Best ADN Programs in California (2026)
California has 165 ADN programs across 96 cities. 136 programs report NCLEX pass rates, averaging 90%.
165
ADN programs
96
Cities
90%
Avg NCLEX rate
136
With NCLEX data
Top ADN Programs in California by NCLEX Pass Rate
Ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.
1
Copper Mountain Community College — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Joshua Tree, CA•$1,114 in / $11,050 out
2
Sacramento City College — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Sacramento, CA•$1,288 in / $12,808 out
3
Coalinga College — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Coalinga, CA•$1,384 in / $10,084 out
4
Gavilan College — Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.
Gilroy, CA•$1,506 in / $12,246 out
5
San Diego City College — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
San Diego, CA•$1,150 in / $9,094 out
6
Sacramento City College — Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.
Sacramento, CA•$1,288 in / $12,808 out
7
Chabot College — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Hayward, CA•$1,150 in / $8,686 out
8
Gavilan College — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Gilroy, CA•$1,506 in / $12,246 out
9
Grossmont College — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
El Cajon, CA•$1,332 in / $10,628 out
10
Moorpark College — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Moorpark, CA•$1,416 in / $8,179 out
11
Copper Mountain Community College — Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.
Joshua Tree, CA•$1,114 in / $11,050 out
12
Hartnell College — Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.
Salinas, CA•$1,404 in / $8,994 out
13
Hartnell College — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Salinas, CA•$1,404 in / $8,994 out
14
Glendale Community College — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Glendale, CA•$1,181 in / $8,381 out
15
Ventura College — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Ventura, CA•$1,416 in / $8,179 out
16
Riverside City College — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Riverside, CA•$1,420 in / $11,230 out
17
Riverside City College — Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.
Riverside, CA•$1,420 in / $11,230 out
18
Santa Rosa Junior College — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Santa Rosa, CA•$1,318 in / $11,308 out
19
Santa Rosa Junior College — Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.
Santa Rosa, CA•$1,318 in / $11,308 out
20
Yuba College — Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Marysville, CA•$1,128 in / $8,208 out
Most Affordable ADN Programs in California
Sorted by lowest available tuition figure.
Copper Mountain Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Joshua Tree, CA
$1,114 in / $11,050 out
Copper Mountain Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • Joshua Tree, CA
$1,114 in / $11,050 out
Antelope Valley Community College District
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Lancaster, CA
$1,124 in / $8,228 out
Imperial Valley College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • Imperial, CA
$1,126 in / $7,990 out
Imperial Valley College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Imperial, CA
$1,126 in / $7,990 out
Yuba College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Marysville, CA
$1,128 in / $8,208 out
Yuba College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • Marysville, CA
$1,128 in / $8,208 out
Compton College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Compton, CA
$1,142 in / $8,822 out
El Camino Community College District
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • Torrance, CA
$1,144 in / $7,144 out
Lassen Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • Susanville, CA
$1,144 in / $8,224 out
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ADN programs are in California?
There are 165 ADN programs in California across 96 cities.
What is the average NCLEX pass rate for ADN programs in California?
Based on 136 programs with reported data, the average NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for ADN programs in California is 90%. The highest rate is 100% at Copper Mountain Community College.
What is the cheapest ADN program in California?
The most affordable option is Copper Mountain Community College at $1,114 in / $11,050 out.
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