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 Altamonte Springs area and the wider Seminole and Orange County region draw prospective nursing students from a mix of nearby Orlando campuses and top-ranked programs across Florida. Below are the best BSN options for Altamonte-area residents, ranging from the University of Central Florida's in-market program to highly regarded public universities that accept Florida residents at in-state tuition. Each school offers pre-licensure or RN-to-BSN pathways to fit different starting points.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
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| #1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $10,000/yr | Orlando metro nursing students | |
The University of Central Florida is the anchor public BSN provider for the Orlando metro, located just minutes from Altamonte Springs. Its College of Nursing offers both a traditional and accelerated second-degree pathway, with clinical rotations embedded within major Central Florida health systems like AdventHealth and Orlando Health. UCF BSN graduates consistently surpass state and national NCLEX-RN averages and enjoy strong employer demand locally. As a limited-access program with planned seat expansions, it remains the most practical, high-quality option for Seminole and Orange County residents.
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| #2 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | Top-ranked BSN career starters | |
The University of Florida's BSN program is consistently ranked No. 1 in Florida and among the top 20 nationally. It stands out for its cutting-edge simulation labs, high NCLEX pass rates, and strong research opportunities. While located in Gainesville, about two hours from Altamonte Springs, UF draws Central Florida students and offers Traditional, Accelerated, and RN-to-BSN tracks. Its graduates report among the highest median earnings in the state, reflecting a robust return on investment.
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| #3 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $11,000/yr | Holistic campus learners | |
Florida State University's campus-based BSN is a full-time, 15-16 month upper-division program located in Tallahassee. It emphasizes a holistic admissions process that values community engagement and work experience alongside academics. With diverse clinical placements and comprehensive curriculum, the program prepares graduates for RN licensure and further study. Though not in the immediate Altamonte area, it remains a competitive choice for Florida residents seeking a traditional university nursing experience.
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| #4 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Florida International University in Miami offers a robust traditional BSN, an accelerated option for degree holders, and a unique fast-track MSN pathway for foreign-educated physicians. The traditional program features the state-of-the-art S.T.A.R. Center for simulation and enrolls 100 students annually. While FIU primarily serves South Florida, its strong NCLEX preparation and accreditation make it a viable in-state option for Altamonte-area residents willing to relocate.
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| #5 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of South Florida in Tampa provides multiple BSN pathways: a traditional upper-division track, an accelerated second-degree option, and a veteran-focused V-CARE program. All are campus-based with competitive admission. USF is part of Florida's state nursing expansion effort, and its graduates benefit from solid NCLEX preparation and strong clinical training. The Tampa location places it within a manageable drive for some Altamonte-area students seeking a comprehensive public university experience.
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| #6 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
The University of North Florida in Jacksonville offers a prelicensure BSN for transfer students and a direct-admit Freshman Admit Nursing track. The program emphasizes community-based clinical placements and small cohort sizes. Its NCLEX preparation and support for graduate study make it a solid in-state choice, though the Jacksonville location is roughly 2.5 hours from Altamonte Springs.
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| #7 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | $37,000/yr (net price) | ||
The University of Miami, a private institution in Coral Gables, provides campus-based Traditional and Accelerated BSN tracks, plus a hybrid RN-to-BSN for working nurses. Known for its low student-faculty ratio, strong clinical partnerships, and high graduate earnings, Miami's program is a premium option. It does not offer in-state tuition, making it a significant investment for Altamonte-area residents, but its NCLEX outcomes and national reputation are strong.
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| #8 | Southeastern College-West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach, FL | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southeastern College in West Palm Beach offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, a 25-month ADN program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical practice and requires TEAS exam scores for admission. While not a BSN, it is included as a nearby prelicensure stepping stone for Altamonte-area students open to an ADN path before pursuing an RN-to-BSN later.
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| #9 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $5,000 – $17,000/yr | ||
Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton delivers a hybrid BSN program with a strong holistic nursing focus and 840 required clinical hours. It holds CCNE accreditation and claims high NCLEX-RN pass rates. FAU is a public university serving primarily South Florida, but its hybrid format may offer flexibility for Central Florida students, though clinical placements would likely be in that region.
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| #10 | Antigua College International | Miami Lakes, FL | $29,000/yr | ||
Antigua College International, a small private institution in Miami Lakes, provides a hybrid BSN program spanning 42 months. The curriculum emphasizes clinical judgment, leadership, and ethics, with a total of 2250 clock hours including lecture, lab, and clinical components. While its student outcomes data are limited, the program offers personalized instruction and financial aid. Its Miami location is distant from Altamonte Springs but may appeal to students seeking a structured, career-focused BSN in a private setting.
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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.
