Compare costs, NCLEX outcomes, and program formats for every BSN option in the Daytona Beach area.
An ADN can land you a hospital floor in two years; a BSN stretches your timeline but lifts long-term earning potential. Daytona Beach’s healthcare employers, led by Halifax Health and AdventHealth, have gradually raised their education expectations, mirroring the national push toward baccalaureate nursing. The local pipeline reflects that tension: Daytona State College feeds graduates into entry-level roles quickly, while Bethune-Cookman’s four-year program aligns with employer preferences for bachelor’s-prepared RNs. Both paths produce competent clinicians, but the region’s magnet hospitals and specialty units now reserve an increasing share of positions for BSN holders.
The schools below represent Florida's top nursing programs, ranked by a composite score that weighs affordability, graduation success, and career outcomes. Whether you're starting fresh or advancing your degree, these options deliver strong preparation for the NCLEX. Use the filters to narrow by location, format, and degree level.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
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| #1 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | Ambitious students chasing national nursing excellence | |
The University of Florida's BSN program leads the list with its national prestige, consistently high NCLEX pass rates, and a remarkably low net price of $6,541. Accredited by the CCNE, it offers traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN pathways, all supported by state-of-the-art simulation labs and access to UF Health clinical sites. The 91% graduation rate and $71,588 median 10-year earnings reflect strong student support and career payoff.
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| #2 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $11,000/yr | Accelerated BSN for proactive career-switchers | |
Florida State University's campus-based BSN stands out for its accelerated 15-16 month format, blending rigorous academics with diverse clinical experiences. With a net price of $11,297 and an 85.6% graduation rate, it offers solid value. The program is nationally accredited and uses a holistic admissions process that values community engagement alongside a 3.0 GPA minimum.
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| #3 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | Budget-conscious learners needing multiple pathway options | |
Florida International University offers multiple paths to nursing, including a Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, and a Direct Entry MSN for foreign-educated physicians. Located in Miami, its net price of $9,288 and 74.4% graduation rate make it an accessible choice. The program features the S.T.A.R. Center simulation lab and meets CCNE standards, preparing graduates for NCLEX-RN and advanced practice roles.
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| #4 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of South Florida provides tailored BSN tracks: a five-semester Upper Division Pathway for non-nurses, a 16-month Accelerated Second Degree, and the V-CARE pathway for veterans. With a net price of $9,812 and a 76.8% graduation rate, it balances affordability with strong NCLEX preparation. The campus-based programs draw from Tampa's extensive healthcare network.
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| #5 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of Central Florida, with campuses including nearby Orlando, offers a Traditional BSN and a Second Degree BSN. Both are CCNE-accredited and boast NCLEX pass rates exceeding state averages. A net price of $10,411 and a 78% graduation rate place it among the solid public options, with graduates highly sought by employers across Central Florida.
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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 and a direct-entry Freshman Admit Nursing option. Its community-based curriculum and affordable net price of $10,154 attract in-state students, though the 69.2% graduation rate is lower than some peers. Both tracks prepare graduates for NCLEX-RN and graduate studies, with financial aid and scholarships available.
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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, commands a higher net price of $37,244 but delivers a CCNE-accredited, campus-based BSN with traditional and accelerated paths, plus a hybrid RN-to-BSN. Its 83.7% graduation rate and $75,328 median 10-year earnings are among the strongest, offering a premium route for career-focused students.
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| #8 | Southeastern College-West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach, FL | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southeastern College in West Palm Beach delivers a 25-month Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, blending on-campus and hybrid instruction. With a net price of $28,820 and a strong 87.5% graduation rate, it provides a focused path to RN licensure. The program requires the TEAS exam and emphasizes hands-on clinical experience, making it a practical entry point for local students.
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| #9 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $5,000 – $17,000/yr | ||
Florida Atlantic University's hybrid BSN combines online coursework with 840 clinical hours, leading to a CCNE-accredited degree. Its low net price of $8,752 is a major draw, though the 62.6% graduation rate trails competitors. High NCLEX pass rates and a holistic nursing philosophy position it as an affordable option for self-directed learners along Florida's east coast.
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| #10 | Antigua College International | Miami Lakes, FL | $29,000/yr | ||
Antigua College International in Miami Lakes offers a 42-month hybrid BSN program, ideal for those seeking a blend of online theory and on-campus labs. With a net price of $29,211, it emphasizes clinical judgment, leadership, and ethics. However, limited graduation and earnings data place it at the bottom of the list, underscoring the need for careful program evaluation.
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Prospective nursing students today face lists of “best” schools with little explanation of how the order was determined. Our rankings break that mold by sharing exactly which data points shape the order, so you can judge for yourself whether a program’s strengths align with your goals, a methodology we also apply to best nursing programs in Indiana.
We evaluate each nursing program on four publicly available metrics: - NCLEX pass rates: The percentage of graduates who pass the national licensing exam on their first attempt, reflecting how well a program prepares students for practice. - Net price after aid: The average cost students actually pay after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price. This is an institution-wide figure, not nursing-specific, but it shows overall affordability. - Graduation rate: The percentage of all undergraduate students who complete a degree within 150% of normal time. This is an institution-wide metric, not limited to nursing majors, but it signals whether students at the school tend to finish what they start. - Graduate earnings: Median earnings of former students one year after leaving the institution, drawn from the College Scorecard. These figures are not program-specific but offer a broad view of post-college income potential.
We pull schools from a 75-mile radius around Daytona Beach, which may include programs in Orlando, Jacksonville, and smaller surrounding towns. If you prefer a closer commute, note each school’s address in the table above.
Many ranking sites never disclose their formulas. By laying out our methodology, we help you decide whether cost, exam success, or long-term earnings should carry the most weight in your decision. That clarity is what sets this list apart, and why you can use it with confidence.
Below are the tuition and net price figures for bachelor's in nursing (BSN) programs near Daytona Beach. The net price listed is the average amount students pay after grants and scholarships, this figure is institution-wide and actual nursing costs may differ due to program-specific fees. In-state tuition ranges from $2,591 to $6,565, while net price after aid spans from $5,463 to $9,288.
| Institution | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dade College | $2,838 | $9,661 | $5,463 |
| Lake-Sumter State College | $3,292 | $13,276 | $5,855 |
| Saint Johns River State College | $2,591 | $9,334 | $6,135 |
| University of Florida | $6,381 | $28,659 | $6,541 |
| Florida Atlantic University | $4,879 | $17,324 | $8,752 |
| Florida International University | $6,565 | $18,964 | $9,288 |
An ADN typically requires 60 to 80 credit hours and can be completed in 24 months, while a BSN demands a full 120 credits spread over four years.1
The credit gap reflects the depth of the curriculum. ADN programs focus heavily on clinical skills and patient care basics, preparing you for the NCLEX in a condensed timeline. Some schools offer accelerated tracks that can fast-track an ADN in 12 to 18 months2 or a BSN in 18 to 21 months3, but these demand a more intense pace.
Because the credit load is smaller, an ADN generally costs less in total tuition, though per-credit costs can be similar. However, the long-term career ceiling differs sharply. BSN holders qualify for leadership roles, public health positions, and specialty certifications that remain out of reach with an associate degree alone.
The local job market underscores this distinction. Major healthcare employers in the Daytona Beach area, including AdventHealth and Halifax Health, both pursuing or holding Magnet designation, increasingly prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses. This trend means new ADN graduates may face steeper competition for hospital roles or must commit to earning a BSN within a few years of hire.
For students who start with an ADN, an RN-to-BSN bridge offers a practical next step without discarding previous credits. These programs often take just 12 to 18 months, letting working nurses upgrade their degree online or part-time while maintaining employment.
Getting into a nursing program in Daytona Beach starts with understanding Daytona State College’s admissions criteria, which are detailed and selective. The college offers an Associate in Science in Nursing (ADN) and an RN-to-BSN pathway, each with distinct prerequisites. Here’s what you need to know to prepare a strong application.
For the ADN program, Daytona State requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.51, but the reality is that higher GPAs are often necessary to stand out. The program uses a competitive points system1, so every fraction of a grade point can make a difference. You’ll also need to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and achieve a score of at least 65%1. The TEAS evaluates reading, math, science, and English, and a score well above the minimum boosts your overall points. The BSN completion program also demands a 2.5 GPA2 and holds applicants to similar academic rigor, assuming you already hold an ASN or nursing diploma and an active RN license2.
Before applying to the ADN, you must complete general education courses like college algebra (MAT1033) and English composition (ENC1101) with a grade of C or better. Additional requirements include being at least 18 years old1, holding a current BLS Healthcare Provider certification1, and passing a background check, drug screen, and health screening1. The program admits students twice a year, with application deadlines in May and September1. Missing these cutoff dates means waiting for the next cycle, so plan ahead.
The program’s limited cohort size and points-based selection make admission highly competitive1. While the college does not publish a specific acceptance rate, the use of a ranking system means that meeting minimums is no guarantee. Applicants compete based on GPA, TEAS performance, and possibly other factors like healthcare experience. Some cycles see a waitlist, so you should view the stated minimums as a floor, not a target.
While program-specific earnings data is not yet available for Daytona Beach nursing graduates, the BLS provides detailed wage information for registered nurses in the local metropolitan area. The figures below show what RNs in the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach MSA earned in 2024, giving you a realistic salary benchmark as you plan your nursing career.
Get quick answers to common questions about nursing programs in Daytona Beach, from admissions and costs to exam outcomes. This FAQ covers the essential details to help you choose the right path.
