Best Nursing Programs in Washington (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 163 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Washington. The fastest listed completion time is 16 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 91.5% first-time pass rate. RNs in Washington earn $99,710/year on average (BLS).
163
Programs
38
Schools
16 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
91.5%
Avg NCLEX (2)
98
Online / Hybrid
$100K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Washington nursing programs at a glance
- 163 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Washington (0 LPN, 1 ADN, 9 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 16 months (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) at Pacific Lutheran University – School of Nursing).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 91.79% (Western Governors University).
- 98 online or hybrid programs serve Washington students (2 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Washington: $99,710 (BLS) · 8.5% projected job growth through 2032.
Washington nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 163 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 38 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 1 ADN · 9 BSN · 67 MSN · 23 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) at Pacific Lutheran University – School of Nursing — 16 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 91.5% average across 2 programs with published data · high: 91.79% (Western Governors University) |
| Delivery formats | 92 online · 6 hybrid · 2 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $99,710/yr (BLS) · 8.5% projected growth through 2032 |
All Nursing Programs in Washington
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Showing 100 of 163 programs from our directory for Washington.
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How to choose a nursing program in Washington
Washington is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (163 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Washington ($99,710/year, BLS) run about 16% above the national average — tuition payback can be faster than in lower-wage states. RN employment in Washington is projected to grow 8.5% through 2032 (BLS) — above the 6% national baseline. Choosing a nursing program in Washington 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 Washington directory, the fastest listed completion time is 16 months. We track 163 accredited nursing programs in Washington — including 10 entry-level RN pathways. Washington is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state — plan to license in Washington directly for in-state practice. Neighboring Oregon also require direct licensure or endorsement.
Key takeaways
- Screen Washington 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 Washington.
- License in Washington directly — endorsement from another state is available, but Washington does not issue multistate compact privileges.
- Washington lists 10 entry-level RN programs; community college ADN plus employer-funded RN-to-BSN is often the lowest total-cost path.
- Listed tuition in Washington spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 98 online or hybrid programs serve Washington 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
- 8 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $99,710 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Washington
Programs by Degree Type
67
MSN Programs
23
DNP Programs
9
BSN Programs
1
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in Washington
38 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Lutheran University – School of Nursing | 1 | BSN | N/A | 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 |
| University of Washington | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella 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 Phoenix | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Walden University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Washington?
There are 163 accredited nursing programs available in Washington across 38 schools — including 0 LPN, 1 ADN, 9 BSN, 67 MSN, and 23 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Washington?
Nursing program tuition in Washington 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 Washington?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Washington can be completed in 16 months (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) at Pacific Lutheran University – School of Nursing). 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 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 98 online and hybrid nursing programs (92 fully online, 6 hybrid) available to Washington residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Washington.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Washington?
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 2 programs with data: 91.5%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
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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