Top Nursing Schools & BSN Programs Near Manassas, Virginia

Manassas sits squarely within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro region, where registered nurses earn mean annual wages above $83,000, significantly higher than the national median. The area's concentration of major employers, including Inova Health System, Sentara Healthcare, and multiple HCA Virginia campuses, means nursing graduates often secure clinical placements and first jobs without leaving Northern Virginia.

BSN programs within commuting distance span three distinct pathways: traditional four-year degrees at public universities, accelerated second-degree options for career changers, and RN-to-BSN programs designed for working ADN nurses. Both public and private institutions serve this corridor, with George Mason University and several private colleges enrolling students from Prince William County and beyond.

Employers in the region increasingly prefer or require a bachelor's-level nursing credential, even for entry-level hospital roles. That reality, combined with a tight housing market and above-average tuition at some nearby programs, pushes prospective students to weigh NCLEX pass rates, clinical access, and total cost with more scrutiny than they might elsewhere in Virginia.

Best BSN Programs Near Manassas, VA, Ranked

To help Manassas residents find a nursing program that fits their goals, we evaluated BSN and pre-licensure programs within commuting distance based on outcomes, cost, and program structure. The ranking below highlights schools that combine strong graduation rates, manageable debt, and pathways to Virginia licensure.

Rank	School	Location	Net price	Best for
#1	George Mason University	Fairfax, VA	$15,000 – $20,000/yr	Manassas-area students seeking local clinicals
As the closest public BSN program to Manassas, George Mason University leverages a dense network of clinical partners across Northern Virginia, including Inova and Sentara, offering convenient placements and strong local employment pathways. The school maintains robust articulation agreements with Northern Virginia Community College, making it a natural next step for ADN-prepared nurses and pre-nursing students from the Manassas area. With an affordable net price of $17,915 and median 10-year earnings of $76,343, GMU delivers strong ROI for future RNs. Traditional BSN Program — On-Campus Visit Website Four-year, full-time pre-licensure pathway for students without a prior bachelor's Integrates Mason Core and nursing prerequisites from freshman year Clinical courses span sophomore to senior year in diverse National Capital area settings Annual fall admission with limited spaces; attending an information session is recommended Additional nursing program fees apply; scholarships and financial aid available Affordable net price of $17,915 for in-state students (2023) Accelerated Second Degree BSN Program — On-Campus Visit Website 12-month accelerated pace for career changers holding a prior bachelor's degree Full-time, pre-licensure track with competitive admissions Intensive clinical placements throughout the Northern Virginia region Leads to eligibility for the NCLEX-RN exam
#2	University of Virginia	Charlottesville, VA	$22,000/yr (net price)	Virginia residents targeting top-ranked program
The University of Virginia's School of Nursing is a top-ranked program with a strong pipeline from Northern Virginia high schools and community colleges, drawing many students from Prince William and Fairfax counties. UVA Health's clinical presence in the region and statewide transfer pathways through the Virginia Community College System make its BSN and accelerated options accessible to Manassas residents seeking a prestigious degree. In-state tuition discounts and median graduate earnings of $86,863 underscore its ROI. Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Four-year, full-time program with 120 credits and extensive clinical rotations Clinical practicum in five specialty areas and a semester-long capstone experience Prepares students for NCLEX licensure and diverse nursing roles Competitive admission with Early Action and Regular Decision deadlines Strong pipeline from Northern Virginia high schools and community colleges Median graduate earnings reach $86,863 ten years out (school-wide) 3-Year BSN Transfer Program — On-Campus Visit Website Designed for transfer students with completed general education and prerequisites 120-credit curriculum with hands-on clinical and interprofessional education Study abroad options and focus on diverse patient care Competitive admissions; tuition varies by residency 2-Year Accelerated BSN Transfer Program — On-Campus Visit Website Full-time, two-year accelerated program starting in May each year Requires 52 general education credits and specific prerequisites by application Includes two summer sessions and intensive clinical experiences Application deadline October 1; for Virginia residents seeking a fast track Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (Clinical Nurse Leader) — On-Campus Visit Website 24-month program for non-nurses with a bachelor's in another field 840+ clinical hours across five specialties; NCLEX pass rates above 96% Ranked #1 Clinical Nurse Leader program nationally; 90% scholarship recipients Virginia resident tuition $30,228; prepares for NCLEX and CNL certification
#3	Centra College	Lynchburg, VA	$13,000/yr	Working RNs needing flexible online BSN
Centra College's RN-to-BSN program is a fully online, Virginia-focused option designed for working nurses who want to advance their credentials without relocating. Owned by Centra Health, the college offers a curriculum integrated with real-world health system practices and a remarkable 100% graduation rate. With low median debt of $15,250 and strong 10-year earnings, it provides an efficient ROI for licensed RNs. RN-to-BSN Completion Program — Online Visit Website 100% online program with full-time (12 months) or part-time (2 years) pacing options Designed for Virginia-licensed RNs seeking to advance to a BSN Curriculum enhances clinical reasoning and leadership skills Affordable tuition with financial aid available 100% graduation rate and a median debt of $15,250 for a strong ROI Small 3:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized support
#4	James Madison University	Harrisonburg, VA	$23,000/yr
James Madison University's BSN program is a solid in-state choice with strong NCLEX outcomes and clear transfer pathways from the Virginia Community College System, including NOVA. The program emphasizes innovative instruction and real-life clinical scenarios within a low student-faculty ratio. In-state tuition of $13,966 and median graduate debt of $20,093 make it a budget-friendly path to a respected BSN. Bachelor of Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Four-year on-campus program accredited by CCNE and approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing Low faculty to student ratio with innovative, real-life clinical scenario instruction Strong NCLEX-RN pass rates and career advancement outcomes Smooth transfer pathway for VCCS graduates including Northern Virginia Community College In-state tuition of $13,966 provides an affordable public option
#5	University of Mary Washington	Fredericksburg, VA	$21,000/yr (net price)
The University of Mary Washington offers a hybrid RN-to-BSN program that is uniquely commutable from Manassas, with a flexible format that blends online coursework with minimal on-campus sessions. Explicit pathways for graduates of Germanna CC and NOVA's ADN programs create a seamless bachelor's completion route for local RNs. A 3.0 GPA and active Virginia RN license are required for admission. RN-to-BSN Degree Completion — On-Campus Hybrid online/campus format designed for working RNs with an ADN or diploma Complete in one year full-time or at a flexible part-time pace 41 credits awarded for prior RN licensure; 30 credits must be completed at UMW Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and active Virginia RN license Focus on leadership in healthcare and preparation for graduate studies Commutable from Manassas with strong transfer pathways from Germanna CC and NOVA
#6	Riverside College of Health Careers	Newport News, VA	$20,000 – $25,000/yr
Riverside College of Health Careers is a small, private college owned by Riverside Health System, offering a BSN with deeply integrated clinical experiences in Hampton Roads facilities. Its 100% graduation rate and low student-faculty ratio of 8:1 ensure personalized attention. While geographically further from Manassas, in-state students benefit from a focused, health-system-embedded education with competitive earnings potential. Professional Nursing BSN — On-Campus Visit Website 3.5-year program with traditional and accelerated tracks; day classes available Total tuition range $37,325 to $50,825; personalized faculty attention with 8:1 ratio Owned by Riverside Health System, providing integrated clinical placements and job connections Graduates eligible for NCLEX-RN and competitive starting salaries 100% graduation rate and median debt $14,787 with median earnings $66,072 at 10 years
#7	Virginia Commonwealth University	Richmond, VA	$23,000/yr
Virginia Commonwealth University's traditional BSN is a three-year, full-time program housed in a major academic medical center with Magnet status, offering rigorous clinical training. Ranked in the top 6% of undergraduate nursing programs, it draws students from across Virginia, including Northern Virginia, through VCCS transfer partnerships. The program leads to solid NCLEX preparation and a median graduate debt of $21,500. Traditional BSN — On-Campus Three-year, full-time, in-person program ranked #39 nationally by U.S. News Hands-on clinical experience in diverse settings at an academic medical center with Magnet status Emphasis on clinical reasoning, physical assessment, and technical nursing skills Admission through NursingCAS with transcripts, recommendations, and personal statement In-state tuition of $16,720; school-wide median earnings $58,128 ten years out
#8	Germanna Community College	Locust Grove, VA	$5,000 – $12,000/yr
Germanna Community College's ADN program is the most accessible associate-degree pathway for Manassas residents, with campuses in Locust Grove and Fredericksburg just down the I-95 corridor. The $11,260 estimated total cost and strong articulation agreements with UMW, GMU, and UVA make it a practical stepping stone to a BSN. Graduates are prepared for NCLEX-RN and immediate employment in regional healthcare systems. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) — On-Campus Visit Website Two-year program with estimated total cost of $11,260; affordable pathway to RN Focus on patient-centered care, nursing judgment, and risk minimization Hands-on lab experiences and clinicals in the I-95 corridor near Manassas Graduates eligible for NCLEX-RN and statewide articulation to RN-to-BSN programs Strong transfer pipelines to UMW, GMU, UVA, and other Virginia universities
#9	Wytheville Community College	Wytheville, VA	$5,000 – $11,000/yr
Wytheville Community College offers an ACEN-accredited ADN program with a high NCLEX pass rate and an exceptionally low net price of $4,622, making it one of the most affordable nursing pathways in the state. Though located in southwest Virginia, the program's strong articulation agreements allow graduates to seamlessly transfer to online RN-to-BSN programs and pursue licensure anywhere in the state. Associate of Applied Science in Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website Five-semester ADN program with ACEN accreditation and full Virginia Board of Nursing approval Curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, and nursing concepts with clinical practice High NCLEX pass rate; eligible for Virginia RN licensure and articulation to BSN programs Affordable net price of $4,622 with median graduate debt of $7,500
#10	New River Community College	Dublin, VA	~$6,000/yr (est.)
New River Community College's ADN program is a budget-friendly, Virginia Board-approved option with a net price of $6,279 and minimal graduate debt. While located far from Manassas, its nursing curriculum prepares students for NCLEX-RN and seamless transfer to many online RN-to-BSN completion programs across the state, offering ultimate portability for aspiring nurses willing to relocate or continue education online. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) — On-Campus Campus-based program approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing Rigorous curriculum prepares students for NCLEX-RN and entry-level nursing practice Articulation agreements enable seamless transfer to Virginia RN-to-BSN programs Net price $6,279 and median graduate debt $9,000 for cost-conscious students

Cost Comparison: BSN Tuition & Net Price Near Manassas

The table below sorts nursing programs near Manassas by net price, from lowest to highest, to help cost-conscious readers quickly identify value. Net price is the institution-wide average amount students pay after grants and scholarships, not a guaranteed individual quote. Median graduate debt reflects federal loan debt for undergraduates who completed their programs.

NCLEX Pass Rates & Graduate Outcomes for Northern Virginia Nursing Schools

Licensure exam performance remains the most transparent quality signal for nursing programs, but savvy applicants are increasingly looking beyond pass rates to measures of graduate debt and early-career earnings.

How Northern Virginia BSN Programs Stack Up on the NCLEX

According to the most recent Virginia Board of Nursing data, BSN programs statewide achieved an average NCLEX-RN pass rate of roughly 92%.¹ This figure stands well above the national average, which dipped to about 69% in 2025.² For students comparing programs near Manassas, the state-level performance provides a strong baseline: most established BSN pathways in the region consistently produce graduates who pass the licensure exam on the first attempt.

While exact pass rates for every local school fluctuate year to year and are not always publicly itemized by campus, Northern Virginia universities with approved BSN programs, including George Mason University, the University of Mary Washington, and James Madison University, have historically maintained pass rates at or above the Virginia BSN average. Prospective students can request the most recent three-year rolling pass-rate data directly from each nursing department during the application process.

Beyond the Exam: Earnings and Debt Outcomes

Licensure is only one piece of the puzzle. Federal outcome data, though limited at the program level, offers a snapshot of what BSN graduates from regional schools can expect financially. For instance, median earnings a decade after enrolling range from the high $50,000s to the mid-$80,000s depending on the institution. University of Virginia nursing alumni report median earnings of nearly $87,000, paired with a relatively low median debt load of $17,500. George Mason University graduates see median earnings of over $76,000 with typical debt around $19,500. James Madison University and the University of Mary Washington show solid but more modest earnings figures, with median debt in the $20,000 range.

Keep in mind that these earnings are aggregated across all fields and may include graduates who pursue advanced degrees or work outside direct patient care. Program-level earnings specifically for nursing are not yet available for many schools, but institutional data still provides a useful rough gauge of return on investment.

What Pass Rates Don’t Tell You

A high NCLEX pass rate does not guarantee a smooth transition into the workforce. Clinical placement quality, local hiring pipelines, and specialization support can vary considerably. In the Manassas area, proximity to major health systems like Inova and Sentara means that programs with established clinical rotations in those networks often give graduates an edge in job placement, regardless of whether their pass rate is a percentage point above or below the state average.

When evaluating programs, pair NCLEX data with conversations about clinical hour distribution, preceptor matching, and career services support. A school with a modest pass rate but deep hospital partnerships and strong job-placement numbers may offer a more practical path to the bedside than a program that leans entirely on exam metrics.

What BSN Graduates Earn in Northern Virginia

Registered nurses in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area earned a mean annual wage of $83,490 in 2020, well above the national median of $75,330 that year. While Northern Virginia's cost of living is among the highest in the country, strong wages can help offset expenses, particularly for graduates from top programs like UVA.

Program Formats: Traditional, Accelerated & RN-To-BSN Options Near Manassas

Nursing students near Manassas can choose from three distinct BSN pathways: a traditional four-year degree, an accelerated second-degree program, or an RN-to-BSN completion track. Each serves a different career stage and learning need.

Traditional BSN: The Four-Year Foundation

This pre-licensure route is designed for students starting college for the first time or transferring in general education credits. Programs at George Mason University, James Madison University, and the University of Virginia follow a full-time, campus-based model that blends science prerequisites, nursing theory, and hands-on clinical rotations. Admission is typically competitive and occurs once per year. While not accelerated, the traditional BSN offers a comprehensive foundation for the NCLEX-RN and a broad liberal arts education.

Accelerated BSN: Fast-Track for Second-Degree Students

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs let career changers leverage a prior bachelor’s degree to earn a BSN in 12, 24 months. Several options exist within driving distance of Manassas or through hybrid delivery.

• George Mason University runs a 12-month, full-time ABSN with a single fall start each year.¹ No part-time or evening track is available.
• ECPI University’s Manassas campus offers a 12-month, campus-based ABSN on a full-time schedule.³
• Marymount University delivers a 16-month hybrid ABSN that allows part-time study, giving students more flexibility.²
• The University of Virginia conducts a 24-month, full-time accelerated program for transfer students with substantial college credit.⁴

All ABSN tracks are intensive and require strict sequencing of clinical hours; planning ahead for prerequisite coursework is essential.

RN-to-BSN: Online Completion for Working Nurses

Registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma can complete a BSN entirely or mostly online. This pathway is built around a working nurse’s schedule and often accepts transfer credits generously.

• Centra College offers a 100% online RN-to-BSN that can be finished in 12 months full-time or spread over two years part-time. The program is open to Virginia residents holding an active RN license.
• University of Mary Washington provides a hybrid degree-completion program blending online coursework with limited campus visits. Full-time students can earn the BSN in one year.

Many RN-to-BSN programs have rolling admissions and multiple start dates, making them a practical choice for nurses balancing work and family. When comparing options, verify that any online program meets Virginia licensure requirements.

Admissions Requirements & Key Deadlines

Admissions standards differ notably between nursing programs near Manassas. George Mason University admits a high share of applicants each year, while ECPI University takes a more accessible, rolling approach that may suit career changers. Both schools are GI Bill-approved and offer dedicated military admissions support, a valuable perk for students connected to nearby bases.

How to Choose the Right BSN Program in Manassas

Selecting the right BSN program involves weighing location, cost, format, and outcomes. The FAQs below address common questions from prospective nursing students in Manassas, drawing on data and rankings presented earlier in this article.

Which nursing schools are in or near Manassas, VA?

Schools like George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, and Marymount University offer BSN programs within a commutable distance. The ranking section above highlights accredited options, including traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN tracks. Each meets Virginia Board of Nursing standards and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN.

How much does a BSN program cost near Manassas, Virginia?

Costs vary widely by institution and residency status. As detailed in the cost comparison table, in-state public programs can be under $30,000 total, while private universities may exceed $80,000. Net price after financial aid is often lower; check each school's tuition and fee breakdown for exact figures.

What is the fastest way to earn a BSN near Manassas?

Accelerated BSN programs, often 12 to 18 months, are the quickest route for those with a prior bachelor’s degree. Several schools in the Northern Virginia area offer accelerated tracks, as noted in the program formats section. These intensive programs combine classroom and clinical hours, enabling rapid entry into nursing.

Are there online BSN programs available to Manassas residents?

While clinical rotations require in-person attendance, many programs offer hybrid or online coursework components. Schools such as George Mason provide online RN-to-BSN pathways. Fully online pre-licensure BSNs are rare due to hands-on requirements, but local options blend flexibility with practical training.

What NCLEX pass rates should I look for when choosing a nursing school?

Aim for schools with first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates above the Virginia state average, typically around 85 to 90 percent. The NCLEX outcomes section lists recent performance data for local programs. Consistent high rates indicate strong curriculum and student support, boosting your confidence for licensure.

Next Steps

Choosing the right BSN program near Manassas means balancing net price, format, and clinical opportunities alongside NCLEX pass rates and graduate earnings data. The ranking and cost tables above offer a starting point, but your own priorities, such as an accelerated timeline or an RN-to-BSN bridge, should guide your shortlist.

For the most detailed, up-to-date admissions info, visit individual school websites directly. You can also browse the Virginia nursing schools to see how programs across the state compare on outcomes and affordability. A few focused comparisons now can save you time and debt later.