Nursing Schools in California

California is a hotbed for nursing education, offering a diverse range of programs to launch your career in healthcare. With over 308 nursing schools across the state, you'll find the perfect fit for your goals, whether you're aiming for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. From traditional Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs to accelerated options and specialized tracks for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, California has it all!

Choosing the right program is key. Consider your educational background, career aspirations, and budget. LPN programs typically cost around $10,000, ADN programs around $20,000, and BSN programs around $40,000. But don't worry, financial aid, scholarships, and grants can help ease the financial burden.

California's nursing shortage creates a competitive job market with excellent salary potential. Registered Nurses (RNs) in California earn a median annual salary of $137,690, while Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) earn around $76,580 annually.

Some of the top nursing schools in California include:

  • University of California, San Francisco (UCSF): A powerhouse for research and clinical excellence, UCSF offers a wide range of nursing programs, including BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD degrees.
  • University of Southern California (USC): USC's nursing programs emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students for diverse healthcare roles, including advanced practice nursing and research.
  • UCLA School of Nursing: Committed to social justice and health equity, UCLA's nursing programs focus on community-based care and leadership development.
  • Stanford University School of Nursing: Stanford's highly selective nursing programs are known for their focus on innovation, technology, and global health.
  • California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA): As one of the largest public universities in California, CSULA offers a variety of nursing programs, including ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees.
  • California State University, Long Beach (CSULB): CSULB's nursing programs are known for their strong clinical experience and emphasis on patient-centered care.
  • California State University, Fullerton (CSUF): CSUF's nursing programs provide a comprehensive education in nursing practice, leadership, and research.

Ready to explore your options? We have gathered all the nursing schools that are approved by California state board of nursing along with some basic information about the to get you started.

Top RN Programs in California

This year, we've compiled a list of top nursing schools in the state by examining NCLEX-RN pass rates from the last three years. Our analysis focused on schools with consistent graduate numbers and a minimum average pass rate of 80%. By looking at these rates, you can see which schools effectively prepare their students for the licensure exam and beyond. For a detailed breakdown of how we determined these rankings, visit our ranking methodology page.
Student Population
Medium
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
99.3%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Student Population
Small
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
100.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
93.7%

Available Programs


Student Population
Medium
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
99.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Moorpark College is a two-year public community college that is located in Moorpark, California. The school was established in 1967 and it currently serves well over 13,000 students. As a growing and thriving educational institution, this school has a lot to offer prospective students. There are many different programs of study and several unique aspects that help this school to stand out. For instance, this school has an exotic animal training and management center on the campus. This training center houses over 200 animals on the campus and is a useful resource for many students. There are so many degree programs and students will have access to everything that they need to find success on the campus.

This school also happens to have a very renowned nursing program that students will be able to take advantage of. Students can enroll in the Nursing Science program to achieve an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). All of the nursing courses are designed to help students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to function as professional registered nurses. This nursing program is fully approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The school is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). 

Student Population
Medium
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
99.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Student Population
Medium
College Type
4-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
97.3%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A
Student Population
Small
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
97.3%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Student Population
Medium
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
97.7%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Grossmont College is a two-year community college that is located in El Cajon, California. This school was established in 1961 and it serves a large student population. The school has over 18,000 students enrolled, making it a very large community college in the area. You will find many different programs in this school that will appeal to different types of students. The number of degree programs and certificate opportunities are impressive. Grossmont College is a very culturally diverse school as well. Many students come to this community college seeking new career opportunities and find the success that they are looking for.

The popularity of the nursing program at Grossmont College makes it very sought-after. It offers an Associates Degree in Registered Nursing program. This program is designed to prepare students for national licensure to practice nursing in all settings as a true professional. There are several other options to consider when looking into this nursing program, too. The school offers an LVN to RN program as well as an RN to BSN program (in collaboration with Point Loma Nazarene University). Grossmont College offers great onsite nursing facilities that can help students to gain all of the necessary knowledge and skills that they need to succeed in the nursing field. This popular program continues to help students meet their goals of becoming professional nurses. 

Student Population
Large
College Type
4-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
97.7%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

California State University Long Beach (CSULB) was founded in 1949 by the governor of California Earl Warren. The original campus included just two apartment buildings. The following year, the citizens of Long Beach purchased 322 acres for the new campus and enrollment grew steadily. From 1959 to 1964, the student body increased from 10,000 to 30,000. CSULB is part of the California State University school system that includes 23 different campuses. It is also one of the largest universities in the state, with a student body of 37,776 students for the 2016 Fall semester. For in-state students, CSULB is also one of the most affordable choices.

The School of Nursing at CSULB is accredited and recognized locally and nationally. They have full national accreditation by the CCNE and state accreditation by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Students that are interested in a nursing career can start with the BSN program. The school offers a traditional BSN degree to prepare students for the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse. The MSN program includes six different specialty tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and several other paths. CSULB nursing programs also give students the chance to gain clinical experience at nearby healthcare facilities.

Student Population
Medium
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
97.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Student Population
Medium
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
96.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
77.3%

Available Programs


Student Population
Medium
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
96.3%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Student Population
Medium
College Type
4-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
96.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
93.3%

Available Programs


Student Population
Medium
College Type
4-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
96.7%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A
Student Population
Large
College Type
4-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
96.7%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A
Student Population
Medium
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
95.7%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
98.7%

Available Programs


Student Population
Small
College Type
4-year, Private
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
95.3%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Concordia University Irvine is a private Christian university founded in 1976. It is a smaller college, with a total enrollment of 1,918. However, it is part of the larger Concordia University System, which includes eight other colleges. The university offers 20 undergraduate programs and 50 specializations, along with nine graduate programs. The campus is in Irvine, which is one of the safest cities in the US, and it is located about 50 miles south of Los Angeles. The campus buildings are within a private residential community, with access to hiking trails and beautiful parks. The university has also ranked highly in various rankings, including the 2015 Money magazine list of schools that offer the best value.

Concordia University Irvine offers several nursing programs, including an accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, LVN to RN, and MSN program. The accelerated BSN requires students to have completed a BS or BA from an accredited institution. The campus where the nursing programs are offered recently underwent a major update, giving students access to a large skills lab, along with three simulation labs. The Park Place Campus provides students with a suitable environment to practice their nursing skills. However, the school does not work with local clinics or healthcare facilities.

Student Population
Medium
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
95.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Student Population
Medium
College Type
4-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
95.7%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A
Student Population
Medium
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
95.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Ventura College is a community college located in Ventura, California. It is a state-funded college that was established back in 1925. It was the very first college in Ventura County and it has been serving the community dutifully for many decades. Currently, this school has more than 13,000 students enrolled. VC has a fairly large campus that makes use of 112 acres of land. Many spots on the campus offer a clear view of the Channel Islands, as it is located in close proximity to the ocean. This community college offers several associate degree programs and certificates for students and can give them a robust education.

VC offers a nursing program that is held in very high regard. Each year, many students enroll in this nursing program so that they can pursue their dreams of becoming medical professionals. VC's nursing program is fully approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and has received national accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). All students will be prepared to take the licensure exams by receiving a thorough education. The program teaches practical skills, theory, and everything that a nursing student needs to find great success in the nursing field. 

Student Population
Medium
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
95.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


California's NCLEX-RN pass rate Vs. National Average

California's NCLEX-PN pass rate Vs. National Average