Is a BSN Worth It? Salary, Careers, and ROI
Is a BSN Worth It?
For many students, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is worth it because it can prepare them for registered nursing, strong job demand, competitive salary potential, and long-term career growth. A BSN is a foundation for patient care, ethical leadership, and future advancement in nursing.
At the University of Saint Mary, the traditional BSN program prepares students through classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and a values-centered approach to nursing education rooted in compassion, service, and respect for the dignity of every person.
Why a BSN can be worth it
A BSN can be a strong investment for students who want a nursing degree with both immediate career value and long-term flexibility. While nursing school requires time, focus, and financial commitment, the BSN can support a wide range of opportunities after graduation.
- Preparation for RN licensure: BSN graduates may pursue registered nurse licensure after completing an approved program and passing the NCLEX-RN.
- Strong salary potential: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses earned a median annual wage of $93,600 in May 2024.
- Job demand: The BLS projects employment of registered nurses to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034.
- Career flexibility: Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, schools, public health, long-term care, and other settings.
- Future advancement: AACN describes the BSN as a platform for graduate-level study and advanced nursing roles.
For students who feel called to serve others through healthcare, the value of a BSN is not only financial. It can also be personal and vocational, offering a path into work centered on care, advocacy, and human dignity.
What is the return on investment of a BSN?
The ROI of a BSN depends on your tuition, scholarships, financial aid, timeline, and career goals. But for many students, the degree can provide a strong return because it leads to a profession with national demand and a clear licensure pathway.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses had a median annual wage of $93,600 in May 2024, and the occupation is projected to add 166,100 jobs from 2024 to 2034. The BLS also projects about 189,100 openings for registered nurses each year, on average, over the decade.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses
Is a BSN better than an ADN?
A BSN and an ADN can both lead to RN licensure, but they are not the same educational path. An ADN is typically shorter, while a BSN provides broader preparation in leadership, communication, critical thinking, population health, and evidence-based care.
The BLS notes that registered nurses may enter the profession through a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or diploma program, but also notes that bachelor’s degree programs often include education in communication, leadership, and critical thinking. Some employers, particularly hospitals, may require a bachelor’s degree.
Compare BSN vs ADN nursing degrees.
What can you do with a BSN?
A BSN can prepare graduates to pursue registered nursing roles in a wide range of healthcare settings. Depending on licensure, employer requirements, and experience, BSN-prepared nurses may work in areas such as:
- Hospital nursing
- Emergency or critical care
- Pediatrics
- Maternal and newborn care
- Community and public health
- Outpatient clinics
- Long-term care and rehabilitation
- School or wellness settings
Over time, a BSN can also support movement into leadership, specialty certification, graduate nursing education, or advanced practice roles.
Learn how to become a registered nurse.
How a BSN supports long-term nursing growth
AACN describes the four-year BSN as an educational and experiential base for entry-level professional practice and as a platform for graduate-level study. That matters because nursing careers often evolve. A nurse may begin in bedside care, then later pursue leadership, education, administration, research, or advanced practice with additional preparation.
Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Baccalaureate Education
Is a BSN worth it if you want to become an RN?
Yes, a BSN can be worth it for students who want a strong academic path toward registered nursing. To become licensed, registered nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a qualifying exam. The NCLEX-RN is the national licensing exam used for RN candidates.
Because licensure requirements vary by state, students should review current requirements through their state board of nursing.
Learn more about the NCLEX-RN.
Source: NCLEX Official Site
How long does it take to earn a BSN?
A traditional BSN is commonly a four-year undergraduate degree. Students with prior college credit may be able to complete the degree on a different timeline, depending on transfer credit, prerequisites, and program requirements.
At the University of Saint Mary, students can enter the traditional BSN through two pathways: direct entry for qualified freshmen or admission for students with prior college credit.
See how long a BSN program takes.
Why earn your BSN at the University of Saint Mary?
USM’s traditional BSN program is built around more than technical preparation. Nursing students are formed to think critically, act compassionately, and serve ethically in complex healthcare environments.
At USM, nursing education reflects the university’s mission and core values. Students are encouraged to see nursing not only as a career, but as a profession rooted in service, human dignity, and responsibility to others.
- Mission-driven education: Learn in a community that values ethical development and compassionate service.
- Clinical preparation: Build hands-on experience through clinical learning in healthcare settings.
- Two admission pathways: USM offers options for qualified freshmen and students with prior college credit.
- Scholarship opportunities: Nursing students may qualify for institutional and nursing-specific scholarship support.
- NCLEX preparation: Coursework and clinical experiences help prepare students for the RN licensure path.
Explore USM’s Traditional BSN program or review nursing scholarships.
Who is a BSN worth it for?
A BSN may be especially worth it if you:
- Want to become a registered nurse
- Are looking for a healthcare career with strong demand
- Want broad career flexibility across care settings
- May pursue leadership or graduate nursing education later
- Value a nursing education rooted in ethics, service, and patient dignity
For students who want both career preparation and a deeper sense of purpose in healthcare, the BSN can be a meaningful and practical degree path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a BSN worth it financially?
For many students, yes. The BLS reports that registered nurses earned a median annual wage of $93,600 in May 2024, and employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034.
Can you become an RN with a BSN?
Yes. A BSN is one of the main educational pathways to registered nursing. Graduates of approved nursing programs may pursue RN licensure by taking the NCLEX-RN.
Is a BSN better than an ADN?
It depends on your goals. An ADN may be shorter, but a BSN provides broader preparation and may support more long-term career flexibility. Some employers may prefer or require a bachelor’s degree.
How long does a BSN take?
A traditional BSN commonly takes four years for first-time college students. Transfer students or students with prior credit may follow a different timeline.
What jobs can you get with a BSN?
BSN graduates may pursue registered nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, community health, long-term care, schools, and other healthcare settings after meeting licensure requirements.
Is USM’s BSN program a good fit for transfer students?
USM offers an admissions pathway for students with prior college credit, making the traditional BSN an option for transfer students who meet program requirements.
Take the next step toward a nursing career
If you want a nursing degree that combines clinical preparation, ethical development, and career opportunity, the University of Saint Mary’s Traditional BSN program can help you prepare for your next step.
Additional Links
USM's BSN Program
About BSN programs and nursing
Additional Links
USM's BSN Program
About BSN programs and nursing