RN to BSN Programs in California

California has 68 RN-to-BSN programs for working nurses completing their bachelor's degrees. Most operate primarily online with minimal on-campus requirements ... this is to make it easy for students to maintain full-time jobs.

Your first decision is timing: when can you realistically start?

CSU Bakersfield requires applications between October 1, 2025 and March 15, 2026 for fall 2026 admission through both Cal State Apply and Nursing CAS. CSU Chico's window opens earlier, running August 1 to October 31. CSU Channel Islands offers two cycles: August 1 to November 1 for spring start and December 1 to March 31 for summer start.

All three programs require an active California RN license (or application in progress), current BLS certification, and completed prerequisites. CSUB sets a 2.5 GPA minimum in your last 60 units. Chico State requires eight prerequisites with C or better grades plus proof of NCLEX passage before starting classes.

Costs range between $13,500 and $18,000 for the typical 30 units of upper-division coursework after transfer credit.

CSU Chico and CSU Channel Islands both charge $450 per unit through special session programs, totaling roughly $13,500 for 30 units plus fees like CSUCI's $70 application fee and $210 EXXAT software charge. CSUB uses standard CSU tuition structures that may differ.

Most programs accept substantial ADN transfer credit toward the 120-unit bachelor's degree requirement, though exact amounts require transcript evaluation.

CSU Bakersfield's 3-year avrage NCLEX-RN pass rate is 96.3% and ranks #3 statewide (2025). CSU Chico is 94.2% with a #5 ranking (2025). These rates are for first-time test takes, prelicensure ADN/BSN students, not RN-to-BSN completers specifically, but it indicates overall program quality and faculty strength.

CSUB requires one on-campus orientation day plus 90 community health clinical hours completed locally. Chico State operates as special session programming. Channel Islands delivers primarily online with one practicum course. Most California RN-to-BSN programs emphasize online delivery with minimal campus attendance, but confirm clinical hour requirements align with your work schedule before committing.

Compare the 68 programs below, evaluating NCLEX outcomes where available.

Where possible, we include NCLEX pass rates data for each campus. The average pass rates are calculated using the last 3 years of data. The average scores are then used in our annual RN/PN rankings. You can read more about it here. You can also view this year's rankings for California here.

Updated: March 12, 2026

The Simpson University Nursing program prepares professional nurses for entry level positions.

The BSN program is approved by the Board of Registered Nursing. Graduates from this program will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure and Public Health Credential.

Admissions to the nursing program is competitive and conditional on the completion of all pre-requisite course with a minimum of a grade ‘C’ or higher.

Admissions Requirements:

Fill application form
Complete TEAS V (with a minimum adjusted total score of 78.3)
Personal Statement
Two recommendation forms
Official transcripts for all college level course work completed

Deadline for applications is the 1st of October and applicants will be informed of their status by the 19th of October. Students accepted into the program must accept or decline their space by the 26th of October.

Applications will be reviewed by a committed weighing the personal statement, overall GPA, pre-requisite GPA, TEAS Score, Recommendations and Priority points.

Transfer students will need to complete an application to Simpson University and the enrollment packet for the nursing program. Students transferring from another program will be evaluated by the Director of Admissions and the Director of Nursing based on the basis of official college transcripts, course description of the nursing program they attended and a letter from former Nursing Director stating that the applicant is a student in good standing eligible for continued enrollment.