There is no shortage of options for registered nurses in California to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. It’s no surprise, since California has the largest number of professionally active RNs in the country. The state also reports the highest average wages for nurses in the United States.
While all of this seems like a recipe for success, California RNs who are looking to further their career by earning their BSN don’t have to limit themselves to in-state RN to BSN programs. In fact, California schools may be much more expensive than out-of-state options.
Breaking Down Costs: A Price Comparison
The convenience of an online RN to BSN program shouldn’t mean high tuition rates. Still, the sticker shock of many programs could deter nurses who are concerned about cost. For example, West Coast University has a tuition base of $20,570. Azusa Pacific lists their tuition structure as 40 units required at $459 per unit for a total of $18,360. This does not include additional costs such as application, clinical and graduation fees.
Brandman University requires 30 nursing credits for completion of the RN to BSN program, charging $500 per credit for a total of $15,000. An additional 16 general education (GE) credits may be needed, which the school estimates to be $8,000 more. Point Loma Nazarene University also charges $500 per unit, but requires 36 units to complete the program for a total base cost of $18,000.
Loma Linda University estimates total base tuition at $17,940, plus another $1,200 for books, supplies and miscellaneous costs (uniforms, licensing exam, boards).
Affordable Option Beyond California’s Borders
It’s understandable that RNs find these costs to be a daunting obstacle, even though they fully realize the benefits of earning their BSN, namely, more career opportunities, a higher salary and the advanced knowledge that will ultimately make them better nurses.
Fortunately, many California nurses have found options that don’t break the bank — even if those options originate out of state. While many schools raise tuition for out-of-state students, not all follow that structure. Take the case of California-based Lisa Schnoor, graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). She paid the same tuition as any Texas-based student.
Schnoor was initially unsure about pursuing her BSN, thinking her associate degree was sufficient for maintaining her career. She especially didn’t want to have to take out a second mortgage just to afford the degree. When she realized that more rewarding career options could be hers, she enrolled in the RN to BSN program at UTA.
The school’s RN to BSN program tuition is not only affordable at $8,995, but the support Schnoor received and the pace at which she could complete the program made it a positive experience for her.
“I didn’t want to overload all of my stress levels, so I took one class at a time. For me, that worked out perfectly with the quizzes, tests and discussion boards. That’s why I am recommending this program to many of my coworkers, and they’re looking into it,” Schnoor said.
An Important Step Toward the Future
For Schnoor and many other nurses, the BSN degree is a key stepping stone toward a bright future, especially as an increasing number of employers prefer to hire RNs with BSNs. California nurses looking to further their career by taking that step now have an online option that is both affordable and rewarding.
Over 5,500 people have graduated from UTA’s online programs. For more information about nursing in California, visit UTA’s information page for students in CA.
Learn more about UTA’s online RN to BSN program.
Sources:
Becker’s Hospital Review: 50 States Ranked by Amount of Active Nurses
RegisteredNuring.org: Do BSN Educated Nurses Provide Better Patient Care?
UTA: California Nurse Lisa Schnoor Takes Chance, Earns BSN Online
