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.
Our ranking spotlights accredited nursing programs within a commutable radius of Odessa, balancing academic quality, affordability, and hands-on training. Whether you are seeking a traditional campus BSN, an accelerated second-degree track, or a flexible online RN-to-BSN, these schools offer pathways to launch or advance your nursing career in the Tampa Bay area.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $10,000/yr | Local residents seeking a research university | |
The University of South Florida in Tampa offers one of the most comprehensive nursing programs in the region, with multiple BSN pathways including a traditional upper-division track, an accelerated second-degree option, and a veteran-to-BSN program. With strong clinical partnerships in the Tampa Bay area and high NCLEX pass rates, USF prepares students for a wide range of healthcare settings. Its location roughly 25 miles from Odessa makes it a practical choice for commuting students.
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| #2 | Pasco-Hernando State College | New Port Richey, FL | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | Working RNs wanting affordable online BSN | |
Pasco-Hernando State College in New Port Richey is one of the closest options for Odessa residents, located just a few miles away. It offers an affordable online RN-to-BSN program for current RNs, as well as on-campus ADN pathways including an LPN and paramedic transition track. The college boasts high NCLEX pass rates and strong ties to local healthcare employers.
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| #3 | Florida College | Temple Terrace, FL | $24,000/yr | Faith-based BSN seekers in Tampa area | |
Florida College in Temple Terrace provides a faith-based BSN program on a small campus near Tampa. Accredited by the CCNE, the program emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care with clinical placements in the Tampa area. The supportive, close-knit environment appeals to students seeking a Christian nursing education.
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| #4 | The University of Tampa | Tampa, FL | $36,000/yr | ||
The University of Tampa's four-year BSN program combines rigorous academics with global health opportunities, including travel courses abroad. With a 95% NCLEX pass rate and clinical rotations in diverse settings, the program prepares students for immediate practice. Its downtown Tampa location offers convenient access to many hospitals.
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| #5 | Hillsborough Community College | Tampa, FL | $4,000/yr (net price) | ||
Hillsborough Community College's Nursing AS program is an ACEN-accredited, four-semester pathway offered at multiple Tampa-area campuses. The curriculum includes extensive simulation labs and a capstone, equipping graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Affordable tuition and flexible scheduling make it a strong entry point for aspiring RNs.
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| #6 | Polk State College | Winter Haven, FL | $9,000/yr (net price) | ||
Polk State College offers a fully online RN-to-BSN program and a campus-based ADN with generic and transition tracks. The RN-to-BSN can be completed in three semesters, making it attractive for working nurses. Located in Winter Haven, it is a viable option for eastern Polk County residents commuting from Odessa.
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| #7 | Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay | Saint Petersburg, FL | $28,000/yr | ||
Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay delivers an accelerated 3-year BSN on a Saint Petersburg campus. The program features multiple start dates, a free application, and personalized advising, designed for students who want a streamlined, career-focused education. Its for-profit, nursing-only model emphasizes clinical skills and NCLEX preparation.
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| #8 | St Petersburg College | St. Petersburg, FL | $1,000/yr | ||
St. Petersburg College provides a CCNE-accredited online RN-to-BSN and a hybrid ADN program with multiple tracks. The ADN boasts a 90% NCLEX pass rate and strong job placement, while the BSN is ideal for nurses seeking career advancement. Evening and weekend options accommodate working students.
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| #9 | Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | $29,000/yr (net price) | ||
Florida Southern's direct-entry BSN program in Lakeland immerses students in nursing from day one, with over 500 clinical hours and high-fidelity simulation. Known for a 100% job placement and NCLEX pass rates above 90%, it attracts students willing to commute for a private, high-touch education.
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| #10 | Galen College of Nursing | Sarasota, FL | $28,000/yr | ||
Galen College of Nursing in Sarasota offers the same 3-year BSN model as its Tampa Bay campus, plus an ADN option. With four start dates and a supportive academic framework, it is geared toward career changers and new students. The Sarasota campus is the farthest from Odessa but could suit those on the southern side.
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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.
