Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for accredited nursing programs near Orange Park.
Orange Park sits roughly 15 miles south of downtown Jacksonville, placing nursing students within commuting distance of major health systems like Baptist Health, UF Health Jacksonville, and Ascension St. Vincent’s. That proximity translates into steady demand, but also into employers who increasingly expect a BSN at the point of hire.
Aspiring nurses in the area can pursue traditional on-campus BSNs, RN-to-BSN bridges, or online options with local clinical placements at nursing schools in Jacksonville Florida, each with distinct cost and time implications.
Program sticker prices mask wide net-cost differences once financial aid is factored in, and admission cutoffs for competitive tracks often run above published minimums. In a metro where BSN preference is hardening, choosing a school that balances affordability with strong NCLEX outcomes matters more than prestige.
Orange Park, Florida, sits in the Jacksonville metro area, giving aspiring nurses access to a range of BSN programs both close to home and across the state. This ranking highlights the top schools based on institutional quality, affordability, and regional relevance, with the local University of North Florida emerging as the most convenient and practical choice for area residents.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | Northeast Florida residents seeking local BSN | |
The University of North Florida in Jacksonville is the most convenient four-year BSN provider for Orange Park residents, offering a Prelicensure BSN and a Freshman Admit Nursing direct-entry pathway. With strong clinical partnerships throughout Northeast Florida, including Clay and St. Johns counties, UNF students gain hands-on experience in the local healthcare community. The program emphasizes community-based learning and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN, with an institution-wide graduation rate of 69%.
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| #2 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | Ambitious students seeking nationally ranked BSN | |
The University of Florida's BSN program is ranked among the top 20 nationally and number one in Florida, offering a highly respected nursing education in Gainesville, within driving distance of Orange Park. With a 91% graduation rate and a strong clinical footprint through UF Health's North Florida network, students gain access to premier facilities and a research-intensive environment. The program provides multiple pathways, including traditional and accelerated tracks, and boasts high NCLEX pass rates.
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| #3 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $11,000/yr | ||
Florida State University in Tallahassee offers a nationally accredited BSN program that can be completed in 15-16 months, ideal for students seeking a fast-paced entry into nursing. The program emphasizes holistic admissions and hands-on clinical experiences in diverse settings across North Florida. With an 86% graduation rate and competitive admissions, FSU prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure and beyond.
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| #4 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Florida International University in Miami offers a Traditional BSN, an Accelerated BSN, and a unique Foreign Educated Physician to BSN/MSN pathway. With a 74% graduation rate and a diverse, Hispanic-serving student body, FIU emphasizes simulation education in its S.T.A.R. Center and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN. While more convenient for South Florida residents, its multiple entry points and strong NCLEX preparation attract students statewide.
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| #5 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of South Florida's College of Nursing in Tampa offers multiple BSN pathways: a traditional Upper Division Pathway, an Accelerated Second Degree option, and a Veteran to BSN (V-CARE) track. With a 77% graduation rate and competitive admissions, USF provides rigorous clinical training in the Tampa Bay area. Orange Park students willing to relocate or travel can benefit from the school's strong reputation and comprehensive nursing education.
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| #6 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of Central Florida offers a Traditional BSN and a Second Degree BSN across multiple Central Florida campuses, with a 78% graduation rate and NCLEX-RN pass rates that exceed state and national averages. Its Orlando location is within a manageable drive for some Orange Park students, though clinical placements are concentrated in Central Florida. UCF's strong employer reputation and cohort-based learning model are highlights.
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| #7 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | $37,000/yr (net price) | ||
The University of Miami in Coral Gables offers a CCNE-accredited Traditional BSN, an Accelerated BSN, and an RN-to-BSN hybrid pathway. With an 84% graduation rate and a low 11:1 student-faculty ratio, the program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and clinical excellence through its health system partnerships. While primarily serving South Florida, the accelerated 12-month track may appeal to career changers willing to relocate.
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| #8 | Southeastern College-West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach, FL | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southeastern College in West Palm Beach offers an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, an on-campus program spanning 25 months that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN. With an 88% institution-wide graduation rate and a supportive learning environment, it is designed for students seeking a direct entry into nursing. While not a BSN, this program can be a stepping stone for Orange Park residents open to relocation in South Florida.
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| #9 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $5,000 – $17,000/yr | ||
Florida Atlantic University's hybrid BSN program in Boca Raton combines online coursework with 840 clinical hours across diverse settings, making it more accessible to students outside Southeast Florida. With a 63% graduation rate and CCNE accreditation, the program emphasizes a caring-science model and has a high NCLEX-RN pass rate. Its hybrid format could appeal to Orange Park students willing to travel for occasional in-person requirements.
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| #10 | Antigua College International | Miami Lakes, FL | $29,000/yr | ||
Antigua College International in Miami Lakes offers a hybrid BSN program spanning 42 months, blending lectures, labs, and clinical hours. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1 and an emphasis on clinical judgment and ethics, the program is designed for students seeking a supportive, interactive learning environment. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
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The net price figures below represent the average amount students pay after receiving financial aid, calculated across all undergraduates at each institution; they are not guaranteed quotes for nursing programs. The table spans a wide cost range, from about $3,800 to over $9,000 per year, providing a quick overview of affordability.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian River State College | $2,764 | $10,201 | $3,815 |
| Gulf Coast State College | $2,370 | $8,635 | $4,709 |
| Florida Gateway College | $3,100 | $11,747 | $5,364 |
| Miami Dade College | $2,838 | $9,661 | $5,463 |
| Lake-Sumter State College | $3,292 | $13,276 | $5,855 |
| Saint Johns River State College | $2,591 | $9,334 | $6,135 |
| Eastern Florida State College | $2,791 | $10,976 | $6,440 |
| University of Florida | $6,381 | $28,659 | $6,541 |
| Florida Atlantic University | $4,879 | $17,324 | $8,752 |
| Florida International University | $6,565 | $18,964 | $9,288 |
Nursing school admission standards continue to drift upward, with many BSN programs near Orange Park setting competitive thresholds that exceed posted minimums. Understanding these typical requirements helps you find programs where your profile fits.
Most pre-licensure BSN programs in the Jacksonville area list a minimum GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, but competitive applicants often present stronger numbers. Jacksonville University's traditional BSN sets a baseline of 2.50, though successful candidates frequently hold a 3.0 or higher. Entrance exams are common: Chamberlain University's pre-licensure BSN requires the HESI A2, with a composite score typically in the 73 to 75% range. Florida State College at Jacksonville's ASN (a pathway that can bridge to BSN) also uses the HESI A2, demanding at least 75% on each of its four core sections (Grammar, Math, Reading, Vocabulary). The UF Accelerated BSN in Jacksonville skips standardized testing altogether, but requires a prior bachelor's degree in another field. Prerequisite sciences almost always include anatomy, physiology, and microbiology; check each school's list for specific math and general education courses.
Programs routinely require a background check, CPR certification, and up-to-date immunization records as conditions of enrollment. Drug screening may also be mandatory. These non-academic checks are typically completed after an admission offer but before clinical placements begin.
Licensed RNs pursuing a bachelor's degree face a lighter application process. Florida State College at Jacksonville's BSN, for instance, requires only a current, unencumbered RN license. Entrance exams and many prerequisite courses are waived, and GPA expectations are often more flexible.
Admission criteria change annually. Always confirm current requirements, deadlines, and any supplemental materials with the school's nursing admissions office.
While program-level earnings data is limited for Orange Park nursing programs, NCLEX-RN pass rates offer insight into graduate readiness. Fortis College's associate in nursing program achieved an 88% pass rate in 2024, exceeding the state average.
Choosing between online and on-campus BSN programs near Orange Park involves weighing flexibility against hands-on experience. Several schools in the area offer online or hybrid tracks that combine digital coursework with weekend clinicals, while others maintain traditional on-campus formats for direct access to labs and faculty.
The shift toward BSN-prepared nurses in North Florida is reshaping hiring standards across Jacksonville's major health systems. For nursing students and working RNs in Orange Park, choosing the right BSN timeline can position them competitively in this evolving job market.
A traditional pre-licensure BSN typically takes four years of full-time study. Many area universities also offer accelerated tracks for career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Jacksonville University’s 12-month ABSN program, hosted at Baptist Health and Mayo Clinic, and its 16-month ABSN at Ascension St. Vincent’s, are popular fast-track choices. The University of Florida provides a 15-month accelerated BSN in Jacksonville with clinical rotations at UF Health. For ADN-prepared nurses, both the University of North Florida and Florida State College at Jacksonville deliver streamlined RN-to-BSN programs that can be completed in as few as 12 months, fully online and designed for working professionals. Chamberlain University’s Jacksonville campus offers a three-year BSN for students seeking a continuous, year-round schedule.
Florida’s statewide articulation agreements make it straightforward for community college ADN graduates to transfer credits into a bachelor’s program. A nurse who earned an associate degree from a Florida public college can enroll in a university RN-to-BSN bridge without repeating coursework. This pathway is particularly cost-effective for Orange Park nurses who want to keep working while advancing their degree part-time, often entirely online.
Magnet-designated hospitals, including Baptist Health, Mayo Clinic Florida, and UF Health Jacksonville, increasingly require or prefer BSN-prepared nurses for patient-care positions. Baptist Health expects newly hired RNs to hold a BSN or enroll in a program within a set timeframe. This preference extends to many other area employers, meaning that job seekers from Orange Park will find a bachelor’s degree a distinct advantage in the Jacksonville market.
BSN preparation pays off quickly. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree in the Jacksonville area typically earn higher median wages and qualify sooner for leadership positions such as charge nurse, manager, or clinical educator. The degree also opens doors to specialty certifications and graduate education, enabling faster entry into advanced practice roles like nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. In competitive units, critical care, emergency, and perioperative, a BSN is now the standard for new applicants.
Considering a BSN in Orange Park? Below are answers to common questions about local nursing programs, costs, online options, and clinical placements. This FAQ addresses key concerns for prospective nursing students in the area.
Which BSN program in Orange Park gives you the strongest return? Your answer depends on weighing total cost against recent NCLEX-RN pass rates and program format. The ranked list above shows where tuition falls below state averages and where graduates clear the licensure exam at high rates. Request information directly from your top choices, and for a broader search, browse nursing schools across Florida.
