Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in California (2024)

To become a nurse in California, the best course of action is to study at a California school. Studying at one of the state’s top schools will prepare you for a successful nursing career. To help you choose, Nurse.org has compiled a list of the best nursing schools in California.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in California

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors, including,

Reputation
NCLEX pass rate
Tuition
Acceptance rate, when available
Only ACEN or CCNE-accreditedschools are eligible

Our selection panel includes 5 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.

Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
Chaunie Brusie, BSN, RN
Kathleen Gaines, MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN

1. California State University, Bakersfield

In-State Tuition

$5,742 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$17,622 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

California has a plethora of incredible state schools, and residents can take advantage of lower in-state tuition. California State University, Bakersfield, is no exception. Located roughly midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Cal State Bakersfield has the feel of a college town.

The nursing program offers plenty of options for undergraduate students, including atraditional BSN and a 15-month RN-to-BSN. Like most California schools, Cal State Bakersfield has a high NCLEX pass rate and is a nationally recognized university.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Percent Enrolled Online: 20%

Contact Information:

Address: 9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 73%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $80,521

>>Related:Every ABSN Program in California and the US

2. California State University, Fullerton

In-State Tuition

$5,742 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$17,622 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Located just north of Anaheim is another excellent school in the CSU system, California State University, Fullerton. Home to nearly 40,000 students, this ethnically diverse school has a low in-state tuition rate and a great location. Students interested in a BSN have five options:

Traditional BSN: The traditional BSN route is perfect for direct-entry freshman students
Upper Division Transfer BSN: This pathway is for upper-division transfer students who are interested in earning a BSN
Accelerated BSN: CSUF has one of the topABSN programs in California for students with non-nursing bachelor's degrees
RN to BSN: CSU Fullerton offers a quick, cheaper route for ADN-educated RNs to earn a BSN
LVN to BSN: This LVN to BSN program helps LVNs advance their careers and education, earning a BSN that prepares them for the NCLEX exam and RN licensure

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Percent Enrolled Online: 10%

Contact Information:

Address: 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 86%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $86,042

3. University of California, Irvine

In-State Tuition

$11,564 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$41,636 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Considered by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s top public schools, the University of California, Irvine is an all-around high-quality school. UC Irvine has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity, and graduates tend to have higher salaries than the national average for recent grads.

The main undergraduate nursing program – a traditional BSN – also boasts high graduate employment and salaries, but only 2.5% of all applicants are admitted. If students are lucky enough to count themselves among those selected, they’ll be set up for an incredibly successful nursing career.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 21%
Percent Enrolled Online: 7%

Contact Information:

Address: 501 Aldrich Hall, Irvine, CA
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 91%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $81,929

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

4. California State University, Long Beach

In-State Tuition

$5,742 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$17,622 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

5. California State University, Los Angeles

In-State Tuition

$5,742 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$17,622 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Los Angeles, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation, is home to various hospitals where California State University, Los Angeles nursing students can complete their clinicals.

There are four programs for undergraduate nursing students:

Traditional BSN: for direct-entry freshmen
RN-BSN: A one-year program for ADN-educated RNs
ADN-BSN Collaborative Program: a dual enrollment program with local junior colleges that facilitates seamless entry into Cal State LA
Accelerated BSN: for those with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Percent Enrolled Online: 5%

Contact Information:

Address: 5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 73%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $87,548

6. University of California, Los Angeles

In-State Tuition

$11,564 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$41,636 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

One of the most recognized institutions in the world is the University of California, Los Angeles. So, it should be no surprise that UCLA is also home to one of the top nursing schoolsin California. UCLA has one traditional BSN program that is for incoming freshman and transfer students.

Most students will be interested in earning their BSN before anything else, although the master’s and doctoral level degrees offered by UCLA are among the top in the state, too. The price is higher than other state schools, but in-state students will still pay a lower tuition rate.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Percent Enrolled Online: 1%

Contact Information:

Address: 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 97%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $90,678

7. California State University, Sacramento

In-State Tuition

$5,742 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$17,622 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

Located in the state capitol, California State University, Sacramento is one of the most diverse schools in the nation. Students come from across California – and the US – to study at Sac State. One of the university’s top draws is the traditional BSN program, perfect for incoming freshmen that don’t have any nursing experience. An RN-BSN program and an LVN to BSN program are also available for current nurses that want to complete a BSN. Along with other state schools, Sac State is an excellent value for California residents, and they boast one of the highest NCLEX pass rates on this list.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Percent Enrolled Online: 7%

Contact Information:

Address: 6000 J St, Sacramento, CA
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 80%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $108,495

8. San Diego State University

In-State Tuition

$5,742 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$17,622 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

San Diego State University, home of the Aztecs, has been educating students since 1897. Now home to more than 36,000 students, SDSU has entrenched itself as one of the top public schools in California. The nursing school at SDSU has four main programs:

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Percent Enrolled Online: 4%

Contact Information:

Address: 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 89%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $87,377

9. University of California, San Francisco

In-State Tuition

N/A

Out-of-State Tuition

N/A

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

UCSF offers a traditional BSN and an accelerated MSN. This three-year MSN program is for current bachelor’s degree holders who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Keep in mind that the tuition rate can change depending on which nursing option you choose.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Percent Enrolled Online: 1%

Contact Information:

Address: 500 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: N/A
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A

10. California State University, Stanislaus

In-State Tuition

$5,742 per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$17,622 per year

Accreditation

CCNE

Online?

California State University, Stanislaus has two campuses – one in Turlock and the other in Stockton. Of course, not all students will study on campus. There are four BSN options:

Traditional BSN
Accelerated BSN: for students who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
LVN-BSN
Online RN-BSN

When it’s time for clinicals, CSU Stanislaus states that students will be placed “as far south as Madera and as far north as Stockton.” This is meant to give nurses extra exposure and more experience. Of course, the low tuition and high NCLEX pass rate are reasons to look at CSU Stanislaus, too.

School Information:

Public or Private? Public
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Percent Enrolled Online: 14%

Contact Information:

Address: One University Circle, Turlock, CA
Website

School Success:

Retention Rate: 81%
Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $99,447

California Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),

California employs 332,560 nurses, by far the most in the nation.
Nurses in California earned an annual mean salary of $137,690 in 2023, making it the highest-paying state for nurses.

Along with large cities and natural wonders, nurses in California can enjoy the high pay – especially if they specialize in their practice.

Next Steps

There are dozens of great nursing school options in California, but you can only attend one. To find the perfect school, you should first make a list of your top options. Once you’ve determined which schools you’re most interested in, it’s time to prepare your application.

The next steps are to:

Contact each school’s admissions offices. You can learn about application requirements, nursing school requirements, and anything else about a school through its admissions office. Admissions counselors are there to help you through the application process.
Make sure you meet the nursing school requirements. Yes, many nursing programs have their own set of admissions requirements on top of the school requirements. Find out what they are and how to meet them. Some requirements may need to be fulfilled while in school, so don’t sweat it if you aren’t already eligible.
Submit your application(s). Always apply to more than one school! Schools may offer more financial aid than you expect, making one option even more affordable. Items you’ll need to submit include:
- High school transcript (GPA)
- ACT and/or SAT scores
- College entrance essay(s)
- Letter(s) of recommendation

Other requirements could also be required, so check with each admissions office representative before applying. Also, if you ever feel lost, contact the admissions office. They can answer any questions you have.

Important Considerations When Comparing Schools

Both in-state and out-of-state students are attracted to California public schools. However, no two schools are the same, and one option could have clear advantages over another – even if the nursing program doesn’t seem as good on the surface.

To pick the best school, compare the pros and cons. This can include anything, including:

Annual tuition and total program cost (these can be different)
Cost of living in the area
Cost of living at the school
Scholarships, grants, and federal aid offered
Acceptance rate (both for the school and the nursing program)
Length of the program
Potential program outcomes
Distance from hospitals
Accreditation (regional and national)

Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation

Accrediting agencies are in charge of setting minimum standards for education programs and ensuring specific programs meet their rigorous standards. An accredited school doesn’t just mean the program is great – unaccredited schools may make you ineligible for federal funding, and many employers will only accept nurses with a BSN from an accredited school.

The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are

If a school is accredited by one of these institutions, then its nursing program adheres to strict national standards.

California RN License

To become an RN in California, students should start preparing in high school. The best way to ensure license eligibility in California is to study at a California school, and admission into those schools can be tough. So, preparing early is key, according to the California Board of Registered Nursing.

>> Related: Complete Guide to Nursing in California

After completing your BSN, you’ll need to:

Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
Pass a criminal background check and submit your fingerprints
Send your information to the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) in California
Apply to become a nurse via the California Board of Nursing

It can take up to six weeks to get your official NCLEX results. In the meantime, you can apply for an “interim” RN permit so you can interview for jobs and even start practicing while your official nursing license is processed.