6 Most Affordable Fast Track Nursing Programs in the U.S | 2025 GuidE
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The demand for skilled nurses continues to surge across the United States, and aspiring professionals are looking for the quickest and most affordable paths into the field. If you’re eager to launch your nursing career without spending years in school or racking up student debt, fast track nursing programs may be your ideal solution.
In this 2025 guide, we’ve compiled a list of the 6 most affordable fast track nursing programs in the U.S., including both on-campus and fast track nursing programs online. These programs are perfect for those looking to accelerate their education and enter the workforce as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
What Are Fast Track Nursing Programs?
Fast track nursing programs are accelerated academic pathways designed to help students earn nursing credentials—such as an RN or BSN—quicker than traditional degree routes. These programs compress coursework into shorter timeframes, often allowing students to graduate in 12–18 months.
They’re ideal for:
- Career changers with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
- Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) seeking RN or BSN credentials
- Working professionals looking for flexible bsn nursing programs
Let’s dive into the most affordable options available in 2025.
1. Capella University – FlexPath RN to BSN Program
Fast, Flexible, and Budget-Friendly
Capella’s FlexPath is one of the most popular fast track nursing programs online in the U.S., designed for registered nurses seeking a BSN. The program’s self-paced model lets you move through coursework as quickly as you’re able, reducing both time and cost.
Why It’s Affordable
- Cost of Capella FlexPath: Around $9,600 total for RN to BSN, depending on pace
- Time to Completion: As little as 9 months
- Flat-rate tuition per 12-week session, no per-credit cost
Highlights
- 100% online and asynchronous
- No waiting lists
- Accredited by the CCNE
2. Rasmussen University – Professional Nursing Associate’s Degree
An Accelerated Path to RN Licensure
Rasmussen offers an accelerated Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) that can be completed in as little as 18 months.
Why It’s Affordable
- Total Tuition: Around $18,000–$22,000, depending on transfer credits
- Time to Completion: 18 months (full-time)
Highlights
- Competency-based education
- Prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN
- Offered at various campus locations with hybrid options
3. Western Governors University (WGU) – RN to BSN Program
Competency-Based, Self-Paced Learning
WGU is a leader in affordable online education, offering a flexible and fast track nursing program online for working RNs. Their RN to BSN program is entirely online and competency-based, allowing you to accelerate through familiar content.
Why It’s Affordable
- Tuition: About $4,090 per 6-month term
- Average Completion Time: 12–18 months
- Total estimated cost: around $8,000–$10,000
Highlights
- Flat-rate tuition helps students save
- CCNE-accredited
- Start any time of year
4. University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) – Accelerated Online BSN
One of the Fastest BSN Nursing Programs Available
UTA’s online BSN program is tailored for individuals with 70+ college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. It’s among the fast track nursing programs known for rigorous academics and rapid progression.
Why It’s Affordable
- Tuition: Approximately $17,850
- Program Length: As little as 15 months
Highlights
- Intensive 51-credit-hour curriculum
- Designed for career changers
- Clinicals arranged locally
5. Purdue Global University – ExcelTrack™ RN to BSN
A Flexible and Cost-Saving Path for RNs
Purdue Global offers a personalized RN to BSN program through ExcelTrack™, which is ideal for working nurses who want to complete their degrees faster.
Why It’s Affordable
- Cost: Approximately $10,000–$12,000, depending on pace and credits
- Time to Completion: 12 months on average
Highlights
- Fully online, self-paced model
- Support from faculty coaches
- Transfer up to 75% of degree credits
6. Chamberlain University – RN to BSN Online Option
Accelerated Learning with National Reach
Chamberlain’s RN to BSN program offers rolling admissions and a 100% online format, making it one of the most accessible bsn nursing programs for licensed RNs.
Why It’s Affordable
- Tuition: About $14,000, depending on prior credits
- Time to Completion: 12–18 months
Highlights
- CCNE-accredited
- Eight-week course sessions
- No mandatory login times
How to Choose the Right Fast Track Program
Consider These Factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure the school is ACEN or CCNE accredited
- Transfer Credits: Maximize affordability by transferring previous coursework
- Pace and Flexibility: Choose self-paced options if you’re balancing work or family
Final Thoughts: Start Your Nursing Career Faster—and Smarter
Fast track nursing programs offer a strategic route into nursing that balances speed, affordability, and flexibility. Whether you’re a current RN looking to advance or a career changer starting from scratch, 2025 presents a wealth of opportunities to enter the field efficiently through online and on-campus formats.
From Capella’s budget-friendly FlexPath model to WGU’s competency-based learning, each of the programs on this list offers a smart, cost-conscious way to pursue your nursing goals.
Looking for Academic Support?
If you’re currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a fast track nursing program, the academic load can be intense. At NursFPX Writers, we specialize in helping nursing students succeed through expertly crafted assignments, capstone project support, and writing assistance tailored for BSN nursing programs, RN to BSN, and MSN pathways.
