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Best Nursing Programs in California (2026)

Compare 159 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in California. Find the right fit by degree type, cost, duration, and delivery format.

159

Programs

40

Schools

$124,000

Avg RN Salary

9 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 ProgramsMSN ProgramsAdmission RequirementsNCLEX Pass RatesNursing License RequirementsRN Salary Data

Programs by Degree Type

41

MSN Programs

23

RN-BSN Programs

22

DNP Programs

10

BSN Programs

2

ADN Programs

2

LPN Programs

Nursing Education in California

California offers 159 accredited nursing programs across 40 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 $8,100, 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.

Find Your Nursing Program in California

Nursing Schools in California

40 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.

SchoolProgramsDegree TypesNCLEX Rate
West Coast University3
BSNMSN
83.1%View
Unitek College3
ADNBSNLPN
81.5%View
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences2
BSNMSN
91.2%View
Concorde Career College2
LPNADN
75.5%View
University of Pennsylvania3
MSNDNP
N/AView
Simmons University2
MSNDNP
N/AView
Herzing University1
RN-BSN
N/AView
University of Maryland — Baltimore1
RN-BSN
N/AView
University of South Florida1
RN-BSN
N/AView
Grand Canyon University5
RN-BSNDNPMSN
N/AView
Southern New Hampshire University2
RN-BSNBSN
N/AView
Seton Hall University1
RN-BSN
N/AView
Sacred Heart University3
RN-BSNDNPMSN
N/AView
American Public University System2
RN-BSNBSN
N/AView
Drexel University3
RN-BSNDNPMSN
N/AView
George Washington University4
RN-BSNDNPMSN
N/AView
Chamberlain University5
RN-BSNDNPMSN
N/AView
Western Governors University3
RN-BSNBSNMSN
91.8%View
National University4
RN-BSNBSNMSN
N/AView
University of Texas at Arlington5
RN-BSNDNPMSN
N/AView

All Nursing Programs in California

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

ProgramSchoolDegreeFormatDurationTuition
Accelerated BSNWest Coast UniversityBSNOn Campus18 mo$72,000Details
ADNUnitek CollegeADNOn Campus24 mo$38,000Details
BSN (Pre-Licensure Online)Joyce University of Nursing and Health SciencesBSNOnline36 mo$52,000Details
LPN (Practical Nursing)Concorde Career CollegeLPNOn Campus11 mo$22,000Details
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerUniversity of PennsylvaniaMSNOnline24 mo$86,000Details
MSN — Family Nurse PractitionerSimmons UniversityMSNOnline36 mo$67,200Details
RN to BSNHerzing UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$15,000Details
RN to BSNUniversity of Maryland — BaltimoreRN-BSNOnline15 mo$11,400Details
RN to BSNUniversity of South FloridaRN-BSNOnline15 mo$9,600Details
RN to BSNGrand Canyon UniversityRN-BSNOnline12 mo$18,900Details
RN to BSNSouthern New Hampshire UniversityRN-BSNOnline15 mo$15,120Details
RN to BSNSeton Hall UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$22,500Details
RN to BSNSacred Heart UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$21,000Details
RN to BSNAmerican Public University SystemRN-BSNOnline15 mo$8,100Details
RN to BSNDrexel UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$20,850Details
RN to BSNGeorge Washington UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$22,500Details
RN to BSNChamberlain UniversityRN-BSNOnline9 mo$20,460Details
RN to BSNWestern Governors UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$16,800Details
RN to BSNNational UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$13,500Details
RN to BSNUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonRN-BSNOnline12 mo$11,940Details
RN to BSNMaryville UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$15,900Details
RN to BSNUniversity of PhoenixRN-BSNOnline24 mo$16,200Details
RN to BSNPurdue University GlobalRN-BSNOnline18 mo$13,500Details
RN to BSNMichigan State UniversityRN-BSNOnline15 mo$12,000Details
RN to BSNOhio State UniversityRN-BSNOnline12 mo$9,900Details
RN to BSNUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamRN-BSNOnline12 mo$9,600Details
RN to BSNLiberty UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$14,820Details
RN to BSNGonzaga UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$16,200Details
RN to BSN (FlexPath)Capella UniversityRN-BSNOnline18 mo$10,400Details
ADNConcorde Career CollegeADNOn Campus22 mo$35,000Details

Showing 30 of 159 programs. View all programs in California

Start Your Nursing Career in California

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 $8,100. 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 9 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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