RN Nurse School Program Types and Costs
RN nurse school options include associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs, which typically cost between $6,000 and $40,000 at public community colleges, and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs, which range from $40,000 to $100,000 at private universities. Public in-state BSN programs often cost $10,000 to $30,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition can exceed $50,000 annually. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) registration fee is $360, with additional state licensing fees ranging from $75 to $360 depending on the jurisdiction. For detailed program comparisons, see the Forbes Advisor nursing school cost breakdown.
ADN vs BSN Cost Comparison
ADN programs at community colleges like Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana charge approximately $160 per credit hour for in-state students, totaling around $10,000 for the full 60-credit curriculum. BSN programs at universities such as the University of Texas at Austin charge approximately $550 per credit hour for non-residents, bringing total tuition to over $65,000. Accelerated BSN programs for students with prior bachelor's degrees typically cost $60,000 to $80,000 and can be completed in 12 to 18 months. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that BSN graduates earn a median starting salary of $75,000, which can offset the higher initial investment.
Duration, Curriculum, and Clinical Requirements
ADN programs require 72 to 78 credits and take approximately 21 months to 2 years to complete, while traditional BSN programs require 120 to 130 credits over 3 to 4 years. Accelerated BSN programs for second-degree students compress the curriculum into 12 to 18 months of full-time study. All RN nurse school programs include supervised clinical rotations in hospitals and healthcare facilities, with most requiring 500 to 1,000 clinical hours. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and mental health nursing, with clinical placements at facilities such as Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates and Licensure
Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure, with first-time pass rates for BSN graduates averaging 85% to 90% nationally according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. ADN graduates typically achieve pass rates of 75% to 82%. The exam consists of 75 to 265 questions and must be completed within 5 hours. Candidates can retake the exam after 45 days, with a maximum of 8 attempts per year per state board. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects registered nurse employment to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
Accreditation, Rankings, and Career Outcomes
Accreditation for RN nurse school programs is granted by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Top-ranked programs include those at Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, and Duke University, which consistently appear in the U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing Schools rankings. The National League for Nursing Center for Innovation in Nursing Education tracks simulation-based learning adoption across accredited programs. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers additional specialty certifications