Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, accreditation, and program formats for every Orlando-area BSN option.
Orlando’s hospital networks have added more than 500 licensed beds since 2020, and employers across Orange and Seminole counties increasingly require or prefer a bachelor’s degree for nursing hires.
Students choosing a program face wide variation in tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and early-career earnings. The 10 schools ranked represent the strongest options within a 75-mile radius, spanning public universities and private colleges with traditional, RN-to-BSN, and accelerated pathways.
As Magnet-designated facilities in Orlando push for more BSN-prepared nurses, the program you choose carries weight for early-career hiring.
The Orlando area is served by a mix of flagship public universities and private institutions offering BSN pathways. Our ranking considers institutional quality, net price, and program features with a focus on schools accessible to Central Florida students. University of Central Florida stands out as the region's primary nursing school, while other Florida powerhouses provide strong alternatives.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $10,000/yr | Central Florida community college transfers | |
The University of Central Florida's traditional BSN is the anchor of nursing education in Orlando, located on the Lake Nona medical campus. With an institution-wide graduation rate of 78% and a net price around $10,400, UCF is a solid value for Florida residents. The program emphasizes clinical rotations across major Central Florida health systems and boasts NCLEX pass rates above state averages.
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| #2 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | Research-oriented nursing students | |
The University of Florida in Gainesville offers a top-ranked BSN with an exceptionally low net price of $6,541 and a 91% institution-wide graduation rate. Students benefit from high NCLEX success and a research-intensive environment, with strong statewide partnerships that include Central Florida clinical sites. Recognized as the No. 1 BSN in Florida, UF provides a direct path to graduate study.
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| #3 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $11,000/yr | Community-engaged holistic applicants | |
Florida State University's 15-16 month traditional BSN in Tallahassee combines a holistic admissions process with a strong 86% graduation rate and a net price of $11,297. The program values community engagement and work experience, making it a good fit for applicants with diverse backgrounds. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX and benefit from FSU's broad alumni network.
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| #4 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Florida International University in Miami provides a traditional BSN and an accelerated option, both with a net price around $9,300 and a 74% institution-wide graduation rate. Designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution, FIU features state-of-the-art simulation in the S.T.A.R. Center and admits 100 students annually. The university also offers a unique direct-entry MSN for foreign-educated physicians.
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| #5 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of South Florida in Tampa offers multiple BSN pathways with a net price of $9,812 and a 77% institution-wide graduation rate. The Upper Division track is highly competitive for first-degree students, while the accelerated second degree and veteran-to-BSN options cater to career changers and military-medical personnel. USF's location in the I-4 corridor makes it a practical choice for Central Florida residents.
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| #6 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
The University of North Florida in Jacksonville focuses on community-based learning with a net price of about $10,150 and a 69% institution-wide graduation rate. The prelicensure BSN and freshman admit option both emphasize hands-on clinical experiences and community engagement, preparing graduates for the NCLEX and graduate study. UNF's smaller cohorts provide a close-knit educational environment.
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| #7 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | $37,000/yr (net price) | ||
The University of Miami is a selective private institution in Coral Gables with a net price of $37,244 but a high 84% institution-wide graduation rate and strong alumni earnings. The school offers traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN tracks, with the accelerated option compressing the program into 12 months. Over 200 clinical partners and a partnership with the University of Miami Health System enhance clinical training.
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| #8 | Southeastern College-West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach, FL | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southeastern College in West Palm Beach provides an associate degree in nursing with a net price of $28,820 and an institution-wide graduation rate of 88%, though first-year retention is lower at 67%. This career-focused program spans 25 months and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN through hands-on clinical experiences and TEAS exam-based admission.
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| #9 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $5,000 – $17,000/yr | ||
Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton has a hybrid BSN that combines online coursework with 840 hours of clinical experiences, all for a net price of $8,752. The institution-wide graduation rate is 63%, and the program is CCNE accredited with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate. Graduates are also eligible for AHNCC holistic certification, aligning with FAU's caring science philosophy.
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| #10 | Antigua College International | Miami Lakes, FL | $29,000/yr | ||
Antigua College International in Miami Lakes offers a hybrid BSN spanning 42 months with a net price of $29,211. The program combines lectures, labs, and 450 clinical hours, emphasizing clinical judgment, leadership, and ethics. Federal financial aid is available for qualifying students, though institution-wide graduation rate data is not yet published.
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The table below compares key features of BSN programs available in the Orlando area. Net price reflects the institution-wide average after financial aid; your actual cost may differ. Program lengths assume full-time study unless otherwise noted.
| School | Program | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Format | Length | Part-Time Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Florida | Traditional BSN | N/A | N/A | N/A | Face-to-face | 5 semesters | No |
| University of Central Florida | Accelerated BSN | N/A | N/A | N/A | Face-to-face | 4 semesters | No |
| University of Central Florida | Concurrent ASN-BSN | N/A | N/A | N/A | In-person (ASN) + Online (BSN) | 6 semesters | No |
| Lake-Sumter State College | RN-BSN | $3,292 | $13,276 | $5,855 | Online | N/A | Yes |
Prospective nursing students in Orlando should examine first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates closely, as they are one of the most telling indicators of program quality. The Florida Board of Nursing recently released 2025 data showing that Florida’s overall first-time pass rate for BSN graduates was 81.82%, falling below the national average of 86.71%.1 While these statewide and national figures serve as benchmarks, individual Orlando-area programs may perform above or below these levels. To get a clear picture, check each school’s latest first-time pass rate on the Board’s website, as rates can fluctuate from year to year.
A school’s NCLEX pass rate directly reflects how effectively it prepares students for licensure and clinical practice. Consistently low rates can threaten a program’s accreditation standing and state board approval, which would limit graduates’ ability to take the licensure exam. In contrast, high pass rates signal rigorous curriculum, skilled faculty, and robust student support, qualities that correlate with stronger job placement and employer confidence. When comparing Orlando BSN programs, weigh pass rates alongside factors like tuition, program length, and clinical opportunities. Keep in mind that a single year’s data offers a snapshot; reviewing several years of performance gives a more reliable measure of program quality.
Accreditation is the single most important signal of program quality, and nursing schools in Orlando, like many top nursing schools in Florida, hold approval from two primary agencies: the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)1 and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, guaranteeing that a program meets national standards for preparing entry-level nurses. If you plan to earn a graduate nursing degree later, choose a CCNE-accredited BSN whenever possible, many MSN and DNP programs require it for admission.
Each program sets its own cutoffs. At the University of Central Florida, for example, the Traditional BSN requires the TEAS exam and an associate degree from a Florida public institution or equivalent.2 The Accelerated Second Degree BSN demands a 2.5 minimum GPA (both overall and in nursing major courses), the TEAS, and a prior bachelor’s degree in any field.3
Other Orlando-area schools may accept the SAT or ACT in place of the TEAS, or waive entrance exams entirely for students with strong GPAs. Always confirm the exact test requirements and minimum scores before applying.
BSN programs universally expect anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and statistics. UCF’s Traditional track mandates that prerequisites be completed by the term before enrollment.2; the accelerated path requires them at the time of application.3 Check each school’s catalog for designated prerequisite lists and equivalents from local community colleges like Valencia College.
Timelines are strict. UCF’s Traditional BSN accepts applications February 1, 15 for fall and August 15, 31 for spring.2 The Accelerated Second Degree BSN has deadlines of May 1 (fall), November 1 (spring), and March 1 (summer).3 Many programs fill seats on a rolling basis, so submit materials early, even if the deadline is weeks away.
If a DNP or MSN is in your future, verify that your BSN is CCNE- or ACEN-accredited. Some graduate programs, especially at nationally ranked universities, will only consider applicants from CCNE-accredited schools. Checking this detail now saves a costly scramble later.
Program-level early-career earnings for BSN graduates are not yet publicly available, but broader occupational data offers a useful benchmark. In the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area, registered nurses earn a median annual wage of $81,430 (BLS, 2024). Selecting a strong nursing program can help you reach or exceed this regional median over the course of your career.
Beyond the top-ranked schools, Florida offers many other accredited nursing programs that may fit your goals. This directory lists additional BSN, ADN, and direct-entry MSN options across the state, from the Panhandle to South Florida. Explore programs by format, location, and focus to find the right path for your nursing career.
