Affordable RN to BSN Programs in New York
NYC Affordable RN to BSN
April 2023

10 Most Affordable Nursing Schools in NYC

Affordable RN to BSN Programs in New York

Affordable RN to BSN Nursing Schools in New York

The most affordable Nursing Schools in NYC offer inexpensive online RN to BSN programs and also traditional BSN programs for new nurses. RNs are in high demand in the workplace, but an associate’s degree in nursing will only propel a nurse’s career to a certain level. By pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through one of the cheapest RN to BSN programs, RNs can easily increase their marketability, job flexibility, and pay grade without breaking the bank. And with the rise of online RN to BSN programs, getting a BSN degree has never been easier!

Online RN to BSN programs offer flexibility to accommodate nurses’ busy schedules, and online credits are typically cheaper than traditional ones. NY residents should consider an accredited nursing program from one of the best nursing schools in NYC. Below is a list of some of the best nursing schools in the state of New York that are also affordable.



1. CUNY Hunter College

CUNY Hunter College

The City University of New York (CUNY) Hunter College online RN to BSN Pathway Program features low tuition for New York residents and a variety of other great features. Students have the opportunity to study at the Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, one of the biggest and most prestigious New York nursing schools in NYC. Additionally, the program offers a comprehensive approach to health care that includes a background in the humanities. Along with the excellent faculty, this school has a lot to offer.

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing, traditional BSN
  • RN to BSN Program 
  • Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing Program (A2D) 

Location: NYC

More: For more info visit the nursing school.


2. SUNY at Delhi

SUNY Delhi

The State University of New York (SUNY) at Delhi’s online program costs the same for NY residents and online students. This program offers the most flexibility for students. It features three flexible program start dates beginning in the spring, summer, or fall. Additionally, the school offers free technical support and online tutoring. Students also have the ability to take upper-division liberal arts as electives.

Location: NYC

More: Fore more info visit the nursing school.


3. SUNY Empire State College

SUNY Empire State College

The State University of NY (SUNY) Empire State College’s online RN to BSN program is offered through the college’s Center for Distance Learning. Tuition is low for NY state residents. Other fantastic features of this program include faculty mentoring for online students and an abundance of student scholarships. Additionally, required practical hours add real-world nursing experience to your online education as part of this program.

Location: New York City

More: For more info visit the nursing school.


4. New York University

New York University

The Rory Meyers College of Nursing at NYU offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Both are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The BSN program is designed for those with no prior nursing experience, while the ABSN program is designed for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. The BSN program is a four-year, full-time program and requires students to complete a minimum of 120 credits. The ABSN program is a 15-month, full-time program, and requires students to complete a minimum of 53 credits.

In addition to the BSN the New York University nursing school also offers graduate students a variety of degree options. The MSN programs include specializations in Adult-Gerontology, Clinical Research Nursing, Pediatrics Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health, Nurse-Midwifery, and also Nursing Informatics. Graduate degrees also include a DNP and PhD.

Location: NYC

More: Visit the program at the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing.


5. CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS)

CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS)

The CUNY SPS offers several nursing programs, including a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing, an online Master of Science in Nursing, and a Nurse Educator Certificate. The BSN program offers students the opportunity to learn the latest nursing theories and strategies while developing the skills they need to become successful nurses. The Master of Science in Nursing program provides students with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to become nursing leaders and innovators. The Nurse Educator Certificate program is designed for nurses who want to pursue a nursing career in teaching and research in the field of nursing.

Tuition rates for CUNY Schools have in state and out of state rates. But, they also have in-city and out-of-city rates. So, NCY residents pay less than NY state residents at nursing schools in New York city.

Location: NYC

More: Visit the school and find out about students who earn bachelor’s degrees in nursing.


6. Long Island University

Long Island University

The School of Nursing at Long Island University offers a variety of nursing programs to help students advance their careers in the nursing field. The university offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, which is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The program consists of a 15-month, full-time course of study and is offered at both the Long Island University Post and Brooklyn campuses. The program includes clinical experiences in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care, and community-based organizations.

Additionally, the University offers an RN to BSN program, which is designed for registered nurses who are looking to further their education. The program includes online coursework, as well as clinical work, and is offered in both a part-time and full-time format. The University also offers a Master of Science in Nursing program, which is for students interested in pursuing advanced roles in nursing. The program includes specialized coursework in areas such as healthcare policy, nursing research, and nursing leadership.

Location: New York City

More: Visit the school for more on its accelerated programs in nursing.


7. Mercy College

mercy college

Mercy College offers a wide range of nursing programs that can be completed online, on campus, or in a blended format. The College offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in nursing, as well as a certificate in nursing informatics. Students can also choose from a variety of MSN programs. Specialty areas include Nursing Education, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Health, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Nursing Administration for nurses interested in leadership roles.

The popular RN to BS Completion Program is for nurses with a current RN license. Prospective students must have an ADN or nursing diploma and also 60 credits of general education coursework. Completing the BSN requires an additional 30 credits of nursing courses. The college also offers a variety of clinical and practicum opportunities, giving students the chance to gain real-world experience in a variety of settings. Additionally, Mercy College offers a number of continuing education and professional development opportunities for RNs, such as workshops, conferences, and seminars.

Location: New York City

More: Visit the school to learn how to earn one of Mercy’s bachelor’s degrees or a master’s degree in nursing.


8. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is a public health sciences university located in Brooklyn, New York. It is one of the most comprehensive academic health centers in the United States and is the only academic medical center in the borough of Brooklyn. It also has one of the top nursing programs in NYC.

Additionally, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University offers a wide range of nursing programs and courses. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, as well as certificate programs. And the undergraduate nursing program offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, as well as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The MSN degree program offers specializations in areas such as Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administration, Nurse Education, and Nurse Informatics.

Location: NYC

More: Visit the school to learn how to earn a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in nursing.


9. LaGuardia Community College

LaGuardia Community College

LaGuardia Community College is a public two-year college located in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, New York City. It is part of the City University of NY (CUNY) system. The college was founded in 1971 and is named after the former mayor of New York City, Fiorello LaGuardia. The college offers more than 40 associate degree and certificate programs in various fields, such as business, health sciences, liberal arts, and social sciences.

The LaGuardia Community College nursing program has a Practical Nursing certificate program and a two-year Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing. This AAS degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills to become Registered Nurses (RNs). The program includes classroom instruction, laboratory experience, and clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings. Upon completion of the program, nursing students are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX RN exam) for Registered Nurses. The curriculum includes courses in English composition, human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, pediatric nursing, pathophysiology, and nursing leadership.

Location: NYC

More: Visit the school and find out about its NCLEX pass rate for RNs.


10. Monroe College

Monroe College

Monroe College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing degree that prepares graduates for licensure as registered nurses. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy and physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, and other topics related to nursing. Additionally, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which is designed to prepare students for advanced practice roles in nursing. The program includes coursework in healthcare management, advanced nursing practice, research, and more.

Location: NYC

More: Visit the program.


Affordable RN to BSN Programs in New York
NYC Affordable RN to BSN

How Do You Become an RN in NYC: Licensing Requirements

In order to become an RN in New York City, you must complete the following licensing requirements:

  • Complete a NY state-approved nursing program leading to a registered nursing degree (Associate Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or a diploma in nursing).
  • Pass the NCLEX RN exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
  • Submit an application to the NY State Education Department Office of the Professions Board of Nursing.
  • Provide proof of your RN education, including official transcripts and certificates.
  • Have your fingerprints taken and a background check completed.
  • Pay the required application and licensing fees.
  • Once you submit all of the required documentation and fees, you will receive your RN license in the mail. And when you have your NY State RN license, you will be able to practice as an RN in the state of NY.

Types of Nursing Programs Available in NYC

Nursing in New York City is a rewarding and challenging career choice. There are a variety of nursing opportunities available in the city, ranging from inpatient care at hospitals and long-term care facilities to public health and ambulatory care. Nurses in NYC and New York State also have the opportunity to work in specialty areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, and mental health.

With its diverse population and a large number of hospitals and healthcare centers, NYC has a great need for nurses. And the city offers a wide range of job opportunities for those interested in the field. In New York, nurses must have a valid license from the NY State Education Department in order to practice. There are also a number of nursing schools with the best nursing programs available in the city to help aspiring nurses gain the education and skills needed to become successful in the field. NY nursing schools offer a variety of degrees.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

This type of program is designed to prepare students to become RNs. It usually takes two years to complete the program and it is offered at several community colleges in NYC.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program is designed to give students a more comprehensive education in nursing, incorporating both theoretical and clinical components. It usually takes four years to complete the program and is offered at several universities in NYC.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

This program is designed to prepare registered nurses to become advanced practice nurses. These graduate-level nursing programs usually take two years to complete and are available at several universities in New York City.

Advanced Certificate Programs

Nursing advanced certificate programs are post-graduate programs that provide additional education and training in specialized areas of nursing. These programs are intended to build on the skills and knowledge a nurse has already acquired during their undergraduate studies. Common areas of focus these programs include gerontology, health informatics, nurse midwifery, nurse practitioner, and nurse anesthesia.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Doctoral programs prepare registered nurses to become nurse practitioners or experts in their field. A DNP program usually takes three to four years to complete and it is offered at several universities in New York City.


RN to BSN Nursing Schools in New York

The number of credits an RN must spend on his or her BSN degree will vary depending on how many credits can be transferred from the RN to the BSN program, but most full-time students can complete these programs within two years. However, a program may take as little as nine months to complete!

If you’re an RN seeking to improve your education and launch into a higher pay grade, see if one of these cheap, flexible online RN to BSN programs is right for you. Also, be sure to check out our ranking of the most affordable RN to BSN programs online.


Can You Earn a Nursing Degree in New York City Online?

Yes, you can earn a nursing degree in New York City online. There are multiple accredited online nursing schools in the state of New York, including D’Youville College, Excelsior College, and the University of Rochester. Each school offers a variety of online degrees, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.


Are Online Nursing Degrees in NYC More Affordable?

Online nursing degrees in NYC can be more affordable than traditional on-campus programs, due to the lower cost of tuition and fees associated with online education. Many online schools offer discounts and financial aid opportunities that can make online nursing degrees even more affordable.

Online nursing students in NYC may also be eligible for state and federal financial aid programs. For example, nursing students enrolled in accredited nursing programs qualify to receive financial aid from the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Additionally, some online programs offer scholarships and grants to help make tuition costs more affordable.


New York Nurse Salary

The type of nurse and the geographical location of the job will also affect salary and job opportunities. For example, nurses in New York City tend to earn higher salaries than those in other parts of the state due to the higher cost of living. But the high cost of living in New York also means a higher median wage.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in NYC earn around $53,750 per year (BLS). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), LPNs earn $48,070 nationally. The average annual salary for an RN in New York is $93,320 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This salary is higher than the national average for nurses, which is $77,600 per year. Additionally, New York nurses earning over $100,000 typically have an advanced degree or specialty. For example, specialized nurses who work in neonatal care, oncology, or emergency care and earn higher wages than those who work in general nursing.


New York Nurse Job Outlook

With its diverse population and a large number of hospitals and healthcare centers, NYC has a great need for nurses. So, there are a wide range of career opportunities for nurses interested in working in NYC. In New York, nurses must have a valid license from the NY State Education Department in order to practice. There are also a number of nursing schools with the best nursing programs available in the city to help aspiring nurses gain the education and skills needed to become successful in the field. NY nursing schools offer a variety of degrees.

Additionally, the job outlook for nurses in New York is positive. The BLS projects job growth of 6% between 2021 and 2031. This means that there will be an increasing demand for nurses in New York in the coming years, and job opportunities should remain strong.


Professional Resources for NY Nurses

  • New York State Board of Nursing (NYS BON)
  • Philippine Nurses Association of New York (PNANY)
  • Oncology Nursing Society New York City Chapter (ONS)
  • Brooklyn Nurses Association (more)
  • American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) New York City Chapter
  • Black Nurses Association (BNA) Greater NYC Chapter

Related:

Find A Degree