Online Nursing Programs in California

Compare accredited online nursing programs available to California students. Find the right degree, from BSN to DNP, and start your nursing career in the Golden State.

Nursing in California: Demand, Salaries, and Opportunity

California is the largest employer of registered nurses in the nation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the state employed more than 300,000 registered nurses as of May 2023, with the highest concentration in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Diego. California also offers the highest median annual wage for RNs of any state — approximately $124,000 per year (BLS, May 2023), well above the national median of $86,070.

California's nurse staffing ratios contribute to this high demand. In 2004, California became the first state in the nation to implement mandatory minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in acute care hospitals, a regulation enforced by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). These ratios — such as 1:5 in medical-surgical units and 1:2 in intensive care — require hospitals to maintain higher nursing staff levels than other states, creating persistent demand for qualified nurses.

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) projects continued strong growth in RN employment through 2030, driven by the state's large and aging population, expansion of Medi-Cal (the state's Medicaid program) under the Affordable Care Act, and the retirement of experienced nurses from the baby-boomer generation.

What California Students Should Know About Online Nursing Programs

Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) Oversight

All pre-licensure nursing programs in California must be approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Online programs offered by out-of-state schools must also be authorized to operate in California. While the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) allows many online schools to enroll students across state lines, California has historically applied additional requirements for nursing programs. Students should confirm that their chosen program is BRN-approved and meets all state requirements for NCLEX-RN eligibility.

Clinical Placement in California

California has one of the nation's most competitive clinical placement markets due to the high number of nursing schools in the state. Reputable online programs partner with hospital systems such as Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, Dignity Health, and county public health departments to secure clinical sites for distance learners. When evaluating programs, ask specifically about clinical placement availability in your area — particularly in the Bay Area and Southern California, where placement competition is highest.

Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Status

As of 2024, California does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means registered nurses licensed in other compact states cannot practice in California under a multistate license; a separate California RN license is required. Legislation to join the NLC has been introduced several times in the California Legislature but has not been enacted. This is an important consideration for online students who may want to practice in multiple states after graduation.

Financial Aid for California Residents

California residents attending eligible schools may qualify for the Cal Grant program, which provides need-based tuition assistance for undergraduate students. The California Dream Act extends financial aid eligibility to AB 540 students. Additionally, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) offers Nurse Corps Loan Repayment, which covers up to 85 percent of outstanding nursing education debt for nurses who commit to working in critical shortage facilities or underserved communities. Many California hospitals also offer employer tuition reimbursement programs to incentivize BSN completion.

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Compare Programs Available in California

Program	School	Degree	Format	Tuition	Duration	NCLEX Rate	Grad Rate	Clinical Hrs	Action
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)	Western Governors University	BSN	Online	$35,700	36 mo	91.79%	55%	750	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Western Governors University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
BSN — Pre-Licensure	Aspen University	BSN	Online	$28,800	36 mo	—	60%	750	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Aspen University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
BSN — Pre-Licensure	National University	BSN	Online	$45,000	36 mo	—	62%	750	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to National University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
BSN (Pre-Licensure Online)	Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences	BSN	Online	$52,000	36 mo	91.2%	82%	750	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
BSN Completion	Excelsior University	BSN	Online	$30,000	36 mo	—	58%	750	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Excelsior University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
BSN Completion	American Public University System	BSN	Online	$27,000	36 mo	—	58%	750	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to American Public University System based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
BSN Completion	Southern New Hampshire University	BSN	Online	$50,400	48 mo	—	70%	750	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Southern New Hampshire University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	Sacred Heart University	DNP	Online	$65,000	36 mo	—	78%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Sacred Heart University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	George Washington University	DNP	Online	$78,000	36 mo	—	82%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to George Washington University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	Grand Canyon University	DNP	Online	$30,000	36 mo	—	68%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Grand Canyon University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	Simmons University	DNP	Online	$75,000	36 mo	—	83%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Simmons University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	University of Phoenix	DNP	Online	$51,840	36 mo	—	55%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to University of Phoenix based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	Regis College	DNP	Online	$60,000	36 mo	—	82%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Regis College based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	University of Michigan — Flint	DNP	Online	$31,104	36 mo	—	78%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to University of Michigan — Flint based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	Walden University	DNP	Online	$51,000	48 mo	—	65%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Walden University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	Johns Hopkins University	DNP	Online	$88,000	36 mo	—	92%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Johns Hopkins University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	Capella University	DNP	Online	$46,800	42 mo	—	58%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Capella University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	Gonzaga University	DNP	Online	$38,880	36 mo	—	82%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Gonzaga University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	Penn State World Campus	DNP	Online	$36,960	36 mo	—	72%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Penn State World Campus based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	University of Texas at Arlington	DNP	Online	$36,120	36 mo	—	76%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to University of Texas at Arlington based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	Drexel University	DNP	Online	$45,000	36 mo	—	75%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Drexel University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	Michigan State University	DNP	Online	$39,600	36 mo	—	79%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Michigan State University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	Maryville University	DNP	Online	$36,000	36 mo	—	74%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Maryville University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	Liberty University	DNP	Online	$28,620	36 mo	—	72%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Liberty University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	Chamberlain University	DNP	Online	$45,000	36 mo	—	62%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Chamberlain University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP	University of Pennsylvania	DNP	Online	$108,000	36 mo	—	93%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to University of Pennsylvania based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
DNP — Executive Leadership	Purdue University Global	DNP	Online	$36,000	36 mo	—	65%	1,000	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Purdue University Global based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN	Liberty University	MSN	Online	$19,980	24 mo	—	72%	135	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Liberty University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Administration	University of Texas at Arlington	MSN	Online	$24,120	24 mo	—	76%	135	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to University of Texas at Arlington based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Education	University of Texas at Arlington	MSN	Online	$24,120	24 mo	—	76%	135	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to University of Texas at Arlington based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	University of Phoenix	MSN	Online	$46,080	36 mo	—	55%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to University of Phoenix based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	National University	MSN	Online	$18,000	30 mo	—	62%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to National University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	Grand Canyon University	MSN	Online	$30,625	36 mo	—	68%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Grand Canyon University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	George Washington University	MSN	Online	$72,500	36 mo	—	82%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to George Washington University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	Sacred Heart University	MSN	Online	$46,000	30 mo	—	78%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Sacred Heart University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	West Coast University	MSN	Online	$42,000	36 mo	—	73%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to West Coast University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	Drexel University	MSN	Online	$31,275	30 mo	—	75%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Drexel University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	University of Pennsylvania	MSN	Online	$86,000	24 mo	—	93%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to University of Pennsylvania based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	Gonzaga University	MSN	Online	$24,300	30 mo	—	82%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Gonzaga University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	Simmons University	MSN	Online	$67,200	36 mo	—	83%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Simmons University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	Johns Hopkins University	MSN	Online	$58,000	24 mo	—	92%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Johns Hopkins University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	Maryville University	MSN	Online	$25,440	30 mo	—	74%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Maryville University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	Walden University	MSN	Online	$48,150	36 mo	—	65%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Walden University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	Michigan State University	MSN	Online	$27,000	30 mo	—	79%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Michigan State University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	Liberty University	MSN	Online	$26,640	36 mo	—	72%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Liberty University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences	MSN	Online	$36,000	36 mo	—	82%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	Keiser University	MSN	Online	$32,000	30 mo	—	67%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Keiser University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner	Regis College	MSN	Online	$46,800	30 mo	—	82%	600	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Regis College based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Health Care Quality & Patient Safety	Grand Canyon University	MSN	Online	$22,050	24 mo	—	68%	135	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Grand Canyon University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.
MSN — Health Systems Administration	Arizona State University	MSN	Online	$18,480	18 mo	—	65%	135	Find Nursing Programs Get matched with programs similar to Arizona State University based on your location and goals. First Name Zip Code * Program Type Background Education When do you want to start? Email * — get your matches emailed to you Phone (optional — for program advisors) Free. No obligation. No spam.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What online nursing programs are available in California?

California offers a wide range of online nursing programs, including RN-to-BSN, traditional BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees from accredited universities. Both public institutions within the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems and private universities offer online nursing pathways. Many California-based schools accept students statewide with clinical placements arranged near the student's location.

Are online nursing degrees valid in California?

Yes. Online nursing degrees from institutions accredited by CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA are valid in California. Graduates must still pass the NCLEX-RN examination and meet all California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requirements for licensure. California does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so nurses licensed in other states must apply for a California license separately.

How much do online nursing programs cost in California?

Tuition for online nursing programs in California varies by institution type. CSU system RN-to-BSN programs may cost $10,000–$20,000 total for in-state students, while UC system programs and private universities can range from $25,000–$80,000 or more. California residents may qualify for the Cal Grant financial aid program, the California Dream Act (for AB 540 students), and HRSA loan repayment programs for nurses serving in underserved areas.

Does California have specific clinical placement requirements for online nursing students?

Yes. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) mandates specific clinical hour requirements that vary by degree level and program type. Pre-licensure BSN students typically complete 500–800 hours of supervised clinical practice. Schools are responsible for securing clinical placement sites, and most online programs partner with hospitals, clinics, and community health centers throughout California to accommodate distance learners.

What is the nursing job outlook in California?

California is the largest employer of registered nurses in the United States, with more than 300,000 RNs employed across the state according to the BLS. The California Employment Development Department (EDD) projects continued strong demand for RNs through 2030, driven by population growth, the expansion of community health services, and the state's aging population. California's median annual wage for RNs is approximately $124,000, the highest of any state.

Does California participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact?

No. As of 2024, California does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses who hold a multistate license from a compact state must apply for a separate California RN license through the BRN before practicing in California. Legislation has been introduced multiple times to join the NLC, but California has not yet enacted it.

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