Compare NJ LPN programs by cost, NCLEX pass rates, program length, and career outcomes to find your best fit.
A county vocational program often costs half what a private college charges, even though both lead to the same LPN license. Accelerated timelines, clinical quality, and NCLEX-PN pass rates vary just as widely, so you face a trade-off between speed, cost, and exam readiness.
With New Jersey projecting 1,390 annual openings for LPNs through 2032 and the state’s median wage outpacing the national average by about $8,000, the program you pick directly shapes how quickly you enter a tight and growing market.
Finding the right LPN program in New Jersey means weighing cost, clinical quality, and long-term career value. The following ranking considers net price, graduation rates, and graduate earnings data from IPEDS and College Scorecard to identify programs that deliver strong outcomes without overwhelming debt. Each school profile highlights distinctive features and practical details to guide your application.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hudson County Community College | Jersey City, NJ | $5,000 – $9,000/yr | Transfer-focused nursing students | |
Hudson County Community College offers an affordable Practical Nursing Certificate with a strong track record of job placement (90%). The 15-month program includes a capstone and prepares students for the NCLEX-PN, while an explicit LPN-to-RN pathway serves those who plan to continue their education. Support for immigrant and non-traditional students includes foreign transcript evaluation and a diverse campus community.
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| #2 | Atlantic Cape Community College | Mays Landing, NJ | $6,000 – $9,000/yr | Hybrid learning seekers | |
Atlantic Cape Community College's 34-credit Practical Nursing certificate blends online coursework with on-campus labs and clinical rotations. Students learn under QSEN and NLN standards and can move seamlessly into the college's associate degree nursing program. The school's net price of $8,392 and hybrid format make it a flexible, cost-conscious choice.
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| #3 | Salem Community College | Carneys Point, NJ | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | Long-term care career starters | |
Salem Community College's 44-week Practical Nursing Certificate is priced at $13,084 and integrates QSEN safety standards throughout. Clinical placements in local long-term care facilities give students hands-on experience with patients across the lifespan. Financial aid is available, and the program is designed for quick entry into South Jersey's healthcare workforce.
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| #4 | UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ | Cranford, NJ | $8,000/yr (net price) | ||
UCNJ Union College's Practical Nursing program spans four semesters and is accredited by NLN CNEA. Clinical rotations are scheduled during days, evenings, or weekends to accommodate working students. Admission requires CPR certification, a criminal background check, and health documentation, reflecting the program's emphasis on safety and professional readiness.
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| #5 | Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus | Vineland, NJ | $11,000/yr | ||
Rowan College of South Jersey's Cumberland Campus delivers a one-year Practical Nursing certificate through a competitive, portfolio-based admission process. The fall-start, cohort-based program places students at clinical sites within a 90-minute radius. It serves as a stackable credential for those planning to advance into the college's RN track.
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| #6 | Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester | Sewell, NJ | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Rowan College of South Jersey's Gloucester Campus offers the same one-year Practical Nursing certificate using a portfolio-based admission model and a September cohort launch. Clinical rotations draw from South Jersey providers, and graduates qualify to sit for the NCLEX-PN. The program runs at both Gloucester and Cumberland campuses for broader access.
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| #7 | Holy Name Medical Center-Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing | Englewood Cliffs, NJ | $24,000/yr | ||
Holy Name Medical Center's Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing runs a 60-week LPN program directly affiliated with a Bergen County hospital. ACEN accreditation and 17 transferable college credits support RN/BSN progression. The school reports a 100% graduation rate, a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and strong median earnings of $87,408 ten years after entry.
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| #8 | Berkeley College-Woodland Park | Woodland Park, NJ | $27,000/yr | ||
Berkeley College in Woodland Park provides a Practical Nurse certificate with day (60-week) and evening (75-week) options and rolling admissions. Entrance requires SAT/ACT scores, and students practice in on-site nursing labs before off-campus clinical rotations under RN supervision. The school's net price is $27,100, with small cohorts and supportive faculty.
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| #9 | Best Care College | East Orange, NJ | |||
Best Care College in East Orange offers a 52-week, 1,500-hour LPN program with a trimester structure and small classes. Clinical instruction maintains a 1:10 instructor-to-student ratio, and admission requires a TABE assessment and background check. The school reports a 63.9% overall graduation rate and median earnings of $64,311 ten years after entry, though net price data is unavailable.
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| #10 | Jersey College | Teterboro, NJ | $53,000/yr | ||
Jersey College's Teterboro campus delivers a campus-based LPN program that combines theory with clinical training and flexible scheduling. Accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, the program emphasizes holistic patient care and prepares students for the NCLEX-PN. With a net price of $52,558, it also offers internal progression into the college's RN tracks.
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The table below compares costs for LPN programs in New Jersey. Net price reflects what students typically pay after grants and scholarships, based on institution-wide averages, while sticker tuition is the full published cost. Keep in mind that LPN program costs and financial aid packages may differ from these averages, and the next section covers funding options like WIOA and TAG grants.
| School | Net Price (After Aid) | In-State Tuition (Sticker) | Out-of-State Tuition (Sticker) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hudson County Community College | $7,307 | $9,248 | $9,248 | $10,500 |
| UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ | $8,257 | $9,500 | $9,500 | $15,091 |
| Atlantic Cape Community College | $8,392 | $6,972 | $8,350 | $9,500 |
| Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus | $10,562 | $6,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 |
| Salem Community College | $10,816 | $7,380 | $10,260 | $9,500 |
| Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester | $12,378 | $6,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 |
| Berkeley College-Woodland Park | $27,100 | $28,320 | $28,320 | $23,251 |
| Jersey College | $52,558 | N/A | N/A | $21,000 |
Securing funding for an LPN program is a reachable goal when you stack federal grants, state workforce dollars, and nursing-specific awards. Most students at top New Jersey LPN schools combine several types of aid, and you do not need a prior degree to qualify.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) can cover tuition, books, and supplies for LPN training, but approval is not automatic. In New Jersey, eligibility is determined one-on-one at a local One-Stop Career Center. The program targets adults who are unemployed, underemployed, or face barriers to employment. To get started, visit the My Career NJ portal and search for "Practical Nursing" to find approved programs. Then contact your nearest One-Stop center to request a training services assessment. The counselor will verify that your chosen school appears on the state's eligible training provider list and that the occupation has local demand. If approved, WIOA pays the training directly, reducing your out-of-pocket costs to zero in many cases. Early contact is essential, because each center sets its own timeline and funding cycles.
The Pell Grant is the bedrock of federal aid for LPN students. Since most LPN programs in New Jersey are one-year certificates, you may use Pell funds to cover tuition and fees up to the annual maximum. The share of Pell recipients at these schools is telling: at Hudson County Community College, over 93% of students receive Pell Grants, and at Atlantic Cape Community College, the figure tops 88%. Even at private institutions like Jersey College, nearly eight in ten students qualify. To apply, complete the FAFSA and list the schools you are considering. Because Pell eligibility is determined by financial need rather than academic merit, it reaches a wide pool of aspiring nurses.
The NJ Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is a generous state need-based award, but it has a critical restriction for LPN students: it only covers degree-seeking programs. Standalone LPN certificate programs are not TAG-eligible. However, if you enroll in a community college that embeds the LPN coursework into an associate degree pathway, you may secure TAG dollars for the semesters in which you are classified as degree-seeking. Ask the financial aid office whether the program structure qualifies before you rely on TAG in your budget.
Several organizations in New Jersey and nationally offer scholarships geared to nursing students. The New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) runs an annual scholarship competition open to current nursing students, including LPN candidates. The Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association (FNSNA) also awards general scholarships that can be used at any accredited program. Additionally, check with your specific school; many colleges, like Hudson County Community College, list institutional scholarships on their financial aid pages. Start your search early and pay close attention to deadlines, as nursing scholarships often accept applications only once per year.
Pass rates on the NCLEX-PN exam are a direct measure of how well a program prepares students for licensure. A high pass rate indicates that graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, competent care. Because you cannot work as an LPN in New Jersey without passing the NCLEX-PN, choosing an LPN program with a strong track record can save you time, money, and stress.
Programs with consistently low pass rates may lose accreditation or be placed on conditional status by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. When you see a pass rate over several years, look for stability, not just a single good year. A program that rebounds from a dip shows it has corrected its approach, while a steady decline is a red flag.
Each year, the New Jersey Board of Nursing (NJBON) publishes NCLEX-PN pass rates for all approved LPN programs in the state. The most recent report covers 2024 examinations (some 2025 data may also be available by mid-2026). These reports break down first-time pass rates by school, which is the most telling figure, because it excludes repeat test takers.
The national average first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for 2025 was 77.3%.1 Many LPN programs in New Jersey exceed this benchmark, with several consistently performing above 85% or even 90%. When you compare, note that smaller program cohorts can show more year-to-year fluctuation, so look at trends over three to five years if possible.
Pass rates should not be the only factor, but they are an important filter. If a program's first-time pass rate falls well below the national average for more than one year, ask tough questions during an admissions visit. Find out what remediation support is available, how the curriculum has been updated, and whether program leadership has changed.
Conversely, a high pass rate does not guarantee you will pass; your own study habits, clinical experiences, and test-taking skills matter just as much. Still, a program with a pass rate that consistently tops 90% is likely doing something right: effective instructors, strong clinical placements, and solid NCLEX preparation resources.
The nursing regulatory landscape changes, and a program's performance can shift from year to year. For the most up-to-date school-by-school pass rates, visit the NJ Board of Nursing website or contact the program directly. Ask for the first-time pass rate for the most recent graduating class, not just an overall pass rate that may include repeat attempts.
Cross-reference the program's rates with the national average (77.3% in 2025). If you are comparing multiple schools, create a simple list and note their one-year and three-year averages. This small step can help you pick a program that gives you the best shot at becoming a licensed LPN in New Jersey.
Most LPN programs in New Jersey require between 1,350 and 1,600 clock hours of combined classroom, lab, and clinical instruction. Full-time students typically finish in 12 to 18 months, depending on the school and schedule intensity, while part-time options can stretch the timeline to nearly two years.
Full-time day tracks meet several days per week and can be completed in as little as 12 months at Jersey College or 15 months at Holy Name Medical Center. Eastwick College's day program takes 18 months, and Best Care College offers a 12- to 15-month day track. These programs immerse students in a concentrated learning environment, often with daytime clinical placements. Total program length aligns closely with the clock-hour requirements set by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
Working students often choose part-time evening or weekend formats, which spread the same curriculum over a longer period. Jersey College's evening track runs 18 to 24 months, Eastwick College's evening option spans 21 months, and the Middlesex County Adult Practical Nursing Program meets evenings for 18 to 20 months. While the extended timeline reduces weekly demands, students must balance clinical rotations, sometimes scheduled on weekends or occasional weekdays, with other responsibilities.
Accelerated LPN programs are not widely available in New Jersey, but the shortest full-time options effectively function as fast tracks. Jersey College's 12-month day program and Best Care College's 12- to 15-month day track deliver the required content in a compressed timeframe. The trade-off is a more intensive pace, with higher weekly contact hours and less room for breaks. Students considering these options should confirm that the accelerated pacing matches their learning style and external commitments before enrolling.
Many aspiring nurses search for 'lpn online programs nj' expecting a fully online path. No New Jersey LPN program is 100% online because the State Board of Nursing requires supervised in-person clinical hours. Still, several schools offer flexible scheduling, including evening, weekend, and hybrid models that fit working adults.
| School | Program Format | Flexible Scheduling Options |
|---|---|---|
| Academy of Healthcare Excellence | On-campus | Day and evening sessions (Vineland and Pleasantville) |
| Atlantic Cape Community College | Hybrid | Online didactic coursework with in-person labs and clinicals |
| Berkeley College-Woodland Park | On-campus | Evening program option available |
| Jersey College | On-campus | Evening nursing programs at multiple campuses |
| UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ | On-campus | Day, evening, and weekend clinical rotations |
Most LPN programs in New Jersey share a core set of requirements, but specific thresholds and flexibility vary widely between schools. Knowing what’s universal and what’s program-specific lets you target applications strategically.
| School | Min GPA | Entrance Exam | Prerequisites | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey College | None listed | TEAS | None | Rolling |
| Eastwick College | None listed | TEAS or Wonderlic | None | Rolling |
| Holy Name Medical Center | 2.5 | TEAS | High school Biology and Chemistry | Fixed deadlines months in advance |
| Best Care College | None listed | TEAS or equivalent | None | Rolling |
| Union County College | 2.5–2.75 | TEAS | ENG 101, Anatomy & Physiology I, basic math placement | February–April for fall start |
| Vocational/Technical Programs | 2.0+ | TEAS or HESI | Varies; often minimal | Often 1–2 cohorts per year |
| Community College PN Programs | 2.5–2.75 | TEAS | Biology, A&P I, English Composition, Algebra | Fixed, months in advance |
A handful of schools remove common barriers. Jersey College, Eastwick College, and Best Care College do not publish a minimum GPA and all operate on rolling admissions, letting you apply anytime. Vocational and technical LPN programs frequently open doors with a 2.0 GPA floor, the lowest in the state. While no New Jersey LPN program currently waives the entrance exam entirely, Eastwick’s Wonderlic option and Best Care’s acceptance of an “equivalent” exam provide a bit more breathing room. Hospital-based and community college programs, by contrast, set firm prerequisites and application windows, rewarding applicants who plan several months ahead.
Licensed Practical Nurses in New Jersey earn wages that reflect the state's higher cost of living. The average annual salary significantly outpaces entry-level roles such as nursing assistants. Federal Scorecard data shows that many LPN program graduates see median earnings climb above $60,000 ten years after completion, highlighting strong career growth.
Licensed practical nurses in New Jersey can expect 1,390 new job openings per year through 2032, according to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development1. That pace reflects a 6% growth rate for the occupation, more than double the 2.8% projected across all U.S. jobs2.
The state employed 16,540 LPNs in 2022, and the projected expansion translates to roughly 990 additional positions by 20321, not including replacements for workers who retire or leave the field. Because LPN roles turn over regularly, especially in long-term care, the total annual openings combine both new growth and replacement needs. This steady pipeline means graduates entering the job market have a reliable path to employment, even in a shifting healthcare landscape.
Federal outcome data from the colleges that offer LPN training in New Jersey show that a moderate up-front investment can yield a strong career return. Median program debt at the institutions listed on this page ranges from about $9,500 to $21,000, while institution-wide median earnings a decade after enrollment often land between $38,000 and $87,000. For example, one private nursing school reports median later-career earnings above $64,000 with no reported debt for its LPN graduates; at a community college in the southern part of the state, median debt sits at just $9,500 with median earnings exceeding $38,000. Even when earnings reflect the broader institution rather than the LPN track alone, the pattern holds: accessible debt levels combined with solid earning power make an LPN credential a financially sensible starting point.
Long-term care facilities remain the largest employer of LPNs in New Jersey, driven by the state’s sizable older adult population. Hospitals, physician offices, and home health agencies also account for significant shares of employment2. Demand is particularly concentrated in regions with dense healthcare networks, the Newark-Jersey City metro, the Philadelphia-Camden corridor, and shore communities with high concentrations of assisted living and nursing facilities all offer robust job markets. Graduates willing to work in skilled nursing or home-based care often find multiple competing offers shortly after licensure.
New Jersey LPN licensing follows a straightforward sequence that begins with an approved program and ends with your active license. For nurses already licensed in another state, endorsement is available with a $200 application fee and a temporary license can be issued while processing takes 4-8 weeks.
How much more can you earn as a registered nurse in New Jersey, and what’s the most efficient route to get there from your LPN license? For many practical nurses, the next logical step is an LPN-to-RN bridge program, designed to build on existing nursing knowledge and accelerate your path to a higher-paying role.
The salary jump when comparing a practical nurse vs registered nurse is substantial. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), LPNs in New Jersey earn a median annual wage of roughly $61,000. By comparison, registered nurses in the state earn a median of approximately $98,000, a difference of over $37,000 per year. That increased earning power alone often covers the cost of a bridge program within the first year of working as an RN.
New Jersey community colleges, technical schools, and universities offer a range of bridge pathways. The two most common options are:
Many programs offer evening, weekend, or hybrid schedules to accommodate working LPNs. Admission generally requires an active New Jersey LPN license, completion of prerequisite coursework (often in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology), and a minimum GPA.
The investment is manageable relative to the long-term payoff. A public community college LPN-to-ADN bridge in New Jersey may cost between $7,000 and $15,000 in tuition and fees. BSN bridge programs at state universities tend to range from $15,000 to $30,000. Federal financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement, and scholarships can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Given the shortened timeline and the rapid return on investment, an LPN-to-RN bridge is one of the most practical advancement moves a New Jersey LPN can make.
New Jersey aspiring practical nurses often have questions about programs, costs, and career prospects. Here are clear answers to the most common inquiries, drawn from statewide data and program research.
