Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for every BSN program near Kenosha
Kenosha nursing students operate in a corridor defined more by proximity than program density. Wedged between Milwaukee and Chicago, the city hosts three BSN-granting institutions: Carthage College, Herzing University, and a collaborative UW-Parkside pathway. Each draws applicants from both sides of the Illinois-Wisconsin border, but seat availability rarely keeps pace with local demand.
The resulting competition forces prospective nurses to weigh not just cost and NCLEX performance but also each program’s clinical ties to regional employers like Froedtert South and Advocate Aurora. Students must choose between a residential liberal arts experience and a career-focused, flexible schedule. Among nursing schools in Wisconsin, the best BSN in Kenosha isn’t a ranking winner; it’s the one that matches a student’s timeline, budget, and learning style.
For Kenosha-area learners comparing accredited nursing programs, this ranking brings together regional Wisconsin schools with campus, hybrid, and online BSN and ADN pathways. Each card highlights a different fit, from public-university research settings to career-focused technical colleges. Where graduation data is shown, it reflects the institution overall rather than a specific nursing cohort, so program-level results can differ.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | ~$17,000/yr (est.) | First-year college students wanting public research university | |
UW-Madison pairs a traditional campus BSN with an accelerated second-degree track and an online RN-to-BSN completion option. Pre-nursing students complete foundational coursework before applying to the two-year nursing component, with clinical rotations across hospitals and community sites. The school is a public research university, which may appeal to students who want a large campus setting and broad academic resources.
No entrance exam
Fully online option
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| #2 | Marquette University | Milwaukee, WI | ~$25,000/yr (est.) | Direct-entry master's students wanting faith-based campus | |
Marquette offers a direct-admit traditional BSN on its Milwaukee campus plus a direct-entry master's in nursing for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. The BSN includes guaranteed clinical hours and study abroad options; the direct-entry MSN can be completed in as few as five semesters and is available in hybrid formats. A faith-based private university setting distinguishes the campus experience. CCNE accredited
ACEN accredited
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| #3 | Bellin College | Green Bay, WI | ~$37,000/yr (est.) | Transfer students wanting accelerated nursing track | |
Bellin College is a private health sciences college focused on nursing and other health professions. Its BSN offers three tracks: a traditional three-year path, a transfer option, and an accelerated 15-month option, with nursing courses beginning in the first semester. The curriculum emphasizes leadership and clinical experience across multiple specialties. CCNE accredited
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| #4 | Moraine Park Technical College | Fond du Lac, WI | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Moraine Park Technical College offers a two-year associate degree in nursing with a built-in practical nursing exit point, letting students become an LPN after two semesters or continue toward RN. The program blends lab practice and clinical rotations across three Wisconsin campuses. It is a public technical college pathway with a career-focused structure and hands-on technology integration.
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| #5 | Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton, WI | $5,000 – $7,000/yr (est.) | ||
Fox Valley Technical College offers an associate degree RN pathway in Appleton, with both full-time and part-time options. The 65-credit program includes health assessment, medication administration, and clinical training, and students must complete a CNA requirement before core nursing courses. The program is approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing and may have a waitlist for core courses.
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| #6 | Rasmussen University-Wisconsin | Green Bay, WI | |||
Rasmussen University's Wisconsin nursing program uses a hybrid format that combines online coursework with on-campus lab simulations and supervised clinicals. Students can earn an associate degree in nursing in as few as 21 months, with eight start dates per year and no prerequisite coursework at many campuses. The program is career-focused and designed for learners who need flexible scheduling. Military benefitsEmployer tuition reimbursement
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| #7 | Milwaukee School of Engineering | Milwaukee, WI | ~$22,000/yr (est.) | ||
Milwaukee School of Engineering offers both a traditional campus BSN and an accelerated second-degree track for career changers. The school is a private STEM-focused university with a dedicated nursing simulation center, direct admission, and guaranteed progression through clinical courses. Its nursing curriculum pairs technology, critical thinking, and hands-on clinical experience. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #8 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College | Fennimore, WI | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College offers an associate degree nursing program with a hybrid format and hands-on clinical experiences in local healthcare settings. Students train on adult, pediatric, and obstetric simulators, and complete 65 credits to become eligible for the NCLEX-RN. It is a public technical college option with a practical, skills-based approach. ACEN accredited
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| #9 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Eau Claire, WI | ~$17,000/yr (est.) | ||
UW-Eau Claire's BSN Completion Program is designed for registered nurses and ADN graduates who want to advance while continuing to work. The hybrid online program uses 7- and 14-week sessions, includes a 90-hour clinical project, and offers elective options such as cross-cultural nursing and end-of-life care. It is a public university pathway focused on RN-to-BSN advancement and leadership. CCNE accredited
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| #10 | Maranatha Baptist University | Watertown, WI | ~$26,000/yr (est.) | ||
Maranatha Baptist University offers a four-year BSN that integrates nursing education with a Christian worldview and Bible courses. Students complete more than 1,000 hours of clinical experience, with opportunities like a capstone practicum and medical missions trip. The program is CCNE accredited and suited to learners seeking a faith-based nursing education. CCNE accredited
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Our ranking of Kenosha nursing schools is built on transparent, publicly available data that reflects affordability, student outcomes, and program quality. We avoid subjective judgments, instead relying on concrete metrics that matter to prospective nurses.
We source these metrics primarily from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. NCLEX pass rates and clinical quality are analyzed separately because they come from state nursing boards and program self-reports, which require their own context. This separation ensures that each dimension of quality gets the right level of scrutiny.
| Carthage College | Herzing University Kenosha | UW-Parkside BSN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Duration | 48 months | Not specified | Not specified |
| Total Credits Required | 130 credits | Not specified | Not specified |
| Minimum GPA Requirement | 2.75 | Not specified | Not specified |
| Institution Type | Private | Private | Public |
Every nursing program in Kenosha structures its clinical rotations a little differently. The most reliable way to see exactly where you'll train is to visit each school's nursing program page. Carthage College, Herzing University Kenosha, and UW-Parkside all publish overviews of their clinical partnerships, often within an "experiential learning" or "clinical experiences" section. If the published list feels incomplete, reach out to the nursing department directly. Admissions staff and program coordinators can share the most up-to-date placements, including any new agreements that may not yet appear online.
While partnerships evolve over time, several large health systems have long served as training grounds for local nursing students. Froedtert South, which operates the Froedtert Kenosha Hospital and other sites, offers exposure to acute care, emergency medicine, and surgical services. Advocate Aurora Health, including Aurora Medical Center Kenosha, opens doors to community-based care and specialty units. Students often also rotate through Veterans Affairs clinics, federally qualified health centers, and long-term care facilities, ensuring a broad spectrum of patient populations.
Not all clinical experiences are equal. When comparing schools, ask about the number of clinical hours built into the curriculum, the typical student-to-instructor ratio during rotations, and how simulation labs supplement bedside training. The Wisconsin Board of Nursing sets minimum requirements, but top programs exceed them. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, a trustworthy resource, can help you understand the job market your hands-on training prepares you for. For nursing education standards, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are the go-to references.
Employers in Kenosha and across Wisconsin consistently value graduates who have cared for real patients in a variety of settings. A strong clinical foundation not only sharpens your skills but also boosts confidence for the NCLEX and your first nursing job. When researching programs, treat the clinical site list as a window into the kinds of patients, technologies, and mentors you'll encounter long before you earn your license.
Nursing education continues to emphasize baccalaureate preparation, with many hospitals seeking BSN-holding RNs to meet Magnet standards and improve patient outcomes. In Kenosha, however, the landscape for RN-to-BSN and accelerated BSN programs is more concentrated in the traditional pre-licensure pathway.
As of 2025-2026, Carthage College offers a campus-based pre-licensure BSN that spans four years. It does not provide an RN-to-BSN completion track or an accelerated second-degree BSN for career changers. ADN-prepared nurses and graduates with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree must therefore explore other institutions in the region.
Herzing University-Kenosha and UW-Parkside are the other primary nursing schools in the immediate area. While their programs may evolve, prospective students should verify directly whether currently accepting applications for RN-to-BSN or accelerated BSN formats. Many Wisconsin programs have adopted online or hybrid models that make balancing work and study realistic.
Students graduating from an ADN program like Gateway Technical College often ask about articulation into a local BSN. Transfer policies vary by school and term. Contact the target BSN program’s admissions office to learn how your prior nursing credits will be applied and whether any additional prerequisites remain.
RN-to-BSN programs across the country are designed with full-time nurses in mind. When evaluating Kenosha-area options, prioritize these practical questions: - Format: Is the program entirely online, or are there on-campus requirements? - Scheduling: Can you attend part-time while working 12-hour shifts? - Clinicals: Can clinical experiences be completed at your current employer?
With careful planning, many Kenosha-area RNs finish their BSN without leaving the workforce.
Find quick answers to some of the most common questions about nursing programs in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Whether you’re comparing BSN costs, NCLEX pass rates, or clinical training, this FAQ covers key details to help you plan your nursing education.
