Nursing in New Jersey

New Jersey’s nursing education landscape is shaped by its dense population and proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia. While there are around 80 nursing schools across 111 cities, these programs cluster heavily around the northern and central parts of the state, particularly near urban centers such as Newark, Jersey City, and Edison. Most nursing schools are concentrated near major healthcare employers, including RWJBarnabas Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, and the Atlantic Health System.

The state’s NCLEX pass rate has been steadily improving, averaging about 86.7% for registered nursing programs in 2025 and 2026. However, pass rates vary among schools, ranging from roughly 81% to over 90%. Lower rates often correspond to for-profit or less well-resourced programs, while traditional non-profit schools with stronger clinical partnerships tend to perform better. This variation points to a real need for prospective students to review program quality carefully before enrolling.

New Jersey does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, meaning nurses licensed in the state cannot automatically practice in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. This limits mobility compared to nurses in neighboring compact states, which is especially important given the region’s urban-rural divide and interstate job markets.

Nursing salaries vary widely across the state and by role. RNs earn an average wage around $102,000 but can expect from about $78,000 in less dense or lower demand areas up to nearly $128,000 in specialized fields and urban centers. LPN/LVN salaries average near $66,600, while advanced practice nurses such as nurse practitioners earn over $145,000 on average. Cost of living in New Jersey is significantly higher than the national average, especially near New York City, which means nurses in urban areas may face higher expenses despite better pay.

Tuition costs for nursing programs reflect a mix of public and private options. LPN programs typically range from $6,000 to $15,000 at community colleges, whereas ADN and BSN programs at state colleges usually cost between $12,000 and $30,000 for in-state students. Private institutions can charge much more, sometimes exceeding $50,000 for a bachelor’s degree. Community colleges offer more affordable pathways but might have limited program capacity and waitlists.