Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and graduate outcomes for every Richmond-area BSN program side by side.
Richmond’s healthcare sector employs more than 13,000 registered nurses across three major health systems: VCU Health, Bon Secours Mercy Health, and HCA Virginia, fueling consistent demand for BSN-prepared graduates.
Aspiring nurses here can choose among traditional four-year BSNs, accelerated second-degree tracks, and online RN-to-BSN programs. Comparing tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and program length is critical, as these factors vary widely across schools.
For many applicants, the deciding factor is not just reputation but the alignment of clinical rotations with local employers and a program’s track record on licensure outcomes.
The following ranking evaluates nursing programs within 25 miles of Richmond based on affordability, institutional graduation rates, and program-level strengths. We gave additional weight to schools with robust clinical partnerships and proven pipelines to major Richmond healthcare employers, helping students maximize both their education and career opportunities.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | $23,000/yr | Aspiring RNs at a research hospital | |
Virginia Commonwealth University, located on the MCV Campus in downtown Richmond, is the region's flagship nursing school and one of the nation's top-ranked programs. Its traditional BSN integrates hands-on training at VCU's Magnet-designated medical center and other diverse clinical sites, ensuring students gain acute care and community health experience. With a high graduation rate and strong link to VCU Health, graduates are heavily recruited by local hospitals and prepare confidently for the NCLEX-RN.
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| #2 | Randolph-Macon College | Ashland, VA | $28,000/yr | Direct-entry freshmen in small cohorts | |
Randolph-Macon College in Ashland provides a direct-entry BSN that immerses freshmen in nursing courses from day one, featuring 500 hours of clinical rotations at top systems like VCU Health and Bon Secours. With a small cohort size and CCNE accreditation, the program emphasizes mentorship and individualized NCLEX coaching. Graduates benefit from a high job placement rate and strong regional employer connections, supported by a cutting-edge simulation center.
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| #3 | Galen Health Institutes-Richmond | Richmond, VA | $20,000 – $25,000/yr | Accelerated-path students seeking flexible starts | |
Galen College of Nursing's Richmond campus offers an accelerated three-year BSN program with multiple annual start dates, catering to students who want to enter the workforce quickly. The curriculum combines modern classroom learning with hands-on clinical labs, and the school provides personalized academic support and a free application process. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN and pursue roles in various healthcare settings, with strong earnings reported among alumni.
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| #4 | Brightpoint Community College | Chester, VA | $5,000 – $12,000/yr | ||
Brightpoint Community College's AAS in Nursing offers a two-year pathway to RN licensure, available in hybrid or in-person formats. The program emphasizes patient-centered care and safe practice, with clinical and field experiences in local healthcare settings. Graduates can sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue seamless transfer to top BSN programs through agreements with four-year institutions, making it an affordable and practical starting point.
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| #5 | Southside College of Health Sciences | Colonial Heights, VA | |||
Southside College of Health Sciences in Colonial Heights provides a hybrid Associate of Applied Science in Nursing over 72 weeks, boasting an impressive NCLEX pass rate and high job placement. The program blends online coursework with on-campus labs, preparing students for registered nursing careers. Graduates enter the workforce with practical skills and benefit from the college's strong relationships with regional healthcare employers.
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| #6 | Virginia State University | Petersburg, VA | $10,000 – $23,000/yr | ||
Virginia State University offers an online RN to BSN completion program tailored for working registered nurses. The part-time, asynchronous format with 8-week terms allows students to balance career and education, building on their clinical foundation with evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration. CCNE-accredited and affordably priced per course, the program prepares graduates for leadership roles or further graduate study while maintaining employment.
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| #7 | Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing | Richmond, VA | |||
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing provides a hybrid BSN program with a strong employment pipeline, located right in Richmond. The college secures all clinical placements for students and offers a unique benefit: full tuition coverage for Bon Secours employees who commit to nursing roles post-graduation. With two start dates annually and guaranteed admission pathways for qualifying transfer students, it serves as an accessible entry into a faith-based health system.
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The table below compares annual tuition and estimated net price for nursing programs at public community colleges in the Richmond area. Paul D Camp Community College has the lowest average net price at $4,126, while Danville Community College is the highest at $6,669, a gap of over $2,500. Keep in mind that net price is an institution-wide average after grant aid and not specific to the nursing program; actual costs can differ, so use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Average Net Price (After Aid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul D Camp Community College | $5,012 | $11,450 | $4,126 |
| Wytheville Community College | $5,007 | $11,445 | $4,622 |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | $5,022 | $11,460 | $4,861 |
| Virginia Western Community College | $5,400 | $11,838 | $4,966 |
| Brightpoint Community College | $5,082 | $11,520 | $5,490 |
| Germanna Community College | $5,257 | $11,648 | $5,541 |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | $5,072 | $11,510 | $5,963 |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | $5,072 | $11,510 | $6,013 |
| New River Community College | $4,979 | $11,417 | $6,279 |
| Danville Community College | $4,992 | $11,430 | $6,669 |
Choosing a nursing program involves weighing many factors, but few are as telling as NCLEX-RN pass rates. These rates reflect how well a program prepares students for licensure. For Richmond BSN programs, pass rate data from the Virginia Board of Nursing offers a window into recent graduate performance, though official data availability varies by school.
NCLEX-RN pass rates are a concrete measure of a program's ability to equip students with the clinical reasoning and knowledge needed to enter practice. Consistently high rates suggest strong curriculum, quality instruction, and effective student support. Conversely, low or erratic rates can indicate curricular gaps or insufficient preparation.
For Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing, first-time NCLEX pass rates were 96.03% in 2023 and 96.80% in 2024. Both years place the school well above the Virginia state average, which was 90.83% in 2023 and 92.32% in 20242.
Pass rates for other Richmond BSN programs, including Virginia Commonwealth University, ECPI University, and Galen College of Nursing, are available through the Virginia Board of Nursing but were not reported in the data reviewed. Prospective students should check the Board's official disclosures for any school they consider, as performance can shift between exam cycles.
A single year's pass rate can be a snapshot influenced by a small graduating class or temporary changes. Multi-year trends provide a more reliable picture. For example, Bon Secours's stability near 96% over two consecutive years suggests consistent program quality. The national average for first-time, U.S.-educated candidates was 86.7% in 20253, making sustained performance above 90% noteworthy.
Nursing programs in Richmond come in different formats to suit a range of educational backgrounds and career timelines. Whether you are starting college for the first time, already hold a degree in another field, or are a working registered nurse looking to advance, there is a BSN pathway designed for you.
The most common route is the traditional pre-licensure BSN, which takes about four years of full-time study. These programs are aimed at students entering college directly from high school or transferring from community colleges. In Richmond, Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing offers a pre-licensure BSN track that fits this model, while VCU School of Nursing provides a traditional BSN as well. The four-year timeline includes general education prerequisites, science foundations, and nursing coursework with clinical rotations. Because these programs are designed for students without a prior bachelor's degree, the curriculum builds from the ground up.
For career changers who already hold a bachelor's degree in another subject, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) compresses nursing education into a much shorter window. These programs typically range from 12 to 24 months, depending on the school's structure and credit load. In Richmond, ECPI University's Accelerated BSN program is one of the fastest, completing in just 12 months of intensive study. VCU offers an Accelerated BSN Transfer Program that spans 24 months and begins each May, designed for students who have completed specific prerequisites. Not every nursing school in the area offers this accelerated option; Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing and Galen College's Richmond campus do not currently have ABSN programs. Keep in mind that an ABSN requires a previous bachelor's degree, and admission can be competitive due to the condensed schedule.
Registered nurses who earned an associate degree or diploma and want to complete their BSN have multiple online-friendly options in Richmond. These RN-to-BSN programs typically take one to two years, depending on transfer credits and whether the student attends part-time or full-time. VCU, Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing, and Galen College all offer RN-to-BSN pathways. Bon Secours and Galen deliver their programs fully online, which gives working nurses flexibility to continue practicing while advancing their education. The curriculum builds on existing clinical knowledge and focuses on leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice.
The answer depends on your starting point. If you are entering college for the first time, a traditional BSN generally requires four years. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, an accelerated BSN can be finished in as little as 12 months at ECPI or 24 months at VCU. For current RNs seeking a BSN, completion programs are designed to be finished in one to two years, with flexible pacing to accommodate work schedules. When evaluating timelines, be sure to factor in any prerequisite courses or general education requirements that may add time before you begin the nursing core.
Program-level earnings data for BSN graduates in Richmond is not yet published in the College Scorecard, so direct 1‑ and 4‑year comparisons are unavailable. For broader context, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the 2024 national median annual wage for registered nurses.
Choosing the right BSN program involves weighing admission criteria, program formats, costs, and outcomes. Below are answers to common questions prospective nursing students in Richmond ask to help narrow their options.
