College Choice Releases 2017 Ranking of the 50 Best Online RN to BSN Degrees

College Choice has published a ranking of the 50 Best Online RN to BSN Degrees for 2017.

In the past, an RN certification was often sufficient for a career in nursing, but increasingly—because of demographic realities like an aging population as well as the changing role of nurses themselves—employers are looking for a BSN as a minimum requirement for employment. So for those RNs looking to upgrade their skills and their resume by getting a BSN, an online degree that allows significant flexibility with time might be the best option.

"Soon, a BSN will be the standard for all nurses who desire job security and opportunities for career advancement," Christian Amondson, Managing Editor of College Choice, said of the ranking. "For busy nurses, who often balance unconventional work schedules along with regular responsibilities, an online program could be a perfect fit."

College Choice developed its list first by looking for regional accreditation of the institution along with further nursing-specific accreditation from either the ACEN or the CCNE. Then, it used data on institutional excellence as well as return on investment—the differential between tuition costs and average early career earnings.

The ranking for the 50 Best Online RN to BSN Degrees for 2017 finds The Ohio State University in the top spot. University of Arkansas is in second, and West Texas A&M University rounds out the top three.

The entire ranking, listed in alphabetical order, is as follows:

Arizona State University

Ball State University

CUNY School of Professional Studies

Delta State University

Eastern Kentucky University

Florida International University

Fort Hays State University

George Washington University

Georgia College and State University

Herzing University

Indiana University

La Salle University

Loyola University Chicago

Michigan State University

Minnesota State University - Mankato

Northwestern State University

Ohio State University

Ohio University

Old Dominion University

Pace University

Pennsylvania State University World Campus

Saint Xavier University

South Dakota State University

Southeast Missouri State University

Southern Arkansas University

St Petersburg College

SUNY College of Technology - Delhi

University of Alabama

University of Arkansas

University of Cincinnati

University of Colorado - Denver

University of Florida

University of Illinois at Chicago

University of Iowa

University of Massachusetts

University of Missouri

University of North Georgia

University of South Carolina

University of South Dakota

University of St. Francis - Fort Wayne

University of St. Mary

University of Texas at Tyler

University of West Florida

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

University of Wyoming

Upper Iowa University

West Texas A&M

Western Carolina University

Western Governors University

Western Illinois University

College Choice is an independent online publication dedicated to helping students and their families find the right college. The site publishes rankings and reviews that make finding the best colleges for different interests easier and more fun, as well as resources to help students get into, pay for, and thrive at the college of their choice.