Nursing Schools in Florida: Campus & Online Programs (2026)
Compare 18 campus-based nursing schools in Florida — plus accredited online programs open to Florida residents. NCLEX pass rates, acceptance rates, and accreditation in one place.
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Campus-Based Nursing Schools in Florida
Nursing schools with a campus in Florida, ranked by NCLEX pass rate, accreditation, and program quality.
| Rank | School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Acceptance Rate | Accreditation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Florida | 94% | — | CCNE | View School |
| #2 | Keiser University | 82% | — | CCNE | View School |
| #3 | Broward College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #4 | College of the Florida Keys | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #5 | Daytona State College | N/A | 23% | ACEN | View School |
| #6 | Florida Gulf Coast University | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| #7 | Florida International University | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| #8 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #9 | Florida State University | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| #10 | Jacksonville University | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| #11 | Palm Beach Atlantic University | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #12 | Palm Beach State College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #13 | Santa Fe College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #14 | Seminole State College of Florida | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #15 | St. Thomas University | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| #16 | Tallahassee Community College | N/A | — | ACEN | View School |
| #17 | University of South Florida | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
| #18 | University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – School of Nursing | N/A | — | CCNE | View School |
Online Nursing Programs Available to Florida Residents
These accredited schools are based outside Florida but enroll Florida residents online. Confirm clinical-placement and Florida Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.
How We Evaluate Nursing Schools in Florida
We separate schools with a physical campus in Florida from accredited online programs that enroll Florida residents, because the two answer different questions — one is about studying locally, the other about studying from Florida. Within each group we weight NCLEX first-time pass rate most heavily; it is the strongest available predictor of how well a program prepares graduates for licensure.
Accreditation is non-negotiable: we only include schools accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or regionally accredited programs with state board approval. We also consider acceptance rate (program selectivity), program variety across degree levels (LPN through doctoral), and value relative to regional salary expectations. Where a school has not yet reported outcome data, we show it without inventing a number.
What to Look for in a Florida Nursing School
The most important factor is NCLEX pass rate. The national average for first-time test-takers sits around 87–89% (NCSBN, 2023). Programs consistently above 90% have demonstrated they effectively prepare students for licensure. Ask schools for their three-year average pass rate — a single good year can be an anomaly.
Accreditation matters for several reasons beyond quality assurance. CCNE- or ACEN-accredited programs make you eligible for federal financial aid, qualify you for military service, and meet the requirements for most graduate nursing programs if you plan to advance your career later.
Consider clinical placement. Hospitals in Florida often have affiliation agreements with specific nursing schools, giving graduates an inside track to jobs. If you are considering an online program based outside Florida, confirm that it arranges clinical placements within Florida and is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing for pre-licensure study.
Nursing Career Outlook in Florida
Registered nurses in Florida earn an average of $86,000 annually. The BLS projects nursing employment to grow 6% nationally through 2032 — faster than the average for all occupations — driven by an aging population and expanded access to healthcare. Florida is expected to see particularly strong demand in major metro areas and rural health systems.
BSN-prepared nurses command higher salaries and have access to broader roles. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that 80% of nursing positions now prefer or require a BSN. If you currently hold an ADN, many schools serving Floridaoffer flexible RN-to-BSN completion programs you can complete while working.
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Advertiser DisclosureBelow are programs currently accepting applications from Florida residents. Each will send tuition details, start dates, and admission requirements directly — useful for comparing schools and formats beyond the tables above.
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