Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for every BSN program near West Palm Beach.
West Palm Beach’s healthcare systems increasingly expect a BSN for new RN hires, mirroring national trends. As hospitals and clinics expand, a four-year degree has become the standard for entry-level positions.
Public universities like Florida Atlantic and private schools including Southeastern College offer traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN pathways. Because costs and admission requirements vary significantly, prospective students must carefully weigh tuition, financial aid, and clinical placements.
NCLEX first-time pass rates range widely among local programs, revealing real differences in preparation. Often, a school with a strong pass rate and manageable debt outweighs institutional prestige in shaping a successful nursing career.
West Palm Beach offers nursing students a range of programs, from local associate degrees to nationally ranked bachelor’s tracks within driving distance. Our ranking weighs institutional quality, affordability, and program relevance for aspiring nurses in the area. Below are the top nursing programs serving West Palm Beach, with details on each school’s offerings.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Southeastern College-West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach, FL | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | Local nursing aspirants in Palm Beach | |
Southeastern College-West Palm Beach is a private career college located right in West Palm Beach, offering an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing. The 25-month program combines classroom instruction with local clinical rotations, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN and immediate employment in Palm Beach County healthcare facilities. With a high institution-wide graduation rate of 87.5% and a net price of $28,820, it serves local career changers seeking direct entry into nursing.
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| #2 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $5,000 – $17,000/yr | South Florida hybrid BSN students | |
Florida Atlantic University in nearby Boca Raton is the closest public university offering a BSN to West Palm Beach residents. Its hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing combines online coursework with 840 clinical hours across Palm Beach and Broward counties, earning CCNE accreditation. The program emphasizes a caring-science philosophy and community health, with a strong NCLEX pass record. Institution-wide graduation rate stands at 62.6%, and the net price is an affordable $8,752 for in-state students.
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| #3 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | $37,000/yr (net price) | Career changers targeting high earnings | |
The University of Miami is a private research university in Coral Gables offering traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN pathways. The 12-month accelerated BSN is designed for career changers, while the traditional program spans four years with interprofessional training. Graduates see high median earnings of $75,328 a decade out, and the school reports an 83.7% institution-wide graduation rate. The net price is $37,244, reflecting its private status and strong outcomes.
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| #4 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | ||
The University of Florida in Gainesville offers a nationally top-ranked BSN program with traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN tracks. Known for high NCLEX pass rates and cutting-edge simulation labs, it provides access to UF Health facilities across the state. With a net price of just $6,541 and a strong 91.1% institution-wide graduation rate, it represents exceptional value, though distance from West Palm Beach may be a factor for commuting students.
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| #5 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $11,000/yr | ||
Florida State University in Tallahassee delivers a nationally accredited BSN over four consecutive semesters, integrating hands-on clinicals in hospitals and community settings. The holistic admissions process considers GPA, experience, and engagement. Institution-wide graduation rate is 85.6%, and the net price is $11,297. While not local to West Palm Beach, the program’s 15-16 month duration appeals to students ready for an accelerated upper-division sequence.
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| #6 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Florida International University in Miami provides a Traditional BSN, an Accelerated BSN for degree holders, and a unique Direct Entry MSN for foreign-educated physicians. The programs feature state-of-the-art simulation at the S.T.A.R. Center and strong NCLEX preparation. With a net price of $9,288 and a 74.4% institution-wide graduation rate, FIU serves a diverse South Florida population, though it lacks dedicated West Palm Beach tracks.
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| #7 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of South Florida in Tampa offers an Upper Division Pathway for non-nurses, an Accelerated Second Degree for career changers, and a Veterans to BSN pathway. The 16-month accelerated option and veteran-specific track underscore USF’s flexibility. Net price is $9,812, with a 76.8% institution-wide graduation rate. While primarily serving the Tampa Bay area, the variety of BSN routes may attract West Palm Beach students willing to relocate.
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| #8 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
University of Central Florida in Orlando delivers its Traditional BSN across three campuses and a Second Degree BSN on the Orlando campus. The programs exceed state NCLEX-RN averages and incorporate extensive clinical rotations. Institution-wide graduation rate is 78%, net price $10,411. UCF’s reputation and cohort-based model make it a solid in-state option, though clinical sites are primarily in Central Florida.
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| #9 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
University of North Florida in Jacksonville features a Prelicensure BSN for transfer students and a Freshman Admit Nursing (FAN) track for incoming freshmen. Both pathways emphasize community-based learning and clinical experiences across Northeast Florida. Net price is $10,154, with a 69.2% institution-wide graduation rate. The FAN option offers a direct-entry route to a BSN in four years, appealing to students seeking a structured collegiate nursing start.
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| #10 | Antigua College International | Miami Lakes, FL | $29,000/yr | ||
Antigua College International in Miami Lakes offers a hybrid BSN spanning 42 months, combining lectures, labs, and clinical hours with a focus on clinical judgment and ethics. With a net price of $29,211 and limited published graduation data, the program serves students seeking a private, personalized education. The hybrid format may appeal to those balancing work, but the campus is not specific to West Palm Beach.
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Our ranking weighs tangible, outcome-focused metrics to identify programs that offer real value for aspiring nurses.
We look first at net price, the average cost after grants and scholarships, because upfront affordability shapes access to education. Since net price is an average, your individual cost will vary; we urge you to use each school’s net price calculator for a personalized figure.
Graduation rates (sourced from IPEDS) are institution-wide, not BSN-specific, but they indicate how effectively a college supports students to completion. We also factor in program flexibility, such as online or on-campus options, and the Department of Education’s College Scorecard earnings data where available, highlighting median earnings for federal financial aid recipients.
The cost of a BSN in Florida varies based on institution type and financial aid. The table below compares in-state tuition, net price after grants, graduation rates, and median student debt for BSN programs across several public universities and state colleges. All figures are from the most recent IPEDS and College Scorecard data.
| School | Format | In-State Tuition | Net Price | Graduation Rate | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dade College | Hybrid | $2,838 | $5,463 | 45.9% | $9,252 |
| Lake-Sumter State College | Online | $3,292 | $5,855 | 48.4% | $6,750 |
| Saint Johns River State College | Online | $2,591 | $6,135 | 48.9% | $12,000 |
| University of Florida | Campus | $6,381 | $6,541 | 91.1% | $15,000 |
| Florida Atlantic University | Hybrid | $4,879 | $8,752 | 62.6% | $17,236 |
| Florida International University | Campus | $6,565 | $9,288 | 74.4% | $16,500 |
NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates are one of the most reliable indicators of how well a nursing program prepares graduates for licensure. In the West Palm Beach area, several institutions offer BSN programs, including Palm Beach Atlantic University, Palm Beach State College, Florida Atlantic University, and Keiser University.
At this time, official NCLEX-RN pass rate data for the 2024 and 2025 calendar years has not yet been publicly released for these schools. The Florida Board of Nursing and the Florida Center for Nursing are the primary sources for verified school-level pass rate reports, and both typically operate with a reporting lag of at least one quarter.1 Quarterly updates ensure data accuracy but mean that recent graduates may not see their cohort's results reflected immediately.1
Prospective students monitoring program quality should check the Florida Center for Nursing's online nursing education reports, which publish aggregate and school-specific NCLEX outcomes as soon as they are finalized. Individual program websites may also share self-reported results before the state's official release, though those numbers are less standardized.
When evaluating a program, look beyond a single year's performance. A consistently high first-time pass rate (above the national or state average) indicates strong curriculum design and clinical preparation. Conversely, a rate that fluctuates significantly or falls below 80% may warrant further inquiry. Comparing outcomes with nursing schools in Royal Palm Beach FL and other nearby programs in Palm Beach County helps contextualize each school's standing within the local nursing education landscape.
Program-level earnings for BSN graduates are not yet published by the U.S. Department of Education, and employment outcomes one year after completion are not reported for individual programs. However, the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data for the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area gives a reliable picture of what registered nurses earn across the region.
Securing admission to a BSN program in the West Palm Beach area demands a proactive, research-focused approach, as program structures and entry criteria vary significantly between institutions. The region is served by several schools, including Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Keiser University, and Palm Beach State College, that offer paths like accelerated second-degree BSNs and RN-BSN bridge programs. Following a structured plan helps you navigate options efficiently.
Start by visiting each school's official website to confirm which BSN pathways are currently offered. Accelerated or second-degree BSN tracks (often 12 to 18 months) typically require a prior non-nursing bachelor's degree, while RN-BSN bridge programs, which are among the fastest RN to BSN programs (1 to 2 years, frequently online), are designed for licensed RNs. Program availability and prerequisites, such as minimum GPA requirements or specific science courses, change periodically, so relying on the most current details from the source is essential.
Cross-reference program pages with authoritative databases to ensure accreditation by bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The Florida Board of Nursing maintains a list of approved programs, and resources from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing can clarify typical program lengths and expected clinical hour requirements. This step safeguards that your degree will meet licensure eligibility standards.
Once you identify target programs, confirm prerequisites, application windows, and required materials. Most accelerated programs expect a prior bachelor's degree and a competitive GPA (often 3.0 or higher), along with completion of prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. RN-BSN programs generally require an active RN license and an associate degree or diploma. Collect official transcripts, write a compelling personal statement, and secure professional references well before deadlines.
Admissions representatives are the most reliable resource for nuanced questions about course equivalencies, enrollment caps, or conditional acceptance policies. Contact each office by phone or email to ask about upcoming changes, waitlist procedures, or application fee waivers. Additionally, attending virtual open houses or information sessions allows you to hear from faculty and alumni, gauge program culture, and ask real-time questions that can influence your final decision.
Here are answers to common questions about BSN programs in West Palm Beach, covering costs, timelines, and NCLEX performance.
Beyond the top-ranked programs above, Florida offers many other nursing options across the state. Here are more schools to consider, listed by region.
