Top Nursing Schools & BSN Programs in Kenosha, Wisconsin

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.

Best Nursing Schools in Kenosha at a Glance

These rankings highlight nursing programs accessible from Kenosha, evaluated on a combination of institutional quality, affordability, and student outcomes. While many schools are located outside the immediate Kenosha area, they offer strong options for Wisconsin nursing students.

Rank	School	Location	Net price	Best for
#1	Northwood Technical College	Rice Lake, WI	$5,000 – $10,000/yr	Hybrid learners prioritizing affordability and flexibility
Northwood Technical College, located in Rice Lake, WI, offers an ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing with multiple flexible pathways including full-time, part-time, and LPN-to-ADN options. Its hybrid curriculum emphasizes holistic care, clinical experience, and NCLEX-RN preparation, all at an affordable net price of $8,989. Graduates benefit from low median debt and a strong return on investment. Associate Degree in Nursing or Associate of Science in Nursing — Hybrid Visit Website Complete in 2 years (full-time) or 4 years (part-time) Hybrid delivery: online theory coupled with on-site clinicals Fully accredited by ACEN and approved by Wisconsin State Board Covers nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and health alterations Clinical experiences and capstone project for hands-on learning Prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure Financial aid available for eligible students Flexible, cohort-based with transfer opportunities LPN to ADN — Hybrid Visit Website Hybrid learning format designed for working LPNs 70 credits completed in 2 years Requires active LPN license for admission Curriculum includes nursing science, clinical practice, and capstone Prepares for RN licensure exam upon completion Estimated tuition $12,568, with additional costs for tools/uniforms Financial aid eligibility available Flexible scheduling with clinical experiences
#2	Marquette University	Milwaukee, WI	~$31,000/yr (est.)	Direct-admit BSN with strong NCLEX outcomes
Marquette University in Milwaukee is a private Jesuit institution offering a highly regarded direct-admit Bachelor of Science in Nursing. With guaranteed freshman entry into the nursing program, students benefit from a four-year curriculum with diverse clinical placements, study abroad, and strong faculty mentoring. The program boasts NCLEX pass rates above the national average, and graduates report median earnings of $78,257 ten years out. Bachelor of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Four-year direct admit BSN program with guaranteed freshman entry NCLEX pass rates consistently above national average Extensive clinical experiences across diverse healthcare settings Honors program, study abroad, and ROTC options available Faculty mentorship and optional minor programs Multiple clinical practice sites for real-world training Prepares for comprehensive nursing careers with rigorous curriculum CCNE accredited Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing — Hybrid Visit Website For non-nursing bachelor's degree holders entering the profession Complete in 5 or 8 semesters with hybrid online/in-person coursework 93.86% NCLEX pass rate on first attempt Hands-on simulation labs and clinical rotations in top facilities Prepares for diverse advanced nursing roles Requires a prior bachelor's degree for admission Financial aid and detailed tuition information available Accredited by CCNE
#3	Southwest Wisconsin Technical College	Fennimore, WI	$13,000/yr	ADN using simulators for clinical readiness
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore provides a hybrid Associate Degree Nursing program known for its high NCLEX-RN pass rate and strong employment outcomes. Students train with adult, pediatric, and obstetric simulators in a technology-rich environment. Admission requires a HESI exam, chemistry, and a nursing assistant course, and the 65-credit program can be completed in two years with financial aid available. Associate Degree Nursing — Hybrid Visit Website Hybrid program combining online and in-person learning 65 credits, typically completed in two years State-of-the-art adult, pediatric, and obstetric simulators High NCLEX-RN pass rate, indicating strong preparation Admission requires HESI exam, chemistry, and nursing assistant course Financial aid available for qualifying students Strong employment outcomes with high job placement ACEN accredited program
#4	Moraine Park Technical College	Fond du Lac, WI	~$9,000/yr (est.)
Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac offers a campus-based Associate Degree in Nursing with a practical nursing exit point, so students can sit for the LPN exam after completing the first portion. With a 96% NCLEX pass rate and ACEN accreditation, the 68-credit program includes hands-on clinicals and covers patient-centered care, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. Total estimated cost is about $12,152; note that the program does not admit out-of-state residents. Associate Degree with Practical Nursing Exit Point — On-Campus Visit Website 68-credit ADN program with a built-in practical nursing exit point NCLEX pass rate of 96%, well above state and national averages Hands-on clinical experiences integrated throughout curriculum ACEN accredited; meets requirements for both LPN and RN licensure Estimated total program cost of $12,151.60; financial aid eligible Patient-centered care focus with pharmacology and pathophysiology Campus-based in Fond du Lac; no out-of-state residents accepted Median RN salary in Wisconsin is $66,828 according to program data
#5	Mid-State Technical College	Wisconsin Rapids, WI	$11,000/yr
Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids delivers a hybrid Associate Degree Nursing program that can be completed in two years. With multiple campus locations and ACEN accreditation, the curriculum blends science, social sciences, and clinical practice. Admission requires prior nursing assistant coursework and anatomy prerequisites, and graduates are well prepared for the NCLEX-RN. Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) — Hybrid Visit Website Hybrid associate degree nursing program with two-year timeline ACEN accredited; prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam Curriculum blends science, social sciences, and nursing skills Clinical practice experiences integrated into coursework Requires prior completion of a nursing assistant course Emphasizes leadership skills for patient care coordination Financial aid available; multiple campus locations statewide Admission prerequisites include anatomy and physiology
#6	Milwaukee School of Engineering	Milwaukee, WI	~$22,000/yr (est.)
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) offers both a traditional four-year BSN for first-time college students and an accelerated 16-month second-degree BSN for career changers. The traditional track features guaranteed academic progression; the accelerated track boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate. Both programs emphasize hands-on clinical experiences and are CCNE accredited, with strong graduate earnings. B.S. in Nursing - Traditional Track — On-Campus Visit Website Full-time BSN for first-time college students Guaranteed progression for students meeting academic criteria Hands-on clinical experiences and simulation labs CCNE accredited; meets licensure requirements in most states Emphasizes teamwork, communication, and clinical reasoning Technology-rich learning environment with small class sizes Graduates earn a median salary of $89,070 ten years out B.S. in Nursing - Accelerated Second-Degree Track — On-Campus Visit Website 16-month intensive BSN for career changers with a prior degree Two admission start dates per year 100% NCLEX pass rate for recent cohorts Extensive clinical hours and simulation experiences Designed for non-nursing bachelor's holders High employment rate post-graduation CCNE accredited; meets most state licensure requirements
#7	Maranatha Baptist University	Watertown, WI	$26,000/yr
Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown offers a faith-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing that integrates a biblical worldview with over 1,000 clinical hours. CCNE accredited and ranked #1 in Wisconsin for 2024 by RNCareers.org, the program emphasizes holistic care and includes medical missions opportunities. Graduates carry relatively low debt, with median earnings of $45,593. Bachelor of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Over 1,000 hours of clinical experience in diverse settings Accredited by CCNE; ranked #1 in Wisconsin for 2024 by RNCareers.org Integrates nursing science with a biblical worldview Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and compassionate care Opportunities for medical missions and service learning Strong faculty support and mentoring throughout the program On-campus, faith-based environment in Watertown, WI Median graduate debt lower than many private universities at $14,143
#8	Lakeshore Technical College	Cleveland, WI	$10,000/yr (net price)
Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland provides a campus-based Associate Degree in Nursing with a strong track record: 100% of spring 2024 graduates passed the NCLEX-RN. Students train in the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Center for Healthcare Excellence, and the ACEN-accredited curriculum totals 65 credits at an estimated cost of $13,739. Admission requires a B or better in anatomy and a background check. Nursing-Associate Degree — On-Campus Visit Website Campus-based ADN with higher NCLEX-RN pass rates than national average 100% NCLEX pass rate in spring 2024 cohort Hands-on training in Froedtert & MCW Center for Healthcare Excellence 65 credits over 7 terms; total estimated cost $13,739.05 ACEN accredited; prepares for Wisconsin RN licensure Admission requires background check and B or better in Anatomy Financial aid eligible; priority enrollment available Clinical training scheduled on weekdays
#9	Bellin College	Green Bay, WI	~$37,000/yr (est.)
Bellin College in Green Bay is a private health sciences college offering multiple BSN pathways: a three-year traditional option, a transfer track, and an accelerated 15-month program for those with prior college credits. With extensive clinical experience, a leadership emphasis, and CCNE accreditation, the program boasts a high NCLEX pass rate. Graduates see strong earnings and manageable debt. Bachelor of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Multiple pathways: traditional 3-year, transfer, and fast-track 15-month Extensive clinical experience with leadership emphasis CCNE accredited; high NCLEX-RN pass rate Integrates general education and nursing from the start Utilizes latest technology and simulation labs Experienced faculty focused on diverse societal healthcare needs Prepares graduates for licensure and graduate education 120 credits; located in Green Bay, WI
#10	Northeast Wisconsin Technical College	Green Bay, WI	$5,000 – $10,000/yr
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay offers an ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing with a blended learning approach and a strong job placement rate: over 90% of graduates find employment within six months. Financial aid and accessible admissions make the program reachable for many, though a background check and compliance with Wisconsin Caregiver Law are required. Graduates earn a median $44,553 ten years out. Nursing - Associate Degree — On-Campus Visit Website ACEN accredited associate degree nursing program Over 90% job placement rate within six months of graduation Blended classroom, lab, and clinical learning approach Financial aid available; background check required for admission Prepares students for NCLEX-RN exam and Wisconsin licensure Compliance with Wisconsin Caregiver Law Accessible to a wide range of students Graduates report median earnings of $44,553 ten years out

How We Ranked Kenosha BSN Programs

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.

What We Measure

• Affordability: We look at net price after financial aid. This is the average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships, drawn from College Scorecard. It's an institutional average, not a personal quote, but it's the best benchmark for comparing costs across schools.
• Student success: Institution-wide graduation rate gives a sense of how well a school supports its students to completion. Again, this is not program-specific, but it signals overall academic environment.
• Program flexibility: We note whether a BSN program offers full-time, part-time, online, or accelerated formats. Accessibility matters for working students and career changers.
• Accreditation status: All ranked programs hold proper nursing accreditation (CCNE or ACEN), a non-negotiable requirement for licensure and graduate study.

Where the Data Comes From

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.

Side-By-Side: Carthage vs Herzing vs Uw-Parkside BSN Programs

Clinical Sites & Hands-On Training in the Kenosha Area

Where to Find Clinical Placement Information

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.

Major Healthcare Providers in the Kenosha Region

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.

Evaluating Clinical Quality

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.

Why Clinical Training Matters

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.

RN-To-BSN & Accelerated BSN Pathways in Kenosha

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.

Traditional vs. Accelerated Options in Kenosha

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.

Credit Transfer from ADN Programs

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.

Flexibility for Working RNs

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kenosha Nursing Programs

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.

What are the best nursing schools in Kenosha, WI?

The top nursing schools in Kenosha include Carthage College, Herzing University–Kenosha, and the University of Wisconsin–Parkside. Carthage offers a traditional BSN with strong clinical partnerships, Herzing provides flexible BSN and accelerated options, and UW-Parkside delivers a rigorous RN-to-BSN pathway. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred learning format.

How much does a BSN program cost in Kenosha?

BSN tuition varies by institution and residency. Herzing University–Kenosha publishes a per-credit rate that makes total program costs competitive with other private schools. Carthage College charges comprehensive tuition that includes many campus resources. UW-Parkside offers a more affordable option for in-state students. For exact current figures, contact each school directly.

What NCLEX pass rates do Kenosha nursing schools have?

Carthage College’s BSN graduates consistently achieve first-time NCLEX pass rates above both Wisconsin and national averages. Herzing University–Kenosha also reports solid pass rates. UW-Parkside’s RN-to-BSN students often take the exam after completing an ADN elsewhere, so their pass rates are tracked separately. Always check each program’s latest annual performance disclosures.

Are there accelerated or RN-to-BSN programs in Kenosha?

Yes. Herzing University–Kenosha offers an Accelerated BSN that allows students with a prior bachelor’s degree to finish in as few as 16 months. UW-Parkside’s RN-to-BSN program is designed for working registered nurses seeking to advance their credentials online or on campus. Carthage College primarily serves traditional four-year BSN students.

What clinical sites do Kenosha nursing students use?

Kenosha nursing students gain hands-on experience at major regional providers, including Froedtert South (Kenosha Medical Center), Aurora Medical Center, and nearby hospitals in Racine and Lake County, Illinois. Rotations cover medical-surgical, pediatric, mental health, and community settings, ensuring exposure to diverse patient populations and real-world nursing skills.

How long does it take to become an RN in Wisconsin?

The timeline depends on the pathway. A traditional BSN like Carthage’s takes four years. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) from a technical college requires two years, while accelerated programs for those with a prior degree can take 12–18 months. After graduation, you must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed. UW-Parkside’s RN-to-BSN typically adds one year for existing RNs.