Most Affordable LPN/LVN to BSN Online Bridge Programs for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

America’s 3.38 million registered nurses earn a median $93,600 and are projected to add another 197,200 openings this decade—yet hospitals still report vacancy rates above 9 percent.

If you’re an LPN/LVN thinking about a BSN, this guide shows how an online bridge can slash tuition, accelerate graduation, and unlock six-figure roles. We’ll cover benefits, costs, salaries from seven job sites, the ten cheapest accredited online LPN-to-BSN options for 2025, and smart tips on aid, prerequisites, and career paths.

What are the benefits of getting an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?

Median RN pay hits $93.6 K—45 percent more than the LPN median.
6 % job-growth forecast 2023-33 keeps BSN nurses in chronic demand.
BSN unlocks 20+ paths—from ICU travel nursing to informatics and leadership roles.

What can I expect from an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?

Expect to transfer 12-18 months of prior LPN coursework, finish 30-36 credits of upper-division nursing online, and complete on-ground clinicals arranged near you. Programs blend asynchronous lectures with proctored exams and virtual simulation labs.

Full-time learners graduate in as little as five terms; part-timers take two to three years while working shifts. Most schools prep you for NCLEX-RN and include review modules in tuition.

Where can I work with an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?

Hospitals remain the top employer (58 % of RNs) followed by outpatient and home-health services. New BSN grads also find roles in government clinics, schools, and tele-triage centers.

Top-employing industries for BSN nurses:

State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) employs 21,480
Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) has 18,600
Management of Companies and Enterprises with 15,760
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools has 14,000
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals employs 9,020

Top-employing states for BSN nurses:

California with 40,580 nurses
Texas has 23,370
Florida employs 15,110
New York has 14,140
Illinois employs 11,570

How much can I make with an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses earned a median annual wage of $93,600 in May 2024, with those in the top 10 percent making $135,320 or more.

Zippia (May 2025): average $73,349.
Salary.com (May 2025): range $65,090 – $117,060 (average $109,038).
ZipRecruiter (May 2025): average $44.48 per hour.
Indeed (May 2025): average $43.85 per hour plus $12 k overtime.
PayScale (Apr 2025): average $35.60 per hour.
Glassdoor (Jun 2025): average base $87,715; estimated total pay $99,149.

Most Affordable LPN/LVN to BSN Online Bridge Programs for 2025
How long does it take to complete an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?
How does an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge compare to an on-campus program?
What is the average cost of an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?
What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?
What courses are typically in an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?
What types of specializations are available in LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge programs?
What challenges might arise during an online LPN/LVN to BSN bridge program?
What student support services are available in online LPN/LVN to BSN bridge programs?
Can the BSN Bridge Program Accelerate My Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing?
How does one choose the best LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?
What career paths are available for graduates of LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge programs?
What is the job market for graduates with an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge?
Other Things You Should Know About LPN/LVN to BSN Online Bridge Programs

Most Affordable LPN/LVN to BSN Online Bridge Programs for 2025

Licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs) can advance to a bachelor’s degree through many accredited online bridge programs. The following list highlights the ten most affordable accredited LPN/LVN-to-BSN programs in 2025.

These programs combine low per-credit tuition with CCNE or ACEN nursing accreditation, ensuring quality education at a reduced cost. All schools listed are regionally accredited. Each program meets CCNE or ACEN accreditation standards. For related information, see our guide to online LPN to BSN programs.

How do we rank schools?

This ranking methodology relied on industry-standard data sources. Specifically, we aggregated tuition and program data from the U.S. Department of Education’s IPEDS database, Peterson’s database, and the College Scorecard database.

These sources provided up-to-date information on school costs, retention, and graduate earnings. We prioritized fully-online LPN/LVN-to-BSN tracks at regionally accredited institutions. All featured programs hold national nursing accreditation (CCNE or ACEN). Our criteria emphasize affordability per credit while ensuring academic quality.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University – LPN to BSN

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, established in 1901 in Weatherford, delivers affordable education to rural and urban Oklahomans alike. Its ACEN-accredited LPN-to-BSN program moves didactic content fully online through seven fast eight-week sessions while granting advanced-standing credit for practical nursing experience.

Students schedule clinical rotations near their communities, minimizing travel costs and time away from work. SWOSU emphasizes individualized faculty mentoring, low per-credit nursing tuition, and strong NCLEX pass rates that surpass state and national benchmarks every reporting year for graduates.

Program cost: $245/credit
Program duration: 2 years
Total credits needed to graduate: 124
Program/School Accreditation: ACEN ; HLC

University of South Alabama – LPN to BSN Pathway

The University of South Alabama, a public research institution in Mobile chartered in 1963, extends its respected College of Nursing through a fully online LPN-to-BSN pathway. After completing 62 general-education credits, students tackle 48 professional credits delivered in asynchronous modules, paying an affordable $328 per credit.

Four-semester plans keep momentum high, and clinical requirements are met in approved healthcare sites close to home. USA’s program builds on the college’s long record of regional workforce partnership and strong NCLEX outcomes success.

Program cost: $328/credit
Program duration: 2 years
Total credits needed to graduate: 120
Program/School Accreditation: CCNE ; SACSCOC

University of Arkansas – LPN to BSN Online

Founded in 1871 in Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas serves as the state’s flagship public research institution and land-grant leader. The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing extends that mission nationwide with a fully online LPN-to-BSN bridge that grants in-state tuition to every distance learner.

Courses run in 16-week sessions and use interactive simulations, while clinical rotations are arranged near each student’s residence. Graduates post NCLEX-RN pass rates above national averages and move into hospital and community roles, enjoying rewarding careers.

Program cost: $339/credit
Program duration: 3 years
Total credits needed to graduate: 120
Program/School Accreditation: CCNE ; HLC

University of Sioux Falls – LPN to BSN

Established in 1883, the University of Sioux Falls is a Christian university in South Dakota committed to servant leadership and career preparation. Its LPN-to-BSN delivers all didactic content online through eight-week blocks, letting students maintain employment while progressing year-round.

LPNs receive 30 advanced credits, reducing overall cost to just 83 BSN credits. Tuition is $390 per credit, and clinicals are arranged near students’ communities. USF’s supportive cohort model and faith-centered approach foster strong licensure and employment results after program completion.

Program cost: $390/credit
Program duration: 3 years
Total credits needed to graduate: 120
Program/School Accreditation: CCNE ; HLC

Indiana State University – LPN/LVN to BSN Track

Indiana State University, established in 1865 in Terre Haute, pioneered distance nursing two decades ago and remains a leader in online health education. Its fully remote LPN/LVN-to-BSN track lets practical nurses study anywhere with no campus visits required.

Interactive eight-week courses and virtual simulation labs align with AACN standards, and clinical experiences are scheduled near each student’s home. Graduates earn a respected public-university BSN while paying a modest online tuition rate that is identical for all states, benefiting nationwide learners.

Program cost: $469/credit
Program duration: 3 years
Total credits needed to graduate: 120
Program/School Accreditation: ACEN ; HLC

Wilson College Online – LPN to BSN

Wilson College, a private liberal-arts institution founded in 1869 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, embraces innovation and access through its Wilson College Online division. The LPN-to-BSN bridge allows nurses to complete all theory courses asynchronously and schedule clinicals close to home.

Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated nursing tutors, and a values-based curriculum rooted in Wilson’s historic mission to educate nontraditional learners. Generous transfer credit policies and a competitive $475-per-credit tuition make this program one of the state’s most affordable options.

Program cost: $475/credit
Program duration: 3 years
Total credits needed to graduate: 120
Program/School Accreditation: ACEN ; MSCHE

Excelsior University – LPN to BSN

Excelsior University, founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, focuses exclusively on adult and military learners seeking flexible degrees. Its LPN-to-BSN pathway is entirely online, offering eight-week terms and competency-based assessments that honor prior learning.

Students complete theory courses from home and arrange clinicals in approved local facilities across the nation. Excelsior’s nursing school, long known for high first-time NCLEX success, provides dedicated academic coaches and a robust virtual skills lab. Graduates earn a BSN quickly without relocating or pausing employment.

Program cost: $550/credit
Program duration: 2 years
Total credits needed to graduate: 121
Program/School Accreditation: ACEN ; MSCHE

University of Mary – LPN to BSN

Founded by the Benedictine Sisters in 1959, the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, leverages Catholic values and modern technology to deliver its blended-online LPN-to-BSN program. While most coursework is asynchronous, students attend two brief campus residencies for simulation and assessment.

The curriculum awards credit for prior LPN experience, enabling completion in two years. With tuition set at $615 per credit and personalized advising, the program attracts working nurses across the Plains seeking leadership roles in evolving healthcare systems.

Program cost: $615/credit
Program duration: 2 years
Total credits needed to graduate: 128
Program/School Accreditation: CCNE ; HLC

Clarkson College – LPN to BSN

Clarkson College, founded in 1888 by Bishop Clarkson in Omaha, Nebraska, specializes exclusively in healthcare education and ranks among the region’s most technologically advanced nursing schools. The LPN-to-BSN program delivers theory courses in a flexible online format with virtual simulation, awarding advanced placement for LPN licensure.

Students complete local clinicals and can finish in eight semesters. With tuition of $671 per credit and an average class size of fifteen, Clarkson offers personalized instruction and high NCLEX pass percentages for graduates.

Program cost: $671/credit
Program duration: 8 semesters (≈2.7 years)
Total credits needed to graduate: 127
Program/School Accreditation: ACEN ; HLC

Herzing University – Online LPN to BSN Bridge

Herzing University, an online-focused nonprofit founded in 1965, operates from Milwaukee but serves learners nationwide through a robust virtual campus. Its online LPN-to-BSN bridge pairs eight-week courses with local clinical placements, allowing practical nurses to finish the professional component in as little as twenty-eight months.

Career coaches help align coursework with employer tuition-reimbursement plans, and Herzing’s $755-per-credit online tuition remains locked for continuous enrollment. The school’s personalized approach has earned recognition for graduate satisfaction and industry-leading earnings and nationwide rankings.

Program cost: $755/credit
Program duration: 28 months
Total credits needed to graduate: 120
Program/School Accreditation: CCNE ; HLC

How long does it take to complete an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?

Most online bridges let working LPNs wrap up a bachelor’s in 24–36 months because they award advanced-standing credit for prior nursing courses and license exams. A few accelerated tracks compress the timeline even further: Southwestern Oklahoma State University structures seven eight-week terms so full-time students can finish in roughly 12–18 months, while some learners stack a 6 month LPN to RN program first to shave an extra semester of prerequisites before beginning upper-division BSN work.

Flagship options like the University of Arkansas still list a two-to-three-year plan for 120 credits, but part-time pacing can extend completion to four years—useful if you’re balancing 12-hour shifts and family duties

How does an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge compare to an on-campus program?

Online bridges mirror campus curricula credit-for-credit—regional accreditation and CCNE or ACEN oversight see to that—but they swap fixed lecture times for asynchronous modules and local clinical placement. Drexel University’s comparison of online versus traditional degrees notes that employers value accredited online credentials equally, provided the school also maintains a physical campus and strong brand reputation.

Students in fully remote cohorts save on commuting, housing, and often 10–20 % of mandatory fees, yet they still tap campus libraries and advising virtually. Meanwhile, campus BSN tracks may deliver richer face-to-face simulations but require daytime attendance—harder for LPNs working rotating shifts. See these flexible LPN online programs for details on cost differences and scheduling perks.

Moreover, employers increasingly embrace online nursing credentials: a recent NACE survey found that 87.4 % of employers hired graduates holding an online degree as shown in the image below. This statistic underscores that LPN/LVN-to-BSN bridges delivered fully online carry the same weight in hiring decisions as on-campus degrees—reinforcing confidence in distance pathways.

The percentage of employers that hired graduates with online degrees.

What is the average cost of an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?

Across the programs we evaluated, tuition runs $300 – $755 per credit, with a midpoint near $440. That aligns closely with EducationData’s estimate that public four-year institutions charge about $406 per credit and private schools $496. Multiplying credit costs by the 120-credit BSN requirement produces an out-of-pocket span of $36,000 to $60,000—well below the national, which tops $38,270 per year, including living expenses.

Accelerated online bridges further trim costs by granting 12–30 “advanced standing” credits for your current LPN license, effectively cutting a semester (or more) of tuition and fees. Students who study part-time should budget an extra 5–10 % for incremental tech and proctoring fees built into many distance courses.

Below is a snapshot of national average tuition figures for RN and LPN/LVN pathways, illustrating in-state versus out-of-state and certificate costs. This visual highlights how LPN/LVN certificate programs cost under $20,000, while RN bachelor’s programs range from $9,235 (in-state) to $26,401 (out-of-state).

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?

Funding help is plentiful: 87% of first-time, full-time undergraduates now receive some form of aid according to NCES’s latest financial-aid indicator. Federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395 for 2024-25), Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans, and the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program are cornerstones, while many hospitals reimburse $5 k–$10 k per year for employees who upskill to the BSN. State work-study and need-based grants also apply, and private foundations—such as the Johnson & Johnson “Our Race to Health Equity” awards—target under-represented nursing students.

Tuition data from registered nursing tuition show an average $26,401 annual sticker price for BSN study in 2023-24; institutional scholarships routinely slash that figure by 25-40 %. Finally, online learners qualify for the same FAFSA-based aid packages as on-campus peers, so filing early remains essential.

You can also look into affordable LVN to RN programs online for budget-friendly options.

The image below illustrates that 87.3 % of all college students receive some form of financial aid, emphasizing how common and accessible funding support is for LPN/LVN-to-BSN learners.

The percentage of college students who receive some form of financial aid.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?

Admission committees first verify an active, unencumbered LPN/LVN license and at least 6–12 months of recent bedside practice; many schools waive entrance tests if that work history is documented.

Applicants then submit official transcripts showing a 2.5–3.0 GPA in anatomy & physiology I–II, microbiology, English composition, and college algebra—courses that mirror those in an RN diploma program but are capped at 10 years old for transfer credit.

Most programs also require a criminal-background check, drug screen, current immunizations, and basic life-support (BLS) certification. National Center for Education Statistics data show that 82% of health-science majors enter with at least two lab-science credits already complete, reducing remedial coursework for bridge students.

What courses are typically in an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?

Bridge curricula stack upper-division nursing theory on top of general education. Cohorts usually take

health assessment,
pathophysiology,
pharmacology,
adult and geriatric nursing,
maternal-child nursing,
community/public health,
evidence-based practice, and
a leadership/management capstone.

Online modules combine narrated lectures with virtual simulations; clinical requirements—often 500–700 hours—are met at approved local facilities under an RN preceptor.

Programs close with a senior practicum and quality-improvement project that integrate population health and informatics tools. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that BSN coursework must cover communication, critical thinking, and research methods to satisfy CCNE or ACEN standards before graduates sit for the NCLEX-RN.

Earning your BSN even through a bridge program allows you to pursue graduate studies and become a nurse practitioner or a clinical nurse specialist. You can look into how to become a clinical nurse specialist of this career path is something you are interested in.

What types of specializations are available in LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge programs?

Online bridges usually follow a generalist BSN core, yet many schools let you add elective clusters that align with high-demand practice areas. These micro-tracks provide 9–12 credits and targeted clinical hours, giving new RNs a résumé boost without extending graduation time.

Critical-care nursing – focus on ICU skills, hemodynamic monitoring, rapid response teamwork.
Pediatric nursing – growth-and-development care, family teaching, school-age chronic conditions.
Gerontology – dementia care, fall prevention, palliative support for aging populations.
Community/Public Health – population assessment, health promotion, disaster preparedness.
Informatics – electronic health-record optimization, data analytics, clinical decision tools.
Nursing leadership – budgeting, staffing models, quality-improvement frameworks for charge roles.

What challenges might arise during an online LPN/LVN to BSN bridge program?

While these programs offer flexibility, applicants can face obstacles unique to remote learning environments. Self-directed study demands strong time management and consistent tech reliability to stay on track with asynchronous lectures and virtual simulations. Balancing work shifts with rigorous academic and clinical requirements may test one’s organizational skills, so establishing a dedicated study routine is critical. In addition, effective communication with mentors and peers helps resolve course ambiguities and combat isolation. For those looking to expand their professional horizons beyond the BSN pathway, consider reviewing online direct entry MSN programs as an alternative advancement option.

What student support services are available in online LPN/LVN to BSN bridge programs?

High-quality online bridge programs complement robust academic curricula with tailored student support. Institutions offer dedicated academic advising, tutoring services, and technical support to help students navigate asynchronous lectures and virtual simulations. Many schools also provide proactive career counseling and networking opportunities with partnering healthcare facilities, which streamline clinical placements and post-graduation transitions. For specialized career insights and further education opportunities, explore the cheapest psychiatric NP programs to understand additional pathways that can enhance long-term professional growth.

Can the BSN Bridge Program Accelerate My Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing?

A BSN bridge not only refines clinical competencies and leadership skills but also enhances eligibility for advanced practice roles. Many programs structure curricula to underscore critical decision-making and patient-management techniques, which are sought after in graduate-level studies. Graduates leverage these advanced proficiencies to pursue specialized certifications and enroll in tracks like an NP program for non-nurses, fostering a smoother transition to roles such as nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.

How does one choose the best LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge program?

Follow these six steps to balance affordability, quality, and fit:

Verify accreditation – Confirm CCNE or ACEN plus regional status for credit portability.
Compare cost per credit – Multiply by required credits after LPN transfer to see true price.
Check online delivery – Look for 100 % asynchronous courses if travel or shift work limits availability.
Review clinical placement – Ensure the school arranges sites near your ZIP code or employer.
Study NCLEX-RN rates – Programs consistently above 90 % signal strong exam preparation.
Assess support services – Tutoring, tech help, and career advising improve completion and job outcomes.

Using this step-by-step filter narrows dozens of options to the few that match your budget, schedule, and professional goals.

Do you have a non-nursing bachelor's degree and would want to switch careers and become a nurse? You can look into the cheapest online accelerated BSN programs for non nurses if affordability is high on your priority list.

What career paths are available for graduates of LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge programs?

A BSN opens far more nursing career paths than an LPN license alone. New RNs step first into bedside roles—medical-surgical, telemetry, ICU, emergency or pediatrics—then branch into case management, infection-control, informatics, or travel nursing.

Public-health agencies and home-health companies hire BSN-prepared community nurses to run vaccination drives and chronic-care clinics.

Leadership tracks start with charge-nurse or unit-educator posts and can progress to nurse manager after two to three years of strong performance.

Specialty certificates (e.g., PCCN for progressive care or CEN for emergency) add salary bumps and mobility.

Finally, a BSN satisfies entry requirements for graduate study—nurse practitioner, midwife or educator—creating an advanced-practice pipeline the profession urgently needs.

Are you thinking: Should I become a mental health therapist instead? Just like with nursing, a career in counseling and mental health therapy allows you to impact lives and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.

Below is a preview of Zippia’s average annual salaries for common nursing roles—ranging from Certified Nursing Assistant up to Nursing Director—illustrating how advanced education and responsibility boost earnings.

What is the job market for graduates with an LPN/LVN to BSN online bridge?

The outlook is robust. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6 % growth and 194,500 RN openings each year through 2033, driven by retirements and chronic-care demand Hospital vacancy studies put current open-RN positions near 17 % nationwide, indicating immediate hiring needs.

The American Hospital Association likewise reports 63 % of nurses routinely assigned too many patients—evidence of a persistent staffing gap. Those shortages translate into fast job placement: 77 % of BSN graduates land roles within three months, according to AACN surveys.

So, is nursing school worth it? Yes, degree remains a top ROI pick, citing entry salaries around $89 K and strong benefits. The ANA and other workforce scans echo this, urging legislators to bolster BSN pipelines to stabilize care quality.

Below is a visual representation of the 6 % projected growth in registered nurse employment from 2023 to 2033, underscoring the strong demand for BSN-prepared RNs entering the workforce.

Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their LPN/LVN to BSN Online Bridge Programs

My bridge let me keep my 36-hour night-shift schedule while finishing 30 upper-division credits in under 18 months. Pay jumped from $28 to $42 an hour the week I passed NCLEX. Soraya
The program’s virtual-reality sim lab cut my campus trips to zero and still prepped me to score 78 points above the national NCLEX mean. I felt ready on day-one of my ICU preceptorship. Thiago
Group capstone made us design a falls-prevention project that saved our long-term-care unit $64,000 in claims. Seeing data turn into safer care was the proudest moment of my career. Maeve

Key Findings

BLS sets the 2024 RN median salary at $93,600 and the 90th-percentile at $135,320.
Employment for RNs grows 6 % from 2023 – 2033—about 197,200 new jobs.
Online LPN-to-BSN tuition averages $440 per credit, vs. $406 national college average.
Fast-track bridges can cut completion to 12–18 months with advanced-standing credit.
87 % of health-science majors receive financial aid, lowering effective BSN costs.
Graduates report hourly wage jumps of $14–$18 immediately after NCLEX licensure.

Other Things You Should Know About LPN/LVN to BSN Online Bridge Programs

Can I enroll if I live in a state different from the school’s home campus?

Yes, but check the institution’s State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) map. Programs must be authorized to deliver distance education where you reside and to place you in clinical rotations. Because nursing is regulated, a handful of states—usually California, Washington, or New York—have special board-of-nursing rules that can delay admission decisions. Always verify authorization status and licensure compatibility before paying an application fee.

How are online nursing skills labs handled without on-campus equipment?

Schools meet accreditation standards by pairing high-fidelity virtual simulations with hands-on check-offs. You’ll practice in a web-based environment, then perform critical skills—like IV starts or wound care—during a brief regional intensive or at an approved partner facility under a proctor. Accrediting bodies allow up to 50 % of clinical hours to be virtual so long as learning outcomes and faculty-to-student ratios match traditional labs.

Will my LPN experience shorten required clinical hours?

Experience can waive didactic credits but not the Board-mandated clinical minimums for initial RN licensure. Most bridges still require 500–700 preceptor-supervised hours. However, programs usually accept your current workplace for some rotations, letting you clock hours on paid time with an approved RN mentor. This flexibility cuts commuting costs and satisfies learning objectives without disrupting shift schedules.

Do online BSN graduates qualify for the same specialty certifications as on-campus grads?

Absolutely. Certifying bodies such as the AACN, ANCC, and ONCB evaluate applicant credentials, not course delivery mode. Once you hold a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited BSN and meet practice-hour prerequisites, you can sit for exams like PCCN (progressive care), CEN (emergency), or OCN (oncology). Employers and certification boards focus on accreditation status and NCLEX results rather than whether classes were online or face-to-face.