Best Nursing Schools in California for 2025
Top Nursing Schools in California (2025)
- California State University, Long Beach
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 99.25%
- Tuition: $5,742/year
- Programs: ADN to RN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP
- Renowned for its prestigious programs and partnerships with healthcare institutions.
- California State University, Fullerton
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.55%
- Tuition: $5,742/year
- Programs: LVN to BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP
- Offers strong clinical partnerships and a history of excellence in nursing education.
- San Diego State University
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.91%
- Tuition: $8,136/year
- Programs: LVN to RN, RN to BSN, BSN, MSN
- Accredited by CCNE and the California Board of Registered Nursing, with study abroad opportunities.NurseBuff+4Incredible Health+4Academia Labs+4
- California State University, Stanislaus
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.21%
- Tuition: $5,742/year
- Programs: LVN to BSN, RN to BSN, ABSN, MSN
- Focuses on patient-centered and evidence-based practices. Incredible HealthNCSBN+12Academia Labs+12College Factual+12
- California State University, San Marcos
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.66%
- Tuition: $5,742/year
- Programs: LVN to BSN, RN to BSN, BSN, ABSN, MSN
- Offers online RN to BSN programs and emphasizes community health. Nursing Schools Almanac+16NCSBN+16Nurse.org+16Carl Morgan+13Nursing Process+13Scholarships for College 2025-2026+13
- California State University, Sacramento
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.53%
- Tuition: $5,742/year
- Programs: LVN to RN, RN to BSN, BSN, MSN
- Provides affordable and convenient nursing education options. U.S. News+22California Board of Registered Nursing+22Scholarships for College 2025-2026+22Incredible Health
- California State University, Chico
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.33%
- Tuition: $5,742/year
- Programs: RN to BSN, BSN, MSN
- Known for its intimate class sizes and long-standing educational services.
- University of California, Irvine
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.98%
- Tuition: $15,737.23/year
- Programs: BSN, Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), DNP
- Distinguished for its rigorous and flexible nursing programs. Incredible Health
- California State University, Channel Islands
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.72%
- Tuition: $5,742/year
- Programs: RN to BSN, MSN
- Emphasizes evidence-based practices and a close-knit community.
- California State University, Fresno
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.08%
- Tuition: $5,742/year
- Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
- Offers proximity to numerous healthcare facilities in the valley.
Choosing the Right Program
When selecting a nursing program, consider:
- Location: Proximity to clinical sites and ease of commute.
- Tuition: Evaluate in-state vs. out-of-state costs and available financial aid.
- NCLEX Pass Rates: Higher pass rates indicate better preparation.
- Program Offerings: Ensure the school offers the degree path you desire.
- Graduation Rates: Higher rates suggest strong student support and program effectiveness.
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