Compare accredited BSN programs, tuition costs, and NCLEX pass rates for schools near Odessa, FL.
The Tampa Bay corridor now supports one of Florida's densest clusters of BSN programs, a shift that puts Odessa residents within commuting distance of multiple state universities and private colleges.
Students weighing campus-based study against online options find both formats available nearby; direct-entry MSN tracks also exist for career changers. NCLEX first-time pass rates among area schools range from the mid-80s to above 95 percent, a spread that signals differing levels of licensure preparedness.
Employer expectations in the region increasingly align with BSN-prepared new graduates, making program outcomes and clinical placement networks practical decision points rather than abstract metrics.
Finding the right nursing school near Odessa means weighing program quality, cost, and clinical placement convenience. The University of South Florida in Tampa offers the shortest commute and strong ties to Tampa Bay healthcare employers, while other state universities provide highly ranked programs within a few hours' drive. Each entry below combines federal data and program-specific research to highlight what sets it apart.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $10,000/yr | Veterans transitioning from medic to RN | |
The University of South Florida's College of Nursing is located just 30–40 minutes from Odessa, making it the most convenient major university BSN program for local students. USF offers multiple pathways: a traditional Upper Division BSN, an Accelerated Second Degree option for career changers, and a Veteran to BSN (V-CARE) track that recognizes prior military medical training. Clinical rotations are heavily integrated with Tampa Bay hospitals, and the program is noted for competitive admission and strong NCLEX preparation.
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| #2 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | Aspiring nurse researchers | |
The University of Florida in Gainesville offers a top‑20 nationally ranked BSN program, recognized as the best in Florida by U.S. News. Its rigorous curriculum includes cutting‑edge simulation labs and access to UF Health facilities. With traditional, accelerated, and RN‑to‑BSN tracks, UF suits a range of students, though the commute from Odessa is about two‑and‑a‑half hours. High NCLEX pass rates and strong post‑graduation earnings make this program highly competitive.
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| #3 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $10,000/yr | Career changers in Central Florida | |
The University of Central Florida in Orlando provides two BSN tracks, a Traditional BSN across three campuses and a four‑semester Second Degree BSN for career changers. Both are competitive, limited‑access programs with high NCLEX‑RN pass rates that consistently exceed state averages. UCF emphasizes sciences and clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings, though the commute from Odessa is roughly one and a half to two hours.
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| #4 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $11,000/yr | ||
Florida State University in Tallahassee offers a single, nationally accredited prelicensure BSN that takes about 15–16 months to complete after prerequisites. The program takes a holistic admissions approach, considering community engagement and work experience alongside a minimum 3.0 GPA. While it is a strong SUS option, the Panhandle location means a multi‑hour drive from Odessa with no local clinical placements.
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| #5 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Florida International University in Miami provides multiple BSN pathways, traditional, accelerated, and a special Foreign‑Educated Physician to BSN/MSN track. Students learn in the university's S.T.A.R. Center simulation labs and benefit from the school's designated Hispanic‑Serving Institution status. All programs are campus‑based and located in South Florida, a considerable distance from Odessa.
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| #6 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
The University of North Florida in Jacksonville runs a community‑oriented Prelicensure BSN and a direct‑entry Freshman Admit Nursing (FAN) track for incoming first‑years. While both are full‑time and clinical‑heavy, the Northeast Florida location lacks partnerships or rotations in the Odessa area, making it less convenient for Pasco County residents.
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| #7 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | $37,000/yr (net price) | ||
The University of Miami is a private research university in Coral Gables offering traditional, accelerated, and RN‑to‑BSN options. Its programs boast a low student‑faculty ratio and access to over 200 clinical partners through the UM Health System. However, as a private institution with a high net price and a South Florida location, it may be less accessible for Odessa students seeking an in‑state public education.
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| #8 | Southeastern College-West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach, FL | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southeastern College's West Palm Beach campus offers a 25‑month Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing. The program blends on‑campus and hybrid delivery and requires TEAS exam scores for admission. While it prepares students for the NCLEX‑RN, the campus is located on Florida's East Coast with no clinical ties to the Odessa region.
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| #9 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $5,000 – $17,000/yr | ||
Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton features a hybrid BSN that combines online didactic work with 840 hours of clinical training. The program is known for its caring science framework and high NCLEX pass rates. Despite the flexible delivery, clinical placements are primarily in South Florida, making the commute from Odessa impractical for most students.
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| #10 | Antigua College International | Miami Lakes, FL | $29,000/yr | ||
Antigua College International in Miami Lakes provides a 42‑month hybrid BSN with small class sizes and a focus on clinical judgment and ethical practice. The private college charges the same tuition for all students and offers financial aid, but its South Florida campus and limited regional data on graduate earnings mean Odessa-area learners should weigh the distance carefully.
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Many nursing school rankings rely on subjective peer surveys and editor opinion, but ours is built on transparent, publicly available federal data that you can check for yourself. As a result, the scores reflect real cost, completion, and career outcomes, not just reputation.
We considered several data points from the U.S. Department of Education's IPEDS and College Scorecard databases: - Net price: The average amount students pay after grants and scholarships, a truer reflection of your likely cost. - Graduation rate: This institution-wide figure from IPEDS indicates how many full-time, first-time students complete a degree within 150% of the expected time. It is not specific to the nursing program, but it signals overall student support and momentum. - Program format: Whether the BSN or nursing program is offered on campus, online, or in a hybrid model, which affects accessibility for working students. - Scorecard outcomes: Median earnings of former students who received federal aid, along with employment rates, drawn from the College Scorecard. These data points, when available, offer a window into how graduates fare in the job market.
All schools listed, including LPN programs in Odessa FL, are within a 75-mile radius of Odessa, FL. This captures the broader Tampa Bay metropolitan area and the Central Pasco corridor, so you see options that are realistically commutable or accessible to residents of Odessa and surrounding communities.
Many other ranking sites rely on opaque editorial judgment or self-reported surveys. By using federal datasets and a clear geographic scope, we give you a straightforward, verifiable comparison. You can replicate the data searches yourself, focus on the factors that matter most to your situation, and feel confident that the list is not driven by advertising arrangements or hidden agendas.
The table below compares tuition, net price, and graduate debt for BSN programs near Odessa, Florida. All schools are public institutions, and in-state tuition rates apply to Florida residents.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Graduation Rate | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Johns River State College | $2,591 | $9,334 | $6,135 | 48.9% | $12,000 |
| Miami Dade College | $2,838 | $9,661 | $5,463 | 45.9% | $9,252 |
| Lake-Sumter State College | $3,292 | $13,276 | $5,855 | 48.4% | $6,750 |
| Florida Atlantic University | $4,879 | $17,324 | $8,752 | 62.6% | $17,236 |
| University of Florida | $6,381 | $28,659 | $6,541 | 91.1% | $15,000 |
| Florida International University | $6,565 | $18,964 | $9,288 | 74.4% | $16,500 |
Choosing a nursing program means balancing immediate costs and location against longer-term career opportunities, and accreditation plays a central role in that calculus. It can directly shape employer expectations, graduate school eligibility, and even licensure portability across states.
BSN graduates often benefit from programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which is the standard for baccalaureate and graduate nursing education. Associate degree programs, like the ones at Rasmussen University’s Central Pasco and Tampa/Brandon campuses, are typically accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Both accreditations ensure quality, but CCNE accreditation can be preferred by some hospitals and is essential for seamless progression into advanced practice nursing degrees.
First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates reveal how well programs prepare students for licensure. A program’s first-time pass rate is a critical indicator of how well its curriculum aligns with national licensing standards, which can affect your confidence on test day and your appeal to employers. In 2025, Rasmussen University – Central Pasco reported a 76.51% pass rate, while its Tampa/Brandon campus achieved 82.14%. University of South Florida’s BSN program posted a 97% pass rate, showing the strong outcomes typical of university-based programs. These figures, drawn from Florida Board of Nursing data, include associate and bachelor’s level cohorts.
Florida’s statewide first-time pass rate for 2025 was 81.82%, which falls below the national average of 86.71%. Programs in the Florida State University System, by contrast, averaged 94%, highlighting the performance gap between large public universities and some private or associate-level options. Prospective students near Odessa should weigh accreditation type and pass rates alongside cost and flexibility when deciding which path best fits their goals.
The path to becoming a registered nurse in Odessa, FL follows a clear sequence of education, examination, and licensure. Here's the step-by-step process from enrollment to your first nursing job.
If you're considering nursing school near Odessa, you likely have questions about costs, pass rates, and program formats. Below we answer the most common queries to help you find the right fit.
Beyond the top-ranked programs, many other nursing schools in Florida serve students from Odessa and the surrounding area. Explore the full directory below and use filters to find a program that matches your goals and budget.
