Best Nursing Programs in District of Columbia (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 162 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in District of Columbia. The fastest listed completion time is 12 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 94.3% first-time pass rate. RNs in District of Columbia earn $98,410/year on average (BLS).
162
Programs
39
Schools
12 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
94.3%
Avg NCLEX (3)
99
Online / Hybrid
$98K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
District of Columbia nursing programs at a glance
- 162 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in District of Columbia (0 LPN, 1 ADN, 8 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 12 months (Accelerated BSN at Georgetown University).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 100% (Georgetown University).
- 99 online or hybrid programs serve District of Columbia students (1 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in District of Columbia: $98,410 (BLS) · 5% projected job growth through 2032.
District of Columbia nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 162 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 39 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 1 ADN · 8 BSN · 68 MSN · 23 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Accelerated BSN at Georgetown University — 12 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 94.3% average across 3 programs with published data · high: 100% (Georgetown University) |
| Delivery formats | 93 online · 6 hybrid · 1 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $98,410/yr (BLS) · 5% projected growth through 2032 |
All Nursing Programs in District of Columbia
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Showing 100 of 162 programs from our directory for District of Columbia.
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How to choose a nursing program in District of Columbia
District of Columbia is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (162 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in District of Columbia ($98,410/year, BLS) run about 14% above the national average — tuition payback can be faster than in lower-wage states. RN employment in District of Columbia is projected to grow 5% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in District of Columbia means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our District of Columbia directory, the fastest listed completion time is 12 months. We track 162 accredited nursing programs in District of Columbia — including 9 entry-level RN pathways. District of Columbia is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state — plan to license in District of Columbia directly for in-state practice.
Key takeaways
- Screen District of Columbia programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in District of Columbia.
- License in District of Columbia directly — endorsement from another state is available, but District of Columbia does not issue multistate compact privileges.
- District of Columbia lists 9 entry-level RN programs; community college ADN plus employer-funded RN-to-BSN is often the lowest total-cost path.
- Listed tuition in District of Columbia spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 99 online or hybrid programs serve District of Columbia students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- No — license in this state directly or via endorsement.
- CE at renewal
- 24 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $98,410 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in District of Columbia
Programs by Degree Type
68
MSN Programs
23
DNP Programs
8
BSN Programs
1
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in District of Columbia
39 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | 100.0% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | 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 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Liberty University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| George Washington University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in District of Columbia?
There are 162 accredited nursing programs available in District of Columbia across 39 schools — including 0 LPN, 1 ADN, 8 BSN, 68 MSN, and 23 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in District of Columbia?
Nursing program tuition in District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia?
The fastest nursing programs listed in District of Columbia can be completed in 12 months (Accelerated BSN at Georgetown University). 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 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 (93 fully online, 6 hybrid) available to District of Columbia residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within District of Columbia.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in District of Columbia?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Georgetown University leads at 100% first-time pass rate (Accelerated BSN). Average across 3 programs with data: 94.3%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
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.
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