Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, program lengths, and admission requirements across Fort Myers BSN programs.
Which nursing schools in Fort Myers position you for the BSN-preferred hiring market? Lee Health, the region's dominant healthcare employer, has expanded its acute-care services, and hiring managers increasingly filter for baccalaureate-prepared applicants.
The programs available to Fort Myers students span traditional four-year tracks at Florida Gulf Coast University, accelerated second-degree options, and online RN-to-BSN pathways that working nurses can complete while employed. Annual in-state tuition ranges from around $2,400 to over $6,000, and admission is competitive, with most programs requiring a TEAS score and specific prerequisite GPAs.
The following schools represent the top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs across Florida that are accessible to students in the Fort Myers area. While Florida Gulf Coast University serves as the primary local option, these statewide institutions deliver strong outcomes, competitive in-state tuition, and diverse program formats worth considering for aspiring nurses in Southwest Florida.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | Research-focused future graduate students | |
The University of Florida’s BSN program is the top-ranked in the state and among the top 20 nationally, offering multiple pathways including Traditional, Accelerated, and RN-to-BSN. With high NCLEX pass rates and access to UF Health’s extensive clinical network, graduates enter the workforce well-prepared. The institution-wide 91% graduation rate and strong 10-year earnings reflect the value of this degree.
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| #2 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $11,000/yr | Intensive 15-month BSN completion | |
Florida State University’s BSN program is a nationally accredited, four-semester (15-16 month) upper-division pathway for students who have completed prerequisites. Admission is competitive with a holistic review process considering community engagement and work experience. The program’s structured curriculum and diverse clinical rotations in North Florida prepare graduates for RN licensure and further specialization.
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| #3 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | Career changers seeking accelerated Miami pathways | |
Florida International University offers multiple BSN routes: a Traditional track, an Accelerated Option for degree holders, and a unique Foreign-Educated Physician to BSN/MSN path. All programs emphasize hands-on simulation at the S.T.A.R. Center and clinical practice in South Florida. Graduates are eligible for NCLEX-RN and often pursue advanced nursing roles or graduate studies.
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| #4 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of South Florida provides multiple BSN entry points: an Upper Division Pathway for traditional students, an Accelerated Second Degree for career changers, and a Veteran to BSN (V-CARE) track for those with military medical training. All are full-time, campus-based, and competitive, leveraging USF Health’s Tampa Bay clinical partners. The institution reports solid graduation and loan repayment outcomes.
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| #5 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of Central Florida’s Traditional BSN is a limited-access, upper-division program available at three Central Florida campuses. The five-semester, cohort-based curriculum integrates rigorous coursework with clinical rotations, and graduates consistently exceed state and national NCLEX-RN averages. A Second Degree BSN option offers a condensed four-semester route for those already holding a bachelor’s.
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| #6 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
The University of North Florida’s nursing options include a Prelicensure BSN for students with 60+ credit hours and a unique Freshman Admit Nursing (FAN) track for incoming first-year students. Both emphasize community-based learning, hands-on clinicals, and NCLEX-RN preparation. UNF’s net price and graduate debt figures make it a solid value among Florida public universities.
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| #7 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | $37,000/yr (net price) | ||
The University of Miami’s CCNE-accredited Traditional BSN spans four years on its Coral Gables campus, while an Accelerated BSN compresses the curriculum into 12 months for career changers. A hybrid RN-to-BSN track serves working nurses. With an institutional graduation rate above 83% and the highest 10-year median earnings among this list, UM’s nursing graduates command a significant salary premium.
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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 a 25-month Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, blending on-campus and hybrid delivery. This entry-level ADN program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN through hands-on clinical experiences. While not a BSN, it provides a faster, more affordable pathway to initial RN licensure for those in the Fort Myers area willing to commute or relocate.
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| #9 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $5,000 – $17,000/yr | ||
Florida Atlantic University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a hybrid, limited-access program that combines online coursework with 840 hours of clinical experience in diverse Southeast Florida settings. Accredited by CCNE and designated as a holistic nursing program, FAU boasts high NCLEX-RN pass rates and eligibility for AHNCC certification. The net price is among the most affordable for Florida residents.
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| #10 | Antigua College International | Miami Lakes, FL | $29,000/yr | ||
Antigua College International, located in Miami Lakes, offers a 42-month hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing that emphasizes small-group instruction and personalized attention. The curriculum blends 1,500 lecture hours, 300 lab hours, and 450 clinical hours, preparing students for professional nursing and NCLEX-RN. Program-level earnings data are not yet available, and the institution reports a lower retention rate than other ranked schools.
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Florida residents attending a public nursing program near Fort Myers can expect sharply different sticker prices depending on the institution. Gulf Coast State College offers the lowest in-state tuition at $2,370, while the University of Florida’s BSN carries the highest in-state rate among these schools at $6,381. The net price after aid figures are institution-wide averages, so an individual student’s actual cost will reflect their own financial aid package.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) | 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 |
BSN programs in Fort Myers follow structured admissions processes that evaluate academic performance, entrance exam scores, and completion of science prerequisites. While each school sets its own criteria, most share a common set of expectations. Since nursing cohorts are often limited in size, early preparation and attention to detail are essential.
Most Fort Myers BSN programs require a set of science and general education courses before enrolling in upper-division nursing classes. FGCU’s prerequisites include:
Keiser and Rasmussen have similar prerequisite lists, often with slight variations in the math or psychology requirements. Completion of these courses with a grade of C or better is standard across all programs.
FGCU accepts applications through NursingCAS for fall (deadline February 1) and spring (deadline May 31) starts. Keiser and Rasmussen generally offer multiple start dates throughout the year on a rolling or cohort basis. Since nursing programs can fill quickly, submitting all materials well before the deadline is recommended.
Prospective students should always verify requirements directly with each program, as criteria can change annually.
A nursing degree in Fort Myers can be tailored to your prior education and career goals, with program lengths ranging from 12 months to four years.
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) offers the only campus-based traditional BSN in Fort Myers.2 The program requires 121 credit hours and spans four years of full-time study.1 It combines general education, foundational sciences, and upper-division nursing courses with hands-on clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities. This pathway suits students entering college for the first time or those transferring with core credits.
For career-changers searching for an accelerated BSN in Fort Myers, Rasmussen University provides a hybrid option completed in 18 months.1 Designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, the program blends online coursework with in-person skill labs and clinical experiences. FGCU and Keiser University do not currently offer accelerated BSN tracks at their Fort Myers locations.1
If you need an RN to BSN in Fort Myers, both Keiser University and Rasmussen University deliver fully online programs. Keiser’s RN-to-BSN can be finished in as few as 12 months, making it the fastest route in the area. The curriculum accepts a block of transfer credits for prior nursing education and focuses on leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice. Rasmussen’s online RN-to-BSN offers similar flexibility for working registered nurses.1 FGCU does not currently offer an RN-to-BSN pathway.2
The nursing workforce is increasingly seeking baccalaureate-prepared RNs as hospitals work toward national recognition, and the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro rewards BSN-trained nurses with competitive wages.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 data, the 6,390 registered nurses in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metropolitan area earned a median annual wage of $84,670. Wages spanned from $64,550 at the 10th percentile to $110,420 at the 90th percentile. The 25th and 75th percentile marks were $74,250 and $95,300, respectively. These figures include nurses at all education levels and experience, so a BSN-prepared nurse often lands in the upper half of this range.
For additional perspective, the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard provides median earnings of graduates from Florida nursing schools. Alumni of programs at the University of Florida reported median earnings around $71,600 a decade after entry, while graduates of Florida State and Florida International saw medians near $61,700 and $60,200. These figures are not restricted to Fort Myers, but they suggest that a new BSN nurse can expect to start near the local 25th percentile, about $74,000, and see steady income growth as experience builds.
The BLS projects a 6% increase in registered nursing jobs nationally from 2023 to 2033,1 about as fast as average for all occupations. Florida’s expanding retiree population and the rise of outpatient care centers are likely to push demand higher, especially in mid-size metros like Fort Myers. New BSN graduates who stay flexible with shifts and clinical interests should find consistent openings in hospitals, home health agencies, and long-term care settings.
A BSN degree does more than open doors: it puts you on a track to higher earnings over time. While a new grad might see a salary in the $74,000 range, gaining a specialty certification or moving into a charge nurse role can quickly lift income toward the metro’s 75th percentile of $95,300. For nurses who later pursue an advanced degree, the 90th percentile of $110,420 becomes achievable, making Fort Myers a rewarding place to build a nursing career.
Still have questions about nursing schools in Southwest Florida? We have gathered answers to the most common inquiries from prospective students. Below, find clear, data-backed responses on program quality, costs, timelines, and career outlook for BSN graduates in the Fort Myers area.
