Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for Florida's highest-ranked BSN programs
Which Florida nursing schools deliver the most affordable BSN without sacrificing NCLEX success? Given Florida’s projected shortage of nearly 15,000 registered nurses by 2026, the stakes are high. Top-tier public universities like the University of Florida, with in-state tuition around $6,400, report median graduate earnings above $71,000 ten years out, while schools such as the University of Miami charge over $60,000 annually and attract students seeking small private cohorts.
Our analysis of 28 ranked BSN programs across Florida spans public and private institutions, with offerings that range from campus-based traditional tracks to online and hybrid formats. With the cost gap between public in-state and private tuition exceeding $50,000 per year, a careful ROI comparison is essential before you commit.
The best nursing schools in Florida offer a range of BSN pathways, from traditional on-campus programs to flexible hybrid options. Our 2026 ranking evaluates schools based on affordability, graduation rates, and graduate success to help you find a program that fits your career goals and budget. Whether you're a first-time college student or a career changer, Florida's top nursing programs provide strong clinical training and NCLEX preparation.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | High-achieving Floridians seeking program prestige | |
The University of Florida's BSN program is nationally ranked and offers multiple pathways including Traditional, Accelerated, and RN to BSN tracks. With high NCLEX pass rates and access to UF Health, students gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge simulation labs. The program recently expanded enrollment to address Florida's nursing shortage, offering opportunities for research and graduate study.
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| #2 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | Multicultural students serving diverse communities | |
Florida International University provides a range of nursing pathways, including Traditional and Accelerated BSN options, as well as a unique Foreign Educated Physician to BSN/MSN track. Located in Miami, the program emphasizes multicultural care and extensive clinical experiences in South Florida's diverse healthcare settings. Students benefit from FIU's designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and strong community partnerships.
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| #3 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $10,000/yr | Military veterans leveraging medical training | |
The University of South Florida's College of Nursing offers several BSN tracks including a Veteran to BSN pathway tailored for those with military medical training. With multiple campus locations across the Tampa Bay region, the program delivers a comprehensive curriculum with clinical rotations in top Florida healthcare systems. Graduates are well-prepared for NCLEX-RN and local workforce demands.
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| #4 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $11,000/yr | ||
Florida State University's BSN program is a nationally accredited, four-semester sequence that provides intensive clinical experiences across North Florida. The holistic admissions process considers community engagement and work experience, and graduates earn eligibility for RN licensure. The program emphasizes a strong foundation for future graduate studies.
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| #5 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of Central Florida offers a Traditional BSN across three campuses, with a curriculum that integrates rigorous science and hands-on clinical rotations. NCLEX pass rates consistently exceed state averages, and graduates are in high demand across Central Florida's growing healthcare sector. The program also features a Second Degree accelerated option for career changers.
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| #6 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
The University of North Florida provides a Freshman Admit Nursing path for first-time college students, guaranteeing a BSN upon meeting progression standards, alongside a standard prelicensure BSN. Both tracks incorporate a community-based curriculum and partnerships with Jacksonville-area health systems, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN and regional nursing roles.
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| #7 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | $37,000/yr (net price) | ||
The University of Miami's School of Nursing and Health Studies offers a Traditional BSN, an Accelerated BSN for career changers, and a flexible RN to BSN hybrid program. With over 200 clinical partners in South Florida and a strong connection to the UHealth system, students gain immersive clinical education. The Accelerated BSN can be completed in just 12 months.
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| #8 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $5,000 – $17,000/yr | ||
Florida Atlantic University's BSN program in Boca Raton uses a hybrid learning format and emphasizes a holistic caring philosophy. The program includes 840 clinical hours across Broward and Palm Beach counties, and graduates are eligible for both NCLEX-RN and AHNCC certification. Its high pass rates make it a strong choice for those seeking a values-driven nursing education.
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| #9 | Southeastern College-West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach, FL | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southeastern College-West Palm Beach offers an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, a 25-month program that combines on-campus and hybrid learning. The curriculum covers foundational nursing skills, pharmacology, and medication administration, with clinical placements in Palm Beach County. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level nursing roles.
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| #10 | Antigua College International | Miami Lakes, FL | $29,000/yr | ||
Antigua College International in Miami Lakes provides a hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing spanning 42 months, with small class sizes and a focus on personalized education. The program integrates 450 clinical hours and aligns with Florida Board of Nursing requirements for licensure. It is designed for working adults seeking a flexible pathway into nursing.
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Our methodology combines five core metrics from federal databases to produce a transparent, data-driven ranking of nursing schools in Florida. The scores balance affordability, student outcomes, and return on investment, using the most recent data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
The composite score for each school is built from these equally weighted factors:
NCLEX pass rates are not factored into the composite ranking. While critical for evaluating nursing education quality, pass rates are highly variable year to year and are reported independently by the Florida Board of Nursing. We cover NCLEX performance separately in a dedicated section of this guide, allowing you to assess schools on both academic outcomes and licensure readiness.
All metrics rely on the most recent federal data. The net price and graduation rate reflect the entire institution, which means results for a large public university may not perfectly mirror the experience of its nursing college. When interpreting program-level earnings, note that these figures include all graduates with that credential, regardless of whether they work in nursing, and the data may be suppressed for smaller programs. Median debt reflects only federal loan borrowers who completed their degree, not all attendees.
By limiting the ranking to publicly available, verified data, we aim to provide a clear, unbiased comparison tool. For a detailed breakdown of the scoring methodology, including weightings, data year specifications, and handling of missing values, visit our full methodology page. Our aim is to provide consistent, reproducible information for an informed school choice.
The net price of a nursing program (the published cost minus grants and scholarships) often differs significantly from the sticker tuition, especially at public universities where in-state residents benefit from state subsidies. The table below lists Florida's BSN programs ranked by net price, from the most affordable: Miami Dade College at $5,463, to the most expensive. Keep in mind that net price is an institution-wide average; your actual cost will depend on your financial aid package.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Median Debt at Completion | Est. Monthly Payment (10-yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dade College | $2,838 | $9,661 | $5,463 | $9,252 | $77 |
| Lake-Sumter State College | $3,292 | $13,276 | $5,855 | $6,750 | $56 |
| Saint Johns River State College | $2,591 | $9,335 | $6,135 | $12,000 | $100 |
| University of Florida | $6,381 | $28,659 | $6,541 | $15,000 | $125 |
| Florida Atlantic University | $4,879 | $17,324 | $8,752 | $17,236 | $144 |
| Florida International University | $6,565 | $18,964 | $9,288 | $16,500 | $138 |
| University of West Florida | $5,776 | $18,658 | $9,364 | $16,624 | $139 |
| University of South Florida | $6,410 | $17,324 | $9,812 | $17,988 | $150 |
| University of North Florida | $5,964 | $19,407 | $10,154 | $15,531 | $129 |
| University of Central Florida | $6,368 | $22,467 | $10,411 | $18,190 | $152 |
| Santa Fe College | $2,563 | $9,189 | $11,098 | $11,310 | $94 |
| Florida State University | $6,517 | $21,683 | $11,297 | $18,000 | $150 |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | $6,118 | $25,162 | $12,568 | $17,622 | $147 |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | $5,785 | $17,725 | $13,739 | $23,548 | $196 |
| Florida College | $20,360 | $20,360 | $23,931 | $12,000 | $100 |
| Florida Southern College | $44,040 | $44,040 | $28,551 | $25,000 | $208 |
| Antigua College International | $13,400 | $13,400 | $29,211 | N/A | N/A |
| Nova Southeastern University | $38,700 | $38,700 | $30,371 | $24,250 | $202 |
| University of Miami | $62,616 | $62,616 | $37,244 | $17,500 | $146 |
The push to strengthen the nursing pipeline has made NCLEX first-time pass rates a frontline metric for judging program effectiveness in Florida and across the country. For BSN programs, the 2024 data from the Florida Board of Governors1 shows a handful of schools reaching near-perfect or perfect pass rates, while Florida's overall BSN average of 84.9%2 lags behind the national average of 91.16%3.
All of the following Florida BSN programs posted first-time pass rates that exceed the national average of 91.16% for BSN graduates (per NCSBN)3. The schools are ordered from highest to lowest pass rate.1
These nine schools, all part of the State University System, collectively averaged a 94% first-time pass rate in 20241, notably above both the national BSN average and Florida’s overall BSN average of 84.9%2.
A high first-time pass rate indicates that a program’s curriculum, clinical training, and test-preparation support align well with the current NCLEX-RN test plan. Passing on the first attempt is critical because it allows graduates to start working and earning sooner; multiple attempts can delay licensure and add financial strain. Nursing employers and state boards often view these rates as shorthand for how effectively a school readies its students for real-world practice, and accreditation bodies monitor them to ensure programs meet minimum thresholds.
Pass rates should never be the only decision-making tool. Small cohort sizes can produce misleading percentages: a program with only 15 test-takers might report a perfect score, while a larger program’s 95% rate represents a much more stable performance pattern. Similarly, a one-year snapshot can obscure trends: some schools may temporarily dip due to curricular changes or a cohort’s specific challenges. Prospective students should also weigh clinical placement quality, faculty credentials, graduation rates, and job-placement outcomes. Use pass rates as a starting point, not the final word.
While program-level earnings shortly after graduation are not yet published, the long-term median earnings from College Scorecard offer a useful ROI snapshot. Keep in mind that your personal return depends on financial aid, loan terms, and career path.
Two-year associate degree or four-year bachelor of science? Public university with big lecture halls or a private college with smaller cohorts? The choice isn't just about geography, it shapes your clinical experience, job prospects, and future earning power. To cut through the noise, anchor your decision on five concrete pillars.
Accreditation is non-negotiable. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are the two federally recognized bodies that validate nursing programs. Without accreditation from one of these organizations, you cannot sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam in Florida, and most graduate schools will not accept your degree. For example, the University of Florida's BSN program holds CCNE accreditation through 2024, ensuring it meets rigorous national standards. When researching any school, confirm its accreditation status directly on the CCNE or ACEN website, don't rely on marketing materials alone.
Sticker price tells only part of the story. Florida residents benefit from in-state tuition at public universities, often paying a fraction of what private institutions charge. But don't stop at per-credit rates. Add mandatory fees, lab costs, uniform expenses, and background checks. Then subtract scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs such as the Florida Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program. A school with a higher published tuition may have generous institutional aid that lowers the net price. Request a financial aid estimate early and compare total out-of-pocket costs across your top three choices.
The NCLEX first-time pass rate is a transparent window into how well a program prepares its graduates. Florida nursing schools must report these rates to the Florida Board of Nursing, making them publicly available. Look beyond a single year, consistent performance above the state average over three to five years signals strong curriculum and faculty support. A program with a high pass rate doesn't just help you get licensed faster; it reflects an environment where students master the critical-thinking skills that matter in clinical practice.
Where you do your clinical rotations can define your career network. Many Florida nursing programs have formal partnerships with major hospital systems that guarantee placement sites and often open a direct pipeline to employment. The University of South Florida's College of Nursing partners with Tampa General Hospital, while UCF's College of Nursing has a relationship with Health First. Florida International University benefits from a priority placement agreement with Baptist Health South Florida. Polk State College works closely with BayCare in Polk County, and Edward Waters University has a pathway agreement with UF Health. Even smaller programs like Lake-Sumter State College have dedicated education partners such as South Lake Hospital. These affiliations can give you exposure to specialty floors, preceptors who may later become hiring managers, and a smoother transition from student to nurse. When comparing schools, ask about the number of clinical hours, the variety of units available, and the ratio of students to clinical instructor.
Full-time, part-time, accelerated, online, the format must match your life obligations. Traditional BSN programs run four years on campus, while accelerated BSNs condense coursework into 12–18 months for career-changers who already hold a bachelor's in another field. If you're a working LPN or RN, bridge programs (LPN-to-BSN or RN-to-BSN) often hold classes online or on weekends. However, even online programs require in-person clinical hours, so proximity to a partner hospital still matters. Check whether the school helps arrange local clinical placements for distance learners or whether you must secure them independently.
Prerequisites are the gatekeeper. Many Florida nursing programs require a minimum overall GPA (often 3.0), specific grades in science prerequisites like anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and chemistry, and a competitive score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Some schools admit pre-nursing students and then require a separate application to the upper-division nursing major, while others admit directly. Deadlines can be as early as January for a fall start. Before investing time and application fees, map out every requirement and confirm you meet, or have a plan to meet, each one.
Nursing students in Florida can choose from several educational paths, each suited to different timelines, prior experience, and career goals. An ADN gets you into practice in two years, a traditional BSN provides a comprehensive four-year foundation, and an accelerated BSN leverages an existing bachelor's degree to fast-track your RN license. RN-to-BSN programs (often completed online in as little as 9 months) build on an existing ADN for working nurses seeking a bachelor's. Shorter entry points like LPN or CNA training, and graduate pathways to nurse practitioner roles, also exist.
By 2026, Florida faces a projected shortage of 14,940 registered nurses, according to the Florida Center for Nursing. This gap underscores the strong demand for nursing graduates across the state.
What does it take to get into a competitive Florida BSN program for the 2026-2027 admissions cycle?
Most Florida BSN programs set a minimum cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, though competitive applicant pools often raise the effective cutoff. Typical prerequisite courses include: - Anatomy & Physiology: Two semesters with labs, often requiring a B or better. - Microbiology: One semester with lab, essential for understanding infection control. - Chemistry: Some programs require general or organic chemistry; others accept introductory chemistry. - Statistics: Frequently required for evidence-based practice skills. - Additional Sciences: Nutrition, human growth and development, or psychology may be specified.
The University of Florida's Accelerated BSN program, for example, mandates a 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA and specific pre-reqs: Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs, Microbiology with lab, Statistics, Human Growth & Development, Human Nutrition, and Florida Civic Literacy.1 Always verify each school's requirements; missing a single course can delay admission by a semester.
Standardized nursing entrance exams are a common gatekeeper, but which test you take depends on the school. The ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) and the HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) are the two main options. Many Florida public universities lean toward the TEAS, while some private or allied health programs require the HESI A2. For instance, the University of Florida's Accelerated BSN does not require either exam1, but UCF and USF typically do. Since policies can shift, you should verify the required exam, minimum score, and retake limits directly on program websites before booking a test date.
Florida nursing programs generally admit for fall and spring starts, with deadlines falling 6 to 9 months before enrollment. For a fall 2026 cohort, you might submit between December 2025 and February 2026, while spring 2027 applications often close the previous June or July. Some accelerated tracks only admit once a year. For example, UF's Accelerated BSN opened its Summer 2026 application cycle with a February 1, 2026 deadline1, and the next cycle for Summer 2027 will open in September 2026.1 NursingCAS, a centralized application service, is used by several Florida schools, so factor in time for transcript verification.
Flagship institutions like UF, UCF, and USF see more applications than seats, so meeting the minimum GPA won't guarantee admission. These programs often set higher unofficial GPA floors (3.5 or above for the last 60 credits), require supplemental essays, and may conduct interviews. Shadowing hours or volunteer experience in healthcare settings can strengthen an application, and letters of recommendation are commonly expected. International applicants should note English proficiency tests such as the TOEFL (UF requires a minimum 80 iBT for its Accelerated BSN)1. As admissions criteria evolve, contacting each program's admissions office for the latest details is the safest strategy.
Choosing a nursing program in Florida means weighing factors like cost, accreditation, and NCLEX outcomes. These answers address the most common questions aspiring nurses ask.
Below is a city-by-city directory of additional RN programs across Florida, including BSN, ADN, and accelerated pathways. Use this guide to explore nursing schools that may not appear in the top 10 rankings but still offer strong NCLEX preparation and clinical training.
