Best Nursing Programs in New Jersey (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 166 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in New Jersey. The fastest listed completion time is 11 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $180,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 87.8% first-time pass rate. RNs in New Jersey earn $93,950/year on average (BLS).
166
Programs
38
Schools
11 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
87.8%
Avg NCLEX (4)
97
Online / Hybrid
$94K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
New Jersey nursing programs at a glance
- 166 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in New Jersey (1 LPN, 2 ADN, 8 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 11 months (LPN (Practical Nursing) at Lincoln College of Technology).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 97.4% (Seton Hall University).
- 97 online or hybrid programs serve New Jersey students (3 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in New Jersey: $93,950 (BLS) · 5.7% projected job growth through 2032.
New Jersey nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 166 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 38 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 1 LPN · 2 ADN · 8 BSN · 66 MSN · 23 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | LPN (Practical Nursing) at Lincoln College of Technology — 11 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $180,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 87.8% average across 4 programs with published data · high: 97.4% (Seton Hall University) |
| Delivery formats | 91 online · 6 hybrid · 3 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $93,950/yr (BLS) · 5.7% projected growth through 2032 |
ADN Programs in New Jersey
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Showing 100 of 166 programs from our directory for New Jersey.
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How to choose a nursing program in New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (166 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in New Jersey ($93,950/year, BLS) run about 9% above the national average — tuition payback can be faster than in lower-wage states. RN employment in New Jersey is projected to grow 5.7% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in New Jersey 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 New Jersey directory, the fastest listed completion time is 11 months. We track 166 accredited nursing programs in New Jersey — including 10 entry-level RN, 1 LPN/LVN pathways. New Jersey is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once New Jersey is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Delaware, Pennsylvania.
Key takeaways
- Screen New Jersey 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 New Jersey.
- New Jersey is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- New Jersey offers both LPN (1) and entry-level RN (10) pathways — match the credential to your timeline and whether you need full RN scope immediately.
- Listed tuition in New Jersey spans $13,500 to $180,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 97 online or hybrid programs serve New Jersey students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- CE at renewal
- 30 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $93,950 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in New Jersey
Programs by Degree Type
66
MSN Programs
23
DNP Programs
8
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
1
LPN Programs
Nursing Schools in New Jersey
38 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln College of Technology | 2 | ADNLPN | 70.9% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | 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 |
| Seton Hall University | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | 97.4% | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in New Jersey?
There are 166 accredited nursing programs available in New Jersey across 38 schools — including 1 LPN, 2 ADN, 8 BSN, 66 MSN, and 23 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in New Jersey?
Nursing program tuition in New Jersey starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $180,000 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 New Jersey?
The fastest nursing programs listed in New Jersey can be completed in 11 months (LPN (Practical Nursing) at Lincoln College of Technology). 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 New Jersey?
Registered nurses in New Jersey earn an average of $93,950 per year ($45/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in New Jersey is projected to grow 5.7% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in New Jersey?
Yes. There are 97 online and hybrid nursing programs (91 fully online, 6 hybrid) available to New Jersey residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within New Jersey.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in New Jersey?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Seton Hall University leads at 97.4% first-time pass rate (BSN (Traditional)). Average across 4 programs with data: 87.8%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in New Jersey?
To practice nursing in New Jersey, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the New Jersey Board of Nursing. New Jersey is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years with 30 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in New Jersey?
Yes. Like most states, New Jersey is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 5.7% 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 New Jersey?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in New Jersey 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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