Massachusetts RN-BSN Programs: Affordable & Fastest of 2025

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Find a Massachusetts Online RN to BSN program that works for you! Use our state listings to compare public & private schools, including UMass offerings. Discover rankings of the best and cheapest Online RN to BSN programs in MA. Apply for state-specific RN to BSN scholarships. And get answers to common FAQs, including details on 100% online options.

Best RN to BSN Online Programs in Massachusetts

1. University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Program: Online RN to BS
RN to BSN Credits: 30
Length: 4 Semesters/1 Year (Full-Time); 7 Semesters/2 Years (Part-Time)
Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
NCLEX Pass Rates: 90%

It was a close race, but UMass Amherst just beat out other UMass schools to take the #1 spot in our Best rankings! The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is well-known in the area and receives positive reviews. Students often praise the helpfulness & experience of professors, the rigorous coursework, and opportunities for interaction. The Online RN to BS is 100% online, with flexible start dates in spring or summer and clinical practicum work in Vulnerable/Underserved Populations. After graduation, you have the option to pursue the highly ranked Online MSN or Online BSN to DNP.

2. University of Massachusetts-Boston

Program: Online RN-BS
RN to BSN Credits: 30
Length: 3 Semesters (Full-Time); 4-5 Semesters (Part-Time)
Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
NCLEX Pass Rates: 90%

Put UMass Boston on your Massachusetts shortlist! The Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences is known for its strong partnerships with local healthcare systems (e.g. MGH), solid NCLEX pass rates, and well-reviewed programs. It even offers a variety of nursing scholarships. The Online RN-BS is 100% online, with the option of synchronized classes or face-to-face courses at Cape Cod Community College (CCCC). It also includes a service learning project in a community of your choice. Tuition prices are similar to UMass Dartmouth and graduate pathways are available for further study.

3. Endicott College

Program: Online RN to BSN
RN to BSN Credits: 41
Length: 15-16 Months
Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
NCLEX Pass Rates: 95%

Searching for a program with a personal feel? Have a look at Endicott’s cohort-based and 100% Online RN to BSN. You’ll study alongside the same peers for 15-16 months. You can talk to an advisor at any time. And you’ll receive a thorough grounding in advanced concepts. The program even includes a Nursing Internship. Be sure to ask the program coordinator about alumni job placements. Clinical partners of the Cummings School of Nursing and Health Sciences include 70+ Boston and local tertiary hospitals, community hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, community-based care settings, and more.

Cheapest RN to BSN Online Programs in Massachusetts

As you might expect, Massachusetts is an expensive state for Online RN to BSN students. Average tuition costs at UMass schools and state universities usually range from $12,000-$18,000. We’ve featured schools that are under $10,000 below. However, if money is a key issue, explore our rankings of the Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs in the country.

1. Anna Maria College

Program: Online RN to BSN
RN to BSN Credits: 30
Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: Yes—Check Accepted States
Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
NCLEX Pass Rates: 97%

This ACEN-accredited Online RN to BSN has one of the most affordable tuition rates in the state. AMC is a private Catholic college, so tuition is the same for all RNs, regardless of their location. All program fees are included in this rate. Additional fees may apply pending clinical placement requirements (e.g. CPR Certification).

2. Fitchburg State University

Program: Online RN to BSN
RN to BSN Credits: 32
Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: Yes
Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
NCLEX Pass Rates: 88%

FSU’s 100% Online RN to BSN just squeaked in under the $10,000 threshold. Tuition rates are pretty straightforward; additional costs may apply for students who need to complete General Education (GE) coursework. If you commit to 2 courses per 7-week session, you can finish in 12 months; part-time study will take longer. There are multiple start dates.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts

To appear in our Fastest rankings, Online RN to BSN programs had to be less than 3 semesters/1 year in length. We didn’t find any accredited offerings that fit that criteria—the quickest, full-time options were usually 12 months. If you need a degree quickly, check out our list of the Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs in the country.

RN to BSN Scholarships in Massachusetts

Statewide Scholarships for Massachusetts RN to BSN Students

Massachusetts Nursing Organization Scholarships

Start by applying for Massachusetts Nurses Foundation (MNF) Scholarships from the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA)—there’s a simple application form. MNA members also qualify for a number of tuition discounts, fee waivers, and scholarships at partner universities, both for the BSN and the MSN. Check out the BSN deals at Drexel, Regis, and Rivier.

But the MNA isn’t the only funding body in town! As a Massachusetts RN, you may also qualify for:

New England Regional Black Nurses Association (NERBNA) Scholarships
Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation Scholarship Program: This program assists long term care employees who seek to further their education.
MetroWest Health Foundation Scholarships: Scholarships are provided to students who are residents of one of 25 towns in the MetroWest service area.
Devlin Medical Scholarship Fund: Open to nursing students from Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, Winchester, and Woburn, MA.

Massachusetts Community Foundation & City of Boston Scholarships

After you’ve explored awards from nursing organizations, we recommend you look up your local community foundation in MA. Many foundations offer education scholarships to local residents. Examples include:

Massachusetts Healthcare System & University Partnerships

Do you work for a New England hospital or healthcare system? Talk to your HR representative about your education plans. For instance, MGH Employee Benefits include tuition reimbursement, The Association of Multicultural Members of Partners Scholarship, and more.

Your employer may also offer unique awards (e.g. Cooley Dickinson Hospital Nursing Scholarships) or have training programs in place. For example, the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) Partnership is a residency program that creates a pathway for Nurse Residents at BIMDC to continue working while covering the costs associated with Emmanuel’s on-site, evening RN-to-BSN program.

University Scholarships for Massachusetts RN to BSN Students

In Massachusetts, big public universities in the UMass system tend to offer the most nursing scholarships and institutional aid. But they can also be more expensive than smaller colleges. So choosing an Online RN to BSN will be a balancing act! When you’re exploring general university scholarships, bear in mind that many awards will be reserved for “traditional” 4-year undergraduates.

Emmanuel College

Endicott College

Endicott Grants & Scholarships

Fitchburg State University

Labouré College

Labouré Financial Aid

Salem State University

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Massachusetts-Boston

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

Westfield State University

Westfield State Financial Aid

RN to BSN Requirements in Massachusetts

RN Licensure: Online RN to BSN degrees are classified as “post-licensure” programs. Massachusetts colleges & universities will expect you to hold—or be in the process of earning—an RN license. If you’re a new graduate, you’ll have a little bit of wiggle room. For instance:

Labouré associate degree students and Labouré alumni who have not yet obtained their RN license may be eligible to begin the Online RN to BSN with permission from the program chair.
Elms wants to see proof of RN licensure by the end of the first eight week session of the Online RN-BSN.

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing can answer any questions you may have. The Board also posts recent NCLEX pass rates for pre-licensure programs. These stats don’t apply to RN to BSN degrees, but we like to use them as a quality benchmark.

State Authorization: Live outside of Massachusetts? Before you apply to an Online RN to BSN program in the Bay State, check the fine print on state authorization. Some schools are happy to accept out-of-state RNs (e.g. UMass options); some schools will only consider applicants with a current, unrestricted Massachusetts RN license.

Massachusetts Online RN to BSN Programs: FAQs

Are 100% Online RN to BSN Programs Available in Massachusetts

Yes. A sizeable number of Massachusetts Online RN to BSN programs in our listings are completely online, with no campus visits required (e.g. UMass schools, Bay Path, Labouré, etc.). A number of MA schools will provide you with a choice. For instance, Elms College’s RN-BSN program is delivered face-to-face OR online in a cohort model. And Curry’s Online RN to BS in Nursing can be fully online OR hybrid with weekly classroom meetings.

Can I Choose a “No Clinicals” Online RN to BSN in Massachusetts?

ACEN- and CCNE-accredited Online RN to BSN programs always contain in-person practicums. However, they won’t be like clinicals in your associate or diploma program. Instead, they’re often focused on giving you experience in leadership & community health. For example:

Emmanuel’s Online RN to BSN requires 30 hours of community service, as well as a community or teaching/learning project.
Labouré’s Online RN to BSN contains a mentor experience in the final semester. This will allow you to work with an experienced nurse mentor based on your area of interest.

Clinical practicums in Online RN to BSN programs can—almost always—be completed in your home community or place of work. Ask the RN to BSN program coordinator how the process works.

Do I Need to Have Statistics to Apply to Massachusetts Online RN to BSN Programs?

Westfield, Massachusetts

RN to BSN

Offered Online

Curriculum Info Cost Info How To Apply

Worcester State University

Dr. Lillian R. Goodman Nursing Department

Worcester, Massachusetts

RN-BS

Offered Online

Curriculum Info Cost Info How To Apply