Best Bachelor’s of Nursing 2026

How to Choose a Bachelor’s in Nursing Program

A strong BSN program should prepare you for clinical practice and help you finish—without creating unnecessary barriers through unclear requirements, limited support, or rigid scheduling. As you compare schools from this list, focus on a few practical decision points that can have an outsized impact on your success.

1) Choose the right BSN pathway

“Bachelor’s in Nursing” can mean multiple pathways. Traditional BSN programs are designed for first-time nursing students. Accelerated BSN programs are built for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. RN-to-BSN programs support registered nurses who want to complete a bachelor’s credential for advancement. Confirm the pathway, prerequisites, and expected timeline before applying.

2) Make clinical expectations clear early

Clinical placements can vary significantly by program. Ask how placements are arranged, what the time commitment looks like during clinical terms, and whether the program offers support securing sites. For working students, clinical logistics are often the deciding factor—not the course format.

3) Don’t confuse “online” with flexible

Online or hybrid coursework can help, but many programs still have rigid timelines and in-person requirements. Look for predictable scheduling, clear attendance expectations, and transparent policies around labs, simulations, and clinicals.

4) Compare cost with outcomes and support

Affordability isn’t only tuition. Consider fees, clinical-related costs, time to completion, and typical borrowing. Programs that offer clear advising, tutoring, and structured support can make a meaningful difference in completion—especially for students balancing work and family responsibilities.

5) Use a smart application strategy

If you’re applying to competitive programs, it’s wise to build a balanced list. Consider a mix of reach, match, and safety options based on prerequisites, selectivity, timeline, and clinical constraints.

Explore Individual Nursing Programs

If you’re ready to narrow your shortlist, the next step is to compare schools program-by-program. When you click into a school, look for pathway options (traditional, accelerated, RN-to-BSN where applicable), clinical structure, scheduling expectations, student support, and any indicators of outcomes or licensure preparation.

Tip: Create a short list of 5–8 programs, then confirm prerequisites, clinical logistics, total cost, and expected time to completion before you apply.

Outcomes and Licensure Readiness

A BSN program should prepare you to become a safe, effective nurse—and successfully earn licensure. Abound considers publicly available outcomes indicators alongside program design and student support to highlight programs positioned to help students persist, complete their degree, and move forward into the nursing profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions about earning a Bachelor’s in Nursing.

What’s the difference between a BSN, an accelerated BSN, and an RN-to-BSN?

A traditional BSN is designed for students entering nursing for the first time. An accelerated BSN is for students who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want a faster route into nursing. An RN-to-BSN is for registered nurses who want to complete a bachelor’s credential for advancement.

How long does a BSN program take?

Traditional BSN programs are often structured as four-year degrees, while accelerated programs can be shorter depending on prerequisites and course pacing. RN-to-BSN timelines vary based on transfer credit, program structure, and whether you enroll part time or full time.

Do BSN programs require clinical placements?

Yes—clinical experiences are a core part of BSN education. Clinical expectations vary by school, so it’s important to confirm how placements work, what the schedule looks like during clinical terms, and what support the program provides.

Can I earn a BSN while working?

Many students do, but the experience depends on scheduling predictability, clinical requirements, and how supportive the program is of working adults. Look for transparent timelines, clear expectations, and access to student services that fit non-traditional schedules.

Are online BSN programs legitimate?

Online or hybrid BSN programs can be legitimate when they are properly accredited and include appropriate in-person clinical experiences. Focus on accreditation, clinical structure, faculty quality, and support—not delivery format alone.

School Nominations and Review Process

Abound recognizes that data-driven evaluations may occasionally overlook institutions that are doing exceptional work for adult learners. For this reason, we welcome nominations from colleges and universities seeking consideration for future Abound nursing awards.

Nominated programs undergo the same review standards applied to all schools featured on our award lists. This includes verification of nursing accreditation, a review of publicly available outcomes data, and an evaluation of program design, student support, and institutional commitment to nursing education.

Submitting a nomination does not guarantee inclusion. All nominated programs are reviewed by Abound’s editorial and research team to ensure alignment with our evaluation framework.

Institutions seeking consideration for future Abound nursing awards may submit a nomination for review here:
Nominate a Nursing Program for Abound Review

Last updated: 2026. Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education’s IPEDS database and College Scorecard.