Best RN to BSN Online Programs in California
1. California State University – Fullerton
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30-33
- Length: 2 Semesters (Full-Time); 4 Semesters (Part-Time)
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: No
CSUF’s Online RN to BSN is our top pick for California RNs. It’s affordable, fast, and flexible—you can choose an online or campus version. The School of Nursing receives “thumbs up” reviews from graduate alumni and it’s affiliated with a number of clinical partners. In the Online RN to BSN, the vast majority of coursework is virtual. However, there are in-person clinical labs for Health Assessment and Population Health Nursing. These labs are offered in partner facilities in a number of CA counties (e.g. Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino). If you’re currently enrolled in a California ADN program, you should consider CSUF’s Jump Start.
2. California State University – Fresno
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 21
- Length: 3 Semesters
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: No
Fresno State offers an Online RN to BSN that’s short and sweet. All of the coursework is 100% online, with the exception of a 90-hour clinical in Community Health Nursing. It appears in our Best CA list thanks to low debt rates, respectable (if not outstanding) U.S. News rankings, and solid clinical connections (e.g. Valley Children’s Hospital, Saint Agnes Medical Center, etc.). That’s important, since placements for the Community Health clinical are only available within the Fresno State service area.
4. Loma Linda University
- Program: Hybrid RN to BS
- RN to BSN Credits: 48 Quarter Units
- Length: 4 Quarters (Full-Time); 6-9 Quarters (Part-Time)
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: No
Not interested in CSU schools? You may wish to check out LLU’s Christ-centered Hybrid RN to BS. It’s expensive, but it’s extremely well-connected. The School of Nursing is right across the street from the Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) and nursing students often end up completing clinical experiences, internships, and educational opportunities at the teaching hospital. If you work full-time in the LLUH system, you’ll also be awarded 8 free quarter units on an annual basis
5. California State University – Sacramento
- Program: Online/Hybrid RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30
- Length: 2 Semesters (Full-Time); 3+ Semesters (Part-Time)
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: No
Sac State’s Online/Hybrid RN to BSN is a great choice for local area RNs—it’s fast, cheap, and studded with quality markers. The School of Nursing earns positive reviews from graduate alumni. NCLEX pass rates are consistently outstanding. And BSN graduates are eligible to apply for a California Public Health Nurse (PHN) Certificate if they successfully complete the Community Health clinical course. We’ve added “hybrid” to the title of the program because RN to BSN coursework at Sac State is ~75% online and ~25% on-campus.
Cheapest RN to BSN Online Programs in California
The most affordable RN to BSN programs in California come from CSU schools—total tuition prices often fall under $8,000 for full-time study. But many CSU programs are designed for (or limited to) California RNs. If you’re from out-of-state, you should expand your search. Keep in mind, too, that CSU campuses have their own cost structure. All students pay a per-semester, system-wide tuition fee + mandatory campus fees.
1. California State University – East Bay
- Program: Online/Hybrid RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 35
- Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: No
- Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
The cheapest option for California RNs is CSUEB’s Online/Hybrid RN to BSN. Most of the curriculum is 100% online, but two courses—Health Assessment for the RN and Community Health—require weekly attendance near the Hayward campus, with limited sections in Concord. The total tuition price is superb, but you will have to factor in additional commuting costs. CSUEB also offers an affordable Post-Licensure Collaborative (ADN-BSN) program for ADNs at local community colleges.
2. California State University – Dominguez Hills
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30
- Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: No
- Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
CSUDH is one of the most affordable schools in the country—it also appears in our rankings of the Cheapest RN to BSN Programs in the U.S. Having said that, the Online RN to BSN is typically only open to residents of California. If you can fit all the coursework into 2 semesters, you’ll be paying ~$7,000 + assorted costs. However, CSUDH may insist that you stretch your schedule into 3 semesters. Check with the RN to BSN program coordinator to learn what’s allowed.
3. California State University – Sacramento
- Program: Online/Hybrid RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30
- Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: No
- Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
If you live in the Sacramento area, the total cost of Sac State’s Online/Hybrid RN to BSN is not much higher than CSUEB & CSUDH! Courses in this program are blended – approximately 75% online and 25% face-to-face. On a full-time schedule, you can complete the degree in 2 semesters; part-time study will take 3+ semesters. In addition, graduates are eligible to apply for a California Public Health Nurse (PHN) Certificate if they successfully complete the Community Health clinical course.
4. California State University – Fullerton
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30-33
- Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: No
- Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
CSUF’s Online RN to BSN is not only an excellent program, it’s a fast & affordable one! In-state tuition is just a few dollars more than Sac State. Almost all of the coursework at CSUF is online, with the exception of in-person clinical labs for Health Assessment and Population Health Nursing. These labs are offered in partner facilities in a number of CA counties (e.g. Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino).
Honorary Affordable Mentions for Out-of-State Students
A number of CSU programs can be pricey—or simply unavailable—for out-of-state residents. So you may wish to take a look at the following alternatives. These CCNE-accredited RN to BSN programs in California tend to fall under $12,000 for the total tuition price.
- United States University: Online RN to BSN—Monthly payment plan available
- California Southern University: Online RN to BSN
- California State University – San Marcos: Online RN to BSN—See the State Authorizations section for approved states
Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs in California
To make it onto this “Fast” list, California RN to BSN programs had to clock under 3 semesters on a full-time schedule; we excluded any options that were 1 year/3 semesters or over.
You’ll notice that these speedy & affordable CSU schools also appear our rankings of the Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs in the country. ADN students at California Community Colleges should also check out the section on CSU ADN-BSN Nursing Pathways.
1. California State University – Sacramento
- Program: Online/Hybrid RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30
- Length: 2 Semesters (Full-Time); 3+ Semesters (Part-Time)
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: No
Sac State’s Online/Hybrid RN to BSN can be completed in 2 semesters. In this full-time scenario, you would take 15 course units in the first semester, including a 90-hour practicum for Community Health Nursing, and 15 course units in the second semester. Part-time options are also available. Core RN to BSN nursing coursework equals 27 units, but you must complete at least 30 units at Sac State in order to graduate. Students usually add an upper level General Education course to meet this requirement.
2. California State University – Fullerton
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30-33
- Length: 2 Semesters (Full-Time); 4 Semesters (Part-Time)
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: No
If you put the pedal to the metal, CSUF’s Online RN to BSN will only take 8 months on a full-time schedule. Coursework will be spread over two 16-week semesters (fall/spring or spring/fall). Part-time schedules are also available. The majority of coursework is online, but there are in-person clinical labs for Health Assessment and Population Health Nursing. These labs are offered in partner facilities in certain CA counties (e.g. Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino).
3. Vanguard University
- Program: Online RN to BSN
- RN to BSN Credits: 30
- Length: 10 Months
- Accepts Out-of-State RNs: No
Vanguard’s speedy Online RN to BSN is not as affordable as CSU options, but it’s offered in a 100% online or hybrid format. If you’re able to commit to an accelerated plan of study (e.g. up to 4 courses per semester), you can finish in 10 months. A part-time plan might take ~2 years/5 semesters. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for the Public Health Nurse (PHN) Certificate.
RN to BSN Scholarships in California
Statewide Scholarships for California RN to BSN Students
Thanks to its size, California is awash in nursing scholarships for RN to BSN students! Funding is available from government bodies, statewide nursing organizations, private organizations, and California healthcare institutions.
We’ve listed a few CA highlights, but there are plenty more (e.g. Department of California American Legion Auxiliary’s Past Presidents Parley Nursing Scholarship for veterans & families). School of Nursing websites often contain a section on external scholarships. You can also ask the RN to BSN program coordinator for a list of ideas.
California Nursing Organization BSN Scholarships
- California Nurses Foundation (CNF): CNA/NNOC Scholarships
- Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL): Scholarship Opportunities
- California Emergency Nurses Association (California ENA): Daniel Kelleher Scholarship
California Healthcare Institution BSN Scholarships
- Kaiser Permanente Nursing (KPN): Deloras Jones RN Scholarship Program
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California: Institute of Nursing Excellence (IONE) Funds
- Humboldt Health Foundation (HHF): Homer P. Balabanis Memorial Nursing Scholarship
University Scholarships for California RN to BSN Students
Under each CA school, we’ve listed links to internal & external funding ideas for RN to BSN students; CSU applicants should also have a look at the list of CSU Systemwide Scholarships. Do you work for a large healthcare organization? CA universities often offer RN to BSN discounts to employees of local area healthcare institutions (e.g. APU’s Academic Practice Partner & ACNL Discounts). Check with your California employer before you start looking into programs—you may be eligible for sizeable tuition reductions.
Azusa Pacific University
- RN to BSN Partial Tuition Scholarships & Partner Discounts
- APU Scholarships for Professional Students (Bachelor’s Completion)
California Baptist University
California Southern University
California State University – Bakersfield
California State University – Chico
California State University – Dominguez Hills
California State University – East Bay
California State University – Fresno
California State University – Fullerton
California State University – Monterey Bay
California State University – Sacramento
California State University – San Bernardo
California State University – San Marcos
California State University – Stanislaus
Career Networks Institute (CNI) College
Holy Names University
Humboldt State University
Loma Linda University
- BS in Nursing: Financial Information & Scholarships
- Gamma Alpha Chapter: Grants, Awards, and Scholarships
- Loma Linda University Institutional Loans
Mount St. Mary’s University
National University
Pacific College
Point Loma Nazarene University
Simpson University
Stanbridge University
United States University
Unitek College
Vanguard University of Southern California
West Coast University
- WCU Health Services Partner Grant: Tuition Discount
- WCU Nursing Partner Scholarship (Check the Academic Catalog for Details)
- WCU Online Division Scholarships & Grants (Check the Academic Catalog for Details)
RN to BSN Requirements in California
RN Licensure: RN to BSN offerings in California are classified as post-licensure programs, so you won’t have many dealings with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). But feel free to use the BRN’s table of NCLEX-RN Pass Rates to do a quality check on universities! In our rankings of the Best California RN to BSN Programs, we excluded a number of schools with mediocre pass rates.
State Authorization: Interested in applying to an Online RN to BSN in California? Examine the sections on a) admissions requirements; and b) state authorizations.
- Many CA universities—both public (e.g. California State University schools) and private (e.g. Point Loma Nazarene University) expect Online RN to BSN students to hold a California RN license.
- Even if a California Online RN to BSN program accepts out-of-state RNs, there may be a number of state exclusions. For instance, CSUSM’s online programs are only offered in certain states. Double-check your eligibility with the RN to BSN program coordinator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Accreditations Should I Consider for California RN to BSN Programs?
You’re looking for 2 major accreditations:
- California universities should have regional accreditation (e.g. WASC).
- Schools of Nursing should have CCNE or ACEN accreditation.
RN to BSN programs are post-licensure degrees, but you can also check the California Board of Nursing (BRN)’s list of approved Pre-Licensure RN Programs to ensure that the school’s traditional, 4-year BSN program is a good one.
Do California Universities Offer 100% Online RN to BSN Programs?
Yes. Plenty of private universities in California (e.g. APU, CBU, etc.) offer 100% online RN to BSN programs to in-state and out-of-state RNs. Any clinical rotation hours can be completed in your home community at an appropriate agency (e.g. community/public health site).
Interested in more affordable public options? Keep in mind that a number of RN to BSN programs at California State University (CSU) schools are hybrid. Other CSU options may have occasional campus elements (e.g. in-person weekend visits for health assessment labs). Take a careful look at the program page before you apply.
Are There Any Online RN to BSN to MSN Programs in California?
If there are, we had trouble finding them! The options listed in our directory of RN to MSN Programs in California tend to be accelerated degrees that bypass the bachelor’s degree. You’ll take all the coursework that’s required to earn an MSN, but you won’t be able to list a BSN on your résumé.
If you need to have a BSN for employment reasons, have a look at our national directory of RN to BSN to MSN Programs. You’ll find online programs offered by universities across the country.
Are There Any “No Clinicals Required” RN to BSN Programs in California?
Probably not. Because of CCNE regulations regarding BSN programs, clinical practicums are usually a mandatory part of RN to BSN coursework (e.g. Community Health). But that doesn’t mean that you will have to travel far. Most Online RN to BSN programs in California will allow you to complete practicum hours in your local area.
Ask the RN to BSN program coordinator about the logistics of this process. Does the university need to have a clinical affiliation agreement with your local agency? Who is in charge of finding preceptors? Can you complete clinical hours at your current place of employment?
Is Statistics Required for Applying to RN to BSN Programs in California?
It depends. Statistics is a standard prerequisite for RN to BSN programs in California State University (CSU) schools. You’ll almost always see it highlighted in the admissions requirements.
Private universities in California may be a little more flexible. For instance, APU doesn’t list statistics in its section on RN to BSN Admission Requirements. As always, we recommend you double-check with the RN to BSN program coordinator.
California RN to BSN Online Schools
29 Schools Found
Azusa Pacific University
School of Nursing
Azusa, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Brandman University
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Irvine, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
California Baptist University
College of Nursing
Riverside, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
California Southern University
School of Nursing
Irvine, California
RN-to-BSN
Offered Online
California State University-Bakersfield
Department of Nursing
Bakersfield, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
California State University-Chico
School of Nursing
Chico, California
RN - BSN
Offered Online
California State University-Dominguez Hills
School of Nursing
Carson, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
California State University-East Bay
School of Nursing
Hayward, California
Post-Licensure RN to BSN
Offered Online
California State University-Fresno
School of Nursing
Fresno, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
California State University-Fullerton
School of Nursing
Fullerton, California
RN - BSN
Offered Online
California State University-Monterey Bay
Department of Nursing
Seaside, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
California State University-Sacramento
School of Nursing
Sacramento, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
California State University-San Bernardino
Department of Nursing
San Bernardino, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
California State University-San Marcos
School of Nursing
San Marcos, California
California State University-Stanislaus
School of Nursing
Turlock, California
RN - BSN
Offered Online
Career Networks Institute
School of Nursing
Orange, California
Humboldt State University
Nursing Department
Arcata, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Loma Linda University
School of Nursing
Loma Linda, California
RN to BS in Nursing
Offered Online
Mount St. Mary's College
Department of Nursing
Los Angeles, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
National University
College of Professional Studies
La Jolla, California
RN-BSN Completion
Offered Online
Pacific College
Nursing Program
Costa Mesa, California
RN-to-BSN
Offered Online
Point Loma Nazarene University
School of Nursing
San Diego, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Simpson University
Betty M. Dean School of Nursing
Redding, California
RN-BSN
Offered Online
Stanbridge University
School of Nursing
Irvine, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
The University of Arizona Global Campus
Healthcare Department
San Diego, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
United States University
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Chula Vista, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
Unitek College
Department of Nursing
Fremont, California
RN-to-BSN
Offered Online
Vanguard University of Southern California
Department of Nursing
Costa Mesa, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online
West Coast University
Health Care & Nursing Programs
Anaheim, California
RN to BSN
Offered Online