Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for BSN programs in and around Glen Allen.
Registered nurses in Virginia earn a statewide average of $88,820, and the Richmond metro, with major employers like VCU Health, Bon Secours, and HCA Virginia, concentrates hiring for new BSN graduates. Glen Allen sits at the northern edge of this network, giving students access to clinical rotations and jobs within a short commute.
BSN programs within driving distance range from traditional four-year on-campus degrees at public universities to accelerated and fully online RN-to-BSN programs. Costs, admission requirements, and NCLEX-RN pass rates vary sharply, so comparing a few key data points can shape where you apply.
The strongest nearby programs have adapted to workforce demand by adding hybrid schedules and part-time tracks, which means working nurses can upgrade to a BSN without leaving their current positions.
The Greater Richmond area offers a range of accredited nursing programs, from community college ADN pathways to top-ranked university BSNs and direct-entry MSNs. This ranking highlights schools within 65 miles of Glen Allen that combine strong outcomes with accessible formats for aspiring and working nurses.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | $23,000/yr | Local students seeking Richmond clinical sites | |
Virginia Commonwealth University's main campus in Richmond places a top-tier BSN within a short commute of Glen Allen. Students train at VCU Health, a Magnet-designated academic medical center, and rotate through diverse clinical sites across the metro area. The three-year, full-time program emphasizes hands-on practice and consistently feeds new RNs into Central Virginia employers.
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| #2 | University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA | $22,000/yr (net price) | Ambitious learners targeting premier BSN pathways | |
The University of Virginia in Charlottesville is a nationally recognized research university offering multiple BSN pathways and a direct-entry MSN. Its nursing school actively recruits from Central Virginia and provides clinical placements with major health systems in the region. Strong graduation rates and an impressive earnings profile make it a compelling choice for high-achieving students.
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| #3 | Randolph-Macon College | Ashland, VA | $28,000/yr | Aspiring nurses seeking small cohort attention | |
Randolph-Macon College in Ashland offers a CCNE-accredited BSN just 10 miles from Glen Allen. The small, private liberal arts setting guarantees a cohort of 40 students, ensuring close mentorship and early clinical exposure. With 500 direct-care hours and partnerships with VCU Health and Bon Secours, graduates enter the local workforce well-prepared.
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| #4 | University of Mary Washington | Fredericksburg, VA | $21,000/yr (net price) | ||
University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg provides a hybrid RN-to-BSN completion program tailored for working nurses. Courses are delivered primarily online with limited campus visits, making it accessible from Glen Allen along the I-95 corridor. The curriculum builds on an associate degree with a liberal arts foundation and AACN Essentials.
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| #5 | Longwood University | Farmville, VA | $19,000/yr | ||
Longwood University in Farmville offers a traditional four-year BSN with direct admission for freshmen. The program integrates service-learning and community engagement throughout, emphasizing citizen leadership in healthcare. CCNE-accredited and approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing, it combines classroom theory with hands-on clinical practice.
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| #6 | Galen Health Institutes-Richmond | Richmond, VA | $20,000 – $25,000/yr | ||
Galen Health Institutes' Richmond campus offers a streamlined three-year BSN for students new to nursing. The for-profit, career-focused school provides multiple start dates annually and on-campus learning with clinical labs. While institutional graduation rates are not available, the program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and entry into the local healthcare workforce.
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| #7 | Piedmont Virginia Community College | Charlottesville, VA | ~$6,000/yr (est.) | ||
Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville awards an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing through a hybrid format combining online coursework with local clinical placements. The program boasts strong NCLEX pass rates and job placement, and eligible students can access the G3 program for free tuition, fees, and books.
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| #8 | Brightpoint Community College | Chester, VA | $5,000 – $12,000/yr | ||
Brightpoint Community College in Chester offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science in Nursing in both fully in-person and hybrid formats. The program emphasizes patient-centered care and nursing judgment, with clinical experiences in real healthcare settings. Graduates can sit for the NCLEX-RN and often transfer to BSN programs through articulation agreements.
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| #9 | Southside College of Health Sciences | Colonial Heights, VA | |||
Southside College of Health Sciences in Colonial Heights delivers a 72-week hybrid Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. The small private college reports a near-91% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate and a 99% student retention rate. The focused, career-oriented program prepares graduates for RN licensure in Virginia.
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| #10 | Virginia State University | Petersburg, VA | $10,000 – $23,000/yr | ||
Virginia State University in Petersburg offers a fully online RN-to-BSN completion program designed for working RNs. The asynchronous, eight-week courses allow nurses to balance employment with part-time study. CCNE-accredited and pay-by-the-course, the program builds on an associate degree toward leadership and community health roles.
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The table below shows costs for nursing programs at community colleges near Glen Allen, Virginia. All programs listed offer associate degrees in nursing (ADN/ASN), which serve as a foundational step toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through transfer or RN-to-BSN pathways. Tuition and net price figures are based on the most recent IPEDS and College Scorecard data.
| School | Program Type | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul D Camp Community College | Associate in Nursing | $5,012 | $11,450 | $4,126 | $6,880 |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate in Nursing | $5,007 | $11,445 | $4,622 | $7,500 |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate in Nursing | $5,022 | $11,460 | $4,861 | $9,182 |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate in Nursing | $5,400 | $11,838 | $4,966 | $11,000 |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate in Nursing | $5,082 | $11,520 | $5,490 | $9,500 |
| Germanna Community College | Associate in Nursing | $5,257 | $11,648 | $5,541 | $8,400 |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate in Nursing | $5,072 | $11,510 | $5,963 | $8,750 |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate in Nursing | $5,072 | $11,510 | $6,013 | $9,750 |
| New River Community College | Associate in Nursing | $4,979 | $11,417 | $6,279 | $9,000 |
| Danville Community College | Associate in Nursing | $4,992 | $11,430 | $6,669 | $9,000 |
NCLEX-RN pass rates serve as a transparent gauge of how well a nursing program prepares graduates for the licensing exam. Near Glen Allen, Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing stands out with a 96.80% first-time pass rate for its BSN graduates in 2024.1 This places the program well above the Virginia state average of 92.32%2 and significantly higher than the national average for BSN programs, which was 87.5% in 2025.3
Strong NCLEX outcomes are not just a badge of quality; they directly affect your career timeline. Graduates from high-performing programs typically sit for the exam with greater confidence, pass on the first attempt, and start working as registered nurses sooner. Conversely, a pattern of low pass rates can signal weaknesses in curriculum, clinical training, or student support.
When evaluating other BSN options in the Richmond metro area, check each school's NCLEX pass history through the Virginia Board of Nursing's annual reports. Consistent performance above the state benchmark indicates a program that keeps current with exam changes and invests in student success. Look for three-year trends rather than a single-year snapshot to get a reliable picture.
A 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA is the baseline admission benchmark for the traditional BSN at Virginia Commonwealth University, but requirements vary widely among nursing programs near Glen Allen.
At Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in nearby Richmond, the traditional BSN program requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for progression, with no standardized entrance exam such as the TEAS or HESI required. However, other nursing schools in the Glen Allen area may set higher GPA thresholds and often require competitive TEAS or HESI scores. For example, some private and accelerated programs demand a 3.0 or above. Prospective students should verify specific exam requirements directly with each program, as they can change annually.
Most BSN programs near Glen Allen share a common set of prerequisite courses designed to build foundational health science knowledge. You can expect to complete: - Anatomy and Physiology I and II: usually with labs. - Microbiology: with a lab component. - Statistics: a standard introduction to statistical reasoning. - Developmental Psychology: often listed as lifespan growth and development. At VCU, 26–27 credits of general education and science prerequisites are required before beginning the nursing major. These often include chemistry, English composition, and sociology as well. Check individual program bulletins, as prerequisites may differ slightly, especially for accelerated tracks.
VCU offers a fully online RN‑to‑BS pathway for registered nurses holding an associate degree, which can be completed in as few as 12–24 months. This program is ideal for working nurses near Glen Allen seeking a bachelor's degree without relocating. For those seeking a pre‑licensure BSN, VCU's traditional program is in‑person only. Other area providers, such as ECPI University and South University‑Richmond, may offer hybrid or part‑time options as well as accelerated second‑degree BSN tracks for career changers. Since format availability changes, contacting admissions offices is the best way to confirm current delivery modes.
Many BSN programs near Glen Allen, including VCU, participate in articulation agreements with the Virginia Community College System. These agreements streamline the transition for ADN‑prepared nurses entering RN‑to‑BSN programs. VCU's RN‑to‑BS specifically requires an associate degree in nursing and an active RN license, making it a natural next step for community college graduates. Additionally, some four‑year schools may accept transfer credits for completed prerequisites from regionally accredited institutions, though nursing courses often have strict transfer policies. If you're coming from a Virginia community college, ask about guaranteed admission or block‑credit transfer arrangements.
Long-term earnings for BSN graduates from schools near Glen Allen vary significantly. The chart below compares median income 10 years after entering college alongside typical student debt, set against the statewide average for registered nurses in Virginia ($88,820 per year as of 2024).
Choosing the right BSN program in Glen Allen means weighing factors like cost, NCLEX performance, and scheduling flexibility. Below are answers to common questions to help you decide.
