How much will you actually pay for National University’s RN-to-BSN? The honest answer: it depends on your transferred credits, nursing-course tuition, mandatory fees, and any financial aid you qualify for — there’s no single number that fits every student.
National University offers the RN to BSN completely online, and it accepts transfer credit under specific degree requirements. This guide walks through tuition, program expenses, fees, transfer credits, financial aid, scholarships, and practical ways to bring your total cost down.
How Much Does the National University RN to BSN Cost?
Current Tuition Rate for RN to BSN Courses
National University’s standard undergraduate tuition currently runs $640 per credit, with a listed total of $69,000 for a full 120-credit bachelor’s degree. But here’s the catch: National University’s own FAQ notes that nursing programs may carry specialized pricing different from the standard bachelor’s rate. Don’t assume you’ll pay the general rate without confirming the actual per-credit nursing tuition with an advisor.
Why Your Total Cost May Be Different
Your real cost depends on:
- How many credits you transfer in
- Prior nursing education (ASN/diploma coursework)
- The number of remaining credits you actually need
- Course-specific fees and the Course Material Fee charged per course
- A one-time $450 learning management fee
- Financial aid or scholarships applied to your account
Most RN-to-BSN students don’t pay for anywhere near 120 credits out of pocket — which brings us to the next section.
What Is Included in the National University RN to BSN Cost?
Tuition and Required Program Charges
Direct costs include tuition for required nursing and elective courses, the per-course Course Material Fee, the one-time learning management fee, and any technology-related charges tied to your coursework.
Other College Expenses to Consider
Indirect costs matter too — transportation, food, housing, personal expenses, and loan fees. National University separates these from direct education costs in its official Cost of Attendance figures, so “program cost” and “cost of attendance” aren’t the same number. Don’t confuse the two when budgeting.
How Transfer Credits Affect Your RN to BSN Cost
How Many Credits Do You Need for the Degree?
A BSN at National University requires 120 semester credit hours, with at least 30 completed at NU itself, 51 at the upper-division level, and 46 in general education. Here’s the part that really moves the needle for RNs: if you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN, you can receive up to 21 upper-division credit hours automatically. Add in transfer credit from prior nursing coursework — up to 30 lower-division hours for three-year hospital nursing school graduates, plus 15 more for equivalent coursework — and your remaining bill shrinks fast.
Why Transfer Credits Can Lower Your Total Cost
Think of it like a loan balance: more accepted transfer credits → fewer remaining courses → lower total tuition. A working RN with an associate degree might only need a fraction of the full 120 credits. But don’t assume — transfer eligibility has to be formally evaluated, not guessed at from a course catalog.
National University RN to BSN Program Format and Completion Time
Online RN to BSN Format
The program runs 100% online, built around four- and eight-week courses with year-round enrollment. You can start almost any month.
How Program Length Can Affect Your Cost
National University lists an average completion time of 3.5 years, though the program page also notes it can be finished in as little as 11 months for students with strong transfer credit and NCLEX-RN standing. Fewer terms generally means fewer fees and a shorter runway for tuition increases to affect you.
Financial Aid for National University RN to BSN Students
Scholarships and Grants
National University offers university scholarships, needs-based tuition assistance (like the Key Grant), and a Transfer to Success Scholarship worth up to $4,800 for eligible transfer applicants. Completing the FAFSA is the starting point for most of these.
Federal Financial Aid
Eligible students may qualify for federal grants and federal student loans through the U.S. Department of Education once FAFSA is on file.
Employer Tuition Discounts
If your employer has a partnership agreement with National University, you may be eligible for reduced tuition — worth asking your HR department about before you enroll.
How to Reduce Your National University RN to BSN Cost
Transfer as Many Eligible Credits as Possible
Submit transcripts early and request a formal transfer-credit evaluation before your first term.
Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid
Complete FAFSA if eligible, check NU’s current scholarship list, and ask specifically about needs-based grants.
Check Employer Benefits
Ask if your employer already has an NU tuition partnership in place.
Plan Your Course Load Carefully
A realistic pace — not the fastest one — usually keeps work, life, and tuition payments in balance.
National University RN to BSN Cost vs. Other Online RN to BSN Programs
When comparing programs, look past the sticker price. Check cost per credit, total credits required, transfer-credit policy, mandatory fees, course materials, financial aid generosity, program length, accreditation, and online flexibility side by side.
Is National University RN to BSN Worth the Cost?
It depends heavily on your existing credits and financial-aid eligibility. The online flexibility, transfer-credit opportunities, and career mobility a BSN unlocks can make the investment worthwhile — but a nurse starting with minimal transferable credit will pay meaningfully more than one who walks in with an associate degree and a passed NCLEX-RN.
Accreditation and Value of the National University RN to BSN
CCNE Accreditation
The RN-to-BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
California Board of Registered Nursing
It’s also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Both matter because accreditation affects everything from employer recognition to eligibility for certain state certifications.
Who Should Consider National University’s RN to BSN Program?
This program tends to fit best for working RNs with an associate degree or diploma who need online flexibility, nurses planning future graduate education, and anyone chasing broader career opportunities — charge nurse, case management, or eventually a leadership track. The real question isn’t just “can I afford it,” but whether the cost fits your specific credit situation and career timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions About National University RN to BSN Cost
How much does the National University RN to BSN program cost?
It varies by student. National University’s standard bachelor’s rate is $640 per credit, but nursing programs can carry specialized pricing, and your final cost depends on how many of the 120 required credits you still need after transfer and NCLEX-RN credit.
Does National University offer financial aid for RN to BSN students?
Yes — scholarships, needs-based grants like the Key Grant, federal loans and grants through FAFSA, and select employer tuition discounts.
Can transfer credits lower the National University RN to BSN cost?
Yes. Passing the NCLEX-RN alone can earn up to 21 upper-division credits, and prior nursing coursework can add more — directly cutting the number of courses you pay for.
Is National University RN to BSN available online?
Yes, the program is currently offered 100% online, with in-person options at select campus locations too.
Is National University RN to BSN worth the cost?
For many working RNs, yes — especially those with substantial transfer credit, financial aid eligibility, and clear career goals tied to a BSN. It’s less clear-cut for someone starting with very few transferable credits.
Make the Cost Decision With Confidence
Don’t judge this program by tuition alone. Calculate the credits you actually need, check applicable fees, get your transfer credits formally evaluated, explore scholarships and financial aid, and compare your real estimated cost against other accredited RN-to-BSN options. A personalized cost estimate from an admissions advisor will always beat a generic tuition figure.
