The Best Nursing Programs in San Diego in 2024 & 2025
California hosts some of the finest hospitals and nursing programs. Whether embarking on an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), opting for the premier nursing degrees in San Diego can set you on the right path for your prospective career. This comprehensive guide not only ranks the top nursing schools in San Diego but also provides valuable insights into the application process and emphasizes the significance of selecting an accredited program. This guide delves into the application procedures of the leading nursing schools in San Diego, underscoring the importance of obtaining a degree from an accredited program.
Utilizing a data-driven approach, we employ a methodology to rank the best nursing programs in San Diego, facilitating the discovery of a program tailored to your needs. Our methodology centers on key metrics deemed crucial for students, encompassing academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
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A Quick Overview: The Top 3 San Diego Nursing Programs
- San Diego State University
- Point Loma Nazarene University
- National University
How Do Nursing Programs Work?
Registered nurse (RN) programs offer either ADN or BSN education. ADN programs typically span two years, equipping students to pass the required NCLEX-RN for licensure, with a focus on the technical and practical skills essential for nursing.
BSN programs, typically four years in duration, encompass additional courses in leadership, healthcare systems, and nursing research. BSN-prepared nurses experience higher demand and expanded career advancement opportunities. Both San Diego nursing programs integrate classroom coursework and clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings. Key courses include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, and maternal-child nursing. Clinical experience enables students to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional setting under the supervision of a licensed RN, a crucial aspect for preparing students for the rigors and responsibilities of a nursing career.
Discover the Best Nursing Programs and Schools in San Diego in 2024 & 2025
Refer to our methodology for a deeper understanding of how our rankings are formulated. We rely on publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) for the data on these schools, with all information current as of the publication date of this article. Specific program details may vary.
#1 San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
San Diego State University presents a highly selective direct-entry bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. The curriculum involves completing prerequisite coursework in the first year, followed by nursing major courses in the second year.
Course topics encompass fundamentals of nursing practice, clinical pharmacology, research and evidence-based practice, and community health nursing. SDSU extends opportunities for nursing students to engage in international study and join organizations like Students HEAL, dedicated to providing healthcare to those in need.
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Direct Entry
Campus: San Diego, California
Type: Public
Accreditations: American Association of Colleges of Nursing (ACEN)
Tuition: $8,290 per year for California residents; $20,170 per year for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma; minimum 3.0 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021-2022): 91% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $87,377 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $5,742
Out-of-state: $17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $7,176
Out-of-state: $16,680
Retention Rate: 89%
Admission Rate: 37%
Students Enrolled: 36,334
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 99%
Accreditation: Yes, Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
Point Loma Nazarene University, a Christian liberal arts school, provides BSN students with the opportunity to work with patients and commence logging their 1,100+ clinical hours from the first semester. Enrollees can choose early entry into a graduate nursing program, enabling them to earn their BSNs, take the NCLEX, and complete their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at an accelerated pace.
BSN courses include nursing of families, nursing of communities, nursing research, and a nursing capstone.
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus: San Diego, California
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $21,300 per semester
Admission Requirements: High school diploma; minimum 3.0 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021-22): 89% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $85,206 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $37,600
Out-of-state: $37,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $11,880
Out-of-state: $11,880
Retention Rate: 84%
Admission Rate: 84%
Students Enrolled: 4,616
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 35%
Accreditation: Yes, Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 National University
San Diego, CA
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
National University facilitates year-round enrollment and employs four-week courses for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students, allowing them to commence and complete their studies more expeditiously. The curriculum places a significant emphasis on nurturing nursing leadership and collaboration skills. Students are equipped with the tools of evidence-based practice and emerging technologies to enhance healthcare outcomes.
Upon admission, students first complete general education courses before delving into their specialized nursing curriculum. Core nursing courses encompass diverse areas such as nursing theories and models, health assessment, foundations of nursing, and medical-surgical nursing. Graduation requirements include accumulating 180 quarter credits, inclusive of valuable clinical experience.
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Generic Entry
Campus: San Diego, California
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $370 per credit
Admission Requirements: High school diploma; minimum 2.75 GPA; TEAS test scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 41 months of continuous study
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021-2022): 80% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $84,367 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state: $13,320
Out-of-state: $13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state: $15,480
Out-of-state: $15,480
Retention Rate: 45%
Admission Rate: 89%
Students Enrolled: 18,070
Institution Type: Private
Percent Online Enrollment: 44%
Accreditation: Yes, Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Applying to a Nursing Program in San Diego
The process of applying to a nursing program in San Diego varies across institutions. Generally, these programs have prerequisite coursework, and in some instances, standardized test results are required with the application.
Applicants might be required to attend either an in-person or virtual interview to assess their compatibility with the program. Following this, nursing school candidates await a decision and further instructions on enrollment.
Admission Materials
Typically, required materials include an official transcript, application, letters of recommendation, a personal essay or statement letter, a record of volunteer experience, and, if applicable, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Most schools also mandate one year of high school biology, one year of high school chemistry, and two years of college preparatory math.
GPA Requirement
ADN programs generally seek a 2.75 GPA, while BSN programs prefer a 3.0 GPA.
Why Is Nursing Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation for nursing schools in San Diego is a rigorous and crucial process. The primary accreditation agencies are the Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Schools undergo comprehensive reviews to ensure they meet specific quality standards, covering curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical experiences, student support services, and other factors impacting education quality.
Accreditation guarantees a quality education for students, enhances the employability of graduates, and is a prerequisite for eligibility for federal financial aid, such as grants and student loans. Moreover, accreditation facilitates credit transfer between institutions, and graduating from an accredited school is a prerequisite for taking the NCLEX-RN, a mandatory step towards becoming a licensed RN. All programs featured in our ranking are accredited.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Nursing Programs
How can I become an RN in San Diego?
Aspiring nurses should explore schools in San Diego using this list of top programs to identify the best fit. Applying to at least two and up to four programs is advisable to ensure starting school within the desired time-frame.
How long does it take to become a nurse in California?
The duration to complete a nursing program in San Diego varies based on the program and whether the student attends part-time or full-time. Enrollment in an ADN program takes about two years, while a BSN program typically spans four years.
What is the average salary for nurses in San Diego?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in the San Diego-Carlsbad metropolitan area earn an average of $113,150 per year. This figure may fluctuate based on education, location, experience, and certifications held by the nurse.
What is the best degree for nurses in San Diego?
For RNs in San Diego, a BSN is considered the optimal nursing degree. Most hospitals prefer nurses with a BSN, leading to improved patient outcomes. BSN-prepared nurses also enjoy greater career advancement opportunities, higher compensation, and expanded employment possibilities.
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