There are a number of different metrics that can be interpreted in many different ways to measure the top bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) programs in the nation. The best program is going to be the one that meets the expectations of an individual student, which is why it is important to figure out your own priorities when searching for an ideal BSN. If you are an undergraduate who is looking to take a wide range of academic courses while working towards your BSN, the best program will be different from a practicing RN who is looking to enroll in an RN to BSN program for career advancement. There are a wide variety of online RN-BSN programs that will allow practicing RNs to have the schedule flexibility that lets them maintain their current employment while working towards their degree. For reference to some of the best options for online BSN degree programs, check out our list of the 30 Best Online Bachelors of Nursing Programs. Our rankings were based on the following factors:
- Reputation Score, from consumer report conglomerates such as Niche.com
- Cost per credit, based on statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics
- Return on Investment, based on the earning potential of graduates when compared to the cost of the degree
Let’s take a closer look the top two BSN programs based on our methodology:
George Washington University
George Washington University is a private research university that was established in 1821, and is located in Washington, DC. The university’s School of Nursing offers a part-time, four-semester program for RNs who are looking to earn their BSN in two years. The program requires the completion of 21 credit hours, as well as a professional portfolio. After completing the online RN-BSN program, students have the option of going on to earn their online MSN degree. The school also offers on-campus options including the traditional BSN program and an accelerated second degree BSN program that allows students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field to complete their BSN in 15 months. The total cost of tuition for the 2017–18 school year came out to $53,518, which is expensive, though students still receive a great return on investment, which is why it ranks second on our list of best online BSN programs.
Ohio State University
Ohio State University is a public university that was founded in 1870, and is located in Columbus Ohio. The university’s College of Nursing offers online and on-campus BSN degrees, as well as an online RN-BSN program. Ohio State’s online options are frequently ranked among the top programs in the country by outlets such as US News and World Report. Combined with a competitive tuition rate of $10,592 for in-state students, and $29,696 for out-of-state students, Ohio State ranks as our best online BSN program.
Related:
25 Best Bachelor’s in Nursing