If you’re an LPN, you can advance in your career by getting your bachelor of science in nursing, or BSN. A BSN will qualify you for higher-level jobs with more responsibilities, and along with those higher responsibilities, you’ll also be offered a higher salary. There are LPN to BSN programs available for both online and traditional students, but no matter where you go to school, you’ll likely need financial aid to help you cover the costs.

There are three main forms of financial aid for students. First, you can apply for student loans. The downfall here, however, is that you have to repay these loans when you graduate, so it is much more desirable to receive scholarships and grants. Scholarships are based on merit, such as your academic achievements or an essay that your write. If you have financial need, one of the best sources for money for an LPN to BSN degree program is the grant. Grant applications are often longer and more difficult to fill out than applications for scholarships, but they’re given based on financial need.

Luckily, there are a number of grants available for nursing students. With the nursing shortage, a number of government organizations and departments are offering grants to encourage more students to advance in this field. You can also apply for the Federal Pell Grant, which is available for all undergrad students in financial need, regardless of field of study.

You can also find grants for nursing students from outside organizations. A number of medical and nursing groups encourage students who want to advance in their careers by making funds available. Some of the organizations offering money for students in financial need include the following:

• American Association of Critical Care Nurses
• Alpha Tau Delta
• IHC Foundation
• AAOHN Foundation
• Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society

This is not by far an exhaustive list, and there are also private organizations that offer general grants, which are available just based on need, not on your program of study.

Don’t forget to look to your college for grants as well. Many LPN to BSN programs have funds specifically for their students, and all you have to do to get this money is apply. You can get information on these monies through your school’s financial aid office. They can also tell you about local groups that offer grants for nursing students specifically for certain colleges or students living in a certain area.

Apply to as many grant programs as you can. Although the application process may be difficult, the more to which you apply, the more you’re likely to receive, and that means you could go to school for free. Remember, if you have student loans because grants didn’t cover your education completely, you can also apply for federal tuition repayment programs after you’ve graduated.

Top LPN to BSN Programs Online

Many nurses begin their careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) but soon yearn for a higher education to advance their careers. Fortunately, this is where online LPN to BSN degree programs come in handy. Below are the top fully accredited online colleges that offer such programs.

The Only Online LPN to BSN Program

LPN to BSN

Indiana State University — Indiana State offers the only online LPN to BSN degree program whose curriculum is designed specifically for LPNs looking for RN training. The coursework is completed mostly online, with only the required clinical hours needing completion at a local facility. This program is highly rated because of its affordability and flexibility.

Other Online Nursing Degree Programs

RN to BSN	South University — RNs seeking more job opportunities and professional responsibilities need look no further than South University's potentially career-changing RN to BSN program of study. Those who complete this program will be well prepared to serve in management and supervisory positions within the field of nursing.
RN to BSN	Grand Canyon University — At Grand Canyon University, an online BSN degree program is offered to individuals who are already licensed as RNs. Courses are taught by nursing education experts, and graduates of this program typically go on to become leaders in the nursing industry.
RN to BSN	Liberty University — Liberty's general online BSN program teaches students to utilize problem-solving skills to determine proper nursing techniques in the real world. Students are fostered to develop strong leadership skills for the purpose of promoting health within the workplace.