Affordable RN to BSN Program for Mississippi

The healthcare industry is recognizing the value of registered nurses who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. But, it’s not as simple as deciding to pursue the degree. There are many factors to consider, including cost.

Nurses living in Mississippi have a number of online RN to BSN programs to choose from. Each is unique in its program schedule and tuition structure, so it’s important to analyze and weigh the pros and potential cons. Here is a brief look at four options for Mississippi residents.

University of Southern Mississippi (USM)

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) offers a 100% online RN to BSN program that can be completed in as few as three semesters, which is helpful for nurses who want to start taking advantage of BSN opportunities sooner rather than later. The tuition structure for full-time students is $4,448 per semester, so if nursing students are, in fact, able to get all their courses completed in that three-semester window, the total tuition adds up to $13,344.

However, there are additional fees that may apply. An online delivery fee of $20 per credit hour applies to the program. A fee ranging from $30 to $100 is also affixed for each online course, depending on whether the course has a clinical component. The program currently lists a total of 24 courses, five of which require labs, so you can see how those fees can add up quickly.

With the online RN to BSN program, there is also a one-time validation credit fee of approximately $800.

Mississippi University for Women (MUW)

Mississippi University for Women (MUW) or “The W” structures its tuition with a flat-fee approach of $10,000 — a change instituted in the fall of 2018. Per the tuition description, the “new tuition includes online course fees, capital improvement fees, and eliminates out-of-state fees.”

MUW’s RN to BSN program has two options for course completion: online-only and a hybrid of online and on-campus courses. However, the program does highly encourage students to attend an orientation held at the Tupelo campus.

Delta State University

Delta State University offers a slightly more affordable online RN to BSN program, particularly for full-time students. Tuition is $3,750 per semester, so for nurses who are able to complete the degree in two semesters, the total tuition comes in at $7,500. Additional fees include RN to BSN course/lab fees totaling $420 for fall and spring semesters combined, a campus improvement fee of $60 per semester, which is mandatory for all registered students, and a student activity fee of $25 for each semester of enrollment.

One consideration for nurses contemplating the RN to BSN program at Delta State is that students are required to enroll in the program during the fall term, reducing flexibility for nurses who may want to start sooner.

Arkansas State University (A-State)

For nurses who are looking for affordability and flexibility, the online RN to BSN program at Arkansas State University is a well-balanced option. The cost is also a flat-rate of $8,514, which includes all program tuition and course fees. Nurses may benefit from the accelerated pace, which allows program completion in as few as 12 months. Unlike Delta State University, A-State offers multiple start dates over the course of the year.

Costs at a Glance

Next Steps

With the National Academy of Medicine providing recommendations for an ever-evolving healthcare market, earning your BSN is less of an “if” and more of a “when.” The good news is, affordable options that provide flexibility and convenience make the next steps doable for working nurses.

Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online RN to BSN program.

Sources:

National Academy of Medicine: The Future of Nursing 2020-2030