Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, accreditation, and program formats for every Orlando-area BSN option.
Orlando’s hospital networks have added more than 500 licensed beds since 2020, and employers across Orange and Seminole counties increasingly require or prefer a bachelor’s degree for nursing hires.
Students choosing a program face wide variation in tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and early-career earnings. The 10 schools ranked represent the strongest options within a 75-mile radius, spanning public universities and private colleges with traditional, RN-to-BSN, and accelerated pathways.
As Magnet-designated facilities in Orlando push for more BSN-prepared nurses, the program you choose carries weight for early-career hiring.
The Orlando area offers several strong nursing programs for students at different stages, from pre-licensure BSN tracks to online RN-to-BSN completion options. The following schools are ranked primarily by institutional outcomes and program quality, with an emphasis on affordability and student support.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $10,000/yr | On-campus BSN students seeking Orlando immersion | |
UCF's College of Nursing, located in Orlando's Lake Nona Medical City, offers Traditional and Second Degree BSN paths that emphasize clinical placements in diverse settings and strong NCLEX-RN outcomes. With a lockstep cohort model and service-learning in underserved communities, students build teamwork and cultural competence. The program is known for producing the most BSN nurses in Florida and boasts licensure pass rates exceeding state and national averages. Graduates are well-prepared for roles across the Central Florida healthcare landscape or further graduate study.
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| #2 | Valencia College | Orlando, FL | ~$12,000/yr (est.) | Working RNs advancing to BSN online | |
Valencia College offers an online RN to BSN program designed for working registered nurses with an associate's degree. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice, leadership, and healthcare policy, and can be completed in as little as one to two years. With rolling admissions and no application fee, it provides an accessible pathway for career advancement. The program is ideal for nurses across Florida seeking to increase earning potential and lay the groundwork for graduate education.
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| #3 | Seminole State College of Florida | Sanford, FL | $9,000/yr | Budget-conscious nurses completing BSN online | |
Seminole State's RN-to-BSN program is entirely online and asynchronous, allowing registered nurses to complete their bachelor's in as little as 12 months for approximately $5,200 total. The ACEN-accredited curriculum covers professional role transition, community health, and leadership, concluding with a capstone. Developed with Central Florida health providers, the program emphasizes flexibility and practical skills, making it a cost-effective choice for working nurses.
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| #4 | AdventHealth University | Orlando, FL | $30,000 – $35,000/yr | ||
AdventHealth University's nursing programs combine hybrid and on-campus learning rooted in a faith-based, whole-person care philosophy. The BSN and ASN options provide hands-on clinical placements within the AdventHealth system, a major Florida healthcare network. With small class sizes, a dedicated nursing tutoring center, and strong graduate outcomes, including a 100% employment rate for BSN graduates, the school offers personalized support from enrollment through licensure.
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| #5 | Southern Technical College | Orlando, FL | $20,000 – $25,000/yr | ||
Southern Technical College offers an ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing that can be completed in less than two years. The campus-based program features small class sizes, hands-on lab simulations, and clinical rotations, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN. With day and evening classes and no-cost textbooks, it provides a practical and accessible path to becoming a registered nurse.
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| #6 | Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology | Altamonte Springs, FL | $23,000/yr | ||
Cambridge College provides BSN tracks, Traditional, Bridge, and Accelerated, that blend rigorous academics with cutting-edge simulation labs. The ACEN-accredited and Florida Board-approved program emphasizes patient-centered care, leadership, and evidence-based practice. With multiple campus locations and an online RN-to-BSN option, the college offers flexibility for students at various stages of their nursing journey.
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The table below compares key features of BSN programs available in the Orlando area. Net price reflects the institution-wide average after financial aid; your actual cost may differ. Program lengths assume full-time study unless otherwise noted.
| School | Program | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Format | Length | Part-Time Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Florida | Traditional BSN | N/A | N/A | N/A | Face-to-face | 5 semesters | No |
| University of Central Florida | Accelerated BSN | N/A | N/A | N/A | Face-to-face | 4 semesters | No |
| University of Central Florida | Concurrent ASN-BSN | N/A | N/A | N/A | In-person (ASN) + Online (BSN) | 6 semesters | No |
| Lake-Sumter State College | RN-BSN | $3,292 | $13,276 | $5,855 | Online | N/A | Yes |
Prospective nursing students in Orlando should examine first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates closely, as they are one of the most telling indicators of program quality. The Florida Board of Nursing recently released 2025 data showing that Florida’s overall first-time pass rate for BSN graduates was 81.82%, falling below the national average of 86.71%.1 While these statewide and national figures serve as benchmarks, individual Orlando-area programs may perform above or below these levels. To get a clear picture, check each school’s latest first-time pass rate on the Board’s website, as rates can fluctuate from year to year.
A school’s NCLEX pass rate directly reflects how effectively it prepares students for licensure and clinical practice. Consistently low rates can threaten a program’s accreditation standing and state board approval, which would limit graduates’ ability to take the licensure exam. In contrast, high pass rates signal rigorous curriculum, skilled faculty, and robust student support, qualities that correlate with stronger job placement and employer confidence. When comparing Orlando BSN programs, weigh pass rates alongside factors like tuition, program length, and clinical opportunities. Keep in mind that a single year’s data offers a snapshot; reviewing several years of performance gives a more reliable measure of program quality.
Accreditation is the single most important signal of program quality, and nursing schools in Orlando, like many top nursing schools in Florida, hold approval from two primary agencies: the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)1 and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, guaranteeing that a program meets national standards for preparing entry-level nurses. If you plan to earn a graduate nursing degree later, choose a CCNE-accredited BSN whenever possible, many MSN and DNP programs require it for admission.
Each program sets its own cutoffs. At the University of Central Florida, for example, the Traditional BSN requires the TEAS exam and an associate degree from a Florida public institution or equivalent.2 The Accelerated Second Degree BSN demands a 2.5 minimum GPA (both overall and in nursing major courses), the TEAS, and a prior bachelor’s degree in any field.3
Other Orlando-area schools may accept the SAT or ACT in place of the TEAS, or waive entrance exams entirely for students with strong GPAs. Always confirm the exact test requirements and minimum scores before applying.
BSN programs universally expect anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and statistics. UCF’s Traditional track mandates that prerequisites be completed by the term before enrollment.2; the accelerated path requires them at the time of application.3 Check each school’s catalog for designated prerequisite lists and equivalents from local community colleges like Valencia College.
Timelines are strict. UCF’s Traditional BSN accepts applications February 1, 15 for fall and August 15, 31 for spring.2 The Accelerated Second Degree BSN has deadlines of May 1 (fall), November 1 (spring), and March 1 (summer).3 Many programs fill seats on a rolling basis, so submit materials early, even if the deadline is weeks away.
If a DNP or MSN is in your future, verify that your BSN is CCNE- or ACEN-accredited. Some graduate programs, especially at nationally ranked universities, will only consider applicants from CCNE-accredited schools. Checking this detail now saves a costly scramble later.
Program-level early-career earnings for BSN graduates are not yet publicly available, but broader occupational data offers a useful benchmark. In the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area, registered nurses earn a median annual wage of $81,430 (BLS, 2024). Selecting a strong nursing program can help you reach or exceed this regional median over the course of your career.
