LPN to BSN and BSN Program Rankings

Find Your Degree

Find the LPN to BSN program that's right for you by filling out this short form below:





A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree allows you to learn more advanced nursing techniques and in some cases, specialize in one area of medicine. You can enter a BSN program if you’re a registered nurse with your associate’s degree, or you can join an LPN to BSN program to become a registered nurse. There are many different options, so how should you determine which BSN program to attend?

Who Ranks BSN Programs?

Program rankings can be a big help when it comes to finding a school. A number of publications and organizations rank college programs, and some specifically look at nursing degrees. The most popular of these rankings lists are U.S. News & World Report and the National Institutes of Health. Both publish annual lists of BSN programs that are accredited by national nursing associations.

How Are Programs Ranked?

Each publication and organization has a different method for ranking BSN programs. Typically, school ratings are based on the following criteria:

  • Financial aid options
  • Professor experience
  • Student achievements
  • Percentage of students accepted
  • Average standardized test scores
  • Activities available
  • Class size

Nursing School Rankings

With the demand for qualified nurses greater than ever, many schools now offer a range of degree programs. From online, accelerated, to traditional campus programs, students have a variety of educational choices. The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, releases nursing school rankings each year. Visit the organization’s website to view rankings that are organized by state, hospital, medical school and more.

In addition to ranking criteria, make sure to do a self-assessment to verify the program meets your career goals. The following questions will help you gather the information needed to make the best decision:

  1. Do I have the time and financial resources required to be successful in the program?
  2. Have I investigated my options thoroughly through online research, visiting institutions and speaking with admissions representatives?
  3. What type of nursing job am I seeking when I finish the program, and does the school offer the specialization I’m interested in?
  4. Is the school accredited, and if so, by which accrediting body?

Additional Ranking Criteria to Consider

While it is important to check out some of the rankings used to compare BSN programs, this should not be the only way you look for the best program for you. Create your own ranking list of colleges, based not only on the characteristics listed above, but also on criteria that is important to you. Ask yourself the follow questions:

  • Does the school offer online classes?
  • What are the clinical hours required in order to graduate?
  • What percentage of students have jobs within six months of graduation?
  • Does the college have an alumni networking association?
  • How much is tuition and other student fees?
  • Does the school offer financial aid or scholarship programs?
  • How helpful are staff members?

Start by going online and doing some research. Visit social networking sites, forums, and other online resources that connect you with former and current students to learn more about each program you’re considering.

Keep in mind that the best program for you might not be a top-ranked program. The best programs on each list change from year to year, and what makes them the “best” may not correspond to what you’re looking. While the top-ranked BSN programs are definitely some worth considering, the best program for you is one that meets your personal criteria.

LPN to BSN College Programs

LPN to BSN nursing programs are designed to offer fast track completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) plus registered nurse (RN) training. Below are the top fully accredited online colleges that offer LPN to BSN degrees and other bridge programs. By clicking on links below, you can request information from each school about its tuition, classes, and programs.

Indiana State University – Indiana State University offers undergraduate and graduate courses, degrees, and professional development programs. Programs offered include more than 80 undergraduate majors, 90 graduate programs, and bridge programs like the LPN to BSN. Indiana State University accepts credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities within the United States, and from selected schools located outside the United States.

The College Network – The College Network has partnered with Indiana State University to offer an LPN to BSN undergraduate degree program through a convenient format of independent study and online learning. The College Network works with you to make previously earned credits (and possibly your nursing experience) count toward your new degree.

Other Nursing Degrees

Liberty University – Liberty University offers over 229 programs in many in-demand fields like their RN to BSN degree. The school allows students to transfer as many credits as possible towards their degree completion plan. Liberty ensures that students do not have to repeat equivalent courses from other accredited institutions. Experience financial support staff is available to help students find scholarships.

Kaplan University – Kaplan University offers a learning experience that is both customized and flexible. With more than 200 degrees and programs like the RN to BSN or RN to MSN, you can receive real-world knowledge and skills that are essential in today's competitive job market. Kaplan University considers accepting transfer credit from accredited postsecondary institutions, various certification exams, and military training and experience.

University of Phoenix – University of Phoenix's students study at more than 200 locations around the world, as well as through online programs. Online classes allow students to attend classes when it's convenient for them when pursuing degrees like an MSN or PhD in Nursing. University of Phoenix has hundreds of partnerships with two-year institutions to help students transition from an associate's degree to a bachelor’s degree.

See more nursing degrees...

Find the LPN to BSN program that's right for you by filling out this short form below: