requirements — Applicants must hold a valid RN license.
Application Deadlines — Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters are available. Contact an advisor for specific application deadlines.
Financial Aid — Full-time students benefit from discounted tuition rates, and merit awards based on college GPA can reach up to $16,000 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Nurse Licensure Compact affect New Jersey nurses?
New Jersey participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing registered nurses with a primary multistate license to practice across compact member states without additional territorial licenses. Nurses moving primary residence into New Jersey must apply for a New Jersey multistate license through endorsement via the state board of nursing.
How long does an online RN to BSN program take in New Jersey?
Most accredited online RN to BSN options in New Jersey require 12 to 24 months of study. Full-time accelerated options at institutions such as Saint Elizabeth University or Fairleigh Dickinson University permit completion in 12 months, while part-time tracks extend up to two years.
Do online BSN completion tracks require local clinical hours?
Yes. Accredited RN to BSN programs include community health and leadership practicum modules. Rather than hospital bedside clinical rotations, these experiences typically consist of population health projects, policy assessments, and community preceptorships arranged within your local healthcare facility or county health region.
What is the financial return for earning a BSN in New Jersey?
According to current labor figures, registered nurses in New Jersey earn a median annual wage of $103,400. Holding a BSN opens access to higher pay grades, supervisory positions, clinical specialist roles, and tuition reimbursement benefits, yielding full degree financial break-even within 1.2 to 2.0 years of completion.