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Best Nursing Schools in Washington (2026)

Washington has 116 nursing programs across 33 cities. 72 programs report NCLEX pass rates, averaging 91%. Below are the top-ranked programs based on NCLEX performance, tuition, and program type.

Search all Washington programsAll states
Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team
116
Total programs
6
Program types
91%
Avg NCLEX rate
72
With NCLEX data

Top BSN Programs in Washington 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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Top ADN, ABSN, MSN & DNP Programs in Washington by NCLEX Pass Rate

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

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Nursing Programs in Washington by Type

ADN
38 programs
Avg NCLEX: 91%
View ADN in Washington→All states
BSN
19 programs
Avg NCLEX: 92%
View BSN in Washington→All states
ABSN
1 programs
Avg NCLEX: 94%
View ABSN in Washington→All states
RN to BSN
4 programs
Avg NCLEX: 90%
View RN to BSN in Washington→All states
MSN
9 programs
Avg NCLEX: 88%
View MSN in Washington→All states
DNP
14 programs
Avg NCLEX: 94%
View DNP in Washington→All states

Nursing Programs in Washington by City

Drill into city-level rankings. Showing cities with at least 3 programs.

Seattle (21)Tacoma (10)Spokane (8)Bellingham (5)Kirkland (5)Lakewood (5)Pullman (5)Bothell (4)Toppenish (4)Bellevue (3)Bremerton (3)Centralia (3)Pasco (3)Wenatchee (3)

Most Affordable Nursing Schools in Washington

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

Spokane Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,057 in / $5,494 out
Spokane Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,057 in / $5,494 out
Spokane Falls Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,058 in / $5,494 out
Olympic College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • BSN
$4,197 in / $9,740 out
Olympic College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,197 in / $9,740 out
Olympic College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,197 in / $9,740 out
Bellingham Technical College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,226 in / $5,555 out
Bellingham Technical College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,226 in / $5,555 out
Everett Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,301 in / $10,180 out
Everett Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,301 in / $10,180 out

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nursing schools are in Washington?

There are 116 nursing programs in Washington, spanning 38 ADN, 19 BSN, 1 ABSN, 4 RN to BSN, 9 MSN, 14 DNP programs.

What is the average NCLEX pass rate in Washington?

Based on 72 programs with reported data, the average NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate in Washington is 91%. The highest rate is 100% at Bellingham Technical College.

What is the cheapest nursing school in Washington?

The most affordable option is Spokane Community College (ADN) at $4,057 in / $5,494 out.

Compare Washington with Nearby States

Considering programs across state lines? Browse nursing schools in neighboring states.

Nursing schools in AlaskaNursing schools in CaliforniaNursing schools in HawaiiNursing schools in OregonNursing schools in TexasNursing schools in FloridaNursing schools in New YorkNursing schools in Pennsylvania

Helpful Guides for Washington Applicants

Background reading on admissions, program length, and costs.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) GuideOnline ADN ProgramsBest Online BSN ProgramsEasiest Nursing Schools to Get IntoTop Online RN-to-BSN ProgramsCheap and Fast Online RN-to-BSN Programs
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