Accredited Schools With Registered Nurse Programs and Tuition
Many accredited universities and community colleges offer Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. Tuition varies widely by institution type and location. Public two-year colleges typically charge $3,000 to $10,000 per year in-state, while private four-year universities often charge $20,000 to $45,000 per year. According to the National League for Nursing, ADN programs usually take 2 to 3 years, and BSN programs take 4 years to complete.
The U.S. Department of Education lists over 1,000 approved nursing programs across the country. These programs must include clinical rotations in hospitals and healthcare facilities. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are the primary accrediting bodies. Students should verify accreditation status before enrolling to ensure eligibility for licensure and financial aid.
NCLEX Pass Rates and Program Outcomes
The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is the standardized exam required for licensure. First-time pass rates are the most common metric for program quality. In 2023, the overall first-time pass rate for BSN graduates was approximately 88%, while ADN graduates averaged around 78%, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Top-performing schools often report pass rates above 95%. For example, programs at large public research universities and specialized nursing colleges frequently dominate these rankings. The NCSBN publishes annual state-by-state data on exam performance, which allows prospective students to compare specific schools directly.
Career Outlook and Earnings for Registered Nurses
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects registered nurse employment to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for registered nurses was $81,220 in May 2023. The highest 10% of earners made more than $129,480, while the lowest 10% earned less than $61,250.
Graduates from top-ranked programs often secure positions at major hospital systems and healthcare networks. Employers such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Kaiser Permanente recruit heavily from accredited nursing schools. The BLS notes that hospitals remain the largest employer of registered nurses, accounting for about 60% of all jobs in the field.