Types of Schools Offering RN Programs
Community colleges, public universities, and private vocational schools are the main institutions offering RN programs in the United States. Many community colleges award an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in about two years, while universities offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in four years. According to the National League for Nursing, diploma programs from hospital-based schools still exist but now account for a small share of new RN graduates.
For-profit and non-profit private schools also provide accelerated BSN and direct-entry master's programs for students with a prior bachelor's degree. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredit many of these programs, and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) maintains a searchable database of approved programs.
Admission Requirements and Program Structure
Most RN programs require a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, and a minimum GPA. Many competitive programs also require Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or HESI A2 scores, background checks, and current CPR certification. Some schools limit seats based on NCLEX pass rates and clinical placement availability.
Clinical rotations are a required component of all accredited RN programs, typically completed at partner hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reports that BSN programs include more leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice coursework than ADN programs, which can affect starting salaries and eligibility for magnet hospitals.
Costs, Financial Aid, and Career Outcomes
Tuition for public in-state RN programs averages between $10,000 and $30,000 for the full degree, while private and out-of-state programs can exceed $60,000. Many students use federal Pell Grants, state nursing scholarships, and employer tuition assistance to reduce costs. The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid website provides a searchable tool for grants and loans.
New RN graduates can expect median starting salaries between $60,000 and $75,000 depending on region and facility type, with higher pay in intensive care and travel nursing roles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects registered nurse employment to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2032, driven by an aging population and retirements. The AACN also notes that BSN-prepared nurses often qualify for leadership and specialty roles that command higher compensation.