Compare NCLEX pass rates, tuition, program length, and outcomes for every BSN option in the Tempe metro area.
Tempe sits inside one of the Southwest's most active nursing labor markets, where Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler healthcare employers regularly compete for new graduates. Rapid population growth and large hospital systems make Tempe a high-demand node, and multiple BSN pathways are within a short commute.
Public and private options are concentrated here: Arizona State University’s downtown Phoenix campus offers a traditional competitive-entry BSN, while Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe provides a CCNE-accredited 3-year alternative with rolling admissions. This mix lets students choose between cohort-based prestige and accelerated entry.
In a region where many employers prefer BSN-credentialed nurses and specialization lifts pay quickly, comparing NCLEX consistency, net price, and employment outcomes before enrolling prevents costly detours.
The ranking below identifies nursing schools in or near Tempe, Arizona, that offer BSN, ADN, and graduate pathways to registered nursing. Each school is assessed on publicly available data covering completion rates, affordability, and student outcomes, helping prospective nurses compare programs that fit their goals and budget.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe | Tempe, AZ | $32,000/yr (net price) | Accelerated-track learners seeking a Tempe BSN | |
Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe is a private institution offering a focused 3-year BSN program on its Tempe campus. Ranked #1 by Niche as the best college for nursing in Arizona in 2026, it provides a fast-track path to RN licensure with CCNE accreditation. The school serves a mostly full-time student body and maintains a 100% admission rate, making it accessible while still delivering a rigorous curriculum with simulation labs and clinical rotations. Its net price is around $31,681 with median graduate debt of $9,500 and median earnings of $34,657 ten years out.
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| #2 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | ~$17,000/yr (est.) | Career changers targeting accelerated BSN or MSN | |
The University of Arizona's College of Nursing, with locations in Tucson and Gilbert, offers BSN and direct-entry MSN programs accessible to Tempe-area students. Programs include a traditional 24-month BSN, an accelerated 15-16 month BSN with an integrative health focus, and an MS-MEPN for career changers. The school reports a 93% first-time NCLEX pass rate and strong earnings outcomes for graduates. In-state net price is $16,674, with median debt at $19,620 and median earnings of $59,979.
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| #3 | Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, AZ | $14,000/yr | Hybrid-learning students needing a public option | |
Northern Arizona University is a public institution offering a BSN program through its Flagstaff campus with hybrid formats available for students statewide. The traditional BSN takes four and a half years and emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care, while an accelerated BSN track can be completed in 12 months for those holding a bachelor's degree. Both pathways prepare students for the NCLEX-RN and are CCNE-accredited. In-state net price is $14,158, with median debt at $19,000 and median earnings of $54,384.
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| #4 | Pima Medical Institute-Mesa | Mesa, AZ | $21,000/yr (net price) | ||
Pima Medical Institute's Mesa campus provides a career-focused nursing education with an ADN and an online RN-to-BSN completion program. The ADN program can be completed in 20 months on campus and includes clinical externships to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN. The RN-to-BSN is designed for working nurses and can be completed online in about one year. Net price is $21,461, median debt $9,500, and median earnings $38,673.
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| #5 | Carrington College-Tucson | Tucson, AZ | $34,000/yr | ||
Carrington College in Tucson offers a campus-based Associate Degree in Nursing and an online RN-to-BSN program. The ADN program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and includes hands-on clinical experiences. The RN-to-BSN is a post-licensure online program that can be completed in 15 months. Net price is $33,983, with median debt at $9,500 and median earnings of $36,718.
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| #6 | Aspen University | Phoenix, AZ | $7,000/yr | ||
Aspen University, headquartered in Phoenix, offers fully online MSN programs with concentrations in Administration and Management, Forensic Nursing, and Informatics. These programs are designed for RNs with a BSN and at least one year of experience, featuring 8-week terms and a curriculum that includes a practicum and capstone. Tuition is priced uniformly without state residency discounts, totaling about $21,150 for the Administration and Management track. Note that Aspen has faced regulatory scrutiny for some prelicensure programs, but its CCNE-accredited MSN offerings remain available.
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| #7 | Estrella Mountain Community College | Avondale, AZ | $2,000 – $9,000/yr | ||
Estrella Mountain Community College, part of the MaricopaNursing consortium, offers an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing that prepares students for RN licensure. Through a Concurrent Enrollment Program, students can simultaneously earn a BSN from a partner university while paying low community college tuition. The net price is $12,254, with median debt of $7,500 and median earnings of $44,356, making it one of the most affordable nursing pathways in the region.
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| #8 | Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix | Phoenix, AZ | ~$37,000/yr (est.) | ||
Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix is a private nursing school offering a 3-year BSN program similar to its sister campus in Tempe. Located in the Phoenix metro area, it provides a commutable option for Tempe residents with identical tuition for all students. The program features night classes, advanced simulation facilities, and clinical rotations. Net price is $36,660, with median debt at $9,500 and median earnings of $34,657.
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| #9 | Mohave Community College | Kingman, AZ | ~$6,000/yr (est.) | ||
Mohave Community College in Kingman offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing that prepares students for RN licensure. While its location is distant from Tempe, it maintains low tuition for Arizona residents and includes some clinical training opportunities that extend to Las Vegas. The program requires a 2.85 GPA and completion of prerequisites. Net price is $5,974, the lowest among ranked schools, with median debt of $9,700 and median earnings of $35,522.
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| #10 | Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | ~$22,000/yr (est.) | ||
Grand Canyon University, a private Christian university in Phoenix, offers a campus-based BSN pre-licensure program that emphasizes evidence-based, holistic nursing. The program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN through immersive simulations and clinical practice. With a net price of $22,472 and median debt of $22,114, GCU is a sizeable private option for Tempe-area students, though it does not offer an in-state tuition discount.
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The table below compares sticker prices and average net prices for BSN programs at public community colleges near Tempe. Net price is the institution-wide average cost after federal, state, and institutional grant aid, so individual expenses can differ based on family finances. Many Tempe-area schools enroll a large share of Pell Grant recipients, reflecting a strong commitment to serving students with financial need.
| School | In-State Tuition ($) | Out-of-State Tuition ($) | Net Price ($) | Pell Grant Recipients (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Arizona College | $2,250 | $4,500 | $4,714 | 92.7% |
| Mohave Community College | $2,208 | $7,968 | $5,974 | 92.6% |
| Yavapai College | $2,948 | $9,486 | $8,683 | 93.2% |
| Arizona Western College | $3,060 | $9,870 | $8,983 | 98.5% |
| Eastern Arizona College | $2,352 | $9,552 | $9,197 | N/A |
| Northland Pioneer College | $2,664 | $10,320 | $9,240 | N/A |
| Glendale Community College | $2,358 | $8,958 | $11,650 | 89.9% |
| Phoenix College | $2,358 | $8,958 | $12,055 | 89.5% |
| Mesa Community College | $2,358 | $8,958 | $12,132 | 84.7% |
| Estrella Mountain Community College | $2,358 | $8,958 | $12,254 | 87.3% |
A program’s NCLEX pass rate for nursing schools in Arizona can be read as a one-time scorecard or as a trend line over several exam cycles. While a single year’s figure indicates recent outcomes, reviewing multiple years shows whether a school maintains consistent licensure readiness, or struggles to support students.
First-time pass rates for Tempe-area BSN programs show notable variation. The Tempe campus of Arizona College of Nursing reported 149 of 176 candidates passing on the first attempt, a rate of 85%.1 Aspen University’s Phoenix location reported a lower rate of 77% (79 of 103 candidates).1 For Arizona State University’s Edson College of Nursing, program-specific data is not separately published in the latest state board summaries; however, the combined Phoenix metro BSN pass rate stands at 93.44% (1,538 of 1,646 candidates)1, which likely reflects that program’s strong results alongside others.
National first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates over recent years have ranged from 82% to 86%.2 By that measure, Arizona College of Nursing sits near the middle of the national range, while Aspen University falls noticeably below. The Phoenix metro aggregate of 93.44% comfortably exceeds the national average, suggesting that, as a group, local BSN graduates are well prepared.
A pass rate significantly below the national average, or a multi-year decline, can point to gaps in curriculum alignment with the NCLEX test plan, insufficient clinical hours, or inadequate student support. It may also hint at admission standards that allow underprepared students to enroll. For prospective students, a program’s 2-3 year trend is more telling than any single exam cycle, as it reveals whether the school is actively improving or merely fluctuating.
While the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard does not yet publish program-level earnings for Tempe-area BSN graduates, broader metro-level data gives a realistic salary benchmark. The figures below reflect all registered nurses in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler region, providing a reliable reference for what BSN-prepared nurses can expect.
Choosing between a traditional competitive-entry BSN and a program with rolling admissions sets the tone for your entire application journey. The Tempe area offers distinct pathways, ASU's rigorous cohort model and Arizona College of Nursing's continuous enrollment, and understanding the trade-offs can help you find the right fit. The decision goes beyond acceptance odds; it shapes the pace of your education, your clinical training depth, and your financial commitment.
Both CCNE and ACEN accreditation signal quality, but you'll want to verify a program's status directly. Accreditation affects licensure eligibility and transfer credits. Consider the format: ASU's Edson College offers a traditional four-year BSN with a set sequence, while Arizona College of Nursing provides a three-year accelerated track on a year-round schedule. If you need flexibility or a faster timeline, rolling-admission programs may serve you better, but they often carry a higher per-credit cost.
Clinical rotations are the backbone of your nursing education. Tempe BSN students train at some of the largest health systems in the Phoenix metro, including Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health (CommonSpirit), Valleywise Health, and Mayo Clinic. ASU's Edson College boasts 650 clinical partners spanning nearly all 50 states, with a prominent local partnership at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Arizona College of Nursing also secures placements at area hospitals, but the breadth of ASU's network can open doors to specialized experiences, such as pediatric or academic medical center rotations, that strengthen your resume.
Admissions processes vary dramatically. ASU's Traditional BSN is highly selective: direct admission requires a top-10% high school rank, a minimum 3.80 GPA (or 3.50 with a qualifying ACT of 25 or SAT of 1230), and a strong TEAS score. Even once admitted, students must maintain a 3.50 GPA and no grade below a C. In contrast, Arizona College of Nursing uses rolling admissions, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and seats are filled continuously. This approach can be less stressful if you meet the baseline requirements, but it may mean earlier application submission is critical to secure a spot.
Look beyond tuition. Total cost includes lab fees, scrubs, background checks, transportation to clinical sites, and opportunity cost if a longer program delays your entry into the workforce. Public universities like ASU often have lower in-state tuition, but private institutions may offer faster completion, potentially reducing living expenses. Request a full cost breakdown from each school and compare financial aid packages. A lower sticker price isn't always cheaper if it stretches your timeline or limits your clinical options.
Prospective nursing students in Tempe often have questions about program locations, acceptance rates, and career outcomes. Below are answers to common queries, based on current information from schools and workforce data.
If you’re looking beyond the top-ranked programs, these additional nursing schools near Tempe offer a range of BSN, ADN, and direct-entry MSN options. Explore their formats, locations, and net prices to find a fit for your career goals. Each listing links to the program’s official page for complete details.
