You can start your career in nursing with just an associate’s degree, but if you get your bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, you’ll be qualified for more advanced jobs that come complete with more responsibilities and higher salaries. Going to school for an advanced degree can be difficult, especially if you’re working full time or raising a family. Online schools can help, since the schedule for these programs is more flexible, making it easier for all students to match their educational program to their scheduling needs.

Another benefit to online programs is that they’re typically less expensive than BSN programs as traditional campus colleges. That said, they can still be expensive, and although there are tuition reimbursement programs available for more nurses through the government or through employers, you’ll still have to pay for college upfront. One of the best ways to pay for this cost is to apply for scholarships.

Scholarships are a great source of money for college because you don’t have to repay them after college, like grants. Unlike grants, however, they’re available based on merit, rather than financial need. Many people don’t qualify for grants because they aren’t in dire financial need, which is especially common for students who are paying for college themselves, but who still live with their parents. Scholarships can have a “need” element in some cases, but the emphasis here is on talents, skills, and academic achievement. In many cases, scholarships require applicants to write an essay.

BSN program scholarships are available from a variety of sources. First, check out the options available to you through local, state, and federal government programs. As a response to the nation-wide nursing shortage, the government has made funds available to those in the nursing field, both for new students and for students interested in advance nursing degrees.

You can also look for online BSN program scholarships through your college. Many schools, both online and offline, have scholarships available to students who are achieving high grades or who have special talents and skills. These scholarships can be general scholarships available to all students, or they can be scholarships available specifically for students in the BSN program, through the nursing department.

There are also outside organizations that offer BSN program scholarships to help encourage nurses to advance in their careers. Some of the organizations that have funds for education include the following:

• Health Occupations Students of America
• Alpha Tau Delta
• Daughters of the American Revolution
• Global Scholarship Alliance
• National Student Nurses’ Association
• CrossLites
• Health Careers Foundation
• International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons

Of course, you can also look for general scholarships, which are available to all students regardless of field of study. The key is to apply to as many scholarship programs as possible so that you can collect enough money to cover all the costs of your BSN education.

Top BSN Schools Online

For LPNs or RNs looking to make more of a contribution in their nursing professions, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) is a good step in the right direction. Below you'll find the best online schools schools that offer programs to help you achieve your nursing goals.

Top Online RN to BSN Programs

	University of Phoenix — The University of Phoenix College of Nursing offers an online RN to BSN degree program that is geared toward further developing the skillset of practicing nurses. The curriculum of this particular degree prgoram is built on a foundation of general knowledge of biological, physical, and social sciences.
	Kaplan University — If you're an RN looking for more responsibilities (and a larger paycheck), the RN to BSN completion degree program from Kaplan is an ideal choice. The online coursework includes studies in ethics, health care policies, health promotion, and much more.
	Liberty University — Liberty University offers a general Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program that prepares students for becoming leaders in the nursing industry. The curriculum here incoporates the core Christian values and beliefs that underscore the mission of Liberty University as an evangelical Christian school.

Online LPN to BSN Programs

Indiana State University — Indiana State is proud to offer the only online LPN to RN/BSN degree program in the nation. Students of this program complete upper-level coursework and exams online and finish the required clinical hours at a local facility.

Other Online RN to BSN Programs

	Capella University — The RN to BSN degree offered by the Capella University School of Undergraduate Studies meets the nursing profession standards set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Areas of study in clude pharmacology, nursing ethics, leadership, patient care technology, and patient care safety.
	Chamberlain College of Nursing — Chamberlain offers a fast-track RN to BSN program that allows registered nurses to earn their bachelor's in nursing entirely online within three semesters. Actively licensed RNs can often times transfer more than 80 credit hours toward the program.
	Grand Canyon University — For registered nurses looking to improve their careers or take on more of a role, GCU offers an RN to BSN program that is sure to be of good value. Grand Canyon's program focuses on both the science and the art of nursing, so that students get a full education of the field.
	Keiser University — The RN to BSN degree program at Keiser University emphasizes management, health promotion, critical thinking, and leadership. Their particular curriculum prepares current RNs with better understanding of the economic, cultural, political, and social issues that can affect patient care.
	Walden University — Designed by nursing experts, Walden University's Bachelor of Science in nursing curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices that can be applied to the nursing profession. This particular program can be completed in under two years, depending on transfer credits from previous education.
	Arizona State University — The RN to BSN program from Arizona State University is taught in a convenient online format that allows RNs from anywhere in the United States. This program is best suited for active registered nurses who are able to transfer over prior credits and advance into new and higher nursing positions.