If you currently have an unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license and are considering advancing your education, then a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree may be on your mind. However, you may also wonder whether the amount of time, effort, and money required to earn a BSN will pay off in the long run.
As you consider whether a BSN degree may be right for you, there are some important factors to keep in mind as they relate to potential career advancement, financial costs, and potential earnings.
Why Consider a BSN Degree?
There are quite a few reasons to seriously consider getting your BSN, even if you already have your RN license.
The Shift Toward BSN Education
To begin with, there is a growing trend among employers to prioritize nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees over those with associate degrees (ADN). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) highlights this shift, noting that nearly 28 percent of employers now mandate a bachelor’s degree for new hires, while a significant 72 percent show a strong preference for baccalaureate-prepared nurses. This preference underscores the increasing value placed on advanced education in the nursing profession.
Some states (including New York) have even begun to implement “BSN in 10” initiatives or state-wide programs that require RNs to obtain their BSNs within 10 years of receiving their initial nursing license.
Enhanced Patient Outcomes With BSN-Prepared Nurses
Meanwhile, pursuing your BSN could result in enhanced patient outcomes. After all, research has proven time and time again that nurses who have received a BSN education are more adequately prepared to provide quality patient care and safety than those without a formal education at the baccalaureate level.
A 2020 research study on patient outcomes after cardiac arrest revealed a strong correlation between higher education levels among nurses and improved patient survival rates. The study found that for every 10 percent increase in the proportion of nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a hospital, patients had a 24 percent higher chance of being discharged with good cerebral performance following an in-hospital cardiac arrest. This data highlights the critical impact of baccalaureate-prepared nurses on patient outcomes.
Professional Growth Opportunities
Consider, too, that while having a BSN alone may not automatically guarantee a better job, it can open up doors to more advanced roles in the field. This can include not just specialized job titles, but leadership and supervisory roles as well. And for those who dream of someday obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), it’s important to note that you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree as a qualification requirement for any advanced degree program.
The Financial Investment of a BSN Degree
One common hang-up that some RNs have about pursuing their degrees is the RN to BSN cost. Returning to school can be expensive, especially when looking more closely at program costs and less obvious expenses (such as books and supplies).
Tuition and Fees for BSN Programs
While no two BSN programs will have the exact same costs, there are some specific expenses that you’ll want to account for when performing your own RN to BSN cost analysis to determine whether this path may be right for you.
RN-to-BSN Program Costs
Program costs for an RN-to-BSN program can vary greatly from one school to the next. One factor that can greatly affect the cost per credit hour is whether the program is offered online, on a physical campus, or some combination of both.
According to the Education Data Initiative, for instance, the average four-year Bachelor’s degree graduate accumulates around $35,530 in debt by the end of the program. However, because RN-to-BSN programs are designed to be completed with fewer credit hours and in a shorter period of time, the actual cost of this type of program could be significantly less than the national average.
Additional Expenses Books, Supplies, and Hidden Costs
In addition to tuition costs per credit hour, aspiring BSN students will also need to consider the costs of books, supplies, and other fees. Some schools, for example, may charge a technology or registration fee each semester. Some schools may also require nursing students to purchase special gear or attire, such as scrubs, which can add to costs.
Scholarships, Grants, and Employer Assistance
The good news? Plenty of funding options are available to BSN students who want to take some of the financial burden off their shoulders or simply make paying for school a bit easier.
Federal student aid is always an option, and all you have to do to determine whether you qualify is complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the posted deadline.
Many schools and even independent third parties also offer dedicated nursing scholarships that may be need-based or merit-based, so be sure to explore your options and apply for any scholarship you think you may qualify for.
Finally, if you’re already employed as an RN, be sure to check with your human resources team to find out whether any of your school expenses may be eligible for tuition reimbursement by your employer.
Cost Comparison: ADN vs. BSN Degree
Performing an RN to BSN cost analysis alongside evaluating potential salary increases can help you determine the true return on investment of earning your degree. While an ADN may require fewer credit hours and thus cost slightly less than a BSN, it’s essential to consider the real cost-benefit analysis when it comes to the potential return on your education investment.
The Education Data Initiative has reported that the average bachelor’s degree has a nearly 682 percent lifetime return on investment — and holders of these degrees will make an estimated $25,356 more than associate degree holders in 2025.
The Long-Term Benefits of a BSN Degree
When considering long-term salary potential and job security, many RNs find themselves asking, ‘Is BSN worth it?’ The answer often depends on individual career goals.
Salary and Earning Potential
While salaries in the nursing field can vary wildly based on many factors, the bottom line is that having a BSN can set you up for roles with comparatively higher pay than you would receive with an RN license alone.
RN vs. BSN Salary Comparison
According to Payscale data, a registered nurse with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) makes an average of $79,000 annually, whereas the average annual salary for a BSN is $96,000. That’s a difference of $17,000 per year, which can add up quickly.
H3: Career Advancement and Leadership Roles
Nurses with their BSNs may also qualify for more advanced roles in the field, including leadership and supervisory roles like nurse manager and educator. These also tend to be higher-paying jobs with more job responsibility and a greater sense of autonomy.
Job Security and Market Demand
As current BSNs retire or otherwise leave the job market, the demand for BSN-prepared nurses increases. Combine this with the ongoing shortage of nurses in the global labor market, and it’s easy to see why BSN-trained nurses are in such high demand in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
Lifelong Learning Opportunities
For nurses who aspire to someday earn a graduate-level nursing degree (such as an MSN or DNP), having a BSN can serve as an important stepping stone to a more advanced education. After all, any graduate-level nursing program will list a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field as an admission requirement.
Is a BSN Degree a Worthwhile investment?
When you take the time to do your own cost-benefit analysis and consider earning your BSN as an investment in your future, you may find that getting your degree is worthwhile for several practical reasons.
Professional and Personal Growth
Aside from the potential to earn more money with a BSN, you can also enjoy the sense of fulfillment and personal/professional growth that comes along with completing BSN coursework. For instance, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your nursing skills, build upon your leadership abilities, and achieve a higher level of job satisfaction overall.
Long-Term Career Advantages
Having your BSN could also set you up for many long-term career benefits, including advanced roles and professional development opportunities. Even if you don’t see yourself wanting to pursue an MSN or DNP anytime soon, having your BSN will set you up for easier admission to a graduate-level program if you change your mind down the road. Do you see yourself working in nursing leadership or even as a nurse educator? The right BSN program could help you develop the leadership skills needed to thrive in this type of work.
Industry Demand for BSN-Prepared Nurses
Finally, because there is a growing employer preference for BSN-prepared nurses in hospitals and other healthcare systems, earning your degree now could help you compete and set yourself apart from other applicants in the job market. With the skills and knowledge you could acquire in a BSN program, you may feel better prepared to meet and even exceed industry standards and your employer’s expectations. Meanwhile, you can feel good about knowing that you’re putting your skills and expertise to work to provide your patients with the highest standard of care.
Is a BSN Worth It?
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether or not a BSN degree is the right choice. Each individual’s career goals, interests, and life circumstances differ, so what’s right for you may not be right for somebody else. However, pursuing a BSN can be an excellent career move for many working RNs looking to build upon essential nursing skills while exploring new opportunities in the field.
The key, of course, is to find the program that’s right for your unique needs and interests. At Nevada State University, for example, our RN to BSN online program is specifically designed for working RNs who want to earn their degrees in as little as 12 months. With convenient online coursework that combines both indirect and indirect practice experiences, students can enhance their analytical, clinical, and management skills in the field.
Learn more about Nevada State University’s RN to BSN online program by getting in touch today. Ready to take the next step now? Get started with your online application.