Top Private Nursing Schools in California
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- What to Look For
- Program Accreditation
- Best Private CA Programs and Schools
- Applying to Private Nursing Programs
- Paying for Private Nursing Programs
- Career Opportunities
- FAQ
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: FatCamera / E+ / Getty ImagesWhether you are a high school student beginning your college search, a career changer considering a switch to nursing, or a healthcare professional looking to increase your career opportunities, earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree can be the first step toward a fulfilling career as a nurse.
California is home to 140 nursing programs, both public and private, all of which provide students with the skills they need to practice. To help you make the best decision for your needs, we have compiled a ranking of the top private nursing schools in California. Check out our guide to these programs and learn how to narrow your choices and determine which is the best fit for you.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best private nursing programs in California, 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.
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in a Private Nursing Program
With almost 40 private nursing schools to choose from, determining which one is the best program for your goals can be challenging. Our rankings of the best private nursing programs in California are designed to help you narrow your choices, and they are based on the following key metrics.
Admission Requirements
Before applying to any nursing school, check the requirements to ensure you meet minimum admission standards. Exceeding the minimum standards can increase your chances of acceptance. Also, if you learn you are missing any requirements, you can fill those gaps before applying.
Clinical Experience
All registered nurse (RN) programs require clinical rotations for hands-on learning, but formats, placement policies, and schedules vary. Some schools make it easy for students to complete these requirements, offering services like placement assistance. Find a program that makes it convenient to fulfill this requirement, for example, allowing you to work close to home or with your current employer.
Accreditation
Accreditation indicates that a school and its nursing program have been evaluated by an independent organization to ensure students are adequately prepared for nursing practice. Choosing an accredited program ensures you qualify to take the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) to earn a nursing license.
Program Length
A BSN is a four-year degree; earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN) typically requires two years of full-time study. BSN programs require 120 credits and 700-800 clinical hours. ADN programs require 60-75 credits and 500 clinical hours.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
The NCLEX pass rate for a private nursing school in California indicates how well the program prepares graduates for the exam and nursing practice. A high pass rate shows you will receive the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level nursing practice.
School Graduation Rate
The graduation rate for any private BSN program in California indicates program quality and how well the school supports students. A high graduation rate shows that students have access to the resources and services they need for success.
Why Is Accreditation Important for Private Nursing Schools in California?
All of the programs in our rankings are accredited. Choosing an accredited private nursing program in California is critical to your future career. Programs are accredited by independent organizations that evaluate the curriculum, individual courses, instructors, clinical placements, and student success data to ensure it meets standards for nursing education.
Selecting an unaccredited program for your nursing education can have negative consequences, including ineligibility for licensure.
Other reasons to seek an accredited program include:
- Accredited schools guarantee eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for a nursing license.
- Credits from an unaccredited nursing school may not transfer if you decide to change programs.
- Graduate programs may not accept degrees earned from an unaccredited undergraduate degree program.
- Students at unaccredited schools may not qualify for federal financial aid.
- Employers may not hire nurses with degrees from an unaccredited school or program.
Learn More About the Best Private Nursing Programs and Schools in California
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
FPU's 128-credit bachelor of science in nursing degree emphasizes culturally relevant and faith-based nursing care, with opportunities for learners to work within San Joaquin Valley hospitals.
This cohort-style program features on-campus courses in health assessments, physiology, and pharmacology. Aside from classroom learning, enrollees can test their knowledge in the lab and through clinical placements. Clinical placements offer students direct practice providing nursing care for adults and seniors, children, and pregnant patients.
Current FPU students can apply after their second year for fall entry.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Fresno, California
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,218 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Complete general education and nursing prerequisite courses; minimum 3.0 GPA; TEAS scores; nursing application with written statement; in-person interviews; pass criminal background check and drug tests; two references; 500-word personal statement; transcripts; provide proof of NCLEX-RN eligibility
- Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 92.62% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $100,849 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$32,954
- Out-of-state$32,954
- In-State$14,940
- Out-of-state$14,940
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled3,995
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
With a catalog of Christian-focused nursing undergraduate and graduate programs, CUI offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN) for non-nursing degree-holders that only takes 15 months to complete.
The 127-credit accelerated BSN covers Christian theology, the New Testament, health assessments, pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, leadership and management theory, and research.
Besides the nursing theory coursework, students must complete 765 clinical hours with a focus on community health, psychiatric mental health, pediatrics, maternal nursing, medical and surgical nursing, and adult medical. The nearby Park Place campus offers nursing classrooms, two skills labs, and three simulation labs for hands-on learning. Clinical and theory courses prepare learners to earn the California Public Health Certificate.
The accelerated BSN accepts students enrolled in the bachelor's in biology degree with a pre-nursing minor. Graduates can also pursue master of science in nursing degrees.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing; master of science in nursing
- Campus: Irvine, California
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $912 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a minimum of 75 transferable credits and at least a 3.25 GPA; completed prerequisites; at least 100 hours of patient care experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 15 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 96.18% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $86,202 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$37,250
- Out-of-state$37,250
- In-State$8,121
- Out-of-state$8,121
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled4,071
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Azusa Pacific University
- Azusa, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded in 1899 APU ranks as one of the best private nursing schools in California. The school features 150 degrees, including BSN, MSN, and doctoral programs that stay true to the university's Wesleyan heritage.
Undergraduate and graduate nursing programs take place at the main campus or regional sites throughout Southern California. Many programs also function online, such as the BSN-to-DNP, the MSN in healthcare administration and leadership program, and the RN-to-BSN.
Nursing students benefit from community internships at APU's Neighborhood Wellness Center, which caters to Azusa residents, and mission trips to Mexico, Uganda, and Haiti.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing; master of science in nursing; doctorate in nursing practice
- Campus: Azusa, California
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $460-$860 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Applicants may need an associate in nursing degree or a bachelor's in nursing degree, depending on the degree; most require a minimum 2.75 GPA and official college or high school transcripts
- Minimum Time Commitment: Varies
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 80.16% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $89,570 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$40,830
- Out-of-state$40,830
- In-State$16,571
- Out-of-state$16,571
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled9,006
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Biola University
- La Mirada, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Biola, a top ranked California private nursing school, offers a spiritually grounded bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN), with a focus on community health. The BSN program gives students the opportunity to provide nursing care and preach the Gospel in hospitals throughout Los Angeles and Orange County — and even abroad in Rwanda.
The first phase of the BSN program consists of instruction, and the last two years involve clinical experience. Labs with simulations and dummies prepare learners for clinical placements. La Mirada's community center and a weekly homeless clinic offer additional opportunities to gain direct patient care experience.
It takes BSN students about 4.5 years to complete the 136.5 credits. Required major courses include leadership management, applied nursing research, pediatric nursing, women's health, and assessments, pharmacology, and biostatistics.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: La Mirada, California
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,946 per credit
- Admission Requirements: First-time students need a minimum 3.6 GPA and transfer students who have more than 24 college credits need at least a 3.2 GPA; no more than one "C" in a science prerequisite; 70 or above TEAS score
- Minimum Time Commitment: 54 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 77.50% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $74,576 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$43,512
- Out-of-state$43,512
- In-State$11,772
- Out-of-state$11,772
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled5,815
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
Vanguard University of Southern California
- Costa Mesa, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
VUSC's nursing school, which opened in 2006, offers four undergraduate and graduate nursing programs that emphasize a Christian worldview. All degrees include small class sizes with online or on-campus options.
New and transfer students can opt for a bachelor of science in nursing pre-licensure program. RNs who want to become advanced practice registered nurses can choose an RN-to-BSN degree for registered nurses (RNs) or an RN-to-MSN degree.
Clinical training takes place in the two nursing simulation labs. VUSC also has partnerships with hospitals, such as St. Jude Medical Center, Orange County Global Medical Center, and the Children's Hospital of Orange County.
There's no application fee for the RN-to-BSN degree.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing; master of science in nursing
- Campus: Costa Mesa, California
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $485-$725 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Applicants for the RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN programs need a current RN license and an ADN or BSN degree; MSN candidates need a BSN degree and RN license.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 10-36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 66.67% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $91,300 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$35,850
- Out-of-state$35,850
- In-State$16,080
- Out-of-state$16,080
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled2,289
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Loma Linda University
- Loma Linda, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
LLU's 1905-established school of nursing offers 19 undergraduate and graduate nursing programs that provide clinical experiences at Loma Linda University Medical Center and Loma Linda University Children's Hospital — while also continuing the university's Christian service legacy.
Students can earn a bachelor of science in nursing degree, LVN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, or RN-to-BSN degree with concurrent enrollment. Training happens in LLU's medical simulation center. The skills lab houses 20 patient beds.
At the master's level, learners explore nursing administration, adult gerontology, or OB-GYN and pediatrics. LLU, one of the top private nursing schools in California, also offers a Ph.D. program and a doctorate of nursing practice with a focus on acute care, family medical, neonatal nursing, and primary care.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing; master's in nursing degree; doctorate in nursing practice
- Campus: Loma Linda, California
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $345-$675 per credit
- Admission Requirements: TEAS scores; resume; recommendations; official transcripts; completed prerequisite courses with a minimum "C" grade; minimum 3.0 GPA; three letters of recommendation; high school degree or GED certificate
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24-36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 79.45% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $89,658 for bachelor's graduates and $140,44 according to College Scorecard
- In-State$32,400
- Out-of-state$32,400
- In-State$27,040
- Out-of-state$27,040
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,468
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Samuel Merritt University
- Oakland, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The Central Valley's SMU, which has been educating nurses for more than 114 years, offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree learners can complete in two years, or four semesters.
Programs train future RNs, working nurses, and advanced practice nurses. In addition to the accelerated BSN degree, the nursing school offers an RN-to-BSN degree and MSN degrees with specializations in case management, family nursing, and nursing anesthesia. Learners can also pursue a doctorate in nursing.
Nursing students gain access to more than 1,000 health facilities for clinical training. Additionally — whether studying online or on campus in Oakland or at SMU sites in Sacramento, Fresno, or San Francisco — learners receive a personalized education thanks to a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:8.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing; master of science in nursing; doctorate in nursing
- Campus: Oakland, California
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,736 per credit
- Admission Requirements: 60 transferable credits with a minimum "C" grade; minimum 3.0 GPA; HESI A2 or TEAS scores; two letters of recommendation; completed application with short answers
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 85.45% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $110,846 for bachelor's graduates and $139,136 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$49,125
- Out-of-state$49,125
- In-State$52,896
- Out-of-state$52,896
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,050
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment15%
- AccreditationYes
National University
- La Jolla, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded in 1971, NU offers CCNE-accredited undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees with convenient four-week classes and online or hybrid options.
Nurses can pursue a bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing, or postgraduate advanced practice registered nurses certificate. Post-graduate certificates, such as the 53-quarter-unit family nurse practitioner certificate, require a 600-hour practicum.
This California private nursing school features year-round enrollment and allows prospective students to apply at any time.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing; master of science in nursing; doctorate in nursing,; postgraduate certificates
- Campus: La Jolla, California
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $370-$798 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Depends on the program. All applicants must submit official transcripts. Applicants may need a valid RN license or NP license. Programs often require a minimum 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a goal statement.
- Minimum Time Commitment: Varies
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 79.92% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $84,367 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,480
- Out-of-state$15,480
- Retention Rate45%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled18,070
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Simpson University
- Redding, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The 1921-founded SU offers two bachelor of science in nursing programs for current registered nurses (RNs) and first-time students that emphasize a Christ-centered curriculum.
Licensed RNs can apply to the RN-to-BSN degree, which takes three semesters to complete. Prospective nurses can enroll in the four-year BSN program. The science and nursing center offers clinical training for nursing students, with two skills labs and four patient stimulation zones.
The Betty M. Dean School of Nursing teaches nurses to incorporate the Christian faith into their nursing practice — while also respecting a patient's beliefs.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Redding, California
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $440-$570 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Varies by program and student status. Complete prerequisites with a minimum "C" grade; at least a 3.0 GPA; ATI-TEAS score of 78; at least 18 years old; RN-to-BSN applicants need an RN license and at least 84 transfer credits with a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 91.30% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $84,161 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$32,700
- Out-of-state$32,700
- In-State$10,543
- Out-of-state$10,543
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled855
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Western University of Health Sciences
- Pomona, CA
- 4 year
- Campus
WesternU's, a health-focused graduate school that opened in 1977, offers nine master's- and doctoral-level programs.
Master's students can specialize in family nursing or psychiatric mental health. The direct-entry MSN program admits graduates who hold a non-nursing degree. The College of Graduate Nursing also features an MSN degree for candidates with an associate in nursing degree.
Learners can choose from graduate-level certificates to prepare for a career as an emergency nurse, family nurse, or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
The campus stimulation lab prepares students for clinical experience. WesternU also offers free small group tutoring services and large group reviews to help learners prepare for exams.
- Program: Master of science in nursing; doctorate in nursing
- Campus: Pomona, California
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,193 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Varies by program. Direct entry MSN program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college, minimum 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and the completion of all prerequisites with a "C" grade or higher.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 89.71% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $126,504 for doctorate graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-State$23,556
- Out-of-state$23,556
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,813
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
Applying to Private Nursing Schools in California
To attend a private nursing school in California, undergraduate students need either a high school diploma or GED certificate. Minimum GPA requirements vary by nursing program.
Some schools require applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores. Frequently, private nursing schools ask prospective students to submit TEAS scores instead. Applicants may need to submit recommendation letters and write personal essays outlining their educational and career goals.For private nursing schools in California offering graduate programs, the requirements differ based on program type. Master of science in nursing (MSN) degree admission standards require candidates to possess an undergraduate degree. Graduate programs generally look for applicants with a bachelor’s degree, but RN-to-MSN or ADN-to-MSN bridge programs specifically accept individuals with an associate degree.
All prospective graduate students should hold RN licensure. Some schools require work experience, while others accept recent graduates.
Paying for Private Nursing Programs in California
Earning any college degree requires a financial investment. While students may worry about paying for nursing school out-of-pocket, several factors influence the cost and how much you will actually spend.
Unlike public universities, private nursing schools do not charge less for California. All students pay the same tuition, which is typically higher than at public schools. Other factors that may influence your overall costs include your living arrangements and whether you plan to work while in school.
Financial aid for nurses reduces your education costs, and you have many options to pursue. Many private schools offer nursing scholarships and grants to students based on need or merit. You can also apply for federal financial aid, which includes loans and grants. Private scholarship and grant programs also help defray costs.
If you’re working, your employer may offer a tuition assistance program to help you pay for school. You may also be able to access private student loans from your bank.
What Can You Do With a Degree From a Private Nursing School?
Private nursing schools in California prepare students to provide patient care in different settings. Our rankings include schools that offer nursing degrees at all levels, from associate to doctoral degrees.
Regardless of your degree level, there are opportunities to practice in California.
What can you do with an ADN or a BSN?
Earning an ADN or a BSN prepares you to practice as an RN in California. Opportunities are abundant here, and California nurses earn the highest salaries in the country, with a mean wage of $124,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2021. California also employs more nurses than any other state. RNs can find work in hospitals, physicians’ practices, home healthcare services, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient care centers.
What can you do with an MSN or a DNP?
Earning a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing prepares you for advanced practice nursing in California. An MSN is the minimum degree requirement for nurse practitioners (NPs), who are also ranked first for overall earnings in the country. The BLS reports a mean wage of $151,830 for NPs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Nursing Schools in California
How long does it take to become a registered nurse in California?
The amount of time it takes to become an RN in California depends on the educational pathway that each nurse pursues. RNs who complete an associate degree can graduate in two years, while those seeking a bachelor’s degree typically graduate in four years on a full-time schedule, or sooner in an accelerated program. However, learners who enroll part time may take longer to graduate and get licensure.
Are nurses in demand in California?
ProjectionsCentral predicts that demand for nurses in California between 2020 and 2030 will exceed the national rate. According to its projections, demand for nurses in the Golden State is expected to increase by 10.8%, compared to the national rate of 9%.
Is attending a private nursing school worth it?
Many students find that community colleges or public universities offer the same quality of education as private schools at more affordable tuition prices. However, private nursing schools sometimes offer competitive tuition pricing and substantial scholarships.
Students may choose to attend a private nursing school with certain professional or hospital connections. Acceptance into a private nursing program sooner may also be higher.
What are the requirements to become a nurse in California?
Nurses in California are licensed by the California Board of Registered Nursing. To qualify, you must complete an accredited nursing education program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, submit an application, and undergo a fingerprint background check. You can apply for an interim permit to work under supervision while awaiting test scores.
Related California Nursing Resources
Page last reviewed December 5, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.