By Kelley Jacobs
Nursing is one of the most in-demand fields in the country. It has been estimated that by 2020, 80% of nurses will need their BSN degree in order to meet the educational needs of the field. Individuals with a BSN make more money, have greater employment opportunity and are better poised to take on leadership positions in the health care industry. This article examines the top 30 small schools offering an RN-BSN program.
Methodology for Ranking Small Colleges for an RN-BSN Degree
For this ranking, we examined selective small colleges and universities with an undergraduate population of 3,000 students or less that offer a BSN degree for those who have already earned their RN. Schools offering online degrees as well as those with traditional on-campus offerings were considered for inclusion in this list.
Our initial pool included schools meeting the following criteria.
• Accredited schools offering an RN-BSN program
• Student population < 3000
• Public, private non-profit, and 4-year schools
From among schools meeting these criteria, we chose the 30 most selective based on percent of students admitted, and then sorted our list according to affordability (average net price), with the least expensive school appearing at #1.
All numerical data is sourced from College Navigator.
30. Simmons College
Boston, Massachusetts
Website
Simmons College offers an online RN-BSN program that can be completed in 15-18 months. Part-time students can complete the program in 5 terms and full-time students can complete in 4 terms. Each term lasts 14 weeks. Faculty interact with students through live, interactive class sessions and are available for face to face meetings during online office hours. Coursework includes Contemporary Issues in Professional Nursing and Health Care Systems: Interdisciplinary Perspective.
Simmons College is accredited by the New England Association of Colleges and Schools. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Admission Rate: 49%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 86%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,732
Average Net Price: $29,907
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
29. Oakwood University
Huntsville, Alabama
Website
Oakwood University is a historically black, Seventh-day Adventist institution. The RN-BSN Bridge Program is a two year program where students complete 59 credit hours after prerequisites are met. Coursework includes diverse topics such as Transcultural Nursing, Gerontological Nursing, and a Religious Elective.
The nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Oakwood University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Admission Rate: 34%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 79%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,861
Average Net Price: $26,808
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
28. Allen College
Waterloo, Iowa
Website
Allen College offers an RN-BSN program which caters to those who need flexibility as they continue their education. Allen College has both full-time and part-time options and required coursework is offered online. Students can apply to the program even if they live out of state, or even out of the country. Clinical program requirements can be completed close to home and elective general education coursework can be taken at a local institution providing the coursework transfers to the University of Northern Iowa.
Allen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association and the program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing (IBN).
Admission Rate: 50%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 67%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 398
Average Net Price: $24,065
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
27. Florida Southern College
Lakeland, Florida
Website
Students pursuing their BSN degree from Florida Southern College appreciate flexible course scheduling and the ability to complete up to 36 credit hours per year. Laboratory settings are state of the art and students practice their skills using the latest medical equipment. Graduates are poised to compete for advanced nursing professional opportunities in diverse medical settings. The program also prepares students for graduate school.
FSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Admission Rate: 50%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 78%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,416
Average Net Price: $22,423
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
26. Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Roanoke, Virginia
Website
Jefferson College of Health Sciences offers their RN-BSN program in a distance learning format. Students can participate full or part-time and are able to complete the clinical experience on their own time in an approved setting. Small class size and peer interaction makes the distance learning format successful. The school hosts a chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau international nursing honor society for students to participate and network.
Jefferson College of Health Services is a military friendly institution. The school is considered one of the top 10 healthcare career granting institutions in Virginia. JCHS is Accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) through 2020.
Admission Rate: 41%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 61%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 813
Average Net Price: $22,022
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
25. Barton College
Wilson, North Carolina
Website
Barton College offers an Accelerated Professional Program for those interested in pursuing their BSN on the weekends, online or during the evenings. Students can expect to receive training and education in order to be essential, contributing members of a medical team. Faculty are committed to seeing their students achieve their educational and professional goals. The program is structured as a part-time program. Students can earn credit for specific nursing courses through placement credit and challenge exams.
Barton College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Both US News and World Report and The Princeton Review ranked Barton College as a Best Regional College in 2015. Barton College is a military friendly institution.
Admission Rate: 42%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 69%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,057
Average Net Price: $21,781
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
24. Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Website
Gardner-Webb University offers their RN-BSN program both online and face to face. As a Christian institution, teachings are based on a Christian foundation valuing professionalism, critical thinking skills and patient care. 85% of nursing students graduate the program. Satisfaction scores are high and graduates are prepared for advanced nursing employment opportunities as well as graduate school. Program duration and structure vary depending on the needs of the student.
The nursing program at Gardner-Webb University is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The institution is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. GWU is a military friendly institution.
Admission Rate: 48%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 72%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,587
Average Net Price: $21,661
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
23. Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Website
Oral Roberts University is an interdenominational, Christian liberal arts college. ORU offers the RN-BSN degree program online in as little as one year for full time students who have completed their prerequisites. Coursework includes Community Mental Health Nursing and Pathophysiology.
Oral Roberts University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission. ORU was ranked in the “Best of the West” regional list in 2012 by the Princeton Review. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
Admission Rate: 44%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 81%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,884
Average Net Price: $21,523
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
22. Hardin-Simmons University
Abilene, Texas
Website
The Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing is the only intercollegiate program in the country which serves two private institutions- Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University. Graduates of the RN-BSN program are prepared to excel in higher level nursing professions and are ready to enter graduate school if they choose to continue their education. Christian values are at the core of nursing coursework.
The nursing program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Admission Rate: 38%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 63%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,772
Average Net Price: $21,284
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
21. Andrews University
Berrien Springs, Michigan
Website
Andrews University is a culturally diverse Christian institution offering a campus based RN-BSN program. Students learn hands on-many work in an acute care setting while a student. Class and laboratory experiences are essential to providing students with a blend of coursework and applied practice. Teachers remain current on trends and practices in their specialty areas. Students are able to complete 57 credit hours in 4 semesters.
Andrews University nursing program is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC).
Admission Rate: 38%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 79%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,905
Average Net Price: $21,267
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
20. Notre Dame of Maryland University
Baltimore, Maryland
Website
Notre Dame of Maryland University is a private Catholic institution offering the RN-BSN degree in an accelerated format. Students can complete the degree in less than 30 months. The program utilizes a cohort model where classes are offered the same day and time with a group of other nursing professionals. Contemporary nursing issues are interwoven within the coursework. Students can take advantage of study abroad opportunities to gain additional experience. Seniors complete a capstone project prior to graduation.
Notre Dame of Maryland University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission.
Admission Rate: 50%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 72%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,234
Average Net Price: $21,265
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
19. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Website
Oklahoma Wesleyan University is an evangelical, Christian university which offers both an evening and an online RN-BSN program. Courses are taken one at a time and last between 5-7 weeks. Biblical lessons are interwoven into coursework which includes Spiritual Care of the Client and Nursing Ethics Seminar.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). OWU has been ranked by Forbes in America’s Top Colleges of 2012 and CBS Money Watch as having one of the Best Faculty in the Nation. US News and World Report ranked OWU as a Best Value Regional College in 2015. The University is also military friendly.
Admission Rate: 49%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 50%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,214
Average Net Price: $21,220
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
18. Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health
Omaha, Nebraska
Website
The Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health offers an online RN-BSN program. Most students are able to complete their degree in 7 semesters or less, with courses lasting 5 weeks each. Both full and part-time options for study are available. The curriculum focuses on community based education with an emphasis on hands-on experiential learning. A minor in Spanish for Healthcare Professionals is available for interested students.
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission. The nursing program is accredited by the Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Admission Rate: 33%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 79%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 742
Average Net Price: $17,327
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
17. Daemen College
Amherst, New York
Website
Daemen College is a liberal arts college providing several different program completion options to tailor to students individual needs. Students can complete coursework in a traditional classroom setting, online, through distance education or through a hybrid/web enhanced experience. Students are encouraged to take diverse electives in a variety of competencies in order to gain the broadest educational experience possible. Daemen has a chapter of the International Nursing Honor Society for those wanting to network and increase their professional development opportunities.
The nursing program at Daemen College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Admission Rate: 49%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 74%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,156
Average Net Price: $17,300
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
16. Cumberland University
Lebanon, Tennessee
Cumberland University offers a 100% online RN-BSN program which allows for maximum flexibility for working professionals. Students can participate either full-time or part-time and begin at various points during the school year. Projects can be completed on the job or in the student’s own community. Cumberland offers a “fast track” option allowing eligible students to complete their BSN in less than one year.
Cumberland University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Admission Rate: 47%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 64%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,269
Average Net Price: $17,147
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
15. Newman University
Wichita, Kansas
Website
Newman University offers the RN-BSN program entirely online. Newman takes pride in the high rate of student/faculty interaction in their online program. Students are prepared to go on to professional leadership positions in the nursing field upon graduation. Those planning to continue their education in graduate school will find themselves prepared to pursue their masters degree.
Newman University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission. The nursing program is approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Admission Rate: 45%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 73%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,795
Average Net Price: $16,943
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
14. Alderson Broaddus University
Phillippi, West Virginia
Website
Alderson Broaddus University is a Baptist institution offering an online RN-BSN degree program. Students pursuing full-time study can complete the program in 18 months. Students are assigned a mentor to assist them with technical issues as well as academic questions they may have as a distance learner. Graduates can expect to be prepared to work with a diverse and changing population in need of nursing care.
Alderson Broaddus University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Admission Rate: 43%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 58%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,052
Average Net Price: $16,551
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
13. Dillard University
New Orleans, Louisiana
Website
Dillard University is a Historically Black (HBCU), liberal arts institution offering an RN-BSN degree. Students can expect diverse course offerings such as Faith Community Nursing and Gerontology or Dimension in Women’s Health. During the final year of the program, students complete 90 hours of approved community service in their area of interest.
The nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and has conditional approval by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
Admission Rate: 35%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 59%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,183
Average Net Price: $16,461
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
12. Adventist University of Health Sciences
Orlando, Florida
Website
Adventist University of Health Sciences offers an RN-BSN program online. Students are able to complete the program in 5 terms. Students apply educational concepts through shadowing opportunities and observational assignments. Both current and former students score Adventist high in overall student satisfaction. A BSN degree from Adventist opens doors to leadership and administrative positions in the field that are often not available to those with only an RN degree.
The nursing program at Adventist University is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The institution is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Admission Rate: 13%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 71%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,160
Average Net Price: $16,437
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
11. Lander University
Greenwood, South Carolina
Website
Lander University has been a leader in the nursing field for over 50 years. RN-BSN students studying at Lander University are able to take their coursework online and complete their clinicals close to home. Both full and part-time options are offered and most students complete their BSN in 18-24 months. The program is flexible to meet the needs of working professionals and many students go on to advanced positions in the field or continue their studies in graduate school.
Lander University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The nursing program is approved by the State Board of Nursing for South Carolina and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Admission Rate: 42%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 61%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,792
Average Net Price: $13,847
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
10. Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
Concord, NC
Website
Flexibility is a key component of the RN-BSN program at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. Students can complete all course online except for one, which meets three times on campus. Students can participate in the program on full or part-time basis. Students complete clinicals prior to graduation which completes the service learning project requirement.
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Admission Rate: 31%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 69%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 451
Average Net Price: $12,996
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
9. SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica-Rom
Utica, New York
Website
SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica is a public research university offering a full or part-time RN-BSN program for the working professional. A hybrid program format is utilized and all courses are accessible through the SUNY Learning Network. Coursework is strongly based in arts and sciences. Examples of coursework include Nursing Leadership and Nursing Research. Graduates are prepared to work in higher level nursing positions and many go on to graduate school.
The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. SUNYIT is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Admission Rate: 48%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 84%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,804
Average Net Price: $12,810
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
8. Maria College of Albany
Albany, New York
Website
Maria College of Albany is a private, non-profit, Catholic institution offering the RN-BSN degree. Blended courses are available on campus and online and students are able to enroll full or part-time. Students are able to learn hands-on through experiential learning and clinical opportunities. Maria College of Albany has been a leader in the education of nursing students for over 50 years.
Maria College of Albany is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The nursing program is accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Admission Rate: 16%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 75%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 880
Average Net Price: $12,340
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
7. Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Goodwell, Oklahoma
Website
The RN-BSN program at Oklahoma Panhandle State University was founded in 1996 and was one of the first nursing programs to offer all of its nursing courses online. The program seeks to provide educational opportunity to rural populations. The program is tailored to the distance learner who wants to study part-time. Students are able to complete practicums close to home based on their individual study plan.
Oklahoma Panhandle State University is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Admission Rate: 48%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 63%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,375
Average Net Price: $11,456
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
6. Bluefield State College
Bluefield, West Virginia
Website
Students pursuing their BSN degree from Bluefield are able to take all courses online. There are required clinical hours that students can complete on their own time. Bluefield offers an optional “Boot Camp” arrangements for students wanting to come on campus and work with faculty directly on their coursework. Bluefield is an excellent choice for those who desire flexibility in their educational timeline. The program offers 3 different tracks which include a 3 semester “fast track”, a 4 semester “traditional track” and a 6 semester part time track.
Bluefield State College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. BestColleges.com ranked Bluefield in the top 50 for most affordable out of state tuition.
Admission Rate: 43%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 60%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,747
Average Net Price: $11,227
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
5. University of Holy Cross College
New Orleans, Louisiana
Website
Our University of Holy Cross College began offering their RN-BSN program in 2009. Over 1,000 nurses have graduated and gone on to earn advanced degrees and become employed in leadership positions in the nursing field. A minimum of 30 credit hours must be completed at UHCNO (27 required credit hours and 3 elective hours) to earn the degree. The program is offered online to accommodate busy working professionals.
Our University of Holy Cross College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Accreditation in Nursing. UHCNO was the 2014 Louisiana Nursing School of the Year entry into practice program.
Admission Rate: 48%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 71%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 878
Average Net Price: $11,003
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
4. Mississippi University for Women
Columbus, Mississippi
Website
Mississippi University for Women offers the RN-BSN degree in either a partial or total distance option. Students selecting the partial distance option attend courses every other week during the first semester, and once every 3 weeks during the second and third semester. There is a clinical component to the program as the school values community, leadership and research. Students pursuing the program on a full time basis are able to graduate (assuming prerequisites are met) in as little as three semesters.
The nursing program at Mississippi University for Women is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The University is accredited by the the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Admission Rate: 43%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 79%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,429
Average Net Price: $9,766
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
3. Coppin State University
Baltimore, Maryland
Website
Coppin State University is a pubic, historically black college offering the RN-BSN program. Students benefit from coursework that encompasses a variety of areas such as humanities, behavioral sciences and natural sciences. Graduates leave with a solid understanding of healthcare policy and how that relates to regulations in healthcare settings. Students are prepared to deliver their nursing skills and abilities to a wide variety of patients.
Coppin State University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The nursing program is accredited by the National League of Nursing and approved by the Maryland State Board of Examiners of Nurses.
Admission Rate: 36%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 61%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,920
Average Net Price: $9,667
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
2. Kentucky State University
Frankfort, Kentucky
Website
Kentucky State University delivers their RB-BSN through an Electronic Learning Management System. Courses are led by faculty who have practiced in their field of expertise. There are both full and part-time options for study and students may graduate in as little as 1 year. Courses are divided into 8 week blocks, so students are able to focus better taking fewer courses at the same time.
The nursing program at Kentucky State University is approved by the Kentucky Board of Education and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission. The University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Admission Rate: 38%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 52%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,370
Average Net Price: $9,194
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
1. Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences
Memphis, Tennessee
Website
Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences is a private Christian college offering both online and hybrid/blended courses toward their RN-BSN degree program. Students can enroll either full or part-time depending on their schedules Unique coursework emphasized population health and healthcare leadership to promote best practices and patient safety.
Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Admission Rate: 46%
First-to-Second Year Retention Rate: 74%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,101
Average Net Price: $8,885
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
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