Best Nursing Programs in District of Columbia (2026)

Compare 158 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in District of Columbia. Find the right fit by degree type, cost, duration, and delivery format.

158

Programs

38

Schools

$98,410

Avg RN Salary

12 mo

Fastest Program

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023

Explore Nursing in District of Columbia

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

68

MSN Programs

23

DNP Programs

8

BSN Programs

1

ADN Programs

Nursing Education in District of Columbia

District of Columbia offers 158 accredited nursing programs across 38 institutions, covering degree levels from LPN certificates through doctoral programs. Registered nurses in District of Columbia earn an average of $98,410 per year, with 5% job growth projected through 2032. 99 programs offer online or hybrid delivery, making it possible to earn your degree while working.

District of Columbia 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 24 hours per renewal cycle (2 years).

Tuition for nursing programs in District of Columbia 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 $98,410, 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 District of Columbia

38 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.

SchoolProgramsDegree TypesNCLEX Rate
Georgetown University3
BSNDNPMSN
100.0%View
Excelsior University2
ADNBSN
N/AView
Western Governors University4
BSNMSN
91.8%View
National University4
BSNMSN
N/AView
Aspen University2
BSNMSN
N/AView
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences2
BSNMSN
91.2%View
Southern New Hampshire University1
BSN
N/AView
American Public University System1
BSN
N/AView
Capella University2
DNPMSN
N/AView
Simmons University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Regis College3
DNPMSN
N/AView
University of Michigan — Flint3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Gonzaga University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Penn State World Campus2
DNPMSN
N/AView
Arizona State University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Liberty University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
Walden University3
DNPMSN
N/AView
University of Texas at Arlington4
DNPMSN
N/AView
Grand Canyon University5
DNPMSN
N/AView
Maryville University3
DNPMSN
N/AView

All Nursing Programs in District of Columbia

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

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Showing 30 of 30 programs
Georgetown University logo
BSNOn Campus

Georgetown University

Accelerated BSN

$99,000 total12 mo program100% NCLEX pass rate91% grad rate
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Excelsior University logo
ADNOnline

Excelsior University

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)

$14,560 total24 mo program58% 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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Excelsior University logo
BSNOnline

Excelsior University

BSN Completion

$30,000 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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American Public University System logo
BSNOnline

American Public University System

BSN Completion

$27,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate
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Capella University logo
DNPOnline

Capella University

DNP

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

Simmons University

DNP

$75,000 total36 mo program83% grad rate
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Regis College logo
DNPOnline

Regis College

DNP

$60,000 total36 mo program82% 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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Gonzaga University logo
DNPOnline

Gonzaga University

DNP

$38,880 total36 mo program82% 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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Arizona State University logo
DNPOnline + Campus

Arizona State University

DNP

$42,000 total36 mo program65% grad rate
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Georgetown University logo
DNPOnline + Campus

Georgetown University

DNP

$80,000 total36 mo program91% grad rate
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Liberty University logo
DNPOnline

Liberty University

DNP

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

Walden University

DNP

$51,000 total48 mo program65% 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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Grand Canyon University logo
DNPOnline

Grand Canyon University

DNP

$30,000 total36 mo program68% grad rate
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Maryville University logo
DNPOnline

Maryville University

DNP

$36,000 total36 mo program74% grad rate
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DNPOnline

George Washington University

DNP

$78,000 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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DNPOnline

Drexel University

DNP

$45,000 total36 mo program75% grad rate
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Sacred Heart University logo
DNPOnline

Sacred Heart University

DNP

$65,000 total36 mo program78% 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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University of Phoenix logo
DNPOnline

University of Phoenix

DNP

$51,840 total36 mo program55% 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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Chamberlain University logo
DNPOnline

Chamberlain University

DNP

$45,000 total36 mo program62% grad rate
Request Info Details

Showing 30 of 158 programs. View all programs in District of Columbia

Start Your Nursing Career in District of Columbia

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How many nursing programs are available in District of Columbia?
There are 158 accredited nursing programs available in District of Columbia, 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 District of Columbia?
Nursing program tuition in District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia?
The fastest nursing programs in District of Columbia can be completed in as little as 12 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 District of Columbia?
Registered nurses in District of Columbia earn an average of $98,410 per year ($47/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in District of Columbia is projected to grow 5% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in District of Columbia?
Yes. There are 99 online and hybrid nursing programs available to District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia.
What are the nursing license requirements in District of Columbia?
To practice nursing in District of Columbia, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the District of Columbia Board of Nursing. District of Columbia 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 24 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in District of Columbia?
Yes. Like most states, District of Columbia is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 5% 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 District of Columbia?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in District of Columbia 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.

Nursing Programs in Nearby States

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Explore Nursing in District of Columbia

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

Nearby States

MarylandVirginia

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