Nursing has become one of the most in-demand jobs not just in the United States but also across the world. Beyond being incredibly in demand, it can be potentially lucrative! Nurses can make good money in the right situation. Many nurses can travel the world while working. Who would that not appeal to? Better still, nursing is an incredibly fulfilling profession. Helping people to heal and become better is incredibly powerful. We have compiled a list of the best BSN programs in California. This list is meant to help you when you are deciding which schools to apply to! Only you can decide which school or program is the right fit for you. We just want to help you on your path to becoming a nurse. Happy applying!
1. University of California – Los Angeles
Tuition: $13,240
School Size: 45,700
The School of Nursing at the University of California – Los Angeles is one of the best nursing programs in the entire country. Students can apply to the School of Nursing through one of two paths. First, you can apply and be accepted as a freshman. Second, you can transfer in as a junior. You will take some amazing courses while at UCLA, including Pathophysiology II, Mental Health Nursing, and Advanced Leadership and Role Integration. Campus location means you will have the opportunity to get clinical experience in some of the best hospitals in the country.
2. California State Long Beach
Tuition: $6,834
School Size: 39,359
California State University – Long Beach may just be the place for you to earn your BSN. The School of Nursing has been operating and educating nurses for fifty years! This past year, Cal State-Long Beach BSN graduates achieved an incredible feat by earning a 100% pass rate on their national licensure examination. Students apply to the BSN program after they have completed their freshman year or after the student has completed all of the prerequisite courses. Admission to the BSN program can be incredibly competitive. You can choose from either a traditional two-semester or trimester model. Become part of Cal State Long Beach nursing tradition, get on their website, and see if it is the right fit for you!
3. California State Irvine
Tuition: $13,727
School Size: $35,220
As you may have discovered, the Cal State schools are well represented on this list. And we’re glad to add another! Cal State – Irvine Nursing program prides itself on their ability to train nurses effectively. Students must apply separately to BSN program following their freshman term after having completed their prerequisites. Here are some of the courses offered through the Cal-State Irvine BSN program: Human Physiology, Pediatrics: Care of Children and Families, and Applied Pharmacology II. Get on the Cal-State Irvine website and see if you can see yourself being there.
4. San Diego State University
Tuition: $7,510
School Size: 35,378
San Diego is known for its temperate climates. Consider that San Diego State University has an excellent nursing program and you are looking at an enjoyable and educational four years of your life. SDSU, like the other programs chronicled here, require students to apply to the BSN program separately. SDSU also has a strong study abroad program and encourages their nursing students to travel and learn at the same time. Nursing curriculum spans six full semesters. Look into the SDSU program (and the wonderful city!) by getting on their website.
5. California State-Chico
Tuition: 7,806
School Size: 16,630
California State-Chico is located a few hours northeast of San Francisco. The nursing program at Cal-State Chico can prepare you for a long and rewarding career in nursing. Requires separate applications. Admission into the BSN program is incredibly competitive. In Fall 2020, 172 applications were accepted out of 353. The average GPA of those accepted was a 3.8. If you think you have what it takes to gain admission to one of the best programs in the state — then apply to California State – Chino.
6. San Jose State University
Tuition: $7,852
School Size: 33,025
Another wonderful city, another excellent BSN program to cover! The BSN program at San Jose State University may be the place that helps you achieve your goals of becoming a nurse. Like other programs listed here, you will have to be admitted through a separate application process and by completing a TEAS exam. Students will need to complete some of the following pre-requisite courses in order to apply: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Human Physiology. Do these classes sound appealing to you? Good! They can only get more interesting (and demanding!) when you enter the BSN program. Check out the SJSU website today.
7. Brandman University
Tuition: $15,000
School Size: 11,000
Brandman is a private university located in Irvine. Brandman University Department of Nursing offers their curriculum both in person and online. The program has three different start dates, so you do not have to worry about applying for just one term per year! The hybrid learning structure is ideal for those of who are already working or have families. If you are already an RN, then you can earn your BSN in as little as two years! See if Brandman is the right choice for you!
8. San Francisco State University
Tuition: $7,266
School Size: 27,075
San Francisco State is not just located in one of the most beautiful spots in the state of California, but also can prepare you for a career in Nursing. SFSU has been training nurses since 1953 and is proud of their history of excellence. Acceptance to the program is competitive, with on average of 60% of applicants being accepted per admission cycle. If you are ready for the challenge of becoming a SFSU nurse — then apply today and become part of their tradition.
We hope that our list has been helpful in guiding your research into graduate school and programs. Our list does not include any paid or preferred listings. It is prepared subjectively, using several metrics, including (but not limited to): tuition per credit hour, acceptance rate, number of programs offered, and availability of funding. If you are a representative for a university and want to contact us about a) your schools ranking or b) the fact your school is not included, please feel free to get in touch. We welcome feedback and input. Thank you for reading our list!
