Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and program formats for BSN programs accessible from Brandon, FL.
How do you pick a nursing school near Brandon when the area's largest hospital employers (Tampa General, BayCare, and AdventHealth) hire hundreds of new RNs each year?
The answer lies in proximity: Brandon sits just outside Tampa, so students can access clinical rotations at major facilities while commuting to BSN, ADN, and accelerated programs at the University of South Florida, Hillsborough Community College, and nearby schools.
Florida's ongoing nursing shortage keeps starting wages competitive, but admission to the strongest prelicensure tracks remains selective, making careful program research essential.
When choosing a BSN program near Brandon, local clinical rotations and strong NCLEX preparation often matter as much as national rankings. The schools below are evaluated on earnings outcomes, net price, and graduation rates, but the University of South Florida stands out for its deep ties to Tampa Bay hospitals and veteran-friendly pathways.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $10,000/yr | Brandon-area students wanting local clinical placements | |
The University of South Florida in Tampa is the closest public BSN option for Brandon students, with strong clinical partnerships at Tampa General Hospital and other regional employers. Its College of Nursing offers multiple competitive pathways, including a traditional upper-division track, an accelerated second-degree program, and a veteran-to-BSN (V-CARE) route that leverages military medical training. NCLEX preparation is rigorous, and graduates are actively recruited across the Tampa Bay healthcare market.
| |||||
| #2 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | Academic high-achievers seeking nationally ranked program | |
The University of Florida’s BSN in Gainesville is the top-ranked nursing program in the state and among the top 20 nationally by U.S. News. It features high NCLEX pass rates, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and a choice of traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN pathways. Though students from Brandon must relocate, the program’s research opportunities and UF Health clinical network offer exceptional preparation for graduate study or specialized practice.
| |||||
| #3 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $11,000/yr | Career changers aiming for fast RN licensure | |
Florida State University in Tallahassee offers a nationally accredited BSN completed in about 15-16 months for students who have finished prerequisite coursework. The program uses a holistic admissions review that considers community engagement and work experience alongside a minimum 3.0 GPA. Clinical rotations span hospitals, community agencies, and homes, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN and a wide range of entry-level nursing roles.
| |||||
| #4 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Florida International University in Miami provides multiple BSN routes, including a traditional full-time track, an accelerated second-degree option, and a specialized pathway for foreign-educated physicians. All programs benefit from the state-of-the-art S.T.A.R. Center simulation labs and diverse clinical sites in South Florida. While far from Brandon, FIU’s strong NCLEX outcomes and value as an in-state public university make it a worthwhile consideration for those open to relocation.
| |||||
| #5 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of Central Florida in Orlando runs a traditional BSN and an accelerated second-degree program across three campuses, though none are in the Tampa Bay area. Students complete over 840 clinical hours in diverse settings, and NCLEX pass rates consistently exceed state and national averages. The university’s strong employer reputation and reasonable in-state net price attract students from across central Florida, including those willing to commute from Brandon for a respected program.
| |||||
| #6 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
The University of North Florida in Jacksonville offers a prelicensure BSN and a direct-admit freshman nursing pathway. Both tracks integrate community-based learning and prepare students for the NCLEX-RN. With a smaller faculty and class sizes, UNF provides a more personalized experience, though the Jacksonville location requires a considerable commute or relocation for Brandon residents.
| |||||
| #7 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | $37,000/yr (net price) | ||
The University of Miami in Coral Gables is a private institution with a traditional four-year BSN, a 12-month accelerated track, and a hybrid RN-to-BSN. The School of Nursing and Health Studies boasts a low student-faculty ratio and access to the University of Miami Health System, leading to strong graduate earnings. While the cost is significantly higher than public alternatives, its South Florida location offers a dense clinical network and high career mobility for students who can manage the relocation and tuition.
| |||||
| #8 | Southeastern College-West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach, FL | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southeastern College in West Palm Beach offers an associate degree in nursing (ADN) that can serve as an entry point into the profession. The 25-month program blends coursework with hands-on clinical practice and requires passing the TEAS exam for admission. While it does not confer a BSN, its location on Florida’s east coast may appeal to Brandon students seeking a shorter, more affordable initial licensure path with the option to later complete an RN-to-BSN online.
| |||||
| #9 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $5,000 – $17,000/yr | ||
Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton delivers its BSN in a hybrid format, blending online coursework with 840 hours of in-person clinical experiences in South Florida. Accredited by the CCNE, the program prides itself on a caring science philosophy and high NCLEX pass rates. For Brandon residents, the hybrid delivery may reduce time spent on campus, but clinical rotations still require presence in Palm Beach or Broward counties.
| |||||
| #10 | Antigua College International | Miami Lakes, FL | $29,000/yr | ||
Antigua College International in Miami Lakes provides a hybrid BSN that can be completed in about 42 months. The curriculum integrates 120 credits of general education and nursing coursework, including 450 clinical hours. Because the program is private with a small cohort, it may offer a more personalized path for students willing to relocate to South Florida, though median earnings and graduation data are not yet published for this newer institution.
| |||||
Our rankings weigh four data points to identify programs that balance affordability, student success, and career readiness.
Because many nursing students commute from Brandon, we set a 75-mile radius from downtown, pulling in accredited nursing programs in Florida from Tampa, Lakeland, Sarasota, and beyond. Only schools with publicly available data and a recognizable nursing pathway were considered.
The following table compares in-state and out-of-state tuition, net price (the amount students actually pay after financial aid), and median graduate debt for BSN programs within an expanded search radius of Brandon, FL. All institutions listed are public, so the net price typically reflects in-state costs after aid. Where College Scorecard data is available, median debt figures are included; monthly 10-year repayment estimates are not yet reported for these programs.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian River State College | $2,764 | $10,201 | $3,815 | $8,023 |
| Gulf Coast State College | $2,370 | $8,635 | $4,709 | $7,147 |
| Florida Gateway College | $3,100 | $11,747 | $5,364 | $6,992 |
| Miami Dade College | $2,838 | $9,661 | $5,463 | $9,252 |
| Lake-Sumter State College | $3,292 | $13,276 | $5,855 | $6,750 |
| Saint Johns River State College | $2,591 | $9,334 | $6,135 | $12,000 |
| Eastern Florida State College | $2,791 | $10,976 | $6,440 | $12,250 |
| University of Florida | $6,381 | $28,659 | $6,541 | $15,000 |
| Florida Atlantic University | $4,879 | $17,324 | $8,752 | $17,236 |
| Florida International University | $6,565 | $18,964 | $9,288 | $16,500 |
Nursing programs near Brandon, FL deliver strong NCLEX-RN pass rates, with top schools consistently exceeding both the Florida state average and the national benchmark.
The University of South Florida's Tampa campus, one of the top nursing schools in Florida, has a 10-year average first-time NCLEX pass rate of 91%2, comfortably outpacing the Florida statewide average of 81.8% and the national average of 86.7%1 for the 2025 testing cycle. Another well-regarded BSN program in the Tampa Bay area reports an even higher 10-year average of 99%2, placing it among the most reliable pathways for students preparing for licensure. These figures reflect sustained program quality rather than a single-year snapshot.
The Florida Board of Nursing mandates that prelicensure nursing programs maintain a first-time NCLEX pass rate of at least 80%1. Falling below this threshold triggers a corrective action plan. The Brandon-area programs highlighted here sit well above that floor, signaling graduates are thoroughly equipped to pass the licensing exam on their first attempt. Prospective students can verify current annual pass rates directly on the Florida Board of Nursing website, as data is updated each cycle.
Program-level earnings for local BSN graduates are not yet published, but the regional benchmark from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows what registered nurses across the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area earn. This gives incoming nurses a realistic salary target.
Becoming a registered nurse in Brandon, Florida, follows a clear pathway from prerequisite coursework to state licensure. A traditional BSN typically takes four years, while accelerated programs for career-changers can be completed in 12-18 months. Florida's Board of Nursing enforces specific requirements including a Level II background check and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
Choosing a nursing program in the Brandon area involves weighing factors like cost, program length, and NCLEX outcomes. Here are answers to common questions from prospective students.
Beyond the top-ranked programs, Florida offers a wide range of accredited nursing schools. The following directory includes additional BSN, ADN, and direct-entry MSN options worth exploring. Each entry lists the school's location, program format, and net price to help you compare.
