ADN Programs in New Jersey

2023 Best ADN Programs in New Jersey

With 47 ADN programs offered in New Jersey and 26 of those schools accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), how do prospective students pinpoint the best ones for their nursing journey?

Begin by focusing on ACEN-accredited schools. This accreditation signifies a rigorous educational standard that amplifies the value of the degree.

Next, examine the NCLEX passing rates, which for ADN students in New Jersey, range between 25.90% and 100.00%. A high passing rate often indicates a school’s commitment to providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their nursing careers.

Remember the duration of the program as well. Completing an ADN takes between 18 to 24 months, a timeframe which should align with your other life commitments.

Finally, consider the support services available for students. Schools that provide robust support systems are often more conducive to student success.

Choosing among ADN programs in New Jersey is no small task. By taking into account factors like accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, program duration, and student support, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your career aspirations in nursing.

2026 8th Annual Best Ranked ADN Programs in New Jersey

How Do We Rank The Best ADN Programs In New Jersey?

First, we gather a list of all nursing schools offering ADN programs in New Jersey and then rank the best school based on the following factors:

• Academic quality (admissions rate, enrollment rate, graduation rate & retention rate, NCLEX passing rates as college-wide quality): 70%
• RNCareers.org’s editorial rankings and the nursing school’s reputation: 20%
• The affordable of the programs offered by the nursing school: 10%
• Our best ranked ADN programs earn a 90% or above grade

More about our ranking methodology.

#1 Associate Degree in Nursing

Passaic County Community College

97.89% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  One College Blvd, Paterson, NJ - 07505-1179
• 
  (973) 684-6800

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.89%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 81
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,400
• Book and Supplies: $9,390
• Percent Received Aid: 86%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,927
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 17%

Passaic County Community College (PCCC) is strategically situated with multiple locations in Wayne, Wanaque, and Passaic, New Jersey, ideal for those seeking convenient access to education. For added convenience, classes can also be done online. PCCC’s curriculum is designed to prepare its students for ease of transition to the workforce or a four-year course. Among the nursing programs offered in its Health Sciences department are:

 Associate in Applied Science Nursing Program - This Nurse Education Program allows students to earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science. Moreover, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), and apply for a registered nurse (RN) license, thereafter. The curriculum is a combination of nursing courses and General Education subjects with the latter including liberal arts and sciences. Program admission is competitive and uses a Selection Point System. Moreover, this program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) with a continuing accreditation as the latest decision.

 Associate in Applied Science Nurse Education-LPN Mobility Program - This LPN Mobility Program is designed for Licensed Professional Nurses who seek careers as Registered Nurses. To be admitted, an applicant must be a high school graduate or with GED. He/she must also complete the required college-level courses with a grade of C or better. Similar to the Nurse Education Program, admission is also competitive with a selection point system computed from the LPN mobility exam result, grade point average (GPA) ,and number of college credits earned.

#2 Associate Degree in Nursing

Mercer County Community College

94.58% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor, NJ - 08550-3407
• 
  (609) 586-4800

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.58%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 101
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,728
• Book and Supplies: $8,328
• Percent Received Aid: 64%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,241
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 19%

Situated in West Windsor, New Jersey, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) is an open-to-all public institution. It has a rich and diverse culture which gives students an option to take classes purely online or in hybrid settings.

Its nursing program under the Math, Science, and Health Professions Division emphasizes meeting the healthcare needs of diverse individuals in various health care settings. The curriculum is focused not only on clinical reasoning but in patient-centered care as well. It received an accreditation from ACEN or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The associate degree nursing program, to be specific, got a continuing accreditation decision from ACEN.

Associate Degree Nursing (AND) Program - This ACEN and New Jersey Board of Nursing-accredited program  provides coursework and clinical experiences to develop individuals capable of coping up with the changing healthcare needs.

If taken in a Fall Term start, with completed foundation courses prerequisites and requirements, this program can be completed in a two-year span. Approach is flexible enough to cater to student’s career goals, intended transfer institution, and other factors. Since this is an associate degree, students can complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through MCCC’s partner institutions. Felician College and Rutgers University, for instance, offer an RN-BSN program inside the premises of MCCC. This provides ease-of-access to AND program holders who wish to proceed to BSN in the aforementioned schools.

#3 Associate Degree in Nursing

County College of Morris

94.33% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  214 Center Grove Rd, Randolph, NJ - 07869-2086
• 
  (973) 328-5000

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.33%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 155
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,520
• Book and Supplies: $13,620
• Percent Received Aid: 56%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,563
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 35%

Founded in 1965, the County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph, New Jersey, has been catering to the training and educational needs of its nearby areas for more than 50 years. Its Department of Nursing, under the School of Health Professions and Natural Sciences offers a program leading to an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and New Jersey Board of Nursing. The curriculum, taught by master’s and doctoral degree holder faculty, is designed to ensure balance between nursing courses and general education subjects to train its students in providing appropriate nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings. Its nursing program is offered in several tracks:

Pre-Professional (Non-Clinical Study) Phase - This pre-professional track is designed to cater students who are not yet eligible for the professional (clinical) phase. It can be taken either in day or night classes, with a part time or full-time option. Required nursing major courses such as science and general education subjects are offered in this phase.

Professional (Clinical) Study Phase - In this phase, the sequential nursing courses are offered and can be taken either through day or evening study options, with a schedule subject to variations depending on clinical site availability. The courses are composed of onsite classroom and laboratory activities.

Traditional Day Study Track - This day study track should be completed in four consecutive semesters, and offered beginning in the fall semester. Some qualifications considered upon admission are: completion of required credits, GPA of 2.5 or better, and a grade of  “C” or better in all subjects. 

Evening/Hybrid Study Track - A similar track to the traditional day study, only that the evening/hybrid study track is designed for evening hours class and offered at the beginning of spring semester. The same requirements with the aforementioned track are needed for admission.

#4 Associate Degree in Nursing

Middlesex County College

93.69% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2600 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison, NJ - 08837
• 
  (732) 548-6000

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.69%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 160
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,996
• Book and Supplies: $7,992
• Percent Received Aid: 60%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,933
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 26%

#5 Associate Degree in Nursing

Ocean County College

93.64% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  College Drive, Toms River, NJ - 08754-2001
• 
  (732) 255-0400

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.64%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 113
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,250
• Book and Supplies: $8,100
• Percent Received Aid: 60%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,568
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 38%

Ocean County College is located in Toms River, New Jersey.  Ocean County College has multiple options for its nursing students; they do offer a traditional nursing program.  They also offer a career mobility program, which is an LPN to RN program.  Unique to their college is the On-site Online Nursing program - this program requires students to attend class one day per week on-site, with the rest being online.  Students must have prior healthcare experience to be accepted into this program.

With more than 50 years of service, Ocean County College (OCC) is a private educational institution located in College Drive, Toms River, New Jersey.

Its nursing programs, offered under the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, is noted for its excellent nursing education quality. It was established in 1966, and currently has 11 full-time faculty and 2 full-time laboratory staff. The nursing programs offered are as follows:

 Traditional Nursing Program - Preferably done in a full-time study, this program has a two-day per week session which can be taken either in the day or evening. The program accepts 90 students every Spring and Fall semesters. To be admitted, applicants must have any of the following: a cumulative GPA of 2.7, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, or a SAT Result with 1100 a score of above in combined Critical Reading and Math.

 On-Site Online Nursing Program - This program is designed to offer flexibility for working individuals. It is a rigorous program which strikes a balance between once or more face-to-face sessions and online classes. Admissions are open every Fall semester only. Students who have not completed all general education requirements are discouraged from applying.

 Career Mobility Nursing Program - This program is for Ocean County residents practicing LPNs.  To be admitted, a passing TEAS score and completion of nursing general education requirements is a must. Its revised proposal is approved by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission and New Jersey Board of Nursing.

#6 Associate Degree in Nursing

Salem Community College

91.31% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  460 Hollywood Avenue, Carneys Point, NJ - 08069-2799
• 
  (856) 299-2100

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.31%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 14
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,700
• Book and Supplies: $9,060
• Percent Received Aid: 77%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,923
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 44%

Nursing Programs Offered by New Jersey Nursing Schools

• Registered Nursing: 38
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 9
• Family Nurse Practitioner: 8
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
• CNL: 3
• Nurse Educator: 3
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 3
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: 2
• Emergency Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Nursing Informatics: 1
• Nursing Leadership: 1
• Research or Clinical Nursing: 1
• Nursing Administration: 0

New Jersey Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

• Rutgers University SON Newark: 9
• The College of New Jersey: 6
• Seton Hall University: 5
• Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus: 5
• Thomas Edison State College: 5
• William Paterson University of New Jersey: 4
• Rutgers University-Camden: 4
• Monmouth University School of Nursing and Health Studies: 4
• Stockton University: 3
• Rowan University: 3

Additional New Jersey ADN Programs

ADN Programs in New Jersey

ADN Financial Aid and Scholarships for New Jersey Nurses

What financial aid resources can ADN students in New Jersey tap into as they embark on their nursing careers? There are several options:

• Loans: Loans constitute a significant portion of financial aid, with federal loans typically offering better terms than private ones. Remember, loans must be repaid.
• Grants: Grants, unlike loans, don’t require repayment. They are usually need-based and can come from a variety of sources, including federal and state government.
• Scholarships: Scholarships are similar to grants in that they don’t require repayment. They can be merit-based, need-based, or tied to specific criteria such as area of study or community service.

A crucial step in accessing these resources is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is key to obtaining financial aid across all sources. Students in ADN programs in New Jersey can find more information and apply on the FAFSA website.

ADN Scholarships for New Jersey Nurses

• 1. New Jersey League for Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship benefits nursing students in New Jersey. It emphasizes a commitment to nursing as a career. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: Varies.
• 2. New Jersey Nursing Students, Inc. Scholarship: Open to members of the New Jersey Nursing Students, Inc. organization. Prioritizes students demonstrating leadership and involvement in the nursing community. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: Varies.
• 3. The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association Scholarship: Offers financial support to students enrolled in state-approved nursing programs. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement. Award Amount: Up to $7,500. Application Deadline Month: January.
• 4. New Jersey State Nurses Association Scholarship: Available to members of the New Jersey State Nurses Association. The scholarship committee considers academic performance and professional involvement. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: Varies.
• 5. Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Foundation Scholarships: Designed for students pursuing a career in emergency nursing. Members and non-members of the ENA can apply. Award Amount: Varies. Application Deadline Month: June.

These scholarships can significantly offset the cost of ADN programs in New Jersey, making nursing education more accessible to all aspiring nurses in the state.

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New Jersey Resources for ADN

In New Jersey, various state and organizational resources support nursing students pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). These resources offer essential information and guidance throughout their educational journey. Below is a list of vital resources for ADN programs in New Jersey:

• New Jersey Board of Nursing – Visit Website
  The New Jersey Board of Nursing regulates the nursing profession, ensuring that nurses meet the required standards. They provide licensing, renewal, and continuing education information for ADN students and registered nurses.
• Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) College Navigator for New Jersey – Visit Website
  The IPEDS College Navigator is a valuable resource for New Jersey ADN students to search and compare accredited nursing programs in the state. It offers detailed information on tuition, enrollment, graduation rates, and financial aid.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for New Jersey – Visit Website
  The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment and wages for registered nurses in New Jersey. This resource helps ADN students understand the job market, average salaries, and employment trends in the nursing profession within the state.
• New Jersey State Nurses Association – Visit Website
  The New Jersey State Nurses Association is a professional organization representing nurses in the state. They offer networking opportunities, advocacy, and continuing education resources for ADN students and registered nurses.
• New Jersey Hospital Association – Visit Website
  The New Jersey Hospital Association represents hospitals and healthcare organizations in the state. They provide resources, advocacy, and educational opportunities for ADN students interested in working or advancing their nursing careers within hospital settings.

By utilizing these resources, New Jersey ADN students can enhance their educational experience and prepare for successful nursing careers.

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After graduating with a degree in English Literature from UCLA, Jeff published four editions of the World Wide Web Yellow Pages by Barnes and Noble, and several editions of the Best of the Web. He’s worked as an executive at both startup and mature companies including CareerPath.com and Microsoft. With nearly three decades of publishing and business development expertise, he now puts that experience to use operating RNCareers.org to help future nursing students get reliable information on registered nursing careers.

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