Overview
The RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Columbia Southern University aims to enhance the professional expertise of registered nurses (RNs) from diverse backgrounds through comprehensive learning opportunities. The curriculum offers a high-quality and accessible education specifically designed for RNs, establishing a strong foundation for evidence-based practice, engagement in advanced educational studies, and professional development. It promotes a commitment to lifelong learning, which is crucial for success in the field.
The program aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's "The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education" (2021). It aims to help students apply nursing science principles and improve health care outcomes in interprofessional settings. Students will examine how economic, sociocultural, ethical and political factors impact population health management. Additionally, students will incorporate social justice and person-centered care standards to enhance quality and safety across various environments.
The program also emphasizes skills in health care and information technologies that support the delivery of safe, efficient care, and nursing leadership abilities that empower others. Successful students will cultivate effective communication skills, enabling them to engage diverse audiences, optimize patient outcomes, and facilitate effective care decisions.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
Columbia Southern University’s nursing programs are currently seeking authorization from the Boards of Nursing in the District of Columbia, Idaho, Utah, and Washington. Currently, CSU is unable to admit students residing in these states/territories until formal approval is granted but is actively working to secure the necessary authorization.
Applicants must reside and be licensed in the states/territories where Columbia Southern University has the necessary authorization throughout the duration of the program. Students are required to complete all experiential learning experiences only in the states/territories where they hold a valid nursing license, and only in the states where CSU has the necessary authorization.
Columbia Southern University’s nursing programs are post-licensure and do not lead to professional licensure or certification.
Degree at a Glance
- Number of Credits
- Maximum Transfer Credits
- Tuition Per Credit *
- Next Start Date
Compare our tuition to other RN to BSN Programs
Program Summary
Program Description
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students should be able to do the following:
Concentration
Concentration Outcomes
Curriculum
For more information regarding courses outside the recommended course of study, view the full course listing.
( * Indicates recommended course of study. )
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Major Requirements – Group {{group}} Course Number Course Title Credit Hours {{ CourseNumber }} {{ CourseName }} {{ CourseHours }} Major Courses -
Course Number Course Title Credit Hours {{ CourseNumber }} {{ CourseName }} {{ CourseHours }} Concentration Courses -
To fulfill the General Concentration for this degree, student may choose any 5000-6000 level course not used to satisfy program requirements. Student can review all available courses at our full course listing. Students are strongly encouraged to speak to their academic advisor prior to choosing general concentration course options.
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The following courses indicated by * are recommended to satisfy General Education Requirements.
Arts and Sciences Electives — 12.00 required hours To fulfill Arts and Sciences electives, students may choose any course identified as an Arts and Science course that is not used to satisfy program requirements. Students can view all available courses in the full course listing. Students are strongly encouraged to speak to their academic advisor prior to choosing Arts and Science elective options. {{/subjectData}} {{/subjects}}{{subject}} — {{hours}} required hours Course Number Course Title Credit Hours {{ CourseNumber }} {{ CourseName }} {{ CourseHours }} -
To fulfill open electives, students may choose any course not used to satisfy program requirements, taking into consideration the degree program upper-level requirements. Students can review all available courses at our full course listing. Students are strongly encouraged to speak to their academic advisor prior to choosing open elective options.
Course Number Course Title Credit Hours {{ CourseNumber }} {{ CourseName }} {{ CourseHours }} -
Course Number Course Title Credit Hours {{ CourseNumber }} {{ CourseName }} {{ CourseHours }} Program Electives -
To fulfill open electives, students may choose any course not used to satisfy program requirements, taking into consideration the degree program upper-level requirements. Students can review all available courses at our full course listing. Students are strongly encouraged to speak to their academic advisor prior to choosing open elective options.
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Credit hours of nursing credit granted for prior learning validated by nursing education and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN.
Tuition Rates
Our goal is to provide the strongest online academic programs at an affordable rate. On average, our tuition is less than half the cost of our competitors.
| Course Type | Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour* |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $270 |
| Graduate | $349 |
| Doctoral | $545 |
*Rates are per credit hour. Most courses are three (3) credit hours. Tuition and fees are payable in U.S. funds. Tuition rates are subject to change. CSU’s tuition rate for associate, bachelor’s and master’s courses is $250 per credit hour for all active-duty military members using tuition assistance except those who are using a Learning Partner discount.
The lower rate is offered to keep the tuition rate at the DoD cap of $250.
† CSU Learning Partners receive a tuition discount that is applied to the full tuition rate.
RN to BSN Tuition Comparison
| Tuition per Credit Hour | Total Credit Hours (including transfer credits, standard format) | Additional Cost for Textbooks? | Fees (resource, tech and/or service) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Southern University | $270 | 121 | Additional cost included | $35/ course |
| Chamberlain University | $635 | 122 | +$ Additional costs | $100/ course + $300/ session |
| Western Governors University | $5,325/ 6 months | 120 | Additional cost included | $200/ 6 months |
| Purdue Global University | $315 | 180 | Additional cost included | $345/ term |
| Rasmussen University | $345 | 180 | +$ Additional costs | $195/ course |
| Grand Canyon University | $340 | 120 | +$ Additional costs | $150/ course + $550 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $330 | 120 | +$ Additional costs | — |
| Walden University | $355 | 181 | +$ Additional costs | $180/ qtr |
| Capella University | $365 | 180 | Additional cost included | $125/ qtr |
| University of Phoenix | $350 | 120 | Additional cost included | $170/ course |
| Herzing University | $430 | 120 | Additional cost included | $545/ semester |
- WGU tuition and fees are a flat amount charged every six months and use CUs, not credit hours. Back to WGU Tuition
Information on tuition and fees updated as of February 13, 2025.
Ways to Save
Paying for school is possible. At CSU, there are many Ways to Save including scholarships, military tuition assistance, Learning Partnerships and more.
Accreditations & Institutional Recognition
Columbia Southern University is recognized for its integrity, rigorous academic material, transparency and high-caliber instruction.
