How to Find Accredited Registered Nurse Programs Near Me
Search for programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Use the U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator tool to filter by location, program type, and accreditation status. Many state boards of nursing maintain searchable databases that list approved programs with current enrollment figures and graduation rates.
Compare direct-entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, Associate Degree in Nursing pathways, and accelerated BSN options. The National League for Nursing maintains a public list of centers of excellence in nursing education. Accreditation status affects eligibility for federal financial aid and state licensure exams.
Registered Nurse Program Costs, Admission Requirements, and Employment Outcomes
Average tuition for in-state ADN programs ranges from $6,000 to $20,000 per year, while BSN programs typically cost between $20,000 and $45,000 annually at public universities. Private institutions may charge $40,000 to $80,000 per year. Many schools report first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates above 85%, with top programs achieving over 95% according to state board disclosures.
Admission requirements commonly include a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0, TEAS or HESI exam scores, and completion of prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects registered nurse employment to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, with over 193,000 annual openings expected. Graduates from programs with strong clinical partnerships often secure employment within six months of licensure.
Top-Ranked Nursing Schools and Financial Aid Options for RN Students
U.S. News & World Report ranks nursing programs based on NCLEX pass rates, faculty resources, and student outcomes. Schools such as Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Pennsylvania consistently appear in national rankings for their BSN and graduate pathways. Many accredited programs offer clinical placements at major hospital systems including Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Federal financial aid through FAFSA provides grants and loans for eligible students. The Nurse Corps Scholarship Program covers tuition and fees in exchange for service at eligible facilities. Employers such as Kaiser Permanente, HCA Healthcare, and CommonSpirit Health offer tuition reimbursement and signing bonuses for newly licensed RNs. Additional scholarship opportunities are available through the American Nurses Foundation and state-specific nursing associations.