Best Nursing Program in New Jersey

New Jersey's best nursing schoolsAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Jersey ranks in the top 10 states for the best nursing salaries in the U.S. In 2022, a nurses average salary was $81,220, and this article is to help introduce you to some of the best nursing schools in New Jersey.  In addition to top salaries the outlook for job growth is excellent and is expected to only climb through the year 2032. Prospective students for nursing schools in New Jersey can look forward to a well-paying and exciting career as you learn more about how to become a nurse and the education, examination, and licensing requirements.

How to Become a Nurse in New Jersey

To become a nurse in New Jersey, you need to have some formal training. There are several levels of education to choose from (i.e. associates degree in nursing online), depending on what type of nurse you want to be. When you start comparing nursing schools in New Jersey, try to find ones that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). They evaluate nursing degree programs to make sure their classes provide a smooth transition to working in the real world.

Here is an overview of some common nursing degrees in New Jersey:

  • Diploma of Nursing (DN): 1 year
  • Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 6 years
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 8+ years

Once a diploma or completion certificate had been obtained, students become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Upon passing the examination, a new RN may apply to be licensed through the New Jersey Board of Nursing and begin his or her career.

Job Prospects for New Jersey Nurses

Nursing jobs are expected to remain in high demand throughout the country. Nurse practitioners, nurse educators, nurse anesthetists, and other upper-level nurses are needed now more than ever because of a lack of qualified professionals in the area. This list shows the pay rate estimates for nurses in New Jersey, courtesy of the BLS.

  • Nursing Assistant: $37,780 per year
  • Licensed Practical Nurse: $59,320 per year
  • Registered Nurse: $87,830 per year
  • Nurse Practitioner: $124,940 per year

Choosing from the top nursing schools in NJ is now more simple than ever. Take the next step and get matches to the best RN schools today to begin an exciting and rewarding career in nursing.

Top Nursing Programs in New Jersey

New Jersey City University

For those who currently hold a B.S. or B.A. degree, New Jersey City University (NJCU) offers a BSN Accelerated Program. With campuses in both Jersey City and Wall Township in Monmouth County, they are able to offer over 70 total seats to prospective RN adult students.
A public institution with a current total student population in 2021 of 13,836, NJCU operates an urban campus in Jersey City, NJ and a satellite campus in residential Wall, NJ. Providing Continuing Education, undergraduate and graduate programs, this ethnically diverse campus is a member of the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities. NJCU opened as the New Jersey Normal School in 1927, became a teaching college in 1935, and eventually evolved into a liberal arts college. In 1998 it received its current name and status as a state university.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 100%
  • Program length or credit hours: 64 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: B.S. or B.A. undergraduate degree with a preferred GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher and a minimum 80% on the HESI exam. Two recommendations, transcript, essay, and some prerequisite courses needed.
  • Tuition: $ 12,085.45 per semester (in-state)
  • Accreditation: National League for Nursing

Thomas Edison State College

For those with a B.A. or B.S. degree, Thomas Edison State College offers a second degree to get an accelerated BSN. Other than the Clinical Experience through the Capital Health System, asynchronous classes are held entirely online. This is currently one of the highest rated online nursing programs in New Jersey.
Established in 1972 as a school for adults, TESC has always been reinventing ways to provide alternative and diverse ways for adults to receive a higher education. Named after the famous New Jersey Inventor Thomas Edison, its nursing program, the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing is named after William Cary Edwards, an NJ Attorney General and Assemblyman from the 1970s and 1980s.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 100%
  • Program length or credit hours: Four 12-week terms plus clinical experience in Hopewell or Trenton, NJ
  • Admission requirements: Minimum computer system requirements and internet connectivity required for online classes. Students must have a non-nursing B.A. or B.S. degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. General education and pre-nursing science pre-requisites needed, with at least a B in science and statistics courses.
  • Tuition: $39,600 for the complete program. Other fees may apply.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and New Jersey Board of Nursing

St. Peter’s University

A private, Jesuit institution, St. Peter’s University offers an undergraduate BSN program in their urban Jersey City, NJ location. With a current total student body of about 4000, it was founded in 1872 and offers classes through satellite locations in Englewood Cliffs and South Amboy, NJ.
St Peter’s began as a private high school and college, which was closed from 1918 until the 1930s due to the effects of WWI. It has been permanently coeducation since 1966, although it did admit women under certain circumstances in the 1940s. St Peter’s officially received its status as a University in 2012.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 100%
  • Program length or credit hours: – Traditional four-year B.S. degree
  • Admission requirements: In addition to admission requirements for acceptance to St. Peter’s, students must apply as a Pre-Nursing student and be accepted into the nursing program. A freshman GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 and have an overall score on the TEAS V exam of 78% or higher.
  • Tuition: $32,170 per year, not including housing, meals, or fees
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Felician College

Felician College is a private Franciscan Catholic College that offers a BSN nursing program for high school graduates at their Lodi, NJ campus. They additionally offer RN to BSN and Accelerated BSN programs for those who already have a non-nursing B.A. or B.S. degree. Graduate degrees are also available.

Operating campuses in both Lodi and Rutherford, Felician began as Immaculate Conception Normal School in 1923. Growing through the years as a junior college, eventually through the 1980s and 1990s Felician began offering higher education services and became a nursing college in 1997.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 100.00%
  • Program length or credit hours: 122 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: High school graduation or GED with a minimum 2.75 GPA. 900 or higher on verbal and math SAT scores. A C+ or higher in high school science and math courses.
  • Tuition: $31,775.00 annually, not including fees.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Rowan College at Gloucester County

For a nursing LPN-RN track A.S. degree, which is sufficient for either taking the NCLEX-RN or transferring to an RN-to-BSN program, Rowan College at Gloucester County has a highly regarded program. Located in South Jersey, there are multiple levels of tuition discounts, for those in county, in state, and out of state.
Rowan ranked #3 among public institutions in its category by U.S. News & World Report. Originally Glassboro State College, in 1992 it received accreditation as a University. Now in several locations across the state, including the Gloucester County area, this school provides continuing education, undergrad, graduate, and medical degrees.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 98.21%
  • Program length or credit hours: Minimum 69 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: In addition to standard college requirements, the nursing program has selective admissions in which the applicant must be accepted into the program prior to taking courses in nursing.
  • Tuition: $13,275 for in-county residents per 30 credits. Additional fees, such as a $1000 Nursing fee, may apply.
  • Accreditation: New Jersey Board of Nursing and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Inc.

Fairleigh Dickinson University

A four year degree for a BSN in nursing is offered by Fairleigh Dickinson University for high school graduates. In New Jersey, there are campuses in both Madison and Teaneck. FDU also has sister campuses in Vancouver, Canada as well as Wroxton, England. They also offer satellite and online courses in other schools, businesses, and institutions.
Having opened in 1942 as a junior college, FDU is now an expansive University with locations both in the US and abroad. The two primary New Jersey campuses have over 12,000 graduate and undergrad students. It was the first American-based University to open a college overseas when it began Wroxton College in Oxfordshire, UK. It is the largest private University in NJ, but it maintains a 14:1 teacher to student ratio.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 97.06%
  • Program length or credit hours: 4 Year Plan/123 credit minimum
  • Admission requirements: The program is open to high school graduates and current RNs with an Associate’s degree.
  • Tuition: $35,916 before fees or housing.
  • Accreditation: New Jersey State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing

In conjunction with an Associate’s degree in Applied Science from Camden County College, Our Lady of Lourdes offers a Diploma in Nursing. The two programs work together as one to prepare the student for the NCLEX-RN exam. This is the only Catholic nursing school in South Jersey.

This program has been educating nurses since 1961. The simultaneous education co-op with Camden County College had been in existence since 1980, allowing graduates to have an Associate’s degree in Applied Science in conjunction with the Diploma in Nursing. Since 2005, a new location for the school offers a state-of-the art critical care facility for learning.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 96.15%
  • Program length or credit hours: 82 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: Nursing school students must also be co-enrolled in Camden County College, as part of the required academic classes are taught through CCC. Two letters of recommendation, high school graduation or equivalent with grades at C or above in the sciences, and at least a 60% total score on the TEAS V exam are pre-requisites.
  • Tuition: $107.00 per credit hour for in-county students. $111.00 for out of county residents. Additional fees required.
  • Accreditation: New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.

Warren County Community College

Offering an Associate’s degree in Applied Science in Nursing, Warren County Community College is located in Washington, NJ. Classes are scheduled for the program during the day, however some clinical hours will take place in the evening. US Veterans pay the same tuition rate as in-county residents, even if they reside outside Warren County.

Nursing is one of WCCCs most popular programs. With a student body of about 1800 full and part-time students, it ranks in the top five most popular majors along with business, education, and criminal justice. WCCC opened in New Jersey in 1987, and has been accredited since 1992.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 95.65%
  • Program length or credit hours: 69 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: High school diploma. For entrance to the nursing program, a metric score from GPA, exam scores, and college credits will be used to determine eligibility.
  • Tuition: In-county is $127.00 per credit. Out-of-county is $137.00 per credit. Additional fees will apply.
  • Accreditation: New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.

St. Francis School of Nursing

In a simultaneous program in New Jersey with Mercer County Community College, students can receive an Associate’s degree in Applied Science from MCCC and a Diploma in Nursing from St, Francis. This Trenton-based education is available as a two-year comprehensive program or a three-year program to suit the student’s needs. Both have the same required classes, but the three-year program is often recommended to those just out of high school.

The very first nurses taught by St. Francis graduated in 1908. For over 100 years, St. Francis has been teaching nurses and providing direct access to clinical training. In 1998, this school teamed up with MCCC to be able to provide an Associate’s degree in applied science.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 95.45%
  • Program length or credit hours: 70 total credit hours
  • Admission requirements: Students will also be enrolled in Mercer County College for core academic classes. Three recommendations, a minimum 2.5 GPA at high school graduation or in college courses, current mean or greater score on the TEAS exam, minimum “C” grade in science courses, and an interview are required for admission.
  • Tuition: $16,051.00 for full generic program. Additional fees will apply.
  • Accreditation:  New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.

Passaic County Community College

Paterson, New Jersey’s Passaic County Community College offers both day and evening programs to earn an A.A.S. degree. This Associate’s in Applied Science in Nursing prepares the student for the NCLEX-RN in a two phase learning process. There are now three satellite locations in Passaic County for the college for easier accessibility.

Since the 1970s, PCCC has grown to a college with 13,000 students in both their brick-and-mortar and online programs. In addition to nursing, there are more than 60 majors and programs at this community college, making it one of the most diverse in the state.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 94.64%
  • Program length or credit hours: 68 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: Must have a high school diploma or GED, TEAS V scores must be 50% or greater, students must maintain at least a C in science classes, a point system that takes both GPA and TEAS V score into consideration will rank students for admission into the nursing program following completion of general education courses.
  • Tuition: $111.50 per credit for in-county residents. $135.00 for out-of-county residents. Additional fees will apply.
  • Accreditation: New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.

The College of New Jersey

Located in Ewing, NJ, The College of New Jersey offers a regular 4 year BSN degree. A small 8:1 faculty to student ratio within the nursing program leads to a personalized experience. 100% of their BSN grads have employment in their field within 6 months after graduation, examination and licensing, making it one of the best nursing schools in New Jersey. They also offer master’s level graduate programs.

Founded in 1855 as a normal school and eventually a teaching college, The College of New Jersey was named Trenton State College in 1958. In 1996, it was renamed as The College of New Jersey and now offers six schools of study in addition to nursing. At just over 6,500 students, this mid-size residential school offers an average class size of 21.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 93.55%
  • Program length or credit hours: 128 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: High school graduates may declare nursing as their major upon acceptance to the college. Having a background in high school level Biology and Chemistry recommended.
  • Tuition: $15,446 annually before fees and/or housing for NJ residents.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and New Jersey Board of Nursing

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ has been offering a traditional 4 year generic BSN program since 1993. In connection with The Valley Hospital for clinical hours since 2004, master’s level nurses at the hospital are part of Ramapo’s faculty. This BSN RN program prepares nursing students as generalists. They offer MSN graduate studies as well.

This public liberal arts school has a student body of about 6,000, allowing it to be similar to a private education at public school cost. With an overall 18:1 faculty to student ratio and an average class size of 23, Ramapo College has been noted and received accolades from both the media and trusted consumer publications. It was built on the site of an 1890 mansion owned by the Mayer family.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 93.06%
  • Program length or credit hours: 128 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: Students must complete their general education courses and maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher, with at least a C in science and pre-nursing courses.
  • Tuition: $13,697.60 before fees and/or housing
  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Bloomfield College

Bloomfield College is a private 4 year traditional liberal arts college in Bloomfield, NJ. They offer a BSN nursing program suitable for high school graduates and accelerated programs for transfers from an RN Associate’s degree program. A program in addition to the major for a Certificate in Gerontology is available for students able to take 5 additional courses.

In 1868, Bloomfield was established as a Presbyterian theology seminary. It moved from Newark to its current location in 1872, and became a 4 year undergraduate college in 1923. The student body in this small school is about 2,100. More than half of students are commuters from the surrounding areas.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 91.67%
  • Program length or credit hours: Traditional 4 year degree
  • Admission requirements: After acceptance to the college, maintaining a 2.5 or higher GPA with at least a C in nursing pre-requisite courses and passing the TEAS V exam are required for acceptance into the nursing major program.
  • Tuition: $13,900 per semester. Most fees are included in the tuition price. Housing is additional.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the New Jersey State Board of Nursing.

JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder School of Nursing

In Metutchen, NJ, the hospital-based Snyder School of Nursing offers both day and evening, full and part time comprehensive RN programs in conjunction with the JFK Medical Center and Union County College. Upon completion, students will receive an Associate’s degree in Applied Science from UCC and a Diploma in Nursing from the Snyder School. Transfer students seeking LPN to RN programs or accelerated rn programs,  are also welcome.

This school of nursing has been in operation since 1894. The academic relationship with UCC has been in effect since 1971. Credits can transfer to BSN programs in other locations and schools in the state. They have flexible class hours and offer a unique program for single parents who may have economic and time restraints.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 90.36%
  • Program length or credit hours: 76 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: High school diploma or GED required
  • Tuition: $36,403.00 is the full program cost
  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Cumberland County College

Earn an Associate’s degree in Applied Science to get the necessary skills to pass the exam and get licensing as an RN at Cumberland County College. Rated as one of the top 50 community colleges in the US and holding the top rating in NJ, this Delaware Valley campus offers a quality education in the community of Vineland.

Opened in 1966, CCC now has about 2000 part and full-time students on its hundred acre New Jersey campus. When CCC opened their doors, they were NJ’s first community college. About half of CCC graduates transfer their credits to a 4-year school to continue on to earning a B.A. or B.S. degree.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 90.32%
  • Program length or credit hours: 68 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: High school diploma, GPA of 2.5 or better, and passing the TEAS V exam are requirements for the nursing program.
  • Tuition: $113.00 in-county, $123.00 out-of-county, per credit. Additional fees will apply.
  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.

Stockton University

Located in Galloway, NJ within Atlantic County, Stockton University offers a BSN program for high school graduates and college students. High school students will want to graduate having taken vigorous courses if looking to enter this competitive program. There are 36 seats available for this program.

Formerly Richard Stockton College, this public institution received university status in 2015. Getting its start in 1971 in Atlantic City, Stockton now serves a part and full time student body of over 8,500 students. Richard Stockton, one of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence, is the school’s namesake.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 90.32%
  • Program length or credit hours: 128 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: High school graduates must have completed basic college prep prerequisites during high school, 1100-1200 on the SAT, and two letters of recommendation.
  • Tuition: $12,820 per year for in-state residents, fees and housing not included.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Eastern International College – Belleville

A private institution with a focus on medical career training, Eastern International College in Belleville offers an Associate’s degree in Applied Science in nursing. This small school focuses on the educational and professional development of students.

EIC was opened in 1990, originally with the name MicroTech. They have since expanded to a second Jersey City location. This nursing program in New Jersey, however, is still only offered at their Belleville Campus.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 90.00%
  • Program length or credit hours: 78 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: High School Diploma or GED with a 70% or higher on the HESI exam
  • Tuition: $7,550.00 for full-time students. Additional fees may apply.
  • Accreditation: New Jersey Board of Nursing

Brookdale Community College

Located in the historic Lincroft section of Middletown, NJ, Brookdale Community College of Monmouth County offers an Associate’s degree in Applied Science in nursing. While there may be a waiting list for the program, this school offers day, evening and online lecture classes for a variable schedule. Over 400 AAS degrees are awarded to students each year.

Constructed in 1967 on the Brookdale farm, today with multiple locations in Neptune, Wall, Hazlet, and Long Branch, Brookdale continues to grow. Over 13,000 full and part time students attend Brookdale. The Monmouth Museum is located on the main campus which now has 22 buildings on the 220-acre campus.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 88.52%
  • Program length or credit hours: Traditional two year program
  • Admission requirements: High school graduates or equivalent must complete high school level biology and chemistry and complete an entrance test before applying to the nursing program. Those who have not completed the prerequisite courses in high school must take them at the college level.
  • Tuition: Monmouth County residents pay $1841.25 maximum per term, plus fees. Residents of other counties pay $3682.50 maximum per term plus fees.
  • Accreditation: The New Jersey Board of Nursing and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Jersey College – Ewing

Jersey College in Ewing offers a bridge program for LPNs, who wish to continue education to be able to take the exam and becomes a licensed RN. Once the program is complete, students receive an Associate’s in Applied Science in nursing degree. The school offers a flexible schedule with new programs starting at different times during the year. Evening classes are available.

With locations in Teaneck, NJ and additional satellite locations in Florida, Jersey College prepares students for medical careers with two nursing programs in New Jersey. Launched in 2003, it was previously known as The Center for Allied Health & Nursing Education. In the NJ locations, LPN and LPN to RN programs are available. In Florida, a generic Professional RN program is offered to prospective students.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 87.69%
  • Program length or credit hours: 21 months
  • Admission requirements: Must currently be an LPN and at least 18 years of age.
  • Tuition: $28,227 for the program. Additional fees may apply.
  • Accreditation: The New Jersey Board of Nursing

Raritan Valley Community College

Raritan Valley Community College of Somerset and Hunterdon Counties offers an Associate’s degree in Applied Science for its nursing program. Flexible scheduling with evening classes are available at RVCC. Credits will transfer to other local universities for students who wish to continue to pursue a BSN.

Raritan Valley has been teaching the health sciences to nurses since 1969. Previously named Somerset County College, in 1986 Somerset and Hunterdon Counties made the decision to co-sponsor the school. So, in 1987, the college was renamed. A childcare center exists on campus to assist students with children of their own.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 87.67%
  • Program length or credit hours: 68-70 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: Must attend a Nursing Information Session, must be a high school graduate and pass the TEAS V exam, and maintain a 2.75 GPA in preliminary general courses in RVCC.
  • Tuition: $137.00 per credit for Somerset and Hunterdon County Residents. Out of county residents pay $167.00 per credit.
  • Accreditation: The New Jersey Board of Nursing and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.

Essex Community College

Obtain an Associate’s degree in Applied Science at Essex Community College in Newark, NJ to prepare for the NCLEX-RN and licensing or for transfer to a 4-year institution.  A student simulation laboratory is used for gaining nursing experience. The school also offers an LPN to RN program.

With locations in Newark and West Caldwell, this urban college has been teaching students since 1968. Diverse students from 51 countries attend ECC. This school is an open-door public college, dedicated to educating the local community.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 87.50%
  • Program length or credit hours: 66 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: High school diploma or GED, apply to the college as a General Science student to complete prerequisite courses with a minimum of a C grade and 9 credits to declare the Nursing Major and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or greater.
  • Tuition: $116.00 per credit for Essex County residents. $233.00 per credit for residents outside of Essex County.
  • Accreditation: The New Jersey Board of Nursing and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.

Rutgers University School of Nursing – Newark

Rutgers University in Newark is one of three regional campuses for this state university. Here students will find a Baccalaureate Nursing Program for a traditional 4 year BSN. They also offer classes in the New Brunswick location, and Rutgers also offers graduate studies for nurses at Master and Doctoral levels for those who may want to continue an education as a nurse practitioner program in New Jersey. SAT scores will be weighed against the mean score for other student applicants, so there is not a fixed minimum required score for admission.

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences hosts the School of Nursing and seven other schools of medicine, comprised of about 1,600 undergrad and graduate students. In addition to the BSN program, there are accelerated programs for existing RNs and those who hold a B.S. or B.A. in another field. As of 2013, Rutgers medical programs have been combined with many that used to be part of UMDNJ (University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ).

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 87.50%
  • Program length or credit hours: 126 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: High school graduates must have been in a challenging college preparatory program with at least 16 academic classes including algebra, biology, and chemistry.
  • Tuition: $353.00 per credit for in state undergraduates. $530.00 per credit for out of state. Fees and housing not included
  • Accreditation: The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Georgian Court University

Lakewood, NJ is the home of Georgian Court University, which offers a BSN 4 year degree for nursing students. In partnership with Meridian Health, students get hands-on and lab simulation experience. This school also offers a fast-track RN to BSN program for those students already in possession of an RN license.

This is a private Catholic school that earned status as a university in 2004. GCU operated as Georgian Court College since 1924. Originally an all-female school with a focus on education, GCU is now a co-educational liberal arts university as of 2012 with a variety of majors. Currently, over 2000 undergrad and graduate students attend this Ocean County campus.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 87.50%
  • Program length or credit hours: 120 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: General education requirements, such as biology and chemistry are required.
  • Tuition: $16,147.00 per semester, not including fees and/or housing
  • Accreditation: New Jersey Board of Nursing

Middlesex County College

Nursing students at Middlesex County College can graduate with an Associate’s degree in Science. 90% of graduate respondents surveyed were employed in the nursing field within 12 months after the degree, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtaining the RN license. Clinical experiences are completed with the Raritan Bay Medical Center health system.

Founded in 1964, this college in Edison, NJ currently has over 12,000 part and full-time students attending for credit courses. Able to keep classes to a 20:1 student ratio, this is a large community college with a faculty able to support the student body. MCC now also operates centers in New Brunswick and Perth Amboy.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 87.04%
  • Program length or credit hours: 68 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: Must have a B or better in lab science classes, a passing grade on the Health Technologies placement exam and a minimum 2.75 college or high school GPA. Acceptance also requires Algebra I.
  • Tuition: $140.50 per credit for in-county students and $281.00 for out-of-county students, some regular fees included.
  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.

Atlantic Cape Community College

Created to help local students become entry-level RNs, Atlantic Cape Community College offers a nursing Associate’s degree in Applied Science. Atlantic and Cape May County residents are given priority consideration for admission to the nursing program over those from other counties in NJ at ACCC. Students from other counties can only get seated in this program if there are vacancies after all local nursing students have taken available positions. This is a very selective nursing school in New Jersey.

Located in the Pine Barrens of NJ, his community college serving residents of Atlantic and Cape May Counties is most famous for its culinary school and casino industry career training classes. With campuses in May’s Landing and Cape May Court House and Atlantic City, ACCC has been teaching students since 1964.

  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 86.79%
  • Program length or credit hours: 66 credit hours
  • Admission requirements: Must be 18 years of age and a high school graduate. Once in the college, acceptance into the program is on a competitive basis. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee a placement in the nursing program.
  • Tuition: $116.00 per credit for county residents. $172.00 per credit for NJ residents outside Atlantic or Cape May Counties. Additional fees will apply.
  • Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc.

How We Rank the Top Nursing Programs in New Jersey

The metric we have used to rank schools from top to bottom is based on students’ overall recent pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exams from the best nursing schools in New Jersey. The NJ Division of Consumer Affairs reports on how many students passed or failed the exam by the school during each year. Those colleges and schools with the highest percentage of passing students make it to the top of our list.

When two or more schools have the same score, affordability is the next criteria. In those cases, schools and colleges with the lowest tuition are ranked first. Both results and cost matter when choosing the right education. Getting an excellent education in a great RN program can jumpstart a brand new career in a rapidly growing industry, and we make it simple to help you choose the right nursing program today. It is time to get matched with the perfect nursing program in New Jersey and begin a new and exciting life.

For Nursing Schools and Colleges

Would you like to see your program on our list? Or, perhaps you would like to request for information to be edited or updated on our site. Please contact us! We would love to hear from you.

Resources

US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Provides information on job outlooks, salaries, and statistics.
NCLEX Exam: The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides licensing information and resources.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs provides up-to-date exam pass rates by institution.
New Jersey Board of Nursing: Regulates NJ State licensing and provides accreditation to nursing programs.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): Agency that provides nursing school accreditation.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN): Agency that provides nursing school accreditation.