Compare costs, NCLEX outcomes, and program formats for BSN programs near Altamonte Springs
Altamonte Springs sits at the center of Central Florida’s largest healthcare employment corridor, anchored by AdventHealth’s flagship campus. The Orlando metro employs over 23,000 registered nurses, and that number is projected to grow faster than the national average over the coming decade.
Nursing students here can choose from pre-licensure BSN tracks at public universities, accelerated programs for career changers, and RN-to-BSN pathways designed for working nurses. However, program costs vary by tens of thousands of dollars, and NCLEX pass rates can differ by more than 20 percentage points among area schools.
Selecting a program that balances affordability with strong clinical placement and licensure outcomes is the most consequential decision a prospective nurse makes.
The schools listed here serve Altamonte Springs and the surrounding Seminole/Orange County area, all within a 65-mile radius. Each profile highlights key details like tuition, program format, and institution-wide graduation rates so you can quickly compare your options.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $10,000/yr | Pre-licensure students in the Orlando metro | |
UCF is the largest public university in the Orlando metro, offering both a traditional pre-licensure BSN and an accelerated second-degree BSN. The program is known for NCLEX-RN pass rates that exceed state and national averages, with clinical rotations at major Central Florida health systems. Its cohort-based model includes service-learning in underserved communities.
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| #2 | Seminole State College of Florida | Sanford, FL | $9,000/yr | Local RNs seeking an online bachelor’s | |
Seminole State College of Florida, with a nursing office in Altamonte Springs, offers a fully online RN-to-BSN completion program. It is designed for working registered nurses and can be completed in as few as 12 months. The total program tuition is about $5,200, making it one of the most affordable options in the region.
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| #3 | Lake-Sumter State College | Leesburg, FL | ~$6,000/yr (est.) | Budget-conscious ADN-to-BSN completers | |
Lake-Sumter State College in Leesburg offers an online RN-to-BSN that can be finished in just two semesters, along with a campus-based ADN pre-licensure program. The college is known for affordability and strong NCLEX-RN pass rates, and its RN-to-BSN features self-scheduled clinical hours and three flexible plans of study.
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| #4 | Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | $29,000/yr (net price) | ||
Florida Southern College in Lakeland offers a direct-entry pre-licensure BSN that immerses students in nursing from the first year. The program boasts a 100% job placement rate and NCLEX pass rates in the 90th percentile. Students gain over 500 clinical hours and train with high-fidelity simulators.
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| #5 | Eastern Florida State College | Melbourne, FL | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne provides two ADN pathways: a traditional two-year pre-licensure track and a 13-month transition track for LPNs, paramedics, and respiratory therapists. Both boast a 98% job placement rate and include clinical experiences throughout Brevard County.
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| #6 | Daytona State College | Daytona Beach, FL | $7,000/yr (net price) | ||
Daytona State College’s ADN program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN through a 72-credit curriculum with competitive admission based on GPA, TEAS scores, and experience. It offers a traditional track and a transition track for LPNs and paramedics, with 180 students accepted per semester.
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| #7 | Valencia College | Orlando, FL | ~$12,000/yr (est.) | ||
Valencia College in Orlando offers an online RN-to-BSN completion program for registered nurses with an ASN degree. The program can be finished in one to two years and emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and healthcare policy, with rolling admissions and no application fee.
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| #8 | College of Central Florida | Ocala, FL | $12,000/yr | ||
College of Central Florida in Ocala offers an on-campus RN-to-BSN completion program. With a total program tuition near $6,900 for in-state students, it is one of the most affordable nationally. Full-time students can finish in three semesters, and high-fidelity simulation labs enhance clinical learning.
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| #9 | Polk State College | Winter Haven, FL | $9,000/yr (net price) | ||
Polk State College in Winter Haven provides a hybrid RN-to-BSN with online classes and in-person practicum, along with two ADN tracks: a generic pre-licensure option and an accelerated transition track for healthcare professionals. The BSN total tuition is under $4,500, and all programs are ACEN accredited.
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| #10 | Rasmussen University | Ocala, FL | $20,000 – $25,000/yr | ||
Rasmussen University in Ocala offers a pre-licensure BSN that can be completed in 33 months and an ASN in as few as 21 months. The college features frequent start dates, no waiting list for qualified applicants, and modern simulation labs. The BSN carries CCNE accreditation.
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Rankings on this page reflect factors that directly shape your nursing education and career readiness. We focus on data points that indicate program quality, affordability, and student outcomes so you can narrow your options with confidence.
We combine these measures to highlight programs that balance strong academics, reasonable costs, and a track record of student success. Because data sources have different scopes, prospective students should verify details with each school directly.
The table below compares published tuition and net price for BSN programs at public colleges and universities near Altamonte Springs. While sticker prices vary widely, especially for out-of-state students, the average net price (what students typically pay after grants and scholarships) often narrows the gap significantly. For example, the University of Florida's in-state tuition is $6,381, yet the typical net price is $6,541, demonstrating how financial aid can reshape affordability.
| School | Program | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg Net Price | Median Debt | 10-Yr Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dade College | BSN | $2,838 | $9,661 | $5,463 | $9,252 | $40,654 |
| Lake-Sumter State College | BSN (RN-BSN) | $3,292 | $13,276 | $5,855 | $6,750 | $39,876 |
| Saint Johns River State College | BSN | $2,591 | $9,334 | $6,135 | $12,000 | $41,728 |
| University of Florida | BSN | $6,381 | $28,659 | $6,541 | $15,000 | $71,588 |
| Florida Atlantic University | BSN | $4,879 | $17,324 | $8,752 | $17,236 | $56,746 |
| Florida International University | BSN | $6,565 | $18,964 | $9,288 | $16,500 | $60,249 |
What NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates can you expect from BSN programs near Altamonte Springs? Prospective nursing students often ask this before enrolling, because a program’s pass rate signals how well it prepares graduates for licensure.
First-time pass rates measure the percentage of graduates who pass on their first attempt. Nationally, U.S.-educated BSN candidates achieved a first-time pass rate of 86.71% in 2025.1 Florida’s overall rate for the same year was 81.82%.1 While state averages provide a benchmark, individual program performance can vary widely.
Accrediting bodies and state boards of nursing monitor pass rates closely. Programs that consistently fall below 80% may face accreditation probation or additional oversight. For students, a strong pass-rate history indicates a curriculum aligned with current NCLEX standards. When comparing best nursing schools in Florida, look for multi-year trends rather than a single year’s dip.
As of May 2026, the Florida Board of Nursing has not yet published 2026 NCLEX outcomes for individual BSN programs.1 Historically, local institutions such as AdventHealth University, Seminole State College, and Rasmussen University’s North Orlando/Ocala campus have reported pass rates that fluctuated between the high 70s and low 90s, depending on cohort size and program changes. Because these numbers change annually, the most reliable approach is to visit the Florida Board of Nursing’s website directly. Their education portal lists NCLEX first-time pass rates by school and program type for the most recent reporting cycle.
If a program appears on a probation list or shows a pattern of declining scores, ask admissions staff how they are addressing curriculum improvements. A program that transparently discusses its plan to boost pass rates can still be a viable choice if improvements are underway.
The path to registered nurse licensure in Florida follows a clear sequence of education, examination, and application. Below are the key milestones, including typical timelines and costs.
The Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metropolitan area offers competitive wages for registered nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for RNs in the region was $77,280 in 2024, with top earners making over $100,000. National job growth for RNs is projected at 5% from 2024 to 2034.
Choosing the right nursing program involves many questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones we hear from prospective students in the Altamonte Springs area.
Registered nurses in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro earn a median $77,280 a year (BLS, 2024), and demand for new BSN graduates is rising. The programs near Altamonte Springs vary in tuition, schedule flexibility, and NCLEX pass rates. Weigh these factors alongside your career goals. Whether you're a first-time college student, career changer exploring nursing career paths, or RN with an associate degree, there's a BSN pathway for you. Visit program websites to request information or speak with an admissions advisor about application deadlines and clinical placement details.
