Northwestern reduces tuition for online RN to BSN degree program

Northwestern College is reducing the tuition rate for the college’s online RN to BSN degree program from $410 per credit hour to $325 per credit hour. The new tuition rate takes effect for the next term, which starts Aug. 22.

“Northwestern is committed to the health sciences,” says Northwestern president Greg Christy. “We are building a new facility for our undergraduate science students as well as offering a more affordable degree program for our online students. Iowa and the nation need more highly educated nurses. Northwestern plans to play a role in meeting that need.”

Healthcare agencies such as the American Organization of Nurse Executives have called for more nurses to earn their baccalaureate degrees to meet the needs of growing numbers of patients with complex health issues. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) website cites multiple studies that link nursing education to patient outcomes. “AACN and other authorities believe that education has a strong impact on a nurse’s ability to practice, and that patients deserve the best educated nursing workforce possible,” the website states.

“Northwestern nurses have a reputation for being exceptionally caring and smart,” says RN to BSN program director Dr. Karie Stamer. “They’re beloved by patients and appreciated by their fellow healthcare professionals. Their success is a strong selling point of our program, and we want more student nurses to be able to take advantage of it.”

Northwestern’s RN to BSN degree program is designed to be convenient for working nurses. Students take just one eight-week course at a time, entirely online, and can complete the program in two years or less. The curriculum is characterized by a high degree of personal attention from nurse educators who foster students’ ability to deliver holistic healing and serve in healthcare leadership roles.

Northwestern’s new rate of $325 per credit hour is significantly lower than the average cost of comparable programs ($519 per credit hour), making NWC’s RN to BSN degree program one of the most affordable in the nation and the single most affordable program in Iowa.