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
How to choose a nursing program in California
California is the highest-RN-salary market in the country and also the most capacity-constrained nursing education state. Public CSU and UC BSN programs are competitive enough that strong applicants are routinely rejected; community college ADN programs use weighted point systems and many have effective waitlists of 12–24 months. Out-of-state online RN-to-BSN is common, but California has specific residency and clinical-placement rules that some programs do not handle cleanly — verify before enrolling.
Key takeaways
- If you can't get into a CSU BSN or a community college ADN with a near-immediate start, an accelerated BSN at a private California institution is often the fastest defensible path despite the higher tuition — the BLS-average RN salary repays the gap quickly.
- California is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Plan to license here directly; reciprocity rules differ from NLC states.
- Bay Area and LA hospital systems hire BSN-preferred at entry; Central Valley and rural systems are more flexible on ADN.
- ATI TEAS and HESI A2 testing thresholds in California are among the highest in the country — budget prep time accordingly.
- Compare program-level NCLEX-RN pass rates from the Board of Registered Nursing's annual report rather than third-party summaries.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- No — license in this state directly or via endorsement.
- CE at renewal
- 30 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $124,000 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (community college ADN).
All Nursing Programs in California
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Sponsored · Disclosure
Western Governors University
WGU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) program prepares you for a successful nursing career. This 100% online program requires 124 credits and can be completed in about 36 months, provi…
Aspen University
Aspen University’s BSN — Pre-Licensure program offers a pathway for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This 120-credit program is fully online and can be completed in 36 months, makin…
National University
National University's BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a comprehensive pre-licensure pathway that prepares you for a successful nursing career. Offered entirely online, this 120-credit…
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
BSN (Pre-Licensure Online). Online format.
West Coast University
BSN (Traditional). On Campus format.
Excelsior University
The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) completion program at Excelsior University is available 100% online, allowing you to earn your degree on your schedule. This 120-credit program can be finishe…
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU's BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a comprehensive online degree designed for those starting their nursing journey. This 120-credit program takes approximately 48 months to comple…
American Public University System
The BSN program offers a comprehensive curriculum for individuals pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered entirely online, this 36-month program requires 120 credits, allowing you to bal…
Capella University
The DNP program at Capella University prepares you for the highest level of nursing practice. This 36-credit, 100% online degree can be completed in 42 months, focusing on advanced practice, leadersh…
Maryville University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Maryville University provides a rigorous online education for nurses aiming to achieve the highest level of clinical practice. Completing 36 credits ov…
University of Pennsylvania
The DNP program at the University of Pennsylvania is delivered entirely online and takes 36 months to complete. With 36 credits, this program is designed for nurses seeking the highest level of clini…
University of Texas at Arlington
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UTA is designed for advanced practice nurses aiming to lead in clinical practice, policy, and education. This 36-credit, fully online program can be co…
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University's DNP program is designed for nursing professionals seeking the highest level of clinical practice. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 36 months, p…
Regis College
The DNP program at Regis College is designed for nurses seeking the highest level of clinical practice. This 33-credit program is delivered entirely online and can be completed in 36 months, allowing…
George Washington University
The DNP program at George Washington University is designed for those pursuing the highest level of clinical nursing practice. This 100% online program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in…
Liberty University
The DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program at Liberty University prepares you for leadership roles in nursing practice. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 36 months…
Chamberlain University
The DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program at Chamberlain University is delivered entirely online and focuses on advanced clinical and leadership skills. Completing 36 credits in 36 months, this pr…
Johns Hopkins University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Johns Hopkins University is offered entirely online, allowing you to balance your studies with professional commitments. This 36-month program requires…
Grand Canyon University
GCU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is offered 100% online, providing a flexible pathway for advanced practice nurses. This 30-credit program can be completed in 36 months, preparing you f…
Walden University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University prepares you for the highest level of nursing practice. This 42-credit program is delivered 100% online, allowing you to earn your de…
Michigan State University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Michigan State University provides a comprehensive online curriculum for advanced nursing practice. This 36-credit program can be completed in 36 month…
Simmons University
The DNP program at Simmons University is a 100% online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree requiring 36 credits, designed to be completed in 36 months. This program is tailored for advanced practice nu…
University of Cincinnati
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UC is tailored for nurses seeking the highest level of practice and leadership. This online program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 36 mont…
Sacred Heart University
The DNP program at Sacred Heart University is a 100% online degree designed for nursing professionals seeking leadership roles. Over 36 months, you will complete 36 credits, focusing on clinical expe…
Drexel University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Drexel University focuses on clinical practice and leadership in nursing. Delivered entirely online, this program requires 36 credits and can be comple…
Purdue University Global
The DNP in Executive Leadership program at Purdue University Global is designed for advanced practice nurses seeking leadership roles. This 30-credit program is delivered entirely online and can be c…
Concorde Career College
LPN (Practical Nursing). On Campus format.
Liberty University
Liberty University's MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program is designed for nurses looking to advance their careers with a master's degree. This 100% online program consists of 36 credits and can…
University of Texas at Arlington
The MSN in Administration program offers a comprehensive curriculum aimed at preparing nurses for leadership roles in healthcare settings. Delivered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be com…
University of Texas at Arlington
The MSN in Education program prepares you to become a nursing educator in academic or clinical settings. This fully online program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, offering flex…
George Washington University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at George Washington University prepares you for advanced practice in family-focused healthcare. This 100% online program consists of 50 credits and can be…
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University's MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you for advanced practice nursing roles. This fully online program consists of 45 credits and can be completed in 30 months, maki…
University of Pennsylvania
The MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a 100% online format, allowing you to earn your degree in just 24 months. With 43 credits, this program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to…
Grand Canyon University
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner. Online format.
Johns Hopkins University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at Johns Hopkins University offers a fully online curriculum that prepares you to provide comprehensive healthcare. This 24-month program requires 43 credi…
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner. Online format.
Simmons University
The MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner program is a 100% online degree consisting of 48 credits, designed to be completed in 36 months. This program is ideal for registered nurses looking to advance the…
Michigan State University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at Michigan State University is a fully online course designed for registered nurses looking to specialize in family healthcare. This 45-credit program can…
Indiana State University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at Indiana State University is an online degree that prepares you for advanced practice nursing. Over 36 months, you will earn 46 credits, gaining the know…
Sacred Heart University
The online MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed for registered nurses aiming for advanced practice roles. Over 30 months, you'll complete 46 credits, gaining the skills necessary to pr…
Drexel University
Drexel's MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares you for advanced practice nursing with a focus on family care. This 100% online program consists of 45 credits and can be finished in 30 months, per…
National University
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program at National University equips you with advanced clinical skills and knowledge. This 48-credit program is delivered 100% online and can be completed in 30 m…
Regis College
The MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you for advanced practice nursing roles with a focus on family care. Offered 100% online, this 48-credit program can be completed in 30 months, pr…
University of Cincinnati
The MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner at UC is designed for registered nurses seeking advanced practice roles. Offered 100% online, this program requires 48 credits and can be completed in 36 months,…
Maryville University
Maryville University's MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares you for an advanced role in healthcare with a comprehensive 100% online curriculum. This 48-credit program can be completed in 30 mont…
Walden University
Walden University's MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares you for advanced practice in primary care. This 50-credit program is delivered 100% online, allowing you to complete your degree i…
Grand Canyon University
The MSN in Health Care Quality & Patient Safety at GCU is delivered entirely online and focuses on improving healthcare outcomes. This 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, making it a gre…
Arizona State University
The MSN in Health Systems Administration program at Arizona State University prepares you for leadership roles in nursing and healthcare management. This fully online program spans 30 credits and can…
University of Texas at Arlington
The MSN in Informatics program focuses on the integration of technology in nursing practice, preparing you for a vital role in healthcare data management. This 36-credit program is offered online and…
Western Governors University
WGU's MSN in Leadership & Management prepares you to take on leadership roles in healthcare settings. Offered entirely online, this program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, prov…
Capella University
The MSN — Nurse Educator program prepares you to become an effective nursing educator. Offered entirely online, this 45-credit program can be completed in 30 months, equipping you with the skills to…
Chamberlain University
Chamberlain’s MSN — Nurse Educator program is a 100% online pathway for nurses aiming to teach the next generation. This 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, equipping you with the skills…
University of Michigan — Flint
The MSN — Nurse Educator program prepares you for a vital role in nursing education. This 100% online program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, making it an ideal choice for t…
Grand Canyon University
GCU’s MSN in Nurse Educator program is a 100% online degree designed for nurses who aspire to teach and mentor future healthcare professionals. This 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, o…
University of Cincinnati
If you aspire to shape the future of nursing, the MSN in Nurse Educator program at the University of Cincinnati is perfect for you. This fully online program requires 36 credits and can be completed…
Walden University
The MSN - Nurse Educator program at Walden University equips you with the skills to teach future generations of nurses. This 42-credit degree can be completed in 30 months, entirely online, making it…
Chamberlain University
The MSN — Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is fully online and designed for registered nurses looking to specialize. With 47 credits and a duration of 36 months, this program prepares you to provide…
University of Michigan — Flint
Our MSN — Nursing Administration program equips you with the skills needed for leadership roles in healthcare. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, providing…
Drexel University
Drexel's MSN in Nursing Administration prepares you for leadership roles within healthcare organizations. This 100% online program includes 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, making it ide…
Maryville University
The MSN in Nursing Administration at Maryville University is designed for nurses looking to step into leadership roles. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months,…
National University
The MSN — Nursing Administration program at National University is designed for RNs looking to move into leadership positions. This 36-credit online program can be completed in 24 months, providing t…
Gonzaga University
The MSN — Nursing Administration program at Gonzaga University equips you with essential skills for leadership roles in healthcare. This 100% online program requires 36 credits and can be completed i…
University of Pennsylvania
The MSN - Nursing Administration program is a 100% online degree that can be completed in 24 months with 36 credits. This program is ideal for nurses looking to take on leadership roles in healthcare…
George Washington University
The MSN — Nursing Administration program at GWU is tailored for nurses looking to move into leadership roles. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, equipping…
Regis College
The MSN — Nursing Administration program equips you with the leadership skills needed for administrative roles in healthcare settings. This 36-credit, fully online program can be completed in 24 mont…
Penn State World Campus
The MSN in Nursing Administration program is designed for those seeking leadership roles in nursing. Offered 100% online, you can complete this 33-credit program in 24 months, equipping you with the…
Herzing University
Herzing University's MSN in Nursing Administration prepares you for leadership roles in healthcare. This 100% online program requires 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, making it a flexibl…
Purdue University Global
The MSN in Nursing Education program at Purdue University Global is tailored for RNs who aspire to teach the next generation of nurses. You will complete 45 credits online in 30 months, gaining exper…
Sacred Heart University
The MSN — Nursing Education program is fully online and tailored for nurses who aspire to teach. In just 24 months, you will complete 36 credits, equipping you with the essential skills for a career…
National University
The MSN — Nursing Education program at National University prepares you to take on roles in academic settings. This 36-credit program is entirely online and can be completed in 24 months, offering a…
University of South Florida
USF's MSN in Nursing Education is a fully online program designed for nurses who aspire to educate future generations. Completing 36 credits in just 24 months, this program provides you with the skil…
Herzing University
The MSN in Nursing Education program at Herzing University equips you with the skills to educate future nurses. Offered entirely online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, making i…
Western Governors University
The MSN in Nursing Education at WGU is tailored for nurses aiming to become educators in the field. This fully online program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months, allowing you to…
Simmons University
Simmons University's MSN - Nursing Education program is a 100% online degree requiring 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months. This program is perfect for nurses who aspire to teach and mentor…
Drexel University
The MSN in Nursing Education at Drexel University equips you with the skills to educate future nurses. Offered entirely online, this program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in 24 months,…
University of Phoenix
The MSN in Nursing Education program prepares you to become an educator in the nursing field, focusing on teaching and curriculum development. This fully online program requires 36 credits and can be…
Aspen University
Aspen University’s MSN in Nursing Education prepares you to become an educator in the nursing field. This fully online program requires 42 credits and can be completed in 24 months, allowing you to e…
Michigan State University
The MSN — Nursing Education program at Michigan State University focuses on equipping you with the skills to educate future nurses. Offered fully online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24…
Seton Hall University
The MSN in Nursing Education program is a 24-month, 100% online course designed for nurses looking to transition into educational roles. With a focus on developing teaching skills, this 36-credit pro…
Florida State University
The MSN — Nursing Education program at FSU is tailored for those aspiring to teach the next generation of nurses. Offered fully online, this 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, providing…
George Washington University
The MSN — Nursing Informatics program prepares you to integrate technology in healthcare settings. This 100% online, 36-credit program can be completed in 24 months, providing you with the expertise…
Showing 100 of 159 programs from our directory. View all programs in California
Explore Nursing in California
Programs by Degree Type
64
MSN Programs
22
DNP Programs
10
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
2
LPN Programs
Nursing Schools in California
38 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast University | 3 | BSNMSN | 83.1% | View |
| Concorde Career College | 2 | ADNLPN | 75.5% | View |
| Unitek College | 3 | ADNBSNLPN | 81.5% | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| Excelsior University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Maryville University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Pennsylvania | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Texas at Arlington | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| George Washington University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
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