James Madison University vs Centra College
BSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.
At a glance
Side-by-side details
Best value in each row is highlighted.
| James Madison University Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Centra College Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | BSN | BSN |
| Format | in person | in person |
| Location | Harrisonburg, VA | Lynchburg, VA |
| Length | 48 months | 48 months |
| NCLEX pass rate | 98.6%BEST | 95.6% |
| Acceptance rate | 76.3% | 100%BEST |
| Avg accepted GPA | — | — |
| Min GPA | — | — |
| Entrance exam | — | — |
| Total tuition | $13,576 in / $30,790 out | $12,263BEST |
| In-state tuition | $13,576 | $12,263BEST |
| Out-of-state tuition | $30,790 | $12,263BEST |
| Clinical placement | — | — |
| Accreditation | CCNE | SCORECARD_BASELINE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has a higher NCLEX pass rate, James Madison University or Centra College?
James Madison University's BSN program has the higher first-attempt NCLEX pass rate at 98.6%, compared to 95.6% for the other program. NCLEX pass rates are the single best signal of how well a program prepares students for licensure.
Which is cheaper, James Madison University or Centra College?
Centra College is the more affordable option at roughly $12,263, compared to $13,576. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.
Are James Madison University and Centra College the same type of program?
Both are BSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.
How do I decide between James Madison University and Centra College?
Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.
Want a personalized fit score?
Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.