Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and program formats for Roanoke-area nursing schools side by side.
Carilion Clinic and LewisGale Medical Center have both expanded their nursing talent pipelines in recent years, making the Roanoke metro one of Virginia’s most concentrated healthcare employment hubs. Students entering the local nursing workforce now encounter a spectrum of BSN pathways, including traditional four-year programs, accelerated second-degree tracks, and RN-to-BSN bridge options, that cater to widely different schedules and educational backgrounds.
While these options increase access, the practical challenge is sorting through substantial variation in net tuition costs, first-time NCLEX pass rates, and admission prerequisites across these programs. Seats in accredited BSN cohorts remain capped by clinical placement availability, so applicants who compare outcomes carefully have a clearer shot at a program that fits their budget and timeline.
The rankings below showcase nursing programs within reach of Roanoke-area students, drawing on cost, graduate outcomes, and format flexibility. Graduation rates reflect the entire institution, not just the nursing school, and median earnings and debt are school-wide figures.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Centra College | Lynchburg, VA | $13,000/yr | Working RNs needing flexible online BSN | |
Centra College offers a fully online RN-to-BSN program designed for working nurses. With in-state tuition of $10,449 and a 100% institution-wide graduation rate, it provides an efficient path to a bachelor's degree. School-wide, graduates report median debt of $15,250 and median earnings of $60,122 ten years after entry.
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| #2 | University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA | $22,000/yr (net price) | High-achieving students seeking rigorous BSN | |
The University of Virginia provides multiple BSN tracks and a direct-entry MSN for career changers. With a 95.6% graduation rate and an in-state net price of $21,565, it combines academic rigor with strong student outcomes. Across all programs, median debt is $17,500 and median earnings reach $86,863.
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| #3 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg, VA | $23,000/yr | Students valuing real-world nursing scenarios | |
James Madison University’s BSN program blends classroom and clinical learning with a focus on real-life scenarios. The in-state net price is $23,322 and the institution-wide graduation rate is 79.7%. School-wide median debt is $20,093 and median earnings are $69,954.
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| #4 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
George Mason University offers traditional and accelerated BSN pathways in Fairfax. The in-state net price is $17,915 and the institution-wide graduation rate is 67.8%. School-wide median debt is $19,500 and median earnings are $76,343. | |||||
| #5 | Riverside College of Health Careers | Newport News, VA | $20,000 – $25,000/yr | ||
Riverside College of Health Careers in Newport News provides a 3.5-year Professional Nursing BSN with traditional and accelerated tracks. The net price is $20,744 and the institution-wide graduation rate is 100%. School-wide median debt is $14,787 and median earnings are $66,072. | |||||
| #6 | University of Mary Washington | Fredericksburg, VA | $21,000/yr (net price) | ||
University of Mary Washington’s hybrid RN-to-BSN completion program is tailored for licensed nurses. The in-state net price is $20,667 and the institution-wide graduation rate is 66.4%. Median debt is $20,500 and median earnings are $60,613 school-wide. | |||||
| #7 | Wytheville Community College | Wytheville, VA | $5,000 – $11,000/yr | ||
Wytheville Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing with a strong NCLEX pass rate. The in-state net price is $4,622 and the institution-wide graduation rate is 47.4%. School-wide, median debt is $7,500 and median earnings are $34,303. | |||||
| #8 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | $23,000/yr | ||
Virginia Commonwealth University’s three-year Traditional BSN is ranked #39 by U.S. News. The in-state net price is $23,433 and the institution-wide graduation rate is 63.2%. Median debt is $21,500 and median earnings are $58,128 school-wide. | |||||
| #9 | New River Community College | Dublin, VA | ~$6,000/yr (est.) | ||
New River Community College provides an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. The in-state net price is $6,279 and the institution-wide graduation rate is 49.9%. School-wide, median debt is $9,000 and median earnings are $40,025. | |||||
| #10 | Germanna Community College | Locust Grove, VA | $5,000 – $12,000/yr | ||
Germanna Community College’s two-year Nursing Associate Degree offers an affordable path to RN licensure. The in-state net price is $5,541 and the institution-wide graduation rate is 46.5%. Median debt is $8,400 and median earnings are $39,644 school-wide. | |||||
Many students focus on the published tuition figure, but the real cost of a nursing program is often far lower once grants and scholarships are applied. We built this ranking around net price after aid, the amount families actually pay, because it paints a truer picture of affordability.
Beyond cost, each school’s overall graduation rate signals how well it supports students through to completion. Keep in mind this figure covers the entire institution, not just nursing majors. We also noted whether a program offers flexible formats like online or part-time study, which can be critical for balancing work and school.
To gauge long-term value, we reviewed earnings and debt outcomes reported in the College Scorecard, focusing on metrics that suggest strong return on investment. Finally, all accredited programs within a 75-mile radius of Roanoke were considered, ensuring the list stays local and relevant.
Averages cannot predict your personal aid package, so use net price as a starting point rather than a guarantee. Similarly, graduation rates reflect school-wide trends, not an individual’s odds of success. Reach out to admissions offices with your specific circumstances for the clearest cost estimate.
The net price reflects what in-state students typically pay after grants and scholarships. These associate-degree programs are an affordable entry point, with credits that transfer to BSN pathways at four-year institutions. Median graduate debt ranges from $6,880 to $11,000, and under a 10-year repayment plan monthly payments would be roughly $73 to $117 assuming the 5.50% federal Direct Loan rate, showcasing the strong value of nursing education in the region.
Choosing a nursing program isn't just about location or tuition: first-time NCLEX pass rates reveal how well a school prepares you for licensure. For Roanoke-area students, understanding how local programs stack up against state and national averages can clarify which schools offer the strongest clinical and academic foundation.
The Virginia Board of Nursing reports that the statewide first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for the 2024-2025 testing year was 88%1, drawing from 5,100 test-takers. Nationally, U.S.-educated nursing graduates achieved an 87% pass rate1 during the same period. These figures set the bar for evaluating individual program outcomes in the Roanoke metro.
Program-specific first-time pass rates for the most recent year have not yet been released by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Historically, however, BSN programs in the Roanoke region have performed at or above the state average. Below is a comparison based on the latest available multi-year averages and pending 2024-2025 data.
| Program | First-Time NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2024-2025) |
|---|---|
| Radford University Carilion | Data not yet published from Virginia Board of Nursing |
| Galen College of Nursing | Data not yet published from Virginia Board of Nursing |
| Jefferson College of Health Sciences (Radford University) | Data not yet published from Virginia Board of Nursing |
Once official figures are posted, prospective students can verify the numbers on the Virginia Board of Nursing website. Prior-year performance for Roanoke-area schools has consistently shown first-time pass rates that meet or exceed the state benchmark, with some programs previously posting rates above 90%. Because annual fluctuations occur, always refer to the most current board reports when making your decision.
What exactly does it take to get into a BSN program in Roanoke, and which pathway matches your timeline? Requirements vary by school, but most share core elements, and the program structure you choose can cut years off your path to licensure. Here's how to navigate the details for Radford University Carilion, Galen College of Nursing, and the former Jefferson College of Health Sciences (now part of Radford).
Every Roanoke BSN program expects a competitive high school or college GPA: typically a minimum of 2.5, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, though many admit students with averages closer to 3.3 or higher. Prerequisite courses nearly always include anatomy and physiology (with labs), microbiology, chemistry, statistics, and psychology. Some schools also require a developmental or lifespan psychology course.
Standardized test scores are common: the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or, less frequently, the ATI exam is required. Radford University Carilion, for example, sets minimum TEAS benchmarks for each subscore and overall. Galen College of Nursing may waive certain prerequisites for students with prior degrees or healthcare experience.
Application deadlines differ: traditional fall-start programs often have a priority deadline in January, February, while accelerated and spring-start cohorts may close earlier. Always consult the program's 'Admissions' or 'Academic Catalog' page for the exact dates.
Roanoke-area schools offer several BSN pathways to fit your background:
Online versus campus delivery varies. While core nursing courses usually require in-person clinicals and labs, general education and RN-to-BSN didactic courses may be fully online. Check each program's 'Programs' or 'Format' page for specifics on delivery modes.
Admission criteria and program structures change frequently. The most current details will always be on the school's official website. Look for links labeled 'Admissions,' 'Undergraduate Catalog,' or 'Prospective Students.' For general guidance on what to expect in nursing education, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) provides useful overviews, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers career outlook data. To see how these programs compare on costs, check the tuition breakdown section of this article. For any remaining questions, reach out directly to the admissions office at each school; they can clarify prerequisite equivalencies, transfer credits, and next application cycles.
Clinical placements are the supervised, hands-on training experiences where nursing students apply classroom theory in real healthcare settings. For BSN programs in the Roanoke area, three major health systems serve as primary clinical rotation sites: Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, LewisGale Medical Center, and the Salem VA Medical Center. Carilion Clinic, in particular, serves as the clinical partner for Radford University Carilion, Radford University, and Virginia Western Community College, offering exposure to a wide range of specialties from critical care to community health. All Carilion-affiliated students must submit an application through Visiting Student Affairs at the hospital and have an approved affiliation contract in place.
These affiliations often translate directly into job opportunities. Carilion’s relationship with Radford University Carilion is especially robust, with a dedicated nurse residency program and an eight-week nurse extern program that pairs students with a one-to-one mentor. This model, part of the nationally recognized Virginia Tech–Carilion partnership, strengthens the pipeline from education to employment, making it common for BSN graduates to transition directly into staff nursing roles within the Carilion system. Carilion’s investment in workforce development is further underscored by a $1.25 million, five-year partnership with Roanoke County Public Schools to support career and technical education, and the Carilion Scholars program at Roanoke College.
Employer demand in the Roanoke metropolitan statistical area remains strong. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that registered nurse wages in the region are competitive and that employment in nursing continues to grow steadily, outpacing many other fields. This sustained demand means that nursing graduates from Roanoke-area programs enter a job market where employers actively recruit through clinical rotations, externships, and residency tracks, often eliminating the guesswork of a job search before graduation.
Considering a nursing career in the Roanoke Valley? Here are concise answers to the most common questions asked by aspiring nurses when comparing BSN and other nursing programs in the area.
