Best RN to BSN Online Programs in Alabama
1. University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30
- Length: 3 Semesters (Full-Time); 5 Semesters (Part-Time)
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
UAB’s School of Nursing is a perennial all-star in Alabama. It earns excellent reviews from undergraduates & graduate alumni. It often achieves national honors (e.g. U.S. News & World Report Top 20). It offers tons of scholarships. It has close professional ties to UAB Medicine and Children’s of Alabama. And it features in our rankings of the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in the country. The 30-credit Online RN to BSN can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. If graduate work appeals, you may also be interested in the Online RN to MSN pathway—a BSN is awarded along the way.
2. University of South Alabama
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 24
- Length: 2 Semesters (Full-Time) or Set Your Own Pace
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes (Except NY & SD)
USA jumps into the #2 spot thanks to two major factors: speed and tuition. In contrast to UAB’s pricier program, USA’s 24-credit Online RN to BSN is pretty darn cheap. You won’t be attending a university with the same prestige, but you will be saving money. We should also add that the College of Nursing has strong NCLEX pass rates. It has established clinical ties to hospitals in USA Health. It offers plenty of undergraduate nursing scholarships. And it has an Online RN to BSN/MSN pathway. One thing to note—the RN to BSN is not available to New York and South Dakota residents.
3. University of Alabama
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 25
- Length: 3 Semesters
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
UA’s Online RN to BSN is a solid pick for any RN—in-state or out-of-state. The Capstone College of Nursing has some of the best NCLEX pass rates in Alabama. Scholarships are available from Capstone and the College of Continuing Studies (CCS). Plus there’s a strong alumni network for job leads. In addition, UA offers an Online RN to BSN/MSN for RNs who wish to earn the BSN in conjunction with an MSN in Nurse Administration. Check the State Authorization section in the RN to BSN FAQs to make sure you’re eligible to apply for RN Mobility programs; almost all states are included.
Cheapest RN to BSN Online Programs in Alabama
Alabama is a super-affordable state for Online RN to BSN students. The cheapest programs come from big public universities that also offer internal scholarships & awards. Better yet, these prices are the same for in-state and out-of-state residents.
1. University of South Alabama
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 24
- Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: Yes
- Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
USA’s Online RN to BSN is a great deal for everyone—there’s a special per credit rate for all RN to BSN students, regardless of their state of residence. When you multiply that rate by the number of credits (24), you get a total price that’s just shy of the most affordable RN to BSN programs in the country. One important note—this Online RN to BSN is not available to New York and South Dakota residents.
2. University of Alabama
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 25
- Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: Yes
- Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
Tuition for UA’s Online RN to BSN is charged at an affordable Bama by Distance rate. This distance learning rate is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. There may be additional course or test proctoring fees. When you add up the numbers, the total tuition cost for USA’s Online RN to BSN is only ~$1,500 more than USA’s price.
3. Jacksonville State University
- Program: Online STEP RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 32
- Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: Yes
- Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
All students in JSU’s Online STEP RN to BSN—in-state and out-of-state—pay the same online tuition rate. But we should mention that JSU charges different per credit rates for fall & spring online courses vs. summer online courses. And additional fees may apply. If you complete the program in one year (fall/spring/summer), you’ll only end up paying ~$2,500 more than USA.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs in Alabama
Feeling the need for speed? Two Alabama schools appear in our rankings of the Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs in the country. These programs take less than one year.
1. University of South Alabama
USA’s highly affordable Online RN to BSN takes ~8 months/2 semesters on a full-time schedule. You can go slower if you wish to set your own pace. There are only 6 required nursing courses (24 credits in total) and clinical hours can be tackled at your place of employment. Keep in mind that this Online RN to BSN is unavailable to New York and South Dakota residents.
2. Spring Hill College
On a full-time schedule, SHC’s 25-credit Online RN to BSN takes 9 months (~4 courses per semester); part-time study might last 18 months. Three of the courses contain practicums/fieldwork, but you can complete these requirements in your local community & current place of employment.
RN to BSN Scholarships in Alabama
Statewide Scholarships for Alabama RN to BSN Students
Start with the Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) and its useful list of Alabama Nurses Foundation (ANF) Scholarships & Project Grants. Here you’ll find info on ANF academic scholarships and Alabama Association of Nursing Students (AANS) leadership scholarships. In addition, BSN students occasionally qualify for Alabama Board of Nursing Scholarships.
Do you work for an Alabama healthcare institution? You may be eligible for financial aid from your place of work. For example, Baptist Health Care Foundation Scholarships are plentiful. Brookwood Medical Center offers scholarships to students enrolled in accredited nursing schools. And Huntsville Hospital has partnered up with UNA to offer the Huntsville Hospital Scholarship Program. Check with your employer.
University Scholarships for Alabama RN to BSN Students
In Alabama, big public universities tend to offer the most nursing aid, including specific scholarships & grants for RN to BSN students (e.g. UNA’s WORC/Alphabet Grant). Under each school, we’ve also included links to university-wide scholarships, but make sure that online, upper division students are eligible to apply. Some awards will be reserved for “traditional” 4-year undergraduate students.
Auburn University
Auburn University at Montgomery
Jacksonville State University
Spring Hill College
The University of Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Alabama in Huntsville
University of Mobile
University of North Alabama
- Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions Scholarships
- WORC/Alphabet Grant Program
- UNA Scholarships
University of South Alabama
RN to BSN Requirements in Alabama
As an RN, you will have already run the gauntlet of state licensure. But you’re welcome to browse through the list of the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN)’s Approved Nursing Programs and check up on each university’s NCLEX pass rates. This will give you a good indication of the best BSN programs in the state.
If you’re from out-of-state, check the fine print on state authorization. Most Alabama Online RN to BSN programs are open to RNs with a current license from any state, but there are exceptions. For example, USA’s fast & affordable Online RN to BSN is not available to applicants from New York or South Dakota. And UNA can’t accept students from California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Alabama RN to BSN Programs Have the Same Coursework?
No. Although there are certain baseline standards for RN to BSN programs (e.g. health assessment), each Alabama university has developed their own take on the curriculum. For example:
- UA and Auburn’s Online RN to BSN programs contain a course on informatics.
- SHC’s Online RN to BSN features a capstone project.
- JSU’s Online RN to BSN covers ethical issues.
- AUM’s Online RN to BSN includes a course in rural health and a leadership immersion.
Choose the RN to BSN that best suits your interests, time-frame, and budget.
Are There Any Online RN to BSN to MSN Programs in Alabama?
Yes. If you need to earn both a BSN and an MSN for employment reasons:
- University of Alabama: UA offers an Online RN to BSN/MSN for aspiring nurse leaders. RN students who have demonstrated academic and clinical excellence can complete the BSN jointly with a MSN in Nurse Administration.
- University of Alabama at Birmingham: UAB offers an Online RN to MSN in which the BSN degree is awarded along the way.
- University of North Alabama: UNA offers an Online RN to MSN that includes a BSN. Students earning their BSN at UNA will have completed 9 graduate credits at the time of their admittance into the MSN portion–this reduces the credits needed for the master’s degree.
- University of South Alabama: USA offers an Online RN to BSN/MSN. It looks like you can exit with a BSN if you end up deciding that you don’t want to earn a graduate degree, but it’s always best to check with the program coordinator.
What About Online RN to BSN Programs in Border States?
Do you live in Alabama? Be sure to take a look at Online RN to BSN Programs in Florida. A number of schools in this state offer heavy tuition discounts to Alabamans. For example, Northwest Florida State College offers a special border tuition rate that’s only $1 more than the in-state per credit rate. Pensacola State College has a similar BSN tuition deal.
Alabama RN to BSN School Listings
10 Schools Found
Auburn University at Montgomery
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Montgomery, Alabama
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Auburn University
School of Nursing
Auburn University, Alabama
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Jacksonville State University
Department of Nursing
Jacksonville, Alabama
STEP RN-BSN
Offered Online
Spring Hill College
Division of Nursing
Mobile, Alabama
RN to BSN
Offered Online
The University of Alabama
Capstone College of Nursing
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
RN to BSN
Offered Online
University of Alabama at Birmingham
School of Nursing
Birmingham, Alabama
RN to BSN
Offered Online
University of Alabama in Huntsville
College of Nursing
Huntsville, Alabama
RN to BSN
Offered Online
University of Mobile
School of Nursing
Mobile, Alabama
RN to BSN
Offered Online
University of North Alabama
Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions
Florence, Alabama
RN to BSN
Offered Online
University of South Alabama
College of Nursing
Mobile, Alabama
RN to BSN
Offered Online