Top RN Programs in Seattle WA and Admission Requirements
Seattle offers multiple accelerated and traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathways through the University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle University College of Nursing, and public community colleges such as Seattle Central College and Bellevue College. The University of Washington BSN program, which partners with regional hospitals including Harborview Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center, reported an acceptance rate near 30% for recent cohorts and requires prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, and statistics before applying. Seattle University's Accelerated BSN accepts applicants with a prior bachelor's degree and typically admits students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and competitive TEAS scores. Forbes lists both institutions among the best value nursing schools in the Pacific Northwest.
Admission requirements across Seattle RN programs generally include a high school diploma or GED, completion of pre-requisite science courses with a grade of C or higher, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 depending on the school, and submission of TEAS or HESI exam scores. Many programs also require current Washington State Certified Nursing Assistant certification, healthcare work experience, and a background check. Seattle Central College's Practical Nursing to RN bridge program allows licensed practical nurses to transfer credits and complete the RN degree in as few as four quarters, with application deadlines typically in spring and fall.
Tuition Costs, Financial Aid, and Program Length
In-state tuition for the University of Washington BSN is approximately $12,000 per year for the 2024-2025 academic cycle, while out-of-state tuition exceeds $40,000 annually. Seattle University charges roughly $45,000 per year for its Accelerated BSN, though financial aid packages, scholarships, and federal Pell Grants can reduce net costs. Community college programs at Seattle Central College and Lake Washington Institute of Technology charge in-district tuition of around $4,000 to $5,000 per year for Washington residents. SEC filings and university financial aid disclosures confirm that most accredited Seattle RN programs qualify for federal student aid, including Direct Loans and work-study.
Traditional BSN programs in Seattle typically take four academic years to complete, while Accelerated BSN options for students with a prior bachelor's degree can be finished in 12 to 18 months. Associate Degree in Nursing programs at community colleges such as Seattle Central College take about two years and prepare graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The Washington State Nursing Commission requires all RN graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN and complete a background check before receiving a license, with the exam fee currently set at $360 for the national testing service.
Job Outlook, Salary Data, and Top Employers for RNs in Seattle
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area earn a median annual wage above $100,000, with the top 10% earning more than $130,000 as of the latest available survey data. Employment of RNs in Washington State is projected to grow by more than 10% over the next decade, driven by an aging population, expanded insurance coverage, and staffing needs at major health systems. Tesla and SpaceX operate engineering and manufacturing facilities in the Seattle area and offer competitive benefits packages that include health insurance and tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing RN degrees part-time.
Major employers hiring RNs in Seattle include the University of Washington Medical Center, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Swedish Health Services, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett