The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Daniel BalNurseJournal Rankings Team
By
and
Updated on June 7, 2023
Registered nursing students are in great demand in the U.S. as the country faces a rising shortage of nurses. Find the best RN program.
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Between the aging population and healthcare professionals still rebounding from COVID-19 exhaustion, the demand for nurses continues to rise. If you are considering a nursing career, choosing from so many nursing program options can be intimidating.

The following list highlights some of the best nursing programs across the country. Learn more about the top 50 schools for registered nurses (RNs) by state, application requirements, and how these programs work.

We use a data-driven methodology to identify the best schools for RNs in each state, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or go straight to our full ranking of the best registered nursing programs in each state.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

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How Do Registered Nursing Programs Work?

Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs prepare students to become successful RNs. The four-year program comprises general education coursework, nursing classes, and clinical experiences. Most general education requirements are completed in the first year, with years 2-4 focusing primarily on nursing.

On average, BSN programs require students to complete 120-130 credits and 700-800 clinical hours. During clinical experiences, students take the information they learn in their nursing courses and apply it through hands-on experiences in patient-care settings and labs alongside licensed nurses.

After finishing their coursework and clinical requirements, learners can sit for the NCLEX-RN. Students must pass this exam to apply for their RN license and officially start working in the nursing field.

Applying to a Registered Nursing Program

Before applying to a BSN program, review the admission criteria to ensure you meet the conditions for acceptance.

While specific requirements may vary by school, most programs look for applicants to provide certain materials and satisfy similar academic prerequisites.

  • chevron-right

    Admission Materials

    High school courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology (preferred); SAT and/or ACT scores; resume; personal essay; letters of recommendation; volunteer experience
  • chevron-right

    GPA Requirement

    Minimum 2.75 GPA

Why Is Registered Nursing Program Accreditation Important?

Attending an accredited RN program provides benefits not only to you as a nurse but also to your future patients and employer. Graduates of accredited programs are more attractive to employers because of the program’s quality and the assurance that graduates can provide the best care to their patients.

Provided only by nationally recognized organizations, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, accreditation demonstrates that the school successfully prepares nurses for safe practice.

Attending a non-accredited program may cause students to be ineligible for federal financial aid, unable to transfer their credits to an accredited school, or incapable of pursuing graduate education.

Learn More About the Best Registered Nursing Schools in Each State

See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Saint Anselm College

  • Location-markerManchester, NH
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$41,510
  • Out-of-state$41,510
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate87%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled2,019
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment69%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

College of Saint Mary

  • Location-markerOmaha, NE
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$21,370
  • Out-of-state$21,370
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$17,124
  • Out-of-state$17,124
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate50%
  • Students Enrolled1,024
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment56%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Calvin University

  • Location-markerGrand Rapids, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$37,600
  • Out-of-state$37,600
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$29,180
  • Out-of-state$29,180
  • Retention Rate87%
  • Acceptance Rate73%
  • Students Enrolled3,307
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Belmont University

  • Location-markerNashville, TN
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$35,310
  • Out-of-state$35,310
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$23,400
  • Out-of-state$23,400
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate83%
  • Students Enrolled8,204
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment62%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

George Fox University

  • Location-markerNewberg, OR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$37,840
  • Out-of-state$37,840
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,112
  • Out-of-state$14,112
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate91%
  • Students Enrolled4,106
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment68%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

College of the Ozarks

  • Location-markerPoint Lookout, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$19,500
  • Out-of-state$19,500
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate80%
  • Acceptance Rate14%
  • Students Enrolled1,489
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Huntington University

  • Location-markerHuntington, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$25,956
  • Out-of-state$25,956
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,208
  • Out-of-state$11,208
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled1,391
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment30%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Messiah University

  • Location-markerMechanicsburg, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$36,340
  • Out-of-state$36,340
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,780
  • Out-of-state$12,780
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled3,370
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment44%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Point Loma Nazarene University

  • Location-markerSan Diego, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$37,600
  • Out-of-state$37,600
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,880
  • Out-of-state$11,880
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate84%
  • Students Enrolled4,616
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment35%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Catawba College

  • Location-markerSalisbury, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$31,436
  • Out-of-state$31,436
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$3,594
  • Out-of-state$3,594
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance Rate52%
  • Students Enrolled1,371
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment71%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Northern New Mexico College

  • Location-markerEspanola, NM
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,447
  • Out-of-state$12,171
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$2,652
  • Out-of-state$3,969
  • Retention Rate49%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled1,234
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment45%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix

  • Location-markerPhoenix, AZ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students EnrolledN/A
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Florida State University

  • Location-markerTallahassee, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,640
  • Out-of-state$19,084
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,684
  • Out-of-state$24,116
  • Retention Rate95%
  • Acceptance Rate32%
  • Students Enrolled43,569
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment97%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Stockton University

  • Location-markerGalloway, NJ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,245
  • Out-of-state$19,679
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,787
  • Out-of-state$20,102
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate77%
  • Students Enrolled9,893
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment97%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Weber State University

  • Location-markerOgden, UT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,090
  • Out-of-state$15,272
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,935
  • Out-of-state$18,217
  • Retention Rate66%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled29,596
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment60%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Baker University

  • Location-markerBaldwin City, KS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$30,170
  • Out-of-state$30,170
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,124
  • Out-of-state$11,124
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate93%
  • Students Enrolled2,279
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment48%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Bellarmine University

  • Location-markerLouisville, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$41,520
  • Out-of-state$41,520
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$16,645
  • Out-of-state$16,645
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate82%
  • Students Enrolled3,293
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment14%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Berry College

  • Location-markerMount Berry, GA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$37,720
  • Out-of-state$37,720
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,240
  • Out-of-state$12,240
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate77%
  • Students Enrolled2,125
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment40%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Colorado State University-Pueblo

  • Location-markerPueblo, CO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,349
  • Out-of-state$12,907
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,651
  • Out-of-state$16,803
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate94%
  • Students Enrolled5,925
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment89%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Elmhurst College

  • Location-markerElmhurst, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$38,354
  • Out-of-state$38,354
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$32,000
  • Out-of-state$32,000
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate66%
  • Students Enrolled3,421
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment86%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Lewis-Clark State College

  • Location-markerLewiston, ID
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,982
  • Out-of-state$20,238
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate61%
  • Acceptance Rate100%
  • Students Enrolled3,856
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment52%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Oklahoma Baptist University

  • Location-markerShawnee, OK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$27,912
  • Out-of-state$27,912
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,900
  • Out-of-state$9,900
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate58%
  • Students Enrolled1,763
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment44%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Towson University

  • Location-markerTowson, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,962
  • Out-of-state$21,098
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,902
  • Out-of-state$16,344
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled21,917
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Winona State University

  • Location-markerWinona, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,712
  • Out-of-state$13,903
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,710
  • Out-of-state$11,631
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled7,106
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Rhode Island College

  • Location-markerProvidence, RI
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,835
  • Out-of-state$23,310
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,316
  • Out-of-state$16,164
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled7,072
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment99%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Gonzaga University

  • Location-markerSpokane, WA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$46,060
  • Out-of-state$46,060
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$17,296
  • Out-of-state$17,296
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate73%
  • Students Enrolled7,295
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment95%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Fairfield University

  • Location-markerFairfield, CT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$50,550
  • Out-of-state$50,550
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$19,152
  • Out-of-state$19,152
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate56%
  • Students Enrolled5,513
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment36%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Auburn University

  • Location-markerAuburn, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,080
  • Out-of-state$30,240
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,080
  • Out-of-state$30,240
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate85%
  • Students Enrolled30,737
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment34%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Wittenberg University

  • Location-markerSpringfield, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$40,630
  • Out-of-state$40,630
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,352
  • Out-of-state$8,352
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate97%
  • Students Enrolled1,488
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Grand View University

  • Location-markerDes Moines, IA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$29,076
  • Out-of-state$29,076
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,000
  • Out-of-state$9,000
  • Retention Rate69%
  • Acceptance Rate97%
  • Students Enrolled1,874
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment34%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Carroll University

  • Location-markerWaukesha, WI
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$33,200
  • Out-of-state$33,200
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,375
  • Out-of-state$12,375
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate72%
  • Students Enrolled3,451
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment39%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

University of Providence

  • Location-markerGreat Falls, MT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$26,462
  • Out-of-state$26,462
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$31,500
  • Out-of-state$31,500
  • Retention Rate61%
  • Acceptance Rate99%
  • Students Enrolled1,005
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Dillard University

  • Location-markerNew Orleans, LA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$17,410
  • Out-of-state$17,410
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate65%
  • Students Enrolled1,215
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment97%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Castleton University

  • Location-markerCastleton, VT
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,832
  • Out-of-state$28,800
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,916
  • Out-of-state$11,916
  • Retention Rate61%
  • Acceptance Rate88%
  • Students Enrolled2,211
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment47%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

University of Central Arkansas

  • Location-markerConway, AR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,810
  • Out-of-state$13,620
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,018
  • Out-of-state$10,037
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate94%
  • Students Enrolled10,335
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment77%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Delaware State University

  • Location-markerDover, DE
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,038
  • Out-of-state$16,960
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,160
  • Out-of-state$11,376
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate39%
  • Students Enrolled4,739
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment65%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Siena College

  • Location-markerLoudonville, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$39,200
  • Out-of-state$39,200
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$28,314
  • Out-of-state$28,314
  • Retention Rate90%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled3,425
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment91%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Shepherd University

  • Location-markerShepherdstown, WV
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,790
  • Out-of-state$15,276
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,118
  • Out-of-state$11,268
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate98%
  • Students Enrolled3,159
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment82%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

University of Mary Washington

  • Location-markerFredericksburg, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,678
  • Out-of-state$25,104
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,676
  • Out-of-state$18,396
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled4,293
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment97%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

William Carey University

  • Location-markerHattiesburg, MS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$12,600
  • Out-of-state$12,600
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,040
  • Out-of-state$11,040
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate55%
  • Students Enrolled5,472
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment51%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

South Dakota State University

  • Location-markerBrookings, SD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,697
  • Out-of-state$11,172
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,083
  • Out-of-state$15,541
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate89%
  • Students Enrolled11,405
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment76%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

  • Location-markerFargo, ND
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,606
  • Out-of-state$12,909
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,013
  • Out-of-state$10,519
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate94%
  • Students Enrolled12,846
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment49%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Endicott College

  • Location-markerBeverly, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$34,470
  • Out-of-state$34,470
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,666
  • Out-of-state$12,666
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate70%
  • Students Enrolled4,287
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment44%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

University of Hawaii at Hilo

  • Location-markerHilo, HI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,344
  • Out-of-state$20,304
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,736
  • Out-of-state$26,568
  • Retention Rate71%
  • Acceptance Rate74%
  • Students Enrolled3,165
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment74%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

University of Alaska Anchorage

  • Location-markerAnchorage, AK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,224
  • Out-of-state$23,072
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,773
  • Out-of-state$22,659
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate77%
  • Students Enrolled11,953
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment95%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

University of Houston

  • Location-markerHouston, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,449
  • Out-of-state$20,665
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,539
  • Out-of-state$17,681
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate63%
  • Students Enrolled47,090
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment96%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

University of New England

  • Location-markerBiddeford, ME
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$37,390
  • Out-of-state$37,390
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$27,466
  • Out-of-state$27,466
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled7,208
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment48%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

University of Nevada-Reno

  • Location-markerReno, NV
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,901
  • Out-of-state$23,554
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,657
  • Out-of-state$21,310
  • Retention Rate80%
  • Acceptance Rate87%
  • Students Enrolled20,722
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment27%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

University of Wyoming

  • Location-markerLaramie, WY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,480
  • Out-of-state$14,472
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,076
  • Out-of-state$15,174
  • Retention Rate80%
  • Acceptance Rate94%
  • Students Enrolled11,829
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment93%
  • AccreditationYes
The Top 50 Schools for Registered Nurses By State

Claflin University

  • Location-markerOrangeburg, SC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$16,476
  • Out-of-state$16,476
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,653
  • Out-of-state$11,653
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate65%
  • Students Enrolled2,048
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment10%
  • AccreditationYes

Frequently Asked Questions About RN Programs

Is it better to get a BSN or an ADN?

Associate degrees in nursing (ADN) and BSNs both prepare nurses to become licensed RNs. However, because they receive two additional years of education, RNs with a bachelor’s degree can access more job opportunities and a higher earning potential.

According to Payscale data from 2023, RNs with an ADN earn an average salary of $74,000, while those with a BSN earn $91,000 annually.

How long does it take to become a registered nurse?

The time it takes to become an RN varies by program. Earning an associate degree takes two when enrolled as a full-time student, whereas a bachelor’s program takes four years to complete.

What states pay RNs the most?

U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics data from 2021 shows that RNs earn the most in California ($124,000), Hawaii ($106,530), Oregon ($98,630), Washington, D.C. ($98,450), and Alaska ($97,230). The lowest-paying states include Arkansas ($65,810), Iowa ($64,990), Mississippi ($63,130), Alabama ($61,920), and South Dakota ($60,540).

Can you become an RN online?

Yes, you can become an RN online with little to no campus visits. Online nursing programs have become quite popular, attracting students because of their flexibility and lower cost.

Courses in an online program are offered synchronously (real time), asynchronously (student’s own time), or a combination of the two. However, you must complete clinical experiences as an online nursing student in person. Many learners can complete these requirements in their home community.


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