Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and accreditation for the best BSN and RN programs near Riverside.
With the Riverside-San Bernardino metro area's median RN wage at $97,780, aspiring nurses often weigh whether a faster associate degree or a broader bachelor's program leads to better job placements. The region sits within reach of multiple nursing schools in California, including University of California and California State University programs and community colleges, though the strongest NCLEX outcomes and clinical partnerships tend to cluster in Los Angeles, Irvine, and Fullerton.
Prospective students must navigate distinct admission hurdles: BSN programs like UCLA's accept fewer than 10% of applicants, while many ADN programs use competitive point systems. Even as health systems expand, the local talent pipeline remains tight: program selectivity rather than seat availability is the binding constraint.
Riverside nursing students have access to strong programs throughout Southern California. The following institutions combine rigorous academics, clinical training, and NCLEX preparation, with options at the associate, bachelor's, and direct-entry master's levels.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | $13,000/yr (net price) | Second-degree students seeking direct-entry MSN | |
UCLA's School of Nursing is a nationally recognized public institution offering a traditional BSN and a direct-entry MSN. The BSN is a four-year campus program with a clinical internship, while the MSN allows second-degree students to become RNs in two years. Both paths emphasize evidence-based practice, cultural competence, and leadership, with access to UCLA Health clinical sites across Southern California.
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| #2 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | $14,000/yr (net price) | Aspiring RNs seeking high-tech simulation training | |
UC Irvine's nursing program, ranked in the top 6% nationally, offers a BSN and a direct-entry MSN. The BSN blends high-tech simulation with over 50% of clinical placements at UCI Medical Center. The MSN is a two-year full-time program preparing leaders for RN licensure, with a focus on underserved populations and evidence-based practice.
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| #3 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | Career changers in an 18-month master's program | |
UC Davis offers an accelerated 18-month Master's Entry Program in Nursing for students with a prior bachelor's degree. This full-time, campus-based program in Sacramento emphasizes case-based learning, clinical immersion, and leadership. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN and Public Health Nurse certification, with a curriculum focused on quality, safety, and diverse patient populations.
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| #4 | Xavier College School of Nursing | Stockton, CA | ~$15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Xavier College School of Nursing in Stockton offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) through a prelicensure campus program. The curriculum blends nursing theory with practical skills, emphasizing individual growth and professional accountability. It holds national accreditation from ABHES and approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing.
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| #5 | San Jose State University | San Jose, CA | $14,000/yr | ||
San Jose State University's Valley Foundation School of Nursing provides a full-time, in-person BSN program for students new to nursing. Located in Silicon Valley, it combines hands-on training with a comprehensive curriculum. Admission requires prerequisites and the TEAS exam, and the program emphasizes practical skills and theoretical knowledge for RN licensure.
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| #6 | Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health | Los Angeles, CA | |||
Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health is a specialized public institution offering an Associate of Science in Nursing with both basic RN and LVN-to-RN advanced placement tracks. With a very low student-faculty ratio, students receive intensive clinical training within the LA County health system. Graduates report strong earnings and low debt.
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| #7 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | $15,000/yr (net price) | ||
San Diego State University's BSN is a competitive direct-entry program for first-time freshmen. It combines rigorous coursework in patient care, pharmacology, and community health with hands-on clinical practice. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and professional development, preparing graduates for diverse nursing roles in a vibrant urban setting.
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| #8 | De Anza College | Cupertino, CA | $2,000 – $13,000/yr | ||
De Anza College in Cupertino offers an Associate Degree Nursing program and an LVN to RN transition track. Both are campus-based with three annual application periods. The ADN requires the HESI exam, while the LVN option provides advanced placement for licensed vocational nurses. Graduates benefit from high NCLEX pass rates and strong local employment.
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| #9 | California State University-Fullerton | Fullerton, CA | $7,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
California State University, Fullerton's School of Nursing offers a Traditional BSN for first-year students and an Upper Division Transfer BSN. Both are full-time, campus-based programs leading to RN licensure. Known for affordability and no entrance exam requirement, the transfer track requires a 3.25 GPA and 60 prerequisite units.
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| #10 | California State University-Long Beach | Long Beach, CA | $7,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
Cal State Long Beach's BSN program is a competitive five-semester, full-time pathway for students completing prerequisites. It requires a 3.25 GPA and the Casper situational judgment test. The campus-based curriculum prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and emphasizes comprehensive nursing fundamentals, with no preference for Riverside County applicants.
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Cost is a major factor when choosing a nursing program. The table below compares annual tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, along with the average net price after financial aid, for public nursing schools in the Riverside area. All programs listed are public institutions; private options typically have higher tuition. Note that net price reflects the institution-wide average and may not capture program-specific fees, so actual costs for nursing students could differ.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of San Mateo | $1,332 | $11,428 | $536 |
| Pasadena City College | $1,180 | $10,924 | $3,864 |
| California State University-Los Angeles | $7,164 | $19,764 | $3,967 |
| Saddleback College | $1,432 | $14,812 | $4,152 |
| California State University-San Bernardino | $8,088 | $20,688 | $4,564 |
| California State University-Stanislaus | $8,242 | $20,842 | $6,067 |
| Mt San Antonio College | $1,364 | $10,464 | $6,490 |
| California State University-Fullerton | $7,470 | $20,070 | $6,555 |
| De Anza College | $1,571 | $12,596 | $6,642 |
| California State University-Fresno | $7,341 | $19,941 | $7,000 |
First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates are a critical indicator of program quality, and California makes this data publicly available. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) website posts annual pass rate reports for every approved prelicensure nursing program in the state, broken down by program type (ADN, BSN, or entry-level MSN). This serves as the most authoritative starting point for comparing schools.
Program websites also often highlight their recent NCLEX performance. For example, Riverside City College's School of Nursing and California Baptist University's College of Nursing routinely publish pass rate summaries. These figures offer the quickest snapshot, but verify the reporting year and ensure the number reflects first-time test takers.
Not all pass rates are created equal. When reviewing these figures, consider: - Program type: BSN programs generally report first-time pass rates, while ADN programs may include repeat test-taker results unless clearly labeled. The California BRN separates these in its reports. - Cohort size: A 100% pass rate on a cohort of 10 students carries less statistical weight than a 95% rate on 80 students. Look for programs that consistently achieve pass rates above the state average over multiple years. - Trends over time: A single-year dip might reflect curriculum changes or exam difficulty variations. The BRN archives allow you to spot multi-year trends, which are more telling than a single data point.
Context matters. National first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates typically hover in the upper 70s to low 80s percent, with California often tracking a few points above the national figure. In the latest published cycles, California's overall average has remained competitive, but year-to-year fluctuations are normal.
When evaluating a Riverside-area program, compare its pass rate to both the California state average and the national average for that program type (ADN vs. BSN). A school consistently at or above the state mean is a strong sign, while one significantly below may raise questions about curriculum support and remediation resources.
If a school's NCLEX results are not posted on its website or appear to be missing from the BRN's current report, your best next step is to contact the nursing admissions office directly. Ask specifically for: - First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for the most recent graduating class - Total number of graduates who took the exam - Whether the school has any pending accreditation actions related to outcomes
Some programs may also provide NCLEX pass rate data during information sessions or open houses. As a secondary option, you can check the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) for broader trend reports, though it does not publish school-level data. For current California averages, the BRN site is the primary resource. On topnursing.org, individual school profiles often summarize these metrics as well.
Accreditation is not just a stamp of approval; it directly influences your eligibility for licensure, transfer credits, and even employer hiring preferences. Riverside-area nursing programs align with one of two nationally recognized bodies, and understanding the difference helps you avoid dead ends.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs, while the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits all levels, from practical nursing to doctoral degrees. Both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, but CCNE is more common among four-year universities, and ACEN is typical for associate-degree and diploma programs. In the Riverside area, California Baptist University and Cal State San Bernardino hold CCNE accreditation for their BSN programs1, while Riverside City College and Mt. San Jacinto College hold ACEN accreditation for their ADN programs2. Employers rarely discriminate between the two, but if you plan to pursue an advanced degree later, a CCNE-accredited BSN may streamline your graduate school applications.
Riverside offers multiple pathways to RN licensure, with lengths that vary by your starting point. A traditional BSN at a four-year university like CSUSB or CBU typically takes four years of full-time study. Accelerated BSN tracks for career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field can be completed in 12-18 months; Cal State Fullerton, within commuting distance, offers one such program. For students who want to earn an associate degree first, ADN programs at Riverside City College and Mt. San Jacinto College generally require two years, after which you can enter an RN-to-BSN bridge program. CSUSB’s ADN-to-BSN pathway is designed for working nurses, often delivered online or in a hybrid format and completed in about one to two years. Online and hybrid options are limited at the prelicensure level due to clinical requirements, but many general education and theory courses may be offered remotely.
Most prelicensure programs require a slate of science prerequisites with a grade of C or better: human anatomy, human physiology, microbiology, and college-level math or statistics. Some also require chemistry, psychology, and nutrition. GPA minimums vary by competitiveness. CSU BSN programs often set a prerequisite GPA floor of 3.0, while community college ADN programs may accept 2.5-2.75, though admission points systems reward higher grades. California Baptist University, for example, requires a minimum TEAS score around 70% and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all college coursework.
Beyond transcripts and test scores, nursing programs require a criminal background check, drug screening, and up-to-date immunization records (including TB, hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, and Tdap). A current CPR certification for healthcare providers (BLS) is also standard. Some schools, like Cal State San Bernardino, ask for a situational judgment test or a personal statement. Spaces are limited, so meeting minimums does not guarantee a seat: stronger test scores, higher GPAs, and healthcare experience can tip the scales.
The Riverside–San Bernardino metro area offers competitive pay for RNs, with a median annual wage of $97,780 as of 2024. While this is above the national median, it remains well below the California statewide median, reflecting regional variation within the state. Major employers driving demand include RUHS Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Riverside, and Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Selecting a nursing program is a major decision. Below are straightforward answers to the most common questions about Riverside nursing schools, based on data profiled in the rankings and tables above.
If the top-ranked schools don't quite fit your needs, these additional nursing programs across California offer a range of degrees, formats, and locations. Each is listed with key details to help you explore your options.
