Compare accreditation, costs, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for every BSN option near Pembroke Pines.
A traditional four-year BSN builds clinical judgment over semesters of supervised practice, accelerated tracks compress that training for second-degree students, and RN-to-BSN programs advance associate-prepared nurses already on the floor. Near Pembroke Pines, each pathway feeds Broward County’s expanding healthcare corridor, where employers increasingly require the bachelor’s degree for new hires.
Florida’s BSN graduates collectively earned an 81.82% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in the most recent reporting cycle, yet outcomes shift noticeably by program and format. High-performing schools typically pair rigorous simulation with early clinical placements at regional hospitals, a combination that can make or break a new nurse’s transition to practice.
This ranking highlights BSN programs within a 75-mile radius of Pembroke Pines, emphasizing regional accessibility, accreditation status, and graduate outcomes. Schools are ordered by a combination of institutional data and program-level features most relevant to prospective nurses in South Florida. Tuition, net price, and graduation rates reflect the entire institution, not solely the nursing program.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | South Florida students seeking public affordability | |
Located just south of Pembroke Pines in Miami, Florida International University offers one of the most accessible public BSN programs for Broward County residents. The Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences provides a traditional full-time BSN, an accelerated option for second-degree seekers, and a direct-entry MSN pathway, all benefiting from FIU's extensive South Florida clinical partnerships. With affordable in-state tuition and strong NCLEX preparation, graduates are well-equipped for nursing careers in the region. Note: Institutional data is institution-wide, not program-specific.
| |||||
| #2 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $5,000 – $17,000/yr | Broward County learners wanting hybrid flexibility | |
Florida Atlantic University's Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing in Boca Raton delivers a CCNE-accredited BSN in a hybrid format that combines online coursework with 840 hours of clinical experience across diverse South Florida settings. The program's holistic, caring-science approach and high NCLEX pass rates make it a compelling choice for Pembroke Pines students seeking a public university close to home. Again, graduation rates reflect the entire university.
| |||||
| #3 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | $37,000/yr (net price) | Career changers needing fast-track private option | |
The University of Miami in Coral Gables provides a private, research-intensive BSN with traditional, accelerated (12-month), and RN-to-BSN options, plus access to over 200 clinical sites through the UHealth system. Graduates report the highest median earnings 10 years out of any institution on this list, though net price is significantly higher than public alternatives. This is a strong fit for Pembroke Pines applicants who prioritize a prestigious brand and rapid entry. Graduation and debt figures are at the institutional level.
| |||||
| #4 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | ||
The University of Florida's top-ranked BSN in Gainesville draws students statewide through a competitive traditional program and a shared transfer pipeline with Florida's state college system. UF consistently posts the highest NCLEX pass rates in the state, and its graduates enjoy strong earnings and low median debt for a public institution. The program is CCNE-accredited and delivers rigorous clinical education at UF Health facilities. All institutional rates are aggregated campus-wide.
| |||||
| #5 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $11,000/yr | ||
Florida State University's BSN in Tallahassee compresses upper-division nursing courses into four consecutive semesters, making it a fast, full-time public option once prerequisites are met. Admission is competitive (minimum 3.0 GPA) and considers community engagement, providing a holistic review. FSU's strong institutional graduation and retention rates speak to a supportive learning environment; program-specific earnings are not reported separately.
| |||||
| #6 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of South Florida in Tampa offers multiple BSN entry points: a traditional upper-division pathway, an accelerated second-degree track, and a dedicated Veteran to BSN (V-CARE) program. All are full-time, on-campus, and CCNE-accredited, with clinical rotations across the vibrant Tampa Bay healthcare market. While not as close as South Florida schools, USF's array of pathways gives flexibility for different student backgrounds. Data is institution-wide.
| |||||
| #7 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of Central Florida in Orlando operates a traditional BSN and a second-degree accelerated BSN across multiple campuses, with NCLEX performance consistently exceeding state and national averages. UCF's large size and cohort-based, lock-step curriculum ensure a standardized, high-volume nursing education. Graduation and earnings data reflect the entire university.
| |||||
| #8 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
The University of North Florida in Jacksonville offers a Prelicensure BSN and a Freshman Admit Nursing (FAN) pathway that guarantees direct entry for qualifying high school students. Both tracks emphasize community-based learning and prepare students for the NCLEX-RN. UNF's smaller nursing cohorts and favorable student-faculty ratio can appeal to students seeking a more intimate program setting. All metrics are institution-level.
| |||||
| #9 | Southeastern College-West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach, FL | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southeastern College's West Palm Beach campus offers an associate degree in nursing (ADN) rather than a BSN, but it provides an accelerated 25-month route to RN licensure for those seeking entry-level practice. The program includes hybrid delivery options and requires TEAS exam scores for admission. While not a BSN, it is a regional option for Pembroke Pines students willing to commute north.
| |||||
| #10 | Antigua College International | Miami Lakes, FL | $29,000/yr | ||
Antigua College International in Miami Lakes delivers a hybrid BSN program spanning 42 months, with a curriculum blending 2250 total hours of lectures, labs, and clinical practice. As a private institution, it offers a personalized nursing education but net price is high. Program-level earnings data is not yet available; graduation rates are not reported.
| |||||
The sticker price of a nursing degree varies widely, but the true cost after financial aid is often much lower. Below, we compare listed in-state and out-of-state tuition against the typical net price students actually pay at nursing schools near Pembroke Pines. Graduates of these programs typically carry manageable debt loads, with median federal loan balances under $15,000, translating to affordable monthly payments on a standard repayment plan.
The admission requirements for BSN programs in Pembroke Pines are straightforward, but they demand careful preparation in specific prerequisite courses and entrance exams.
Most BSN programs in the area expect applicants to have completed high school or a GED and to hold a strong foundation in science. Keiser University’s Pembroke Pines campus, for example, requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The school mandates that Anatomy and Physiology I and II be finished with at least a B grade. Common prerequisites across South Florida BSN tracks also include microbiology, chemistry, and college-level math.
Additional non-academic requirements are standard: a negative drug screen, a cleared background check, proof of immunizations, and a personal interview. Applicants should assemble these items early, as processing times can delay enrollment.
While many nursing schools in Florida lean on the TEAS or HESI exam, Keiser University uses the Wonderlic SLE and looks for a minimum score of 23. This test assesses cognitive ability more broadly than the science-heavy TEAS. Other Pembroke Pines area programs may have different testing requirements, so it’s essential to confirm which exam your target school accepts.
Keiser holds a rolling application deadline, meaning you can apply throughout the year. Nevertheless, nursing cohorts fill quickly; applying well before your intended start date improves your chances. Expect a face-to-face interview as part of the process, often used to gauge communication skills and commitment to nursing.
Admissions rates vary widely. Keiser does not publish its BSN acceptance rate, but the university’s overall moderate selectivity suggests a competitive yet attainable process. For context, Florida’s public BSN programs at University of Florida and Florida International University report overall admission rates of about 24% and 55%, respectively. These figures illustrate the range of selectivity you might encounter even among nearby schools.
Admission criteria can shift from one academic year to the next. Before committing to any prerequisite or exam timeline, visit the school’s official admissions page. Topnursing.org can help you quickly locate links to each program, but always confirm the latest details with the nursing department directly.
NCLEX-RN pass rates are a transparent measure of how well a nursing program prepares its graduates for licensure. Florida’s BSN programs collectively posted a first-time pass rate of 81.82% in the most recent annual report from the Florida Center for Nursing.1 For comparison, the national average for RN programs over the same period was 86.71%.
These state and national figures serve as benchmarks when evaluating individual schools. A program that consistently exceeds the state average indicates strong curriculum alignment and clinical preparation, while rates below the state average warrant closer scrutiny. Always look for multi-year trends rather than a single year’s performance.
The Florida Board of Nursing publishes school-level NCLEX pass rates on its website, offering the most authoritative source for data on Keiser University Pembroke Pines and Galen College of Nursing. Many schools also post recent outcomes on their admissions or accreditation pages, along with graduate employment or residency placement information.
When reviewing outcomes, distinguish between first-time pass rates and eventual pass rates, as the former often better reflects program effectiveness. Graduate employment data is less standardized, so if a school does not display job placement figures, contacting admissions directly can clarify recent graduate destinations. While BLS data on regional nursing demand and salaries adds context, verifying pass rates with the schools themselves ensures you have the most accurate, current information for your decision.
Prospective nursing students in the Pembroke Pines area can choose from traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN pathways, each with distinct formats and time commitments. The right fit depends on your current education level, career goals, and schedule flexibility. Below is a side-by-side overview to help you compare these options.
| Pathway | Format | Typical Duration | Designed For | Example Schools Near Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | On-campus or hybrid | 4 years full-time | First-time college students or transfers without a prior bachelor's degree | Florida Atlantic University (hybrid), Florida International University (on-campus), Chamberlain University Miramar (on-campus) |
| Accelerated BSN | On-campus | 12 to 15 months full-time | Career changers who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field | Nova Southeastern University, Barry University, Florida International University |
| RN-to-BSN | Online with in-person clinicals | 1 to 2 years part-time or full-time | Licensed RNs with an associate degree or diploma in nursing | Florida Atlantic University (online) |
Choosing the right BSN program in Pembroke Pines means weighing factors like cost, program length, and NCLEX outcomes. Below are answers to common questions that can help you make an informed decision about your nursing education path.
Beyond the top-ranked options, nursing students in Pembroke Pines can also explore these additional schools across Florida. The following directory spans from nearby South Florida cities to institutions in the Panhandle, offering a mix of BSN, ADN, and direct-entry MSN programs. Each entry includes location, format, and key program highlights to help you compare.
