Because of its centralized location between two major metropolitan areas — Philadelphia and New York City — and its ranking as one of the highest-paying states for registered nurses (RN), New Jersey is an ideal location for prospective nurses to start their educational journey.
New Jersey is home to various undergraduate programs that allow prospective nurses to earn their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and become licensed RNs. This page explores the best nursing programs New Jersey has to offer.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best New Jersey nursing programs, 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.
At a Glance: The Top New Jersey Nursing Programs
- The College of New Jersey
- Stockton University
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Montclair State University
- Rowan University
How Do New Jersey Nursing Programs Work?
Nursing programs in New Jersey are similar to those in other states. To become a licensed RN, you must either earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a BSN. These programs take two and four years to complete, respectively. ADN programs focus on teaching clinical skills, while BSN programs have a more in-depth nursing curriculum and longer clinical experiences.
RNs with an ADN in New Jersey can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program, which allows them to earn their BSN in two years rather than four. Completing this accelerated program increases earning potential and opens the door to more employment opportunities. New Jersey schools also offer an accelerated program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), — LPN-to-BSN — allowing them to earn their BSN in 2-3 years.
Explore Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Applying to a New Jersey Nursing Program
New Jersey provides several options for earning a BSN. The most common pathway involves enrolling in an undergraduate program directly after high school. Nursing schools look for their undergraduate applicants to possess many of the same qualities, including strong academic and social skills. Job shadowing or volunteer experience related to the field of medicine can also bolster an application.
Although specific requirements may differ from one school to the next, most ask for some of the same general information.
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Admission Materials
Transcripts from previous academic programs; ACT and/or SAT scores; resume; personal statement; letters of recommendation
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Why Is New Jersey Nursing Program Accreditation Important?
Attending an institution that offers an accredited program provides students with various benefits. All of the programs in our rankings are accredited and offer the following advantages:
- Accreditation highlights the program's high standards and indicates that its curriculum effectively prepares nurses.
- Organizations, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, only accredit programs that provide their students with the highest quality preparation.
- Students in programs without accreditation may not be eligible for federal financial aid.
- Accredited programs may not accept transfer credits from unaccredited programs.
- Doctoral programs only accept applicants with a degree from an accredited institution.
- Employers prefer to hire graduates with a degree from an accredited program.
Learn More About the Best New Jersey Nursing Programs and Schools
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 The Best Nursing Programs in New Jersey 2023
The College of New Jersey
The College of New Jersey, founded in 1855, offers a 128-credit RN-to-BSN program that takes as few as 2.5 years.
Courses provide a foundation in professional development, research, and nursing practice. Most classes require in-person learning at convenient regional healthcare institutions such as Hunterdon Medical Center, Capital Health Medical Center, Penn Medicine University Medical Center of Princeton, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
You can take some courses online, but you must complete the clinical experience in person. TCNJ also offers a traditional BSN program.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Ewing, New Jersey
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $7,070 per semester for full-time students
- Admission Requirements: Associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license in New Jersey; and official transcripts
- Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 96.55% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $75,946 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 The Best Nursing Programs in New Jersey 2023
Stockton University
- Galloway, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Stockton University offers a traditional BSN pathway and an accelerated BSN program that takes only 15 months.
The accelerated program requires 64 credits in subjects such as pathophysiology, health assessments, pharmacology, and nursing research methods. Students attend courses and labs 3-4 days a week at Stockton's Manahawkin site and work at clinical sites throughout New Jersey.
Stockton accepts new students in fall and spring for the accelerated program.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Galloway, New Jersey
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $6,370 per semester for New Jersey residents; $20,474 per semester for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; minimum 3.5 GPA; SAT or ACT scores; two letters of recommendation; completed required undergraduate courses; accelerated BSN applicants need a bachelor's degree
- Minimum Time Commitment: 15 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 93.55% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $71,947 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 The Best Nursing Programs in New Jersey 2023
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- New Brunswick, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Rutgers University's school of nursing offers a customizable RN-to-BSN degree that only takes four semesters to complete.
The online, asynchronous program includes 121 undergraduate credits. You can also earn up to 12 graduate credits toward a master's in nursing degree.
Learners study community health promotion, health assessments, nursing informatics, professional role development, and research processes. Rutgers admits new nursing students in the fall or spring.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $7,550 per semester for New Jersey residents; $13,311 per semester for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license in New Jersey; completed two semesters of nursing curriculum with a minimum 3.2 GPA; personal statement
- Minimum Time Commitment: 14 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 93.75% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $72,975 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 The Best Nursing Programs in New Jersey 2023
Montclair State University
- Montclair, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With more than 300 majors, minors and programs, Montclair State University offers a traditional four-year bachelor's in nursing degree and an online RN-to-BSN degree.
The 120-credit BSN degree, which begins in the fall, builds your generalist practice through in-person clinical rotations and access to the school's simulation center. The lessons cover pathophysiology, health assessments, health and healing in cross-cultural perspective, pharmacology, family-centered nursing care, and information technology.
If you have an associate degree in nursing or diploma, Montclair also offers an accelerated RN-to-BSN program.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Montclair, New Jersey
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $6,377 per semester for New Jersey residents; $10,732 per semester for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: High school transcripts; completed college preparatory courses; two letters of recommendation; personal statement
- Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 77.27% first-time pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 The Best Nursing Programs in New Jersey 2023
Rowan University
- Glassboro, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Rowan University's School of Nursing and Health Profession offers a fully online RN-to-BSN program for working nurses.
To earn a BSN degree, you must complete 120 credits. The 30 nursing concentration credits cover comprehensive health assessments, nursing informatics, research applications, community health nursing, health care policy, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health care ethics. Academic advisors can help you with course selection.
Get started in the fall, spring, or summer with courses that follow 7- or 14-week modules.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Glassboro, New Jersey
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $5,357 per semester for New Jersey residents; $10,054 per semester for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license in New Jersey; minimum 2.5 GPA; resume; current CPR card; official transcripts
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $71,015 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Nursing Programs
How do I become a BSN in New Jersey?
To earn a BSN and become an RN in New Jersey, you must first attend an undergraduate nursing program. Upon completion of the program, you must take the NCLEX-RN to be eligible for state licensure. After passing the exam and completing a background check, you then submit your application to the New Jersey Board of Nursing for approval.
How long is nursing school in New Jersey?
There are two degree options available for those looking to become an RN in New Jersey: an associate degree and a bachelor's degree. An ADN takes two years to complete, whereas a BSN program takes four years. Both degrees make graduates eligible to take the NCLEX and apply for RN licensure.
What is the fastest you can get a BSN?
The fastest way to earn a BSN without prior college education is to complete a four-year program. Those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree can enroll in an accelerated BSN program, which they can finish in 16-24 months. RNs with an ADN can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program, which takes as little as 12-16 months to complete.
Is earning a BSN worth it in New Jersey?
Earning a BSN and working in New Jersey can be beneficial. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, RNs in New Jersey earn $89,690 per year, placing them within the top 10 of all states. New Jersey is also in the top 15 states concerning employment levels, with Newark and Camden being two of the largest metropolitan areas in the country to employ RNs.
