Best Nursing Programs in California (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 164 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in California. The fastest listed completion time is 11 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 82.9% first-time pass rate. RNs in California earn $124,000/year on average (BLS).
164
Programs
38
Schools
11 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
82.9%
Avg NCLEX (8)
93
Online / Hybrid
$124K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
California nursing programs at a glance
- 164 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in California (2 LPN, 2 ADN, 10 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 11 months (LPN (Practical Nursing) at Concorde Career College).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 91.79% (Western Governors University).
- 93 online or hybrid programs serve California students (7 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in California: $124,000 (BLS) · 6.3% projected job growth through 2032.
California nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 164 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 38 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 2 LPN · 2 ADN · 10 BSN · 64 MSN · 22 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | LPN (Practical Nursing) at Concorde Career College — 11 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 82.9% average across 8 programs with published data · high: 91.79% (Western Governors University) |
| Delivery formats | 89 online · 4 hybrid · 7 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $124,000/yr (BLS) · 6.3% projected growth through 2032 |
BSN Programs in California
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Showing 100 of 164 programs from our directory for California.
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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 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
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 |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Excelsior University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Texas at Arlington | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Maryville University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Drexel University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in California?
There are 164 accredited nursing programs available in California across 38 schools — including 2 LPN, 2 ADN, 10 BSN, 64 MSN, and 22 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in California?
Nursing program tuition in California starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $108,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in California?
The fastest nursing programs listed in California can be completed in 11 months (LPN (Practical Nursing) at Concorde Career College). 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 can finish 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 (89 fully online, 4 hybrid) available to California residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within California.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in California?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Western Governors University leads at 91.79% first-time pass rate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)). Average across 8 programs with data: 82.9%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
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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