Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and accreditation for the best BSN and RN programs near Riverside.
With the Riverside-San Bernardino metro area's median RN wage at $97,780, aspiring nurses often weigh whether a faster associate degree or a broader bachelor's program leads to better job placements. The region sits within reach of multiple nursing schools in California, including University of California and California State University programs and community colleges, though the strongest NCLEX outcomes and clinical partnerships tend to cluster in Los Angeles, Irvine, and Fullerton.
Prospective students must navigate distinct admission hurdles: BSN programs like UCLA's accept fewer than 10% of applicants, while many ADN programs use competitive point systems. Even as health systems expand, the local talent pipeline remains tight: program selectivity rather than seat availability is the binding constraint.
The Riverside area offers a rich mix of nursing programs, from low-cost community college ADNs to accelerated BSNs and direct-entry master's tracks. Our ranking highlights accredited schools within a 25-mile radius that balance affordability, student support, and strong professional outcomes.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | California State University-San Bernardino | San Bernardino, CA | $5,000/yr (net price) | Transfer students earning a BSN | |
California State University-San Bernardino is a public university offering a respected, CCNE-accredited Pre-Licensure BSN that combines holistic care, informatics, and interprofessional practice. With a net price of $4,564 and a diverse student body (HSI-designated), it provides an affordable pathway to RN licensure and advanced nursing roles.
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| #2 | Riverside City College | Riverside, CA | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | Cost-conscious ADN seekers | |
Riverside City College delivers a remarkably affordable ADN program with a 98% NCLEX-RN pass rate and 99% job placement within six months. The ACEN and California BRN-accredited program offers three academic pathways and costs just $46 per unit, making it a top choice for cost-conscious students in Riverside.
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| #3 | American Career College-Ontario | Ontario, CA | $33,000/yr (net price) | Fast-track blended ADN learners | |
American Career College-Ontario provides a fast-paced blended ADN program that combines online coursework with over 800 clinical hours. The California BRN-approved curriculum can be completed in as little as 20 months, with simulated hospital labs and one-on-one faculty support.
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| #4 | Arizona College of Nursing-Ontario | Ontario, CA | $40,000 – $45,000/yr | ||
Arizona College of Nursing-Ontario offers a CCNE-accredited three-year BSN with no prerequisite coursework and six start dates annually. Small class sizes, integrated NCLEX-RN prep from day one, and a 98.25% job placement rate distinguish this private college in Ontario.
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| #5 | California Baptist University | Riverside, CA | $25,000 – $30,000/yr | ||
California Baptist University, the first institution in Riverside County to offer a BSN, integrates faith-based education with rigorous clinical training. In addition to the on-campus BSN, the university offers an online direct-entry MSN for career changers, both emphasizing compassionate, whole-person care.
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| #6 | Loma Linda University | Loma Linda, CA | |||
Loma Linda University, a faith-based institution affiliated with a major medical center, offers a CCNE-accredited BSN and a hybrid entry-level MSN in Population Health. Students benefit from clinical experiences at Loma Linda University Medical Center and a curriculum rooted in whole-person care.
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| #7 | Chaffey College | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | ~$6,000/yr (est.) | ||
Chaffey College's innovative ADN/BSN Concurrent Enrollment Program allows students to earn both degrees simultaneously through partnerships with universities like Cal State San Bernardino. This public community college pathway accelerates BSN completion while keeping costs low.
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| #8 | San Bernardino Valley College | San Bernardino, CA | $19,000/yr (net price) | ||
San Bernardino Valley College provides an affordable two-year ADN program approved by the California BRN. The curriculum emphasizes culturally competent care and clinical reasoning, with support resources like TEAS preparation workshops and application guidance.
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Cost is a major factor when choosing a nursing program. The table below compares annual tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, along with the average net price after financial aid, for public nursing schools in the Riverside area. All programs listed are public institutions; private options typically have higher tuition. Note that net price reflects the institution-wide average and may not capture program-specific fees, so actual costs for nursing students could differ.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of San Mateo | $1,332 | $11,428 | $536 |
| Pasadena City College | $1,180 | $10,924 | $3,864 |
| California State University-Los Angeles | $7,164 | $19,764 | $3,967 |
| Saddleback College | $1,432 | $14,812 | $4,152 |
| California State University-San Bernardino | $8,088 | $20,688 | $4,564 |
| California State University-Stanislaus | $8,242 | $20,842 | $6,067 |
| Mt San Antonio College | $1,364 | $10,464 | $6,490 |
| California State University-Fullerton | $7,470 | $20,070 | $6,555 |
| De Anza College | $1,571 | $12,596 | $6,642 |
| California State University-Fresno | $7,341 | $19,941 | $7,000 |
First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates are a critical indicator of program quality, and California makes this data publicly available. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) website posts annual pass rate reports for every approved prelicensure nursing program in the state, broken down by program type (ADN, BSN, or entry-level MSN). This serves as the most authoritative starting point for comparing schools.
Program websites also often highlight their recent NCLEX performance. For example, Riverside City College's School of Nursing and California Baptist University's College of Nursing routinely publish pass rate summaries. These figures offer the quickest snapshot, but verify the reporting year and ensure the number reflects first-time test takers.
Not all pass rates are created equal. When reviewing these figures, consider: - Program type: BSN programs generally report first-time pass rates, while ADN programs may include repeat test-taker results unless clearly labeled. The California BRN separates these in its reports. - Cohort size: A 100% pass rate on a cohort of 10 students carries less statistical weight than a 95% rate on 80 students. Look for programs that consistently achieve pass rates above the state average over multiple years. - Trends over time: A single-year dip might reflect curriculum changes or exam difficulty variations. The BRN archives allow you to spot multi-year trends, which are more telling than a single data point.
Context matters. National first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates typically hover in the upper 70s to low 80s percent, with California often tracking a few points above the national figure. In the latest published cycles, California's overall average has remained competitive, but year-to-year fluctuations are normal.
When evaluating a Riverside-area program, compare its pass rate to both the California state average and the national average for that program type (ADN vs. BSN). A school consistently at or above the state mean is a strong sign, while one significantly below may raise questions about curriculum support and remediation resources.
If a school's NCLEX results are not posted on its website or appear to be missing from the BRN's current report, your best next step is to contact the nursing admissions office directly. Ask specifically for: - First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for the most recent graduating class - Total number of graduates who took the exam - Whether the school has any pending accreditation actions related to outcomes
Some programs may also provide NCLEX pass rate data during information sessions or open houses. As a secondary option, you can check the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) for broader trend reports, though it does not publish school-level data. For current California averages, the BRN site is the primary resource. On topnursing.org, individual school profiles often summarize these metrics as well.
Accreditation is not just a stamp of approval; it directly influences your eligibility for licensure, transfer credits, and even employer hiring preferences. Riverside-area nursing programs align with one of two nationally recognized bodies, and understanding the difference helps you avoid dead ends.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs, while the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits all levels, from practical nursing to doctoral degrees. Both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, but CCNE is more common among four-year universities, and ACEN is typical for associate-degree and diploma programs. In the Riverside area, California Baptist University and Cal State San Bernardino hold CCNE accreditation for their BSN programs, while Riverside City College and Mt. San Jacinto College hold ACEN accreditation for their ADN programs2. Employers rarely discriminate between the two, but if you plan to pursue an advanced degree later, a CCNE-accredited BSN may streamline your graduate school applications.
Riverside offers multiple pathways to RN licensure, with lengths that vary by your starting point. A traditional BSN at a four-year university like CSUSB or CBU typically takes four years of full-time study. Accelerated BSN tracks for career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field can be completed in 12-18 months; Cal State Fullerton, within commuting distance, offers one such program, a notable option among accelerated BSN programs in California. For students who want to earn an associate degree first, ADN programs at Riverside City College and Mt. San Jacinto College generally require two years, after which you can enter an RN-to-BSN bridge program. CSUSB’s ADN-to-BSN pathway is designed for working nurses, often delivered online or in a hybrid format and completed in about one to two years. Online and hybrid options are limited at the prelicensure level due to clinical requirements, but many general education and theory courses may be offered remotely.
Most prelicensure programs require a slate of science prerequisites with a grade of C or better: human anatomy, human physiology, microbiology, and college-level math or statistics. Some also require chemistry, psychology, and nutrition. GPA minimums vary by competitiveness. CSU BSN programs often set a prerequisite GPA floor of 3.0, while community college ADN programs may accept 2.5-2.75, though admission points systems reward higher grades. California Baptist University, for example, requires a minimum TEAS score around 70% and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all college coursework.
Beyond transcripts and test scores, nursing programs require a criminal background check, drug screening, and up-to-date immunization records (including TB, hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, and Tdap). A current CPR certification for healthcare providers (BLS) is also standard. Some schools, like Cal State San Bernardino, ask for a situational judgment test or a personal statement. Spaces are limited, so meeting minimums does not guarantee a seat: stronger test scores, higher GPAs, and healthcare experience can tip the scales.
The Riverside–San Bernardino metro area offers competitive pay for RNs, with a median annual wage of $97,780 as of 2024. While this is above the national median, it remains well below the California statewide median, reflecting regional variation within the state. Major employers driving demand include RUHS Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Riverside, and Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Selecting a nursing program is a major decision. Below are straightforward answers to the most common questions about Riverside nursing schools, based on data profiled in the rankings and tables above.
