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Best Nursing Schools in California (2026)

California has 558 nursing programs across 136 cities. 396 programs report NCLEX pass rates, averaging 90%. Below are the top-ranked programs based on NCLEX performance, tuition, and program type.

Search all California programsAll states
558
Total programs
6
Program types
90%
Avg NCLEX rate
396
With NCLEX data

Top BSN Programs in California by NCLEX Pass Rate

Ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate. Data sourced from state boards of nursing.

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Westmont College — BSN Program
BSN•Santa Barbara, CA•-
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Top ADN, ABSN, MSN & DNP Programs in California by NCLEX Pass Rate

Non-BSN programs ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.

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Sonoma State University — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Rohnert Park, CA•$8,190 in / $20,070 out
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Sonoma State University — RN to BSN
RN_TO_BSN•Rohnert Park, CA•$8,190 in / $20,070 out
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Nursing Programs in California by Type

ADN
165 programs
Avg NCLEX: 90%
View ADN in California→All states
BSN
71 programs
Avg NCLEX: 89%
View BSN in California→All states
ABSN
14 programs
Avg NCLEX: 93%
View ABSN in California→All states
RN to BSN
36 programs
Avg NCLEX: 88%
View RN to BSN in California→All states
MSN
47 programs
Avg NCLEX: 91%
View MSN in California→All states
DNP
56 programs
Avg NCLEX: 86%
View DNP in California→All states

Most Affordable Nursing Schools in California

Sorted by lowest available tuition figure (total program or annual in-state).

California State University-Fullerton
Accelerated BSN • ABSN
$695
California State University, Long Beach
Accelerated BSN • ABSN
$695
Copper Mountain Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$1,114 in / $11,050 out
Copper Mountain Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • ADN
$1,114 in / $11,050 out
Copper Mountain Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$1,114 in / $11,050 out
Antelope Valley Community College District
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$1,124 in / $8,228 out
Antelope Valley Community College District
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$1,124 in / $8,228 out
Imperial Valley College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • ADN
$1,126 in / $7,990 out
Imperial Valley College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$1,126 in / $7,990 out
Imperial Valley College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$1,126 in / $7,990 out

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nursing schools are in California?

There are 558 nursing programs in California, spanning 165 ADN, 71 BSN, 14 ABSN, 36 RN to BSN, 47 MSN, 56 DNP programs.

What is the average NCLEX pass rate in California?

Based on 396 programs with reported data, the average NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate in California is 90%. The highest rate is 100% at Copper Mountain Community College.

What is the cheapest nursing school in California?

The most affordable option is California State University-Fullerton (ABSN) at $695.

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