RN Programs in California
California RN Programs at a Glance
RN Programs Offered in California
- ADN Programs: 106
- BSN Programs: 17
ADN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 89%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 57% to 100%
- Average Net-Price $10,146.62
- Net-Price Range: $2,695.00 to $33,356.00
- Average Student Loan: $9,519.90
BSN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 88%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 76% to 97%
- Average Net-Price $15,559.13
- Net-Price Range: $4,756.00 to $32,369.00
- Average Student Loan: $17,512.20
Help You Will Find on This Page
- California RN Program Guide
- Accredited RN Programs in California
- ADN Programs in California
- BSN Programs in California
- MSN Programs in California
- Online Programs in California
- California RN Licensing Requirements
- RN Salaries in California
- Best Ranked ADN Programs in California
- Best Ranked BSN Programs in California
California RN Program Guide
In our California RN program guide, you will find both ADN and BSN Degree program rankings, tuition costs, enrollment information, NCLEX passing rates, and more. You will find key California RN Program information to help you compare programs metrics and apply to best RN program(s) for the advancement of your career.
The state of California is unique in that it offers college preparatory classes in high school so students can get a jump-start on their nursing degree. While most of the classes offered are prerequisites, the academic opportunity will help students get an early lead on their nursing education in college. The state of California offers three different options for pre-licensure nursing programs and two alternative routes to becoming a registered nurse. An Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) can be completed in about 2-3 years. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) will take about four years to be complete. These are the two most common routes to take in order to gain licensure. When students choose their route, they must also choose the school they want to attend and apply. There is always financial aid available to those who qualify.
In the State of California, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate’s degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program are able to then obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties.
The State of California offers 135 RN programs in 95 different cities. Public institutions offer 99 of the RN programs while there are 17 private for-profit and 19 private not-for-profit institutions that make up the rest.
Accredited RN Programs in California
Nursing school accreditation is very important to consider when deciding which RN program to attend. If you ever plan to continue your education, the academic credits from an accredited program are more easily accepted or transferred between accredited college programs. There are more financial aid options available to you when you attend an accredited nursing school. Some employers will prefer to hire nurses from an accredited program.
The two primary accrediting agencies for nursing programs are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), We recommend that you attend a nursing program that is active and current in their accreditation status. Find those programs in our ranking guide below.
ADN Programs in California
RN-ADN programs are abundant throughout California, as the need for RNs is not keeping up with the demand. California colleges also typically offer the 30-unit RN option and many are offering dual enrollment programs with neighboring universities that offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing, where the nursing student can concurrently attend school for their BSN, or attend immediately after graduation.
The LVN “30 Unit Option” is another route to an RN license; it is specific to the state of California. The 30 unit options allows the LVN to take enough credits so that they have the basic knowledge necessary to practice as an RN. Upon completion of the program, the LVN is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. They become a “non-degree” RN. Their RN license may not be transferable other states so is not always a desirable option. Weighing the pros and cons of the 30 unit option prior to enrollment is important, as many schools do not let the student change course once enrolled in the program.
NCLEX Passing Rates for California ADN Programs
Stanbridge College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in California of 100.00%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $N/A* a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in California: 106
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 88.62%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 56.96% to 100.00%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in California?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in California so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in California is offered by College of the Sequoias at about $2,695.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 87.11%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by University of San Diego and it will cost about $33,356.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 89.92%.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inCalifornia: $10,146.62
- Net-Price Range for California ADN Programs: $2,695.00 to $33,356.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for California Schools: $9,519.90
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in California: $3,500.00 to $31,735.00
ADN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 89
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 6
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 11
BSN Programs in California
The RN-BSN Programs are known as bridge programs or BSN completion programs. They are designed to give credit to experienced RNs based on the knowledge they already have. The experience they gain working as an RN will help them move towards a Bachelor’s degree. Courses in humanities and medical ethics can prepare even the most well-informed professional nurse to seek out a career in advanced practice. A typical nursing school in California offers RN to BSN programs that include curriculum such as:
- Developmental Psychology and Sociology
- Algebra
- Nursing management of complex health issues
- Foundations in nursing informatics
- Health assessment and diagnostic reasoning
- Pathophysiology concepts for nursing
NCLEX Passing Rates for California BSN Programs
California State University-Sacramento wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in California with a score of 97.15%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $9,006.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in California: 17
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 87.53%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 75.88% to 97.15%
Prepare for to pass the NCLEX-RN exam with our NCLEX practice questions with rationales.
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in California?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in California to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in California is offered by California State University-Los Angeles and will cost you about $4,756.00. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by University of San Francisco and will cost you about $32,369.00.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in California: $15,559.13
- Net-Price Range for California BSN Programs: $4,756.00 to $32,369.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for California Schools: $17,512.20
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in California: $11,666.00 to $25,000.00
BSN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 9
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 1
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 7
MSN Programs in California
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in California offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Online Programs in California
Today there are very few disadvantages to earning an online RN degree in California. With advances in online learning coupled the need to educate more nurses because of the nursing shortage, many nursing schools are offing online nursing programs.
For nurses needing to complete clinicals, nursing programs usually help a nurse to find one.
Be sure to choose an accredited program that meets quality standards set by either the ACEN or CCNE accrediting agencies. An accredited online RN Nursing program will help ensure that your units pass can transfer to another accredited college and help you in gain employment. Learn more about online RN programs.
California RN Licensing Requirements
RN License by Endorsement
Candidates who are licensed in one of the other 50 states can obtain licensure by endorsement. They must also meet the following requirements:
- Completion of an approved education program meeting all requirements as set by California
- Obtaining a passing score on the NCLEX or State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE).
- Appropriate fees
- Completed endorsement application
- Completed fingerprints using either Live Scan or the Applicant Fingerprint Card
- A recent passport-type photography
- Verification of License
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Candidates who have studied abroad also have the opportunity to gain licensure through the state of California. In order to complete this the following documentation must be provided:
- Passing an exam to prove comprehension in the English language
- Curriculum similar to that of a California college
- Application for licensure
RN Salaries in California
The RN-BSN Programs are known as bridge programs or BSN completion programs. They are designed to give credit to experienced RNs based on the knowledge they already have. The experience they gained working, as an RN will help move them towards a Bachelor’s degree. Courses in humanities and medical ethics can prepare even the most well informed professional nurse to seek out a career in advanced practice. A typical nursing school in California offers RN to BSN programs that include curriculum such as:
- Developmental psychology and sociology
- Algebra
- Nursing management of complex health issues
- Foundations in nursing informatics
- Health assessment and diagnostic reasoning
- Pathophysiology concepts for nursing
California Registered Nursing Salaries
The Los Angeles area has the most registered nursgin, but they are paid the highest annual median wage in all of the metropolitan areas in the state of California. However, the Oakland metropolitan area has the highest hourly mean wage.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 4,370 | $40.09 | $80,850 |
| Chico, CA | 2,240 | $37.17 | $72,480 |
| El Centro, CA | 680 | $36.71 | $73,200 |
| Fresno, CA | 5,870 | $40.48 | $78,380 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | 1,180 | $43.91 | $89,550 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division | 70,140 | $45.26 | $95,040 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA | 88,420 | $44.80 | $93,590 |
| Merced, CA | 800 | $44.16 | $92,260 |
| Modesto, CA | 3,360 | $50.17 | $103,900 |
| Napa, CA | 1,690 | $48.18 | $101,610 |
| Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division | 20,310 | $59.01 | $127,480 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 4,470 | $41.29 | $86,760 |
| Redding, CA | 1,780 | $43.25 | $90,240 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 23,980 | $43.04 | $88,480 |
| Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville, CA | 15,750 | $50.67 | $108,620 |
| Salinas, CA | 2,500 | $48.63 | $101,630 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA | 23,490 | $41.23 | $83,500 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 34,460 | $60.09 | $130,480 |
| San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Divi | 14,150 | $61.63 | $134,260 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 14,510 | $58.57 | $130,030 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 1,300 | $42.02 | $89,010 |
| Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA Metropolitan Division | 18,280 | $43.04 | $88,310 |
| Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta, CA | 2,570 | $45.64 | $92,880 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 1,380 | $59.17 | $136,570 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 3,580 | $49.36 | $101,740 |
| Stockton, CA | 3,840 | $42.99 | $90,370 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | 2,260 | $54.95 | $114,340 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | 1,840 | $35.89 | $74,380 |
| Yuba City, CA | 700 | $38.56 | $78,210 |
| Eastern Sierra Region of California nonmetropolitan area | 260 | $38.46 | $78,240 |
| North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area | 1,670 | $32.92 | $66,910 |
| North Valley Region of California nonmetropolitan area | 240 | $37.63 | $80,650 |
| Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan ar | 1,200 | $35.88 | $71,850 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data
Best RN Programs in California
Ranked Schools: 102
Evaluated Schools: 106
One of the best measures of a nursing program’s ability to prepare its students to become a registered nurse is to look at an institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates. We went directly to California’s state board of nursing to find, report and rank the best Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs California.
With more than 106 California associate degree in nursing programs to choose from, we hope to provide some of the critical information you need before applying to a ADN program. We ranked the top 106 ADN degree programs in California.
Research the best BSN Degrees California.
For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.
RANKED 1
ADN
Overall Score: 100.00%
Cuesta College
- Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, CA - 93403-8106
- (805) 546-3100
Cuesta College is located in San Luis Obispo, California. They offer an RN and an LVN to RN program. Their LVN to RN program is 3 semesters, with the summer off. Clinical rotations are done at neighboring facilities. They also require their LVNs to have at least one year of experience prior to admittance into their program.
- Campus: San Luis Obispo, CA
- Net Price: $11,209.00
- Enrollment: 9,256
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 11.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 19.87%
- Graduation Rate: 33.20%
- Median Borrowing: $6,503.00
- Median Payment: $67.90
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 2
ADN
Overall Score: 100.00%
Stanbridge College
- 2041 Business Ctr Dr Ste 107, Irvine, CA - 92612
- (949) 794-9090
- Campus: Irvine, CA
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 3
ADN
Overall Score: 100.00%
Reedley College
- 995 N Reed Ave, Reedley, CA - 93654
- (559) 638-0300
Reedley College is located in Reedley, California. Their LVN to RN program is located in their Madera Center. Unique to Reedley College is the Madera College Advantage Program (MCCAP), which works to transition high school seniors into college life.
- Campus: Reedley, CA
- Net Price: $5,203.00
- Enrollment: 13,807
- Transfer Out Rate: 9.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 39.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 4.14%
- Graduation Rate: 22.30%
- Median Borrowing: $3,500.00
- Median Payment: $36.54
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 4
ADN
Overall Score: 99.22%
Chabot College
- 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA - 94545
- (510) 723-6600
Chabot College is located in Hayward, California. They boast that their faculty has 20 or more years of experience. Also, the majority of their RN graduates move on to pursue their BSN degree at CSUEB bridge program. They also have incredible NCLEX-RN pass rates – over the past 5 years, pass rates have ranged from 96.3% to 100%.
- Campus: Hayward, CA
- Net Price: $6,573.00
- Enrollment: 13,142
- Transfer Out Rate: 17.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 23.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -17.09%
- Graduation Rate: 25.60%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 5
ADN
Overall Score: 98.95%
Victor Valley College
- 18422 Bear Valley Rd, Victorville, CA - 92395-5850
- (760) 245-4271
Victor Valley College is located in Victorville, California. The nursing program is housed under the Dr. Prem Reddy School of Health Sciences Department. They offer an RN degree and an LVN to RN option. Their nursing program “prepares students for an entry-level position in nursing practice. The structure of this program promotes professional and personal growth, including continuing education, and provides upward and lateral mobility for career options.”
- Campus: Victorville, CA
- Net Price: $8,365.00
- Enrollment: 11,504
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 24.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 7.78%
- Graduation Rate: 15.80%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 6
ADN
Overall Score: 98.08%
Sierra College
- 5000 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, CA - 95677-3397
- (916) 624-3333
Sierra College is located in Rocklin, California. Their nursing department offers a CNA program, and their RN program offers both the general RN program and an LVN to RN option. In addition, students may elect to pursue their BSN concurrently with the River City Collaborative, which means that they would have certain BSN degree requirements to attend do while they are completing their ADN education
- Campus: Rocklin, CA
- Net Price: $8,397.00
- Enrollment: 18,374
- Transfer Out Rate: 12.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 19.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -5.94%
- Graduation Rate: 28.90%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 7
ADN
Overall Score: 97.78%
Monterey Peninsula College
- 980 Fremont St, Monterey, CA - 93940-4799
- (831) 646-4000
Monterey Peninsula College has multiple campuses – in Oceanside, Monterey and Seaside, California. The Maurine Church Coburn School of Nursing offers an RN degree with an LVN to RN option Unique to the Maurine Church Coburn School of Nursing is the Men in Nursing Program, which promotes and recruits men in the nursing program, then works towards male retention in nursing.
- Campus: Monterey, CA
- Net Price: $7,615.00
- Enrollment: 9,519
- Transfer Out Rate: 24.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 23.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -13.29%
- Graduation Rate: 23.70%
- Median Borrowing: $7,275.00
- Median Payment: $75.96
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 8
ADN
Overall Score: 97.73%
Los Angeles Harbor College
- 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington, CA - 90744-2397
- (310) 233-4000
Los Angeles Harbor College is located in Wilmington, California. They offer an RN program and an LVN to RN program.
- Campus: Wilmington, CA
- Net Price: $8,985.00
- Enrollment: 10,098
- Transfer Out Rate: 12.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -4.05%
- Graduation Rate: 19.30%
- Median Borrowing: $4,500.00
- Median Payment: $46.99
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 9
ADN
Overall Score: 97.56%
California State University-Channel Islands
- One University Dr, Camarillo, CA - 93012
- (805) 437-8400
- Campus: Camarillo, CA
- Net Price: $12,820.00
- Enrollment: 4,963
- Transfer Out Rate: 8.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.37%
- Graduation Rate: 51.60%
- Median Borrowing: $14,000.00
- Median Payment: $146.18
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 10
ADN
Overall Score: 97.40%
California State University-Stanislaus
- One University Circle, Turlock, CA - 95382-0299
- (209) 667-3122
- Campus: Turlock, CA
- Net Price: $7,190.00
- Enrollment: 7,754
- Transfer Out Rate: 4.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 4.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 10.55%
- Graduation Rate: 52.00%
- Median Borrowing: $13,877.00
- Median Payment: $144.89
- Award Levels: Associate, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 11
ADN
Overall Score: 97.06%
Hartnell College
- 411 Central Avenue, Salinas, CA - 93901
- (831) 755-6700
Hartnell College is located in Salinas, California. Their nursing curriculum “is evolving and embraces new ideas and technology, yet is guided by foundational elements of safety, quality, and ethical-legal standards.” Their ADN program is four semesters (or two years) after completion of about a year of prerequisites.
- Campus: Salinas, CA
- Net Price: $9,807.00
- Enrollment: 9,439
- Transfer Out Rate: 10.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 28.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 4.45%
- Graduation Rate: 22.50%
- Median Borrowing: $4,750.00
- Median Payment: $49.60
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 12
ADN
Overall Score: 96.92%
Saddleback College
- 28000 Marguerite Pky, Mission Viejo, CA - 92692-3635
- (949) 582-4500
Saddleback College is located in Mission Viejo, California. They offer a generic RN program and an LVN to RN program. They also have a “Southern California New Graduate RN Transition Program” that is open to Orange County community college nursing graduates who have graduated within the past year; it is designed to transition the nurse from the school setting directly into the work setting. The program pairs the new graduate with a practicing RN for the duration of the program, working approximately 240 hours on the night shift.
- Campus: Mission Viejo, CA
- Net Price: $11,314.00
- Enrollment: 20,871
- Transfer Out Rate: 16.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 12.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -11.35%
- Graduation Rate: 34.80%
- Median Borrowing: $5,500.00
- Median Payment: $57.43
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 13
ADN
Overall Score: 96.83%
San Diego State University
- 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA - 92182
- (619) 594-5200
- Campus: San Diego, CA
- Net Price: $9,856.00
- Enrollment: 27,099
- Transfer Out Rate: 4.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 15.59%
- Graduation Rate: 66.20%
- Median Borrowing: $15,998.00
- Median Payment: $167.04
- Award Levels: Associate, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 14
ADN
Overall Score: 96.52%
California State University-Chico
- First and Normal Sts, Chico, CA - 95929-0150
- (530) 898-6116
- Campus: Chico, CA
- Net Price: $12,836.00
- Enrollment: 15,290
- Transfer Out Rate: 4.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 7.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 13.84%
- Graduation Rate: 56.10%
- Median Borrowing: $14,968.00
- Median Payment: $156.28
- Award Levels: Associate, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 15
ADN
Overall Score: 96.36%
Simpson University
- 2211 College View Drive, Redding, CA - 96003-8606
- (530) 224-5600
- Campus: Redding, CA
- Net Price: $17,895.00
- Enrollment: 1,024
- Loan Default Rate: 5.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 4.00%
- Graduation Rate: 47.20%
- Median Borrowing: $16,676.00
- Median Payment: $174.12
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 16
ADN
Overall Score: 96.27%
California State University-San Marcos
- 333 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd, San Marcos, CA - 92096-0001
- (760) 750-4000
- Campus: San Marcos, CA
- Net Price: $11,133.00
- Enrollment: 10,738
- Transfer Out Rate: 8.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 6.40%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 30.95%
- Graduation Rate: 47.90%
- Median Borrowing: $16,441.00
- Median Payment: $171.66
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Associate, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 17
ADN
Overall Score: 96.00%
Chaffey College
- 5885 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA - 91737-3002
- (909) 652-6000
Chaffey College is located in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Their nursing program was founded in 1957 and was one of the first five associate’s degree nursing programs in California. They offer an RN program, a VN to RN program and a VN to RN (non-degree option).
- Campus: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- Net Price: $9,415.00
- Enrollment: 19,211
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 10.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 7.27%
- Graduation Rate: 21.00%
- Median Borrowing: $4,000.00
- Median Payment: $41.76
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 18
ADN
Overall Score: 95.94%
Santa Rosa Junior College
- 1501 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA - 95401-4395
- (707) 527-4011
Santa Rosa Junior College is located in Forestvilla, California. They offer an RN and an LVN to RN program. In addition, they have a partnership with Sonoma State University School of Nursing, allowing graduates to pursue their BSN or MSN after graduation from Santa Rosa Junior College.
- Campus: Santa Rosa, CA
- Net Price: $8,601.00
- Enrollment: 22,094
- Transfer Out Rate: 9.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -1.26%
- Graduation Rate: 32.70%
- Median Borrowing: $7,500.00
- Median Payment: $78.31
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 19
ADN
Overall Score: 95.66%
Moorpark College
- 7075 Campus Rd, Moorpark, CA - 93021-1695
- (805) 378-1400
Moorpark College is located in Moorpark, California. They offer an RN program. LVNs can apply for advanced placement into the program; this accepts the LVN into the second or third semester of the program. While they do not have a specific LVN to RN program, this allows the LVN to proceed more quickly through their RN education.
- Campus: Moorpark, CA
- Net Price: $4,877.00
- Enrollment: 14,206
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 8.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -26.60%
- Graduation Rate: 37.30%
- Median Borrowing: $7,274.00
- Median Payment: $75.95
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 20
ADN
Overall Score: 95.36%
Mendocino College
- 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah, CA - 95482
- (707) 468-3000
Mendocino College is located in Ukiah, California. They offer both an RN program and an LVN to RN program; their LVN to RN program is a bit shorter, being three semesters as opposed to four semesters. They are proud to boast that their most current NCLEX-RN pas rate is 100%.
- Campus: Ukiah, CA
- Net Price: $9,441.00
- Enrollment: 3,729
- Transfer Out Rate: 13.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 14.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 8.06%
- Graduation Rate: 18.00%
- Median Borrowing: $8,000.00
- Median Payment: $83.53
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 21
ADN
Overall Score: 95.24%
Sacramento City College
- 3835 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA - 95822-1386
- (916) 558-2111
Sacramento City College is located in Sacramento, California. Their nursing department offers an ADN and an LVN and Career Mobility (VN-RN) program, which are four semesters and three semesters respectively. They also offer an LVN to RN 30-unit option, which readies the nurse to take the NCLEX-RN exam, but does not meet the requirements for an associates degree.
- Campus: Sacramento, CA
- Net Price: $7,981.00
- Enrollment: 23,509
- Transfer Out Rate: 13.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 20.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 8.70%
- Graduation Rate: 25.30%
- Median Borrowing: $8,000.00
- Median Payment: $83.53
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 22
ADN
Overall Score: 95.22%
American River College
- 4700 College Oak Dr, Sacramento, CA - 95841-4286
- (916) 484-8011
American River College is located in Sacramento, California. They offer an RN program and an LVN to RN program. Each semester, they have anywhere from 200 to 300 qualified applicants for their nursing programs. Their nursing programs begin twice yearly, spring and fall.
- Campus: Sacramento, CA
- Net Price: $7,590.00
- Enrollment: 29,701
- Transfer Out Rate: 12.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 25.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 6.96%
- Graduation Rate: 26.70%
- Median Borrowing: $8,291.00
- Median Payment: $86.57
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 23
ADN
Overall Score: 95.06%
Grossmont College
- 8800 Grossmont College Dr, El Cajon, CA - 92020-1799
- (619) 644-7000
Grossmont College is located in El Cajon, California. They offer an RN, LVN to RN, and now offer an RN to BSN program, with the assistance of a local university, Point Loma Nazarene University. The RN classes must be completed at Grossmont College, and then the BSN classes are competed at Grossmont College as well, but are taught by PLNU faculty on-campus
- Campus: El Cajon, CA
- Net Price: $3,784.00
- Enrollment: 18,618
- Transfer Out Rate: 18.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 14.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 33.38%
- Graduation Rate: 22.70%
- Median Borrowing: $3,500.00
- Median Payment: $36.54
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 24
ADN
Overall Score: 94.84%
Merritt College
- 12500 Campus Dr, Oakland, CA - 94619-3196
- (510) 531-4911
Merritt College is located in Oakland, California. Their nursing program is an ADN program. Merritt nursing students also have the option to elect an ADN to BSN option, by enrolling in the Cal State East Bay BSN (CSUEB) program, which is a transfer bridge program to a neighboring university.
- Campus: Oakland, CA
- Net Price: $10,902.00
- Enrollment: 5,887
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 24.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -1.98%
- Graduation Rate: 12.50%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 25
ADN
Overall Score: 94.71%
MiraCosta College
- One Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA - 92056-3899
- (760) 757-2121
MiraCosta College has two campuses in Oceanside, California and a campus in Cardiff, California. Their nursing program offers a CNA program, a home health aide program, an LVN program, an RN program and an LVN to RN program. MiraCosta College has several partnerships with neighboring universities so that their graduates may easily obtain their BSN after graduation, should they so choose – Chamberlain College of Nursing, California State University College of Nursing and Brandman University, which also discounts the price for MiraCosta students..
- Campus: Oceanside, CA
- Net Price: $6,091.00
- Enrollment: 14,537
- Transfer Out Rate: 17.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 11.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 19.83%
- Graduation Rate: 27.40%
- Median Borrowing: $3,500.00
- Median Payment: $36.54
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 26
ADN
Overall Score: 94.42%
Porterville College
- 100 E College Ave, Porterville, CA - 93257
- (559) 791-2200
- Campus: Porterville, CA
- Net Price: $3,869.00
- Enrollment: 3,810
- Transfer Out Rate: 10.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 0.94%
- Graduation Rate: 19.50%
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 27
ADN
Overall Score: 94.31%
Bakersfield College
- 1801 Panorama Dr, Bakersfield, CA - 93305-1299
- (661) 395-4011
Bakersfield College is located in Bakersfield, California. They offer an RN program, an LVN to RN program and the 30-unit option program. Bakersfield College also has a partnership with Cal State University Bakersfield (CSUB), where their graduates can easily transfer into an ADN to BSN program.
- Campus: Bakersfield, CA
- Net Price: $4,287.00
- Enrollment: 17,770
- Transfer Out Rate: 9.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 27.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 21.93%
- Graduation Rate: 17.50%
- Median Borrowing: $8,224.00
- Median Payment: $85.87
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 28
ADN
Overall Score: 94.22%
Concordia University-Irvine
- 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, CA - 92612-3203
- (949) 854-8002
- Campus: Irvine, CA
- Net Price: $26,766.00
- Enrollment: 1,944
- Loan Default Rate: 3.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 12.38%
- Graduation Rate: 62.60%
- Median Borrowing: $20,250.00
- Median Payment: $211.43
- Award Levels: Associate, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 29
ADN
Overall Score: 94.08%
Palomar College
- 1140 W. Mission, San Marcos, CA - 92069-1487
- (760) 744-1150
Palomar College is located in San Marcos, California. They offer two types of RN degrees – an Associate of Arts (AA) in Nursing and an Associate of Science (AS) in Nursing. Both have identical nursing coursework, with the AA program requiring additional general education credits. They also have an LVN to RN option and an LVN 30-unit option. The LVN 30-unit option allows an LVN to take the coursework required to take the NCLEX-RN in one year, without receiving either an AA or AS degree. Of note with this option is that this is specific to California – this license may not transfer to other states.
- Campus: San Marcos, CA
- Net Price: $7,006.00
- Enrollment: 24,665
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 31.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -0.11%
- Graduation Rate: 25.40%
- Median Borrowing: $5,500.00
- Median Payment: $57.43
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 30
ADN
Overall Score: 93.94%
Mt San Jacinto Community College District
- 1499 N. State St., San Jacinto, CA - 92583-2399
- (951) 487-6752
Mt. San Jacinto Community College has campuses in San Jacinto, California and Menifee Valley, California. They offer an RN and an LVN to RN program. Their nursing department philosophy, “focuses on the individual needs of the students and patients (persons), within the context of families, communities and environments who exist on a health continuum.”
- Campus: San Jacinto, CA
- Net Price: $7,334.00
- Enrollment: 14,170
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 29.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 0.56%
- Graduation Rate: 21.70%
- Median Borrowing: $7,794.00
- Median Payment: $81.38
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 31
ADN
Overall Score: 93.80%
University of San Diego
- 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA - 92110-2492
- (619) 260-4600
- Campus: San Diego, CA
- Net Price: $33,356.00
- Enrollment: 5,665
- Loan Default Rate: 2.80%
- Programs: Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 3.05%
- Graduation Rate: 75.00%
- Median Borrowing: $27,625.00
- Median Payment: $288.44
- Award Levels: Associate, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 32
ADN
Overall Score: 93.77%
Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health
- 1237 N. Mission Rd., Los Angeles, CA - 90033-1084
- (323) 226-4911
Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health is located in Los Angeles, California. This community college is owned and operated by the County of Los Angeles. The nursing program began in 1895 and has evolved over the years into the program it is today; it graduates 100 to 150 RNs yearly.
- Campus: Los Angeles, CA
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 33
ADN
Overall Score: 93.74%
Rio Hondo College
- 3600 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA - 90601-1616
- (562) 692-0921
Rio Hondo College is located in Whittier, California. They offer an RN and an LVN to RN program. They also offer a Psych Tech (PT) to RN program. The programs for the LVN to RN and the PT to RN are similar.
- Campus: Whittier, CA
- Net Price: $6,451.00
- Enrollment: 16,548
- Transfer Out Rate: 7.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 12.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 8.09%
- Graduation Rate: 18.70%
- Median Borrowing: $4,750.00
- Median Payment: $49.60
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 34
ADN
Overall Score: 93.61%
De Anza College
- 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA - 95014
- (408) 864-5678
- Campus: Cupertino, CA
- Net Price: $5,532.00
- Enrollment: 23,261
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 17.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 11.33%
- Graduation Rate: 60.10%
- Median Borrowing: $5,989.00
- Median Payment: $62.53
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 35
ADN
Overall Score: 93.54%
Riverside City College
- 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA - 92506
- (951) 222-8000
Riverside City College is located in Riverside, California. Riverside City College’s ADN program was founded in 1957, and is nationally recognized as number two in the state of California for program completion. They offer an LVN, RN, RN to LVN and a 30-unit option program.
- Campus: Riverside, CA
- Net Price: $7,767.00
- Enrollment: 18,165
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 14.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 6.17%
- Graduation Rate: 24.50%
- Median Borrowing: $4,500.00
- Median Payment: $46.99
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 36
ADN
Overall Score: 93.19%
Glendale Community College
- 1500 N Verdugo Rd, Glendale, CA - 91208-2894
- (818) 240-1000
Glendale Community College is located in Glendale, California. Glendale Community College offers an RN and an LVN to RN program. Unique to Glendale Community College is their Foreign Nurse Graduate program. This program is designed for foreign nurse graduates who have a deficiency in their education that is preventing them from taking the NCLEX-RN.
- Campus: Glendale, CA
- Net Price: $3,965.00
- Enrollment: 15,744
- Transfer Out Rate: 13.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 6.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -9.02%
- Graduation Rate: 19.30%
- Median Borrowing: $6,465.00
- Median Payment: $67.50
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 37
ADN
Overall Score: 92.94%
Santa Monica College
- 1900 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA - 90405-1628
- (310) 434-4000
Santa Monica College is located in Santa Monica, California. They offer an ADN and an LVN to ADN program. The LVN to ADN program can be completed in three semesters. The LVN seeking entrance into the LVN to ADN program must have at least one year of nursing experience within the past two years and must also have IV certification.
- Campus: Santa Monica, CA
- Net Price: $7,623.00
- Enrollment: 29,999
- Transfer Out Rate: 16.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 10.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 146.94%
- Graduation Rate: 30.20%
- Median Borrowing: $4,500.00
- Median Payment: $46.99
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 38
ADN
Overall Score: 92.93%
California State University-San Bernardino
- 5500 University Pky, San Bernardino, CA - 92407-2397
- (909) 537-5000
- Campus: San Bernardino, CA
- Net Price: $6,571.00
- Enrollment: 16,191
- Transfer Out Rate: 1.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 9.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 5.46%
- Graduation Rate: 41.10%
- Median Borrowing: $16,848.00
- Median Payment: $175.91
- Award Levels: Associate, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 39
ADN
Overall Score: 92.89%
Imperial Valley College
- 380 E. Aten Road, Imperial, CA - 92251-0158
- (760) 352-8320
Imperial Valley College is located in Imperial, California. Imperial Valley College offers an LVN, an RN and an LVN to RN program. Their LVN to RN program is broken down into “track 1” and “track 2” – track 1 is for students who seek the ADN degree. Track 2 is the 30-unit option, which allows the LVN to get their RN license in 2 semesters bu not actually getting their ADN degree.
- Campus: Imperial, CA
- Net Price: $3,517.00
- Enrollment: 7,701
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 40.23%
- Graduation Rate: 17.30%
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 40
ADN
Overall Score: 92.66%
San Diego City College
- 1313 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA - 92101-4787
- (619) 388-3400
San Diego City College is located in San Diego, California. They offer an RN program, an LVN to RN program, and a 30-unit option program. ADN graduates who seek to further their education also have the benefit of San Diego City College’s collaboration with San Diego State University; this allows the nursing graduate to continue for their BSN degree while working as an RN.
- Campus: San Diego, CA
- Net Price: $6,958.00
- Enrollment: 16,310
- Transfer Out Rate: 19.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 28.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 3.22%
- Graduation Rate: 14.00%
- Median Borrowing: $4,997.00
- Median Payment: $52.17
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 41
ADN
Overall Score: 92.56%
College of the Siskiyous
- 800 College Ave, Weed, CA - 96094-2899
- (530) 938-5555
College of the Siskiyous is located in Weed, California. They boast that they have one of the most beautiful campuses in California because their campus is housed on the base of Mount Shasta in Northern California. They offer an LVN to RN “Step-up” program. Their program is two semesters, although they require their students to take a three unit Transition course over the summer.
- Campus: Weed, CA
- Net Price: $8,012.00
- Enrollment: 2,533
- Transfer Out Rate: 30.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 29.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -12.33%
- Graduation Rate: 16.00%
- Median Borrowing: $9,229.00
- Median Payment: $96.36
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 42
ADN
Overall Score: 92.50%
Solano Community College
- 4000 Suisun Valley Rd, Fairfield, CA - 94534-3197
- (707) 864-7000
- Campus: Fairfield, CA
- Net Price: $8,564.00
- Enrollment: 9,583
- Transfer Out Rate: 12.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 33.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 2.10%
- Graduation Rate: 23.50%
- Median Borrowing: $7,000.00
- Median Payment: $73.09
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 43
ADN
Overall Score: 91.94%
Long Beach City College
- 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, CA - 90808-1706
- (562) 938-4111
Long Beach City College is located in Long Beach, California. They offer an LVN program, in addition to an ADN program. Their ADN program also offers an LVN to ADN options. Graduates of the LVN to RN program at Long Beach City College are eligible to enroll in neighboring universities in their ADN to BSN or ADN to MSN programs.
- Campus: Long Beach, CA
- Net Price: $5,434.00
- Enrollment: 24,020
- Transfer Out Rate: 13.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 30.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 6.05%
- Graduation Rate: 18.00%
- Median Borrowing: $6,969.00
- Median Payment: $72.76
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 44
ADN
Overall Score: 91.82%
San Joaquin Delta College
- 5151 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA - 95207
- (209) 954-5151
- Campus: Stockton, CA
- Net Price: $10,011.00
- Enrollment: 17,629
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 28.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 10.86%
- Graduation Rate: 25.10%
- Median Borrowing: $7,000.00
- Median Payment: $73.09
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 45
ADN
Overall Score: 91.79%
Golden West College
- 15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach, CA - 92647-2710
- (714) 892-7711
Golden West College is located in Huntington Beach, California. They offer an RN and an LVN to RN program. They also offer co-enrollment programs for ADNs seeking to become BSNs with Concordia University, California State University – Fullerton, and Vanguard University. The student would attend Golden West College full-time, but could concurrently attend one of these universities one to two evenings per week to shorten the length of time of the BSN program.
- Campus: Huntington Beach, CA
- Net Price: $10,926.00
- Enrollment: 12,717
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 15.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 60.35%
- Graduation Rate: 30.00%
- Median Borrowing: $5,500.00
- Median Payment: $57.43
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 46
ADN
Overall Score: 91.67%
Cypress College
- 9200 Valley View, Cypress, CA - 90630-5897
- (714) 484-7000
Cypress College is located in Cypress, California. Cypress College boasts that their Health Science Division programs are ranked among the highest in the nation and the state, with NCLEX-RN pass rates that are higher than national standards. They offer an RN and an LVN to RN career mobility program.
- Campus: Cypress, CA
- Net Price: $6,095.00
- Enrollment: 15,881
- Transfer Out Rate: 16.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 20.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 40.08%
- Graduation Rate: 32.00%
- Median Borrowing: $6,250.00
- Median Payment: $65.26
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 47
ADN
Overall Score: 91.63%
Santa Barbara City College
- 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA - 93109-2394
- (805) 965-0581
Santa Barbara City College is located in Santa Barbara, California. Their school of nursing educates CNAs, LVNs, an RNs. They also have an LVN to RN option. They also have two LVN to to RN options; both will require the same nursing classes but do allow entrance to LVNs with different prerequisites.
- Campus: Santa Barbara, CA
- Net Price: $10,780.00
- Enrollment: 19,331
- Transfer Out Rate: 18.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 17.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 1.39%
- Graduation Rate: 35.60%
- Median Borrowing: $7,920.00
- Median Payment: $82.69
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 48
ADN
Overall Score: 91.54%
Evergreen Valley College
- 3095 Yerba Buena Rd, San Jose, CA - 95135-1598
- (408) 274-7900
- Campus: San Jose, CA
- Net Price: $9,438.00
- Enrollment: 9,211
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 13.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 8.42%
- Graduation Rate: 29.10%
- Median Borrowing: $7,000.00
- Median Payment: $73.09
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 49
ADN
Overall Score: 91.41%
American University of Health Sciences
- 1600 East Hill St, Signal Hill, CA - 90755-3612
- (562) 988-2278
- Campus: Signal Hill, CA
- Net Price: $26,521.00
- Enrollment: 280
- Loan Default Rate: 10.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 8.18%
- Graduation Rate: 83.30%
- Median Borrowing: $31,735.00
- Median Payment: $331.35
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 50
ADN
Overall Score: 91.34%
College of the Sequoias
- 915 S Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA - 93277-2214
- (559) 730-3700
- Campus: Visalia, CA
- Net Price: $2,695.00
- Enrollment: 10,720
- Transfer Out Rate: 8.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 19.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -14.85%
- Graduation Rate: 17.40%
- Median Borrowing: $3,500.00
- Median Payment: $36.54
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 51
ADN
Overall Score: 91.22%
San Jose State University
- 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA - 95192-0001
- (408) 924-1000
- Campus: San Jose, CA
- Net Price: $11,138.00
- Enrollment: 25,862
- Transfer Out Rate: 4.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 4.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -4.99%
- Graduation Rate: 48.10%
- Median Borrowing: $14,500.00
- Median Payment: $151.40
- Award Levels: Associate, Masters, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 52
ADN
Overall Score: 90.75%
El Camino Community College District
- 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA - 90506
- (310) 532-3670
El Camino Community College is located in Torrance, California. They offer an ADN, LVN to ADN and a 30 unit option. In addition, they do allow students to apply to their program with advanced placement; these students include LVN/LPNs, LPTs and transfers from other accredited nursing programs.
- Campus: Torrance, CA
- Net Price: $11,641.00
- Enrollment: 23,996
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 20.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 4.75%
- Graduation Rate: 30.00%
- Median Borrowing: $5,250.00
- Median Payment: $54.82
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 53
ADN
Overall Score: 90.73%
California State University-Northridge
- 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA - 91330
- (818) 677-1200
- Campus: Northridge, CA
- Net Price: $10,500.00
- Enrollment: 33,771
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 7.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.43%
- Graduation Rate: 45.80%
- Median Borrowing: $12,500.00
- Median Payment: $130.51
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 54
ADN
Overall Score: 90.65%
Citrus College
- 1000 W Foothill Blvd, Glendora, CA - 91741-1899
- (626) 963-0323
Citrus College is located in Glendora, California. They offer an LVN program, an RN program and an LVN to RN program. Their nursing program is fairly new compared to other nursing programs in California – their LVN to RN program was founded in 2007, with their ADN program forming in 2008.
- Campus: Glendora, CA
- Net Price: $3,331.00
- Enrollment: 12,920
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 10.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 2.40%
- Graduation Rate: 30.20%
- Median Borrowing: $5,500.00
- Median Payment: $57.43
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 55
ADN
Overall Score: 90.60%
Ventura College
- 4667 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, CA - 93003-3872
- (805) 654-6400
Ventura College is located in Ventura, California. Their ADN degree is unique – the student can elect simple to enroll for their RN degree, or to enroll for the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) to the California State University (CSU) Systems. Many students elect this option if they believe that they will want to work as an RN while pursuing their BSN degree.
- Campus: Ventura, CA
- Net Price: $4,612.00
- Enrollment: 12,908
- Transfer Out Rate: 10.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 20.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -29.35%
- Graduation Rate: 29.50%
- Median Borrowing: $7,909.00
- Median Payment: $82.58
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 56
ADN
Overall Score: 90.11%
Modesto Junior College
- 435 College Ave, Modesto, CA - 95350-5800
- (209) 575-6550
- Campus: Modesto, CA
- Net Price: $8,500.00
- Enrollment: 17,084
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.52%
- Graduation Rate: 17.40%
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 57
ADN
Overall Score: 89.74%
California State University-East Bay
- 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward, CA - 94542
- (510) 885-3000
- Campus: Hayward, CA
- Net Price: $11,230.00
- Enrollment: 12,146
- Transfer Out Rate: 4.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 28.46%
- Graduation Rate: 38.10%
- Median Borrowing: $14,500.00
- Median Payment: $151.40
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 58
ADN
Overall Score: 89.71%
Mt San Antonio College
- 1100 N Grand Ave, Walnut, CA - 91789-1399
- (909) 594-5611
- Campus: Walnut, CA
- Net Price: $4,089.00
- Enrollment: 28,481
- Transfer Out Rate: 8.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 17.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -8.67%
- Graduation Rate: 28.90%
- Median Borrowing: $4,500.00
- Median Payment: $46.99
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 59
ADN
Overall Score: 89.57%
Santa Ana College
- 1530 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA - 92706-3398
- (714) 564-6000
- Campus: Santa Ana, CA
- Net Price: $5,014.00
- Enrollment: 28,598
- Transfer Out Rate: 8.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 17.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -3.89%
- Graduation Rate: 23.00%
- Median Borrowing: $6,375.00
- Median Payment: $66.56
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 60
ADN
Overall Score: 89.41%
Dominican University of California
- 50 Acacia Ave, San Rafael, CA - 94901-2298
- (415) 457-4440
- Campus: San Rafael, CA
- Net Price: $32,734.00
- Enrollment: 1,603
- Loan Default Rate: 4.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 4.44%
- Graduation Rate: 52.90%
- Median Borrowing: $27,000.00
- Median Payment: $281.91
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 61
ADN
Overall Score: 89.09%
Shasta College
- 11555 Old Oregon Trail, Redding, CA - 96003
- (530) 242-7500
- Campus: Redding, CA
- Net Price: $5,699.00
- Enrollment: 8,479
- Transfer Out Rate: 13.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 18.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -25.75%
- Graduation Rate: 22.50%
- Median Borrowing: $7,095.00
- Median Payment: $74.08
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 62
ADN
Overall Score: 88.61%
Los Medanos College
- 2700 East Leland Road, Pittsburg, CA - 94565
- (925) 439-2181
- Campus: Pittsburg, CA
- Net Price: $9,906.00
- Enrollment: 8,525
- Transfer Out Rate: 13.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 17.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -1.86%
- Graduation Rate: 30.10%
- Median Borrowing: $4,499.00
- Median Payment: $46.97
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 63
ADN
Overall Score: 88.54%
Pacific Union College
- One Angwin Ave, Angwin, CA - 94508-9707
- (707) 965-6313
- Campus: Angwin, CA
- Net Price: $23,449.00
- Enrollment: 1,645
- Transfer Out Rate: 38.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -1.44%
- Graduation Rate: 36.90%
- Median Borrowing: $23,500.00
- Median Payment: $245.37
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 64
ADN
Overall Score: 88.42%
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
- 400 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA - 90015-4181
- (213) 763-7000
- Campus: Los Angeles, CA
- Net Price: $6,321.00
- Enrollment: 13,879
- Transfer Out Rate: 9.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 20.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -8.30%
- Graduation Rate: 18.80%
- Median Borrowing: $4,500.00
- Median Payment: $46.99
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 65
ADN
Overall Score: 88.37%
College of the Desert
- 43-500 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert, CA - 92260
- (760) 346-8041
- Campus: Palm Desert, CA
- Net Price: $9,132.00
- Enrollment: 9,259
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 23.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 11.16%
- Graduation Rate: 22.20%
- Median Borrowing: $5,500.00
- Median Payment: $57.43
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 66
ADN
Overall Score: 88.34%
City College of San Francisco
- 50 Phelan Ave, San Francisco, CA - 94112-1898
- (415) 239-3000
- Campus: San Francisco, CA
- Net Price: $4,563.00
- Enrollment: 26,706
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 21.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 5.77%
- Graduation Rate: 31.30%
- Median Borrowing: $7,000.00
- Median Payment: $73.09
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 67
ADN
Overall Score: 88.07%
Los Angeles City College
- 855 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA - 90029
- (323) 953-4000
Los Angeles City College is located in Los Angeles, California. Acceptance into their program is based on a “lottery” – qualified applicants must meet multiple requirements (such as prerequisites, an assessment test, and an application). All that qualify are placed into the lottery and those who are drawn are given entrance into their program. Graduates from their program may opt to attend Cal State University LA for their ADN to BSN program; this will allow the graduate to work as an RN while continuing their education.
- Campus: Los Angeles, CA
- Net Price: $6,394.00
- Enrollment: 19,635
- Transfer Out Rate: 8.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 22.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 8.74%
- Graduation Rate: 13.90%
- Median Borrowing: $7,250.00
- Median Payment: $75.70
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 68
ADN
Overall Score: 87.99%
College of Marin
- 835 College Ave, Kentfield, CA - 94904-2590
- (415) 457-8811
College of Marin is located in Kentfield, California. Their mission is to “…educate entry-level practitioners for roles as providers of care across the health care continuum, as managers of care, and as active members within the profession of nursing.” Their program is small and exclusive – they select only 36 students each fall.
- Campus: Kentfield, CA
- Net Price: $8,488.00
- Enrollment: 6,077
- Transfer Out Rate: 16.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 23.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -5.19%
- Graduation Rate: 29.90%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 69
ADN
Overall Score: 87.90%
College of the Redwoods
- 7351 Tompkins Hill Rd, Eureka, CA - 95501-9300
- (707) 476-4100
- Campus: Eureka, CA
- Net Price: $5,649.00
- Enrollment: 4,938
- Transfer Out Rate: 7.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 24.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -13.31%
- Graduation Rate: 6.70%
- Median Borrowing: $6,862.00
- Median Payment: $71.65
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 70
ADN
Overall Score: 87.42%
Biola University
- 13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA - 90639-0001
- (562) 903-6000
- Campus: La Mirada, CA
- Net Price: $31,582.00
- Enrollment: 4,331
- Loan Default Rate: 2.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 12.32%
- Graduation Rate: 68.20%
- Median Borrowing: $23,440.00
- Median Payment: $244.74
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 71
ADN
Overall Score: 87.35%
Allan Hancock College
- 800 South College Drive, Santa Maria, CA - 93454-6399
- (805) 922-6966
- Campus: Santa Maria, CA
- Net Price: $6,244.00
- Enrollment: 10,885
- Transfer Out Rate: 7.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 27.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -1.05%
- Graduation Rate: 26.90%
- Median Borrowing: $7,339.00
- Median Payment: $76.63
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 72
ADN
Overall Score: 87.34%
Butte College
- 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, CA - 95965-8399
- (530) 895-2511
- Campus: Oroville, CA
- Net Price: $6,032.00
- Enrollment: 12,163
- Transfer Out Rate: 12.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 26.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -12.07%
- Graduation Rate: 28.60%
- Median Borrowing: $9,000.00
- Median Payment: $93.97
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 73
ADN
Overall Score: 87.14%
Copper Mountain Community College
- 6162 Rotary Way, Joshua Tree, CA - 92252
- (760) 366-3791
- Campus: Joshua Tree, CA
- Net Price: $8,603.00
- Enrollment: 1,783
- Transfer Out Rate: 8.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 4.49%
- Graduation Rate: 21.50%
- Median Borrowing: $6,857.00
- Median Payment: $71.59
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 74
ADN
Overall Score: 86.97%
Antelope Valley College
- 3041 West Ave K, Lancaster, CA - 93536-5426
- (661) 722-6300
- Campus: Lancaster, CA
- Net Price: $6,069.00
- Enrollment: 14,262
- Transfer Out Rate: 13.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 26.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -11.51%
- Graduation Rate: 28.60%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 75
ADN
Overall Score: 86.76%
Los Angeles Valley College
- 5800 Fulton Avenue, Valley Glen, CA - 91401-4096
- (818) 947-2600
Los Angeles Valley College is located in Valley Glen, California. Their program offers an RN program, an LVN to RN option and an LVN 30 unit option. They also offer an ADN-BSN collaborative program, which links the student to California State University. This allows the student to obtain their ADN degree and continue immediately for their BSN degree while working as an RN.
- Campus: Valley Glen, CA
- Net Price: $8,314.00
- Enrollment: 18,762
- Transfer Out Rate: 10.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 18.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 8.13%
- Graduation Rate: 18.10%
- Median Borrowing: $7,750.00
- Median Payment: $80.92
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 76
ADN
Overall Score: 85.92%
Cerritos College
- 11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA - 90650-6298
- (562) 860-2451
- Campus: Norwalk, CA
- Net Price: $4,008.00
- Enrollment: 21,404
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 14.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 17.37%
- Graduation Rate: 24.30%
- Median Borrowing: $4,500.00
- Median Payment: $46.99
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 77
ADN
Overall Score: 85.79%
West Hills College-Lemoore
- 555 College Avenue, Lemoore, CA - 93245
- (559) 925-3000
West Hills College – Lemoore is located in Lemoore, California. They offer an RN program and an LVN to RN program. They also offer the 30-unit option for LVNs. The LVN to RN program is three semesters, beginning with a summer semester. The LVN to RN students then meet up with the traditional RN students to finish out the final two semesters.
- Campus: Lemoore, CA
- Net Price: $8,403.00
- Enrollment: 4,102
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 20.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 76.20%
- Graduation Rate: 19.40%
- Median Borrowing: $6,750.00
- Median Payment: $70.48
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 78
ADN
Overall Score: 85.38%
Los Angeles Pierce College
- 6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills, CA - 91371-0002
- (818) 719-6401
- Campus: Woodland Hills, CA
- Net Price: $9,057.00
- Enrollment: 20,080
- Transfer Out Rate: 10.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 20.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 13.62%
- Graduation Rate: 27.10%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 79
ADN
Overall Score: 85.22%
Napa Valley College
- 2277 Napa-Vallejo Hwy, Napa, CA - 94558-6236
- (707) 256-7000
- Campus: Napa, CA
- Net Price: $11,195.00
- Enrollment: 6,308
- Transfer Out Rate: 8.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 8.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 0.97%
- Graduation Rate: 36.00%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 80
ADN
Overall Score: 84.97%
Ohlone Community College
- 43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA - 94539-0390
- (510) 659-6000
- Campus: Fremont, CA
- Net Price: $10,898.00
- Enrollment: 10,534
- Transfer Out Rate: 17.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 27.80%
- Institution Accreditation: ACCJC
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 53.51%
- Graduation Rate: 34.50%
- Median Borrowing: $7,500.00
- Median Payment: $86.31
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 81
ADN
Overall Score: 84.97%
Ohlone Community College
- 43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA - 94539-0390
- (510) 659-6000
Ohlone College is located in Fremont and Newark, California. Their ADN program is held primarily on the Newark campus. In addition to the generic ADN program, Ohlone College also offers an LVN to RN program and the 30-unit option for LVNs.
- Campus: Fremont, CA
- Net Price: $11,852.00
- Enrollment: 10,310
- Transfer Out Rate: 13.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 16.91%
- Graduation Rate: 35.50%
- Median Borrowing: $7,800.00
- Median Payment: $81.44
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 82
ADN
Overall Score: 84.78%
College of San Mateo
- 1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA - 94402-3784
- (650) 574-6161
- Campus: San Mateo, CA
- Net Price: $7,497.00
- Enrollment: 9,377
- Transfer Out Rate: 21.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 11.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 8.42%
- Graduation Rate: 13.90%
- Median Borrowing: $4,500.00
- Median Payment: $46.99
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 83
ADN
Overall Score: 84.73%
Merced College
- 3600 M St, Merced, CA - 95348-2898
- (209) 384-6000
- Campus: Merced, CA
- Net Price: $4,196.00
- Enrollment: 10,205
- Transfer Out Rate: 10.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 24.84%
- Graduation Rate: 15.50%
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 84
ADN
Overall Score: 84.57%
Contra Costa College
- 2600 Mission Bell Dr, San Pablo, CA - 94806-3195
- (510) 235-7800
- Campus: San Pablo, CA
- Net Price: $10,614.00
- Enrollment: 6,865
- Transfer Out Rate: 13.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 20.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 5.79%
- Graduation Rate: 23.50%
- Median Borrowing: $4,500.00
- Median Payment: $46.99
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 85
ADN
Overall Score: 83.82%
Yuba College
- 2088 N Beale Rd, Marysville, CA - 95901
- (530) 741-6700
- Campus: Marysville, CA
- Net Price: $6,847.00
- Enrollment: 6,874
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 37.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 16.88%
- Graduation Rate: 20.50%
- Median Borrowing: $6,500.00
- Median Payment: $67.87
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 86
ADN
Overall Score: 83.45%
Point Loma Nazarene University
- 3900 Lomaland Dr, San Diego, CA - 92106-2899
- (619) 849-2200
- Campus: San Diego, CA
- Net Price: $29,013.00
- Enrollment: 2,556
- Transfer Out Rate: 25.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 2.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 6.82%
- Graduation Rate: 72.10%
- Median Borrowing: $25,000.00
- Median Payment: $261.03
- Award Levels: Associate, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 87
ADN
Overall Score: 83.27%
College of the Canyons
- 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA - 91355-1899
- (661) 259-7800
- Campus: Santa Clarita, CA
- Net Price: $7,133.00
- Enrollment: 18,508
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 23.49%
- Graduation Rate: 28.80%
- Median Borrowing: $6,500.00
- Median Payment: $67.87
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 88
ADN
Overall Score: 83.26%
Southwestern College
- 900 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, CA - 91910-7299
- (619) 421-6700
- Campus: Chula Vista, CA
- Net Price: $6,087.00
- Enrollment: 19,591
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 21.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 2.32%
- Graduation Rate: 17.90%
- Median Borrowing: $4,000.00
- Median Payment: $41.76
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 89
ADN
Overall Score: 81.52%
San Bernardino Valley College
- 701 South Mount Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino, CA - 92410-2798
- (909) 384-4400
- Campus: San Bernardino, CA
- Net Price: $7,446.00
- Enrollment: 12,329
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 25.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -0.17%
- Graduation Rate: 16.70%
- Median Borrowing: $3,500.00
- Median Payment: $36.54
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 90
ADN
Overall Score: 80.78%
Fresno City College
- 1101 E. University Ave, Fresno, CA - 93741
- (559) 442-4600
- Campus: Fresno, CA
- Net Price: $5,768.00
- Enrollment: 21,344
- Transfer Out Rate: 9.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 38.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.61%
- Graduation Rate: 15.40%
- Median Borrowing: $3,500.00
- Median Payment: $36.54
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 91
ADN
Overall Score: 80.67%
Cabrillo College
- 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA - 95003
- (831) 479-6100
- Campus: Aptos, CA
- Net Price: $8,633.00
- Enrollment: 13,666
- Transfer Out Rate: 16.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 17.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 1.03%
- Graduation Rate: 27.40%
- Median Borrowing: $7,000.00
- Median Payment: $73.09
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 92
ADN
Overall Score: 80.18%
San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia
- 8344 W Mineral King Ave, Visalia, CA - 93291-9283
- (559) 734-9000
- Campus: Visalia, CA
- Net Price: $22,573.00
- Enrollment: 1,616
- Transfer Out Rate: 1.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 22.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 40.78%
- Graduation Rate: 42.50%
- Median Borrowing: $18,846.00
- Median Payment: $196.77
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 93
ADN
Overall Score: 79.26%
Gavilan College
- 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy, CA - 95020
- (408) 848-4800
Gavilan College is located in Gilroy, California. They offer an LVN program, an RN program, an LVN to RN program and a 30-unit option program. Gavilan College was founded in 1919, and originally was named San Benito County Junior College. In 1963, the name was changed to Gavilan College.
- Campus: Gilroy, CA
- Net Price: $7,465.00
- Enrollment: 5,834
- Transfer Out Rate: 13.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 27.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 29.06%
- Graduation Rate: 25.00%
- Median Borrowing: $6,158.00
- Median Payment: $64.30
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 94
ADN
Overall Score: 78.93%
El Camino College-Compton Center
- 1111 East Artesia Blvd., Compton, CA - 90221-5393
- (310) 900-1600
- Campus: Compton, CA
- Net Price: $8,293.00
- Enrollment: 7,693
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 20.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -5.68%
- Graduation Rate: 15.10%
- Median Borrowing: $5,250.00
- Median Payment: $54.82
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 95
ADN
Overall Score: 78.41%
Unitek College
- 4670 Auto Mall Pkwy, Fremont, CA - 94538
- (510) 249-1060
- Campus: Fremont, CA
- Net Price: $27,925.00
- Enrollment: 904
- Loan Default Rate: 1.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 19.91%
- Graduation Rate: 85.40%
- Median Borrowing: $10,251.00
- Median Payment: $107.03
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 96
ADN
Overall Score: 77.93%
CNI College
- 702 W Town and Country Rd, Orange, CA - 92868-4710
- (714) 437-9697
- Campus: Orange, CA
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 97
ADN
Overall Score: 77.70%
Carrington College California-Sacramento
- 8909 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA - 95826
- (916) 361-1660
- Campus: Sacramento, CA
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 98
ADN
Overall Score: 74.88%
Mission College
- 3000 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, CA - 95054-1897
- (408) 988-2200
- Campus: Santa Clara, CA
- Net Price: $9,678.00
- Enrollment: 9,130
- Transfer Out Rate: 16.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 1.48%
- Graduation Rate: 28.00%
- Median Borrowing: $6,500.00
- Median Payment: $67.87
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 99
ADN
Overall Score: 74.05%
Los Angeles Southwest College
- 1600 W Imperial Hwy., Los Angeles, CA - 90047-4899
- (323) 241-5225
- Campus: Los Angeles, CA
- Net Price: $6,449.00
- Enrollment: 7,864
- Transfer Out Rate: 17.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 66.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 13.34%
- Graduation Rate: 10.10%
- Median Borrowing: $4,250.00
- Median Payment: $44.37
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 100
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 72.76%
Mount St Mary’s College
- 12001 Chalon Rd, Los Angeles, CA - 90049-1599
- (310) 954-4000
- Campus: Los Angeles, CA
- Net Price: $26,473.00
- Enrollment: 2,625
- Transfer Out Rate: 25.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 8.15%
- Graduation Rate: 65.60%
- Median Borrowing: $24,000.00
- Median Payment: $250.59
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 101
ADN
Overall Score: 71.54%
East Los Angeles College
- 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA - 91754-6099
- (323) 265-8650
- Campus: Monterey Park, CA
- Net Price: $9,368.00
- Enrollment: 36,606
- Transfer Out Rate: 5.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 19.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.53%
- Graduation Rate: 27.60%
- Median Borrowing: $7,604.00
- Median Payment: $79.39
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 102
ADN
Overall Score: 55.35%
Holy Names University
- 3500 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA - 94619-1699
- (510) 436-1000
- Campus: Oakland, CA
- Net Price: $24,220.00
- Enrollment: 888
- Transfer Out Rate: 1.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.90%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 17.11%
- Graduation Rate: 35.50%
- Median Borrowing: $24,061.00
- Median Payment: $251.22
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Associate, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A*
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
Loma Linda University
- 11139 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA - 92350
- (909) 558-1000
- Campus: Loma Linda, CA
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A*
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
National University
- 11255 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA - 92037-1011
- (800) 628-8648
National University has 19 locations throughout California, with 4 military learning centers. They have multiple types of nursing programs, from BSN, LVN to RN, LVN to BSN, RN to BSN, doctorate of nursing practice, master of science in nurse anesthesia and master of science in nursing.
- Campus: La Jolla, CA
- Net Price: $21,142.00
- Enrollment: 10,074
- Loan Default Rate: 7.00%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 5.04%
- Graduation Rate: 38.50%
- Median Borrowing: $14,750.00
- Median Payment: $154.01
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A*
ADN
Overall Score: N/A*
California State University-Dominguez Hills
- 1000 E Victoria St, Carson, CA - 90747-0005
- (310) 243-3300
- Campus: Carson, CA
- Net Price: $2,791.00
- Enrollment: 12,481
- Transfer Out Rate: 3.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 11.20%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 10.75%
- Graduation Rate: 29.40%
- Median Borrowing: $14,986.00
- Median Payment: $156.47
- Award Levels: Associate, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A*
ADN
Overall Score: N/A*
Humboldt State University
- 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA - 95521-8299
- (707) 826-3011
- Campus: Arcata, CA
- Net Price: $13,193.00
- Enrollment: 7,767
- Transfer Out Rate: 6.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 11.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 18.33%
- Graduation Rate: 40.00%
- Median Borrowing: $17,000.00
- Median Payment: $177.50
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | RN Salary Guide: Registered Nurse Salary | LPN Salary Guide: LPN Salary | Online Associates Nursing Program | Nursing Schools in Arizona | Nursing Schools in Maryland | RN Programs in the United States | For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.
California State Board of Vocational Nursing
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205
Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: (916) 263-7800
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- Registered Nurse (RN) Salary
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary
- Transfer RN License Between States
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Ranked Schools: 16
Evaluated Schools: 17
One of the best measures of a nursing program’s ability to prepare its students to become a registered nurse is to look at an institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates. We went directly to California’s state board of nursing to find, report and rank the best BSN degree programs California.
With more than 17 California BSN degree programs to choose from, we hope to provide you some of the critical information you may need before applying to a BSN degree program. We ranked the top 17 BSN degree programs in California.
Research the best ADN Programs in California.
For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.
RANKED 1
BSN
Overall Score: 100.00%
Sonoma State University
- 1801 E Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA - 94928-3609
- (707) 664-2880
Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, California. Sonoma State University offers “pre-licensure BSN” and “post-licensure” BSN programs. The pre-licensure program is designed for traditional BSN students, where as the post-licensure BSN program is designed for students who hold an ADN degree and their RN license.
- Campus: Rohnert Park, CA
- Net Price: $14,396.00
- Enrollment: 8,391
- Transfer Out Rate: 9.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.70%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 18.70%
- Graduation Rate: 53.90%
- Median Borrowing: $18,746.00
- Median Payment: $195.73
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 2
BSN
Overall Score: 98.58%
California State University-Long Beach
- 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA - 90840-0115
- (562) 985-4111
California State University – Long Beach is located in Long Beach, California. For BSN nursing, they offer a traditionl nursing program, designed for students without a prior nursing license, and a “registered nurse student” program which is designed for students already holding an RN license. They also offer a DNP program.
- Campus: Long Beach, CA
- Net Price: $8,169.00
- Enrollment: 30,593
- Transfer Out Rate: 2.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.50%
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 26.55%
- Graduation Rate: 60.30%
- Median Borrowing: $14,502.00
- Median Payment: $151.42
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 3
BSN
Overall Score: 96.45%
California State University-Sacramento
- 6000 J St, Sacramento, CA - 95819-2694
- (916) 278-6566
California State University – Sacramento is located in Sacramento, California. They offer a variety of BSN programs – a traditiona BSN program, an RN to BSN program and an LVN to RN 30-unit option, non-degree program. The non-degree program serves the LVN who wants to work as an RN but may not have time to complete an ADN or BSN degree. On the downside, they do not have a degree after completion and their nursing license may not transfer state-to-state.
- Campus: Sacramento, CA
- Net Price: $9,006.00
- Enrollment: 26,094
- Transfer Out Rate: 3.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 7.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 5.05%
- Graduation Rate: 42.90%
- Median Borrowing: $16,263.00
- Median Payment: $169.80
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 4
BSN
Overall Score: 95.12%
California State University-Los Angeles
- 5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA - 90032
- (323) 343-3000
California State University – Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles, California. They have the ability to boast that they are ranked on US News & World Report’s Best Nursing Schools: Master’s list. Their nursing department offers a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, an ADN to BSN program and multiple post-graduate options. In addition, they have collaborative agreements with various community colleges, allowing ADN graduates to segue into their programs easily.
- Campus: Los Angeles, CA
- Net Price: $4,756.00
- Enrollment: 19,589
- Transfer Out Rate: 2.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 7.60%
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 47.25%
- Graduation Rate: 35.70%
- Median Borrowing: $11,666.00
- Median Payment: $121.81
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 5
BSN
Overall Score: 94.73%
California State University-Bakersfield
- 9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA - 93311-1099
- (661) 654-2782
California State University – Bakersfield is locate in Bakersfield, California. The BSN degree has been offered at CSUB since 1970, when the university was founded. Since that time, over 2000 nurses have graduated from their nursing program. Their nursing program expanded in 1987, and began a master’s in nursing administration program. It has since expanded and now includes family nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, clinical nurse leaders, and nurse educators.
- Campus: Bakersfield, CA
- Net Price: $8,117.00
- Enrollment: 7,350
- Transfer Out Rate: 3.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 9.60%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 40.51%
- Graduation Rate: 39.50%
- Median Borrowing: $12,672.00
- Median Payment: $132.31
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 6
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 93.05%
National University
- 11255 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA - 92037-1011
- (800) 628-8648
National University has 19 locations throughout California, with 4 military learning centers. They have multiple types of nursing programs, from BSN, LVN to RN, LVN to BSN, RN to BSN, doctorate of nursing practice, master of science in nurse anesthesia and master of science in nursing.
- Campus: La Jolla, CA
- Net Price: $21,142.00
- Enrollment: 10,074
- Loan Default Rate: 7.00%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 5.04%
- Graduation Rate: 38.50%
- Median Borrowing: $14,750.00
- Median Payment: $154.01
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 7
BSN
Overall Score: 91.94%
Samuel Merritt University
- 3100 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA - 94609
- (510) 869-6511
- Campus: Oakland, CA
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 8
BSN
Overall Score: 91.58%
California State University-Fullerton
- 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA - 92831-3599
- (657) 278-2011
- Campus: Fullerton, CA
- Net Price: $6,885.00
- Enrollment: 33,116
- Transfer Out Rate: 3.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 60.34%
- Graduation Rate: 53.50%
- Median Borrowing: $12,500.00
- Median Payment: $130.51
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 9
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 91.49%
Loma Linda University
- 11139 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA - 92350
- (909) 558-1000
- Campus: Loma Linda, CA
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 10
BSN
Overall Score: 89.04%
University of San Francisco
- 2130 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA - 94117-1080
- (415) 422-5555
- Campus: San Francisco, CA
- Net Price: $32,369.00
- Enrollment: 6,392
- Transfer Out Rate: 22.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.30%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 12.19%
- Graduation Rate: 69.00%
- Median Borrowing: $25,000.00
- Median Payment: $261.03
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 11
BSN
Overall Score: 88.54%
University of California-Los Angeles
- 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA - 90095-1405
- (310) 825-4321
- Campus: Los Angeles, CA
- Net Price: $13,686.00
- Enrollment: 28,674
- Loan Default Rate: 2.20%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -5.44%
- Graduation Rate: 90.30%
- Median Borrowing: $17,388.00
- Median Payment: $181.55
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 12
BSN
Overall Score: 88.03%
California State University-Fresno
- 5241 N Maple Ave, Fresno, CA - 93740
- (559) 278-4240
- Campus: Fresno, CA
- Net Price: $6,228.00
- Enrollment: 20,295
- Transfer Out Rate: 3.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 6.50%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 7.29%
- Graduation Rate: 48.60%
- Median Borrowing: $14,535.00
- Median Payment: $151.76
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 13
BSN
Overall Score: 86.80%
California Baptist University
- 8432 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA - 92504-3297
- (877) 228-3615
- Campus: Riverside, CA
- Net Price: $25,144.00
- Enrollment: 5,797
- Loan Default Rate: 6.70%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 26.43%
- Graduation Rate: 58.10%
- Median Borrowing: $22,798.00
- Median Payment: $238.04
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, Masters, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 14
BSN
Overall Score: 85.36%
Azusa Pacific University
- 901 E Alosta, Azusa, CA - 91702-7000
- (626) 969-3434
- Campus: Azusa, CA
- Net Price: $29,990.00
- Enrollment: 6,543
- Loan Default Rate: 4.10%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 10.04%
- Graduation Rate: 64.90%
- Median Borrowing: $23,000.00
- Median Payment: $240.15
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 15
BSN
Overall Score: 80.68%
San Francisco State University
- 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA - 94132
- (415) 338-1111
- Campus: San Francisco, CA
- Net Price: $11,654.00
- Enrollment: 26,156
- Transfer Out Rate: 7.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 7.20%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.09%
- Graduation Rate: 45.50%
- Median Borrowing: $16,656.00
- Median Payment: $173.91
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 16
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 78.64%
Mount St Mary’s College
- 12001 Chalon Rd, Los Angeles, CA - 90049-1599
- (310) 954-4000
- Campus: Los Angeles, CA
- Net Price: $26,473.00
- Enrollment: 2,625
- Transfer Out Rate: 25.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 8.15%
- Graduation Rate: 65.60%
- Median Borrowing: $24,000.00
- Median Payment: $250.59
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED N/A*
BSN
Overall Score: N/A*
United States University
- 830 Bay Boulevard, Chula Vista, CA - 91911
- (619) 876-4250
- Campus: Chula Vista, CA
- Net Price: $15,372.00
- Enrollment: 178
- Loan Default Rate: 3.90%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Median Borrowing: $18,207.00
- Median Payment: $190.10
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | RN Salary Guide: Registered Nurse Salary | LPN Salary Guide: LPN Salary | Online Associates Nursing Program | Nursing Schools in Arizona | Nursing Schools in Maryland | RN Programs in the United States | For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.
California State Board of Vocational Nursing
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205
Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: (916) 263-7800
Helpful Nursing Resources
- Registered Nurse (RN) Salary
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary
- Transfer RN License Between States
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The RN-BSN Programs are known as bridge programs or BSN completion programs. They are designed to give credit to experienced RNs based on the knowledge they already have. The experience they gained working, as an RN will help move them towards a Bachelor’s degree. Courses in humanities and medical ethics can prepare even the most well informed professional nurse to seek out a career in advanced practice. A typical nursing school in California offers RN to BSN programs that include curriculum such as:
- Developmental psychology and sociology
- Algebra
- Nursing management of complex health issues
- Foundations in nursing informatics
- Health assessment and diagnostic reasoning
- Pathophysiology concepts for nursing
California Registered Nursing Salaries
The Los Angeles area has the most registered nursgin, but they are paid the highest annual median wage in all of the metropolitan areas in the state of California. However, the Oakland metropolitan area has the highest hourly mean wage.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 4,370 | $40.09 | $80,850 |
| Chico, CA | 2,240 | $37.17 | $72,480 |
| El Centro, CA | 680 | $36.71 | $73,200 |
| Fresno, CA | 5,870 | $40.48 | $78,380 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | 1,180 | $43.91 | $89,550 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division | 70,140 | $45.26 | $95,040 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA | 88,420 | $44.80 | $93,590 |
| Merced, CA | 800 | $44.16 | $92,260 |
| Modesto, CA | 3,360 | $50.17 | $103,900 |
| Napa, CA | 1,690 | $48.18 | $101,610 |
| Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division | 20,310 | $59.01 | $127,480 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 4,470 | $41.29 | $86,760 |
| Redding, CA | 1,780 | $43.25 | $90,240 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 23,980 | $43.04 | $88,480 |
| Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville, CA | 15,750 | $50.67 | $108,620 |
| Salinas, CA | 2,500 | $48.63 | $101,630 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA | 23,490 | $41.23 | $83,500 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 34,460 | $60.09 | $130,480 |
| San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Divi | 14,150 | $61.63 | $134,260 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 14,510 | $58.57 | $130,030 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 1,300 | $42.02 | $89,010 |
| Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA Metropolitan Division | 18,280 | $43.04 | $88,310 |
| Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta, CA | 2,570 | $45.64 | $92,880 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 1,380 | $59.17 | $136,570 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 3,580 | $49.36 | $101,740 |
| Stockton, CA | 3,840 | $42.99 | $90,370 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | 2,260 | $54.95 | $114,340 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | 1,840 | $35.89 | $74,380 |
| Yuba City, CA | 700 | $38.56 | $78,210 |
| Eastern Sierra Region of California nonmetropolitan area | 260 | $38.46 | $78,240 |
| North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area | 1,670 | $32.92 | $66,910 |
| North Valley Region of California nonmetropolitan area | 240 | $37.63 | $80,650 |
| Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan ar | 1,200 | $35.88 | $71,850 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data