Best Nursing Programs in California (2026)

Compare 159 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in California. Find the right fit by degree type, cost, duration, and delivery format.

159

Programs

38

Schools

$124,000

Avg RN Salary

11 mo

Fastest Program

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023

Explore Nursing in California

Fastest ProgramsMost Affordable ProgramsOnline ProgramsPrograms for Working AdultsHow to Become a NurseNursing Shortage & OutlookLPN to RN ProgramsRN to BSN ProgramsAccelerated BSN ProgramsNurse Practitioner ProgramsMSN ProgramsDNP ProgramsCRNA ProgramsAdmission RequirementsNCLEX Pass RatesNursing License RequirementsRN Salary Data

Programs by Degree Type

64

MSN Programs

22

DNP Programs

10

BSN Programs

2

ADN Programs

2

LPN Programs

Nursing Education in California

California offers 159 accredited nursing programs across 38 institutions, covering degree levels from LPN certificates through doctoral programs. Registered nurses in California earn an average of $124,000 per year, with 6.3% job growth projected through 2032. 93 programs offer online or hybrid delivery, making it possible to earn your degree while working.

California does not currently participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses must obtain separate licensure for each state in which they wish to practice. All nursing graduates must pass the NCLEX exam to obtain licensure. Continuing education requirements include 30 hours per renewal cycle (2 years).

Tuition for nursing programs in California starts at $13,500, with community college ADN programs generally offering the lowest cost pathway to an RN license. With an average RN salary of $124,000, even the most expensive programs typically deliver a strong return on investment within 2–4 years of graduation.

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Nursing Schools in California

38 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.

SchoolProgramsDegree TypesNCLEX Rate
West Coast University3
BSNMSN
83.1%View
Unitek College3
ADNBSNLPN
81.5%View
Concorde Career College2
ADNLPN
75.5%View
Western Governors University3
BSNMSN
91.8%View
National University4
BSNMSN
N/AView
Aspen University3
BSNMSN
N/AView
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences2
BSNMSN
91.2%View
American Public University System1
BSN
N/AView
Southern New Hampshire University1
BSN
N/AView
Excelsior University1
BSN
N/AView
Gonzaga University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Michigan State University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Maryville University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Simmons University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Capella University2
DNPMSN
N/AView
Chamberlain University4
DNPMSN
N/AView
Johns Hopkins University2
DNPMSN
N/AView
Grand Canyon University4
DNPMSN
N/AView
Penn State World Campus2
DNPMSN
N/AView
University of Texas at Arlington4
DNPMSN
N/AView

All Nursing Programs in California

Sorted by school name. Filter by degree type, cost, and duration using the links above.

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Showing 30 of 30 programs
West Coast University logo
BSNOn Campus

West Coast University

Accelerated BSN

$72,000 total18 mo program83% NCLEX pass rate73% grad rate
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Unitek College logo
ADNOn Campus

Unitek College

ADN

$38,000 total24 mo program79% NCLEX pass rate70% grad rate
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ADNOn Campus

Concorde Career College

ADN

$35,000 total22 mo program76% NCLEX pass rate64% grad rate
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Western Governors University logo
BSNOnline

Western Governors University

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)

$35,700 total36 mo program92% NCLEX pass rate55% grad rate
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National University logo
BSNOnline

National University

BSN — Pre-Licensure

$45,000 total36 mo program62% grad rate
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Aspen University logo
BSNOnline

Aspen University

BSN — Pre-Licensure

$28,800 total36 mo program60% grad rate
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Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences logo
BSNOnline

Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences

BSN (Pre-Licensure Online)

$52,000 total36 mo program91% NCLEX pass rate82% grad rate
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Unitek College logo
BSNOn Campus

Unitek College

BSN (Pre-Licensure)

$62,000 total36 mo program84% NCLEX pass rate70% grad rate
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West Coast University logo
BSNOn Campus

West Coast University

BSN (Traditional)

$76,000 total36 mo program83% NCLEX pass rate73% grad rate
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American Public University System logo
BSNOnline

American Public University System

BSN Completion

$27,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate
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Southern New Hampshire University logo
BSNOnline

Southern New Hampshire University

BSN Completion

$50,400 total48 mo program70% grad rate
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Excelsior University logo
BSNOnline

Excelsior University

BSN Completion

$30,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate
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Gonzaga University logo
DNPOnline

Gonzaga University

DNP

$38,880 total36 mo program82% grad rate
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Michigan State University logo
DNPOnline

Michigan State University

DNP

$39,600 total36 mo program79% grad rate
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Maryville University logo
DNPOnline

Maryville University

DNP

$36,000 total36 mo program74% grad rate
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Simmons University logo
DNPOnline

Simmons University

DNP

$75,000 total36 mo program83% grad rate
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Capella University logo
DNPOnline

Capella University

DNP

$46,800 total42 mo program58% grad rate
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Chamberlain University logo
DNPOnline

Chamberlain University

DNP

$45,000 total36 mo program62% grad rate
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Johns Hopkins University logo
DNPOnline

Johns Hopkins University

DNP

$88,000 total36 mo program92% grad rate
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Grand Canyon University logo
DNPOnline

Grand Canyon University

DNP

$30,000 total36 mo program68% grad rate
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Penn State World Campus logo
DNPOnline

Penn State World Campus

DNP

$36,960 total36 mo program72% grad rate
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University of Texas at Arlington logo
DNPOnline

University of Texas at Arlington

DNP

$36,120 total36 mo program76% grad rate
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Walden University logo
DNPOnline

Walden University

DNP

$51,000 total48 mo program65% grad rate
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Regis College logo
DNPOnline

Regis College

DNP

$60,000 total36 mo program82% grad rate
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Liberty University logo
DNPOnline

Liberty University

DNP

$28,620 total36 mo program72% grad rate
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University of Pennsylvania logo
DNPOnline

University of Pennsylvania

DNP

$108,000 total36 mo program93% grad rate
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University of Phoenix logo
DNPOnline

University of Phoenix

DNP

$51,840 total36 mo program55% grad rate
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University of Cincinnati logo
DNPOnline + Campus

University of Cincinnati

DNP

$33,840 total36 mo program80% grad rate
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Arizona State University logo
DNPOnline + Campus

Arizona State University

DNP

$42,000 total36 mo program65% grad rate
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University of Michigan — Flint logo
DNPOnline

University of Michigan — Flint

DNP

$31,104 total36 mo program78% grad rate
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Showing 30 of 159 programs. View all programs in California

Start Your Nursing Career in California

Get matched with accredited programs that fit your budget and schedule.

How many nursing programs are available in California?
There are 159 accredited nursing programs available in California, spanning LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, and DNP degree levels. Programs are offered in online, on-campus, and hybrid formats to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules.
How much does nursing school cost in California?
Nursing program tuition in California starts as low as $13,500. Costs vary widely by degree level and institution type. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable, while private BSN programs may cost $30,000–$70,000. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in California?
The fastest nursing programs in California can be completed in as little as 11 months. LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers with a prior bachelor's degree can be completed in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in California?
Registered nurses in California earn an average of $124,000 per year ($60/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in California is projected to grow 6.3% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in California?
Yes. There are 93 online and hybrid nursing programs available to California residents. Online programs deliver lectures and coursework digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours at approved healthcare facilities. Many programs arrange clinical placements within California.
What are the nursing license requirements in California?
To practice nursing in California, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the California Board of Nursing. California is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so you will need separate licensure for each state you wish to practice in. License renewal is every 2 years with 30 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in California?
Yes. Like most states, California is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 6.3% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in California?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in California vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.

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Explore Nursing in California

Fastest ProgramsMost AffordableOnline ProgramsFor Working AdultsHow to Become a NurseNursing Shortage & OutlookLPN to RN ProgramsRN to BSN ProgramsAccelerated BSNNurse Practitioner ProgramsFNP ProgramsPMHNP ProgramsNurse Midwife ProgramsMSN ProgramsDNP ProgramsCRNA ProgramsNCLEX Pass RatesAdmission RequirementsLicense RequirementsRN Salary Data

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