Best Nursing Programs in Washington (2026)

Compare 158 accredited nursing programs across 37 schools in Washington. Find the right fit by degree type, cost, duration, and delivery format.

158

Programs

Schools

$99,710

Avg RN Salary

18 mo

Fastest Program

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023

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Fastest Programs Most Affordable Programs Online Programs Programs for Working Adults How to Become a Nurse Nursing Shortage & Outlook LPN to RN Programs RN to BSN Programs Accelerated BSN Programs Nurse Practitioner Programs MSN Programs DNP Programs CRNA Programs Admission Requirements NCLEX Pass Rates Nursing License Requirements RN Salary Data

Programs by Degree Type

MSN Programs

DNP Programs

BSN Programs

ADN Programs

Nursing Education in Washington

Washington offers 158 accredited nursing programs across 37 institutions, covering degree levels from LPN certificates through doctoral programs. Registered nurses in Washington earn an average of $99,710 per year, with 8.5% job growth projected through 2032. 99 programs offer online or hybrid delivery, making it possible to earn your degree while working.

Washington 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 8 hours per renewal cycle (2 years).

Tuition for nursing programs in Washington 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 $99,710, 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 Washington

37 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.

School	Programs	Degree Types	NCLEX Rate
Excelsior University	2	ADNBSN	N/A	View
Western Governors University	3	BSNMSN	91.8%	View
Aspen University	3	BSNMSN	N/A	View
National University	4	BSNMSN	N/A	View
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences	2	BSNMSN	91.2%	View
University of Washington	3	BSNDNPMSN	N/A	View
American Public University System	1	BSN	N/A	View
Southern New Hampshire University	1	BSN	N/A	View
University of Texas at Arlington	4	DNPMSN	N/A	View
University of Phoenix	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
University of Pennsylvania	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Simmons University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Capella University	2	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Penn State World Campus	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Johns Hopkins University	2	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Grand Canyon University	4	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Michigan State University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Maryville University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
Gonzaga University	3	DNPMSN	N/A	View
George Washington University	4	DNPMSN	N/A	View

All Nursing Programs in Washington

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

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Degree

Tuition (USD)

Showing 30 of 30 programs

ADNOnline

Excelsior University

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)

$14,560 total24 mo program58% grad rate

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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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BSNOnline

Aspen University

BSN — Pre-Licensure

$28,800 total36 mo program60% grad rate

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BSNOnline

National University

BSN — Pre-Licensure

$45,000 total36 mo program62% grad rate

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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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BSNOn Campus

University of Washington

BSN (Traditional)

$60,000 total48 mo program88% grad rate

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BSNOnline

American Public University System

BSN Completion

$27,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate

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BSNOnline

Southern New Hampshire University

BSN Completion

$50,400 total48 mo program70% grad rate

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BSNOnline

Excelsior University

BSN Completion

$30,000 total36 mo program58% grad rate

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DNPOnline

University of Texas at Arlington

DNP

$36,120 total36 mo program76% grad rate

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DNPOnline

University of Phoenix

DNP

$51,840 total36 mo program55% grad rate

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DNPOnline

University of Pennsylvania

DNP

$108,000 total36 mo program93% grad rate

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DNPOnline

Simmons University

DNP

$75,000 total36 mo program83% grad rate

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DNPOnline

Capella University

DNP

$46,800 total42 mo program58% grad rate

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DNPOnline

Penn State World Campus

DNP

$36,960 total36 mo program72% grad rate

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DNPOnline + Campus

University of Washington

DNP

$54,000 total36 mo program88% grad rate

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DNPOnline

Johns Hopkins University

DNP

$88,000 total36 mo program92% grad rate

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DNPOnline

Grand Canyon University

DNP

$30,000 total36 mo program68% grad rate

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DNPOnline

Michigan State University

DNP

$39,600 total36 mo program79% grad rate

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DNPOnline

Maryville University

DNP

$36,000 total36 mo program74% grad rate

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DNPOnline

Gonzaga University

DNP

$38,880 total36 mo program82% grad rate

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DNPOnline

George Washington University

DNP

$78,000 total36 mo program82% grad rate

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DNPOnline

Regis College

DNP

$60,000 total36 mo program82% grad rate

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DNPOnline

Liberty University

DNP

$28,620 total36 mo program72% grad rate

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DNPOnline

Walden University

DNP

$51,000 total48 mo program65% grad rate

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DNPOnline

Drexel University

DNP

$45,000 total36 mo program75% grad rate

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DNPOnline

Chamberlain University

DNP

$45,000 total36 mo program62% grad rate

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DNPOnline

Sacred Heart University

DNP

$65,000 total36 mo program78% grad rate

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DNPOnline

University of Michigan — Flint

DNP

$31,104 total36 mo program78% grad rate

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DNPOnline + Campus

Arizona State University

DNP

$42,000 total36 mo program65% grad rate

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Showing 30 of 158 programs. View all programs in Washington

Start Your Nursing Career in Washington

Get matched with accredited programs that fit your budget and schedule.

How many nursing programs are available in Washington?

There are 158 accredited nursing programs available in Washington, 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 Washington?

Nursing program tuition in Washington 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 Washington?

The fastest nursing programs in Washington can be completed in as little as 18 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 Washington?

Registered nurses in Washington earn an average of $99,710 per year ($48/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Washington is projected to grow 8.5% through 2032.

Can I complete nursing school online in Washington?

Yes. There are 99 online and hybrid nursing programs available to Washington 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 Washington.

What are the nursing license requirements in Washington?

To practice nursing in Washington, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Washington Board of Nursing. Washington 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 8 continuing education hours required.

Is there a nursing shortage in Washington?

Yes. Like most states, Washington is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 8.5% 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 Washington?

GPA requirements for nursing programs in Washington 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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