Compare accredited BSN, RN-to-BSN, and ABSN programs by tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes.
The push for baccalaureate-prepared nurses has moved from recommendation to expectation in Hampton Roads. Newport News sits at the center of that shift, with Riverside Regional Medical Center and Sentara Healthcare increasingly preferring BSN candidates for staff RN roles. The local nursing school pipeline includes traditional four-year BSNs, RN-to-BSN bridge tracks for associate degree holders, and accelerated second-degree options for career changers.
Admissions cycles are competitive, and tuition can vary by tens of thousands of dollars across public and private institutions. First-time NCLEX pass rates in the area span from the mid-80s to over 95 percent, a spread that matters when jobs are often filled by graduates from nearby programs. Because most RNs who train in Newport News stay in the region, selecting a school with strong clinical placements and solid licensure outcomes (hallmarks of the best nursing schools in Virginia) has direct career consequences.
To help aspiring nurses in the Hampton Roads region compare options, this list ranks accredited nursing programs near Newport News. Each entry highlights key factors like affordability, graduation outcomes, and delivery formats, with special attention to the only nursing school physically located in Newport News, Riverside College of Health Careers, and its new dual-degree partnership with Christopher Newport University.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Riverside College of Health Careers | Newport News, VA | $20,000 – $25,000/yr | Newport News-area pre-licensure students | |
Riverside College of Health Careers is the only nursing school physically located in Newport News, offering a BSN program with a strong clinical focus. A new 3+2 dual-degree partnership with Christopher Newport University lets students earn a BA in biology from CNU and a BSN from Riverside over five years. The program emphasizes hands-on training and personalized attention in a small-college setting, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN.
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| #2 | Centra College | Lynchburg, VA | $13,000/yr | Working RNs pursuing online BSN | |
Centra College in Lynchburg offers a fully online RN-to-BSN completion program designed for working registered nurses. The flexible format allows students to finish in as little as 12 months full time or two years part time while balancing job and family commitments. With an institution-wide graduation rate of 100% and low median debt, the school provides a strong return on investment for Virginia residents seeking career advancement.
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| #3 | University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA | $22,000/yr (net price) | High-achieving students seeking academic rigor | |
The University of Virginia in Charlottesville provides one of Virginia's most prestigious BSN programs, with multiple pathways including a traditional four-year track, an accelerated transfer option, and a direct-entry MSN for career changers. Known for rigorous academics and extensive clinical rotations, UVA prepares graduates for high-demand nursing roles, evidenced by a median salary of $86,863 a decade after graduation and a stellar 95.6% graduation rate.
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| #4 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg, VA | $23,000/yr | ||
James Madison University's BSN program in Harrisonburg combines a down-to-earth public university atmosphere with rigorous nursing preparation. Accredited by CCNE and approved by the Virginia Board, the program boasts low student-faculty ratios and innovative instruction. Graduates consistently perform well on the NCLEX-RN and advance quickly in their careers, supported by a solid blend of classroom theory and real-life clinical scenarios.
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| #5 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | ||
George Mason University in Fairfax offers multiple paths to a BSN, including a traditional four-year program and a fast-paced 12-month accelerated track for second-degree students. Its location near the National Capital region opens doors to diverse clinical placements, and competitive admissions reflect the program's popularity. Graduates see strong earning potential with a median salary of $76,343 after 10 years.
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| #6 | University of Mary Washington | Fredericksburg, VA | $21,000/yr (net price) | ||
The University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg offers a hybrid RN-to-BSN degree completion program tailored to registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma. The flexible format lets students study online and on campus, finishing in as little as one year full time or progressing at their own pace part time. The liberal arts-infused curriculum emphasizes leadership, patient care, and preparation for graduate studies.
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| #7 | Wytheville Community College | Wytheville, VA | $5,000 – $11,000/yr | ||
Wytheville Community College provides an affordable associate degree in nursing that prepares students for RN licensure and entry-level practice. The five-semester program emphasizes patient-centered care, clinical skills, and ethical standards, with a strong record of NCLEX pass rates. As a public community college, it offers extremely low net price ($4,622) and is an economical stepping stone to a BSN.
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| #8 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | $23,000/yr | ||
Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond offers a traditional three-year BSN that packs a full pre-licensure curriculum into an accelerated timeline. Ranked among the top 6% of undergraduate nursing programs by U.S. News, VCU emphasizes clinical reasoning and hands-on skills in an urban academic medical center environment. Admission is competitive but less selective than some peers, with a 92.6% acceptance rate.
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| #9 | New River Community College | Dublin, VA | ~$6,000/yr (est.) | ||
New River Community College in Dublin, VA, offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. The campus-based program provides a rigorous foundation in nursing principles and clinical practice at an exceptionally low cost, with a net price of $6,279 and median graduate debt of $9,000. It is an accessible entry point for students in western Virginia aiming for RN licensure.
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| #10 | Germanna Community College | Locust Grove, VA | $5,000 – $12,000/yr | ||
Germanna Community College in Locust Grove offers a two-year nursing associate degree that combines affordable tuition with targeted clinical training. The program focuses on patient-centered care, nursing judgment, and legal aspects of the profession, with an estimated total cost of $11,260. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, making it a practical choice for students seeking a quick, low-cost route to RN licensure.
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For Newport News residents, several nearby public community colleges offer nursing programs with competitive tuition. The table below compares in-state and out-of-state tuition, net price after financial aid, and median graduate debt. Keep in mind that net price is an institution-wide average and your individual aid package may differ.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul D Camp Community College | $5,012 | $11,450 | $4,126 | $6,880 |
| Wytheville Community College | $5,007 | $11,445 | $4,622 | $7,500 |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | $5,022 | $11,460 | $4,861 | $9,182 |
| Virginia Western Community College | $5,400 | $11,838 | $4,966 | $11,000 |
| Brightpoint Community College | $5,082 | $11,520 | $5,490 | $9,500 |
| Germanna Community College | $5,257 | $11,648 | $5,541 | $8,400 |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | $5,072 | $11,510 | $5,963 | $8,750 |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | $5,072 | $11,510 | $6,013 | $9,750 |
| New River Community College | $4,979 | $11,417 | $6,279 | $9,000 |
| Danville Community College | $4,992 | $11,430 | $6,669 | $9,000 |
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) for registered nurses is the standardized test that every nursing graduate must pass to obtain a license. First-time pass rates show the percentage of a program's graduates who succeed on their initial attempt, making them a strong indicator of how well a school prepares students for professional practice.
According to the Virginia Board of Nursing's 2025 annual report, the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for nursing programs near Newport News are:
These figures represent the percentage of each school's graduates who passed the exam on their first try during the reporting period.
For context, Virginia's overall first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate across all state programs was 88.1% for the 2024-2025 cycle.3 Nationally, the first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates was 86.7% in 2025.4 Both Newport News-area programs fell modestly below the state average, though Riverside's rate nearly matches the national benchmark for domestic graduates.
Pass rates are a practical measure of program quality. Consistently high rates suggest that a curriculum aligns well with the exam's clinical reasoning and patient-safety focus. Conversely, rates that dip too low can trigger regulatory scrutiny, affect a program's accreditation status, and limit graduates' ability to enter the workforce quickly. For prospective nursing students, pass rates offer a transparent, outcome-based way to compare programs.
The decision to pursue a BSN in Newport News often hinges on whether you prefer a holistic review process that considers your full application or a program with more defined academic gateways like the TEAS exam. Each pathway has its own application rhythm and standards, so understanding them early helps you target the right fit.
CNU reviews BSN applicants holistically, looking well beyond transcripts.1 While the program is test optional, successful candidates typically present a strong academic record. The admissions committee weighs factors like essays, recommendations, and healthcare experience alongside grades. The priority deadline for fall entry is November 152, and early submission is strongly encouraged.
This collaborative BSN track blends CNU coursework with clinical training at Riverside. Admission is competitive but more formulaic. The minimum undergraduate GPA is 2.7, though a 3.0 is preferred. All applicants must take the TEAS exam.3 Specific prerequisite courses are listed below. Completion of these courses with strong grades is essential before applying by the January 1 deadline.3
Riverside's BSN program uses a straightforward set of admission requirements. Applicants need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 and must submit TEAS results. The final application deadline is January 1.3 While less emphasis is placed on holistic factors, meeting the baseline does not guarantee admission, as seats are limited.
If you already hold an RN license or a bachelor's degree in another field, admission rules shift. Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs often require a prior degree and specific prerequisites but may waive the TEAS. RN-to-BSN tracks usually ask for an active RN license and an associate degree. Since these pathways vary, contact each school directly for the most current requirements.
What does accreditation mean for your nursing license, and where will you actually train? These two factors define the quality of any nursing program.
Nursing programs in Newport News generally pursue either CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). Both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and satisfy state board requirements for RN licensure. Graduating from a program without CCNE or ACEN accreditation, for example, a school only holding institutional ABHES approval, may complicate licensure, transfer credits, or admission to graduate programs. Always confirm a program’s accreditation status directly with the Virginia Board of Nursing before enrolling.
The Old Dominion University Ellmer School of Nursing holds CCNE accreditation, the national benchmark for baccalaureate and graduate nursing education. Riverside College of Health Careers and the CNU-Riverside 3+2 BSN are institutionally accredited by ABHES, which is not a nursing-specific accreditor. Sentara College of Health Sciences participates in clinical training through its parent health system but publishes limited public accreditation data; contact the school for the most current status. For any program, ask if it meets Virginia’s educational requirements for licensure.
Nursing students in Newport News train inside some of the area’s most respected facilities:
These partnerships guarantee that clinical hours are earned in real patient-care environments, not just simulation labs.
All pre-licensure BSN programs, no matter how much lecture material is delivered online, require hands-on clinical rotations at approved sites. If you need maximum flexibility, RN-to-BSN completion programs are widely available in hybrid or fully online formats because they assume you have already completed the core clinical competencies during your initial ADN or diploma education. Always verify how a school balances online coursework with in-person clinicals before committing, especially if you work full-time or live at a distance from the placement sites.
Nurse salaries in Newport News reflect the broader pay landscape of the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metropolitan area. Understanding both local figures and how they compare to state and national benchmarks helps you gauge your earning potential after completing a nursing program.
For the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News region, annual RN earnings are projected to fall between $72,000 and $80,000 in 2026. That range sits below the national median of $93,600 (BLS, 2024), but the cost of living in Hampton Roads is generally lower than in many higher-paying metros. Virginia’s statewide average salary for RNs is approximately $77,720, making local wages competitive within the state.
Nationally, the lowest 10 percent of registered nurses earned less than $53,410, while the top 10 percent made over $116,230, according to the BLS. Local distributions can differ, experience, clinical specialty, shift differentials, and employer type all influence exactly where a nurse falls. Critical care and emergency room roles, for example, often pay near the upper end, while entry-level medical-surgical positions align with the lower end. For a broader view of nursing pay across Virginia and other states, the salary-by-state breakdown offers additional context.
After comparing schools, costs, and career outcomes, you likely have a few final questions. Below are concise answers to the most common inquiries about nursing programs in Newport News, helping you make an informed choice.
