Compare accredited BSN programs by cost, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes near Royal Palm Beach.
How do you sort through BSN options near Royal Palm Beach when tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and drive times all compete for priority? Palm Beach County’s healthcare demand keeps climbing, with hospitals like HCA Florida JFK and Wellington Regional Medical Center frequently recruiting new grads.
A program’s location and accreditation type determine where you can complete clinical rotations and how quickly you sit for the NCLEX. Over a dozen schools operate within commuting distance, but net prices range from under $10,000 to over $40,000 per year after aid, and first-time NCLEX pass rates span from the mid-60s to above 95%. Admission slots are tight, and prerequisites, entrance exams, and GPA floors filter applicants long before interviews begin.
Royal Palm Beach residents have several strong nursing programs within commuting distance or a short relocation. The following rankings weigh institutional outcomes like graduation rates and net price, while highlighting program features that matter most to local students.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $5,000 – $17,000/yr | Palm Beach commuting students | |
Located in Boca Raton, just south of Royal Palm Beach, Florida Atlantic University offers a hybrid BSN program with 840 clinical hours and strong ties to Palm Beach County hospitals. The net price after aid is $8,752 for in-state students, and the institution-wide graduation rate stands at 62.6%. Its holistic nursing framework and high NCLEX pass rates make it a convenient and reputable option for local learners.
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| #2 | Southeastern College-West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach, FL | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | Local career changers needing hybrid | |
Southeastern College in West Palm Beach provides a 25-month associate degree in nursing designed for quick entry into the local workforce. The net price after aid is about $28,820, and the college reports an institution-wide graduation rate of 87.5%. With on-campus and hybrid delivery and clinical rotations in Palm Beach County, it is a practical choice for those staying close to home.
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| #3 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | $37,000/yr (net price) | High-earning South Florida nurses | |
The University of Miami in Coral Gables offers campus-based BSN tracks, including traditional and accelerated options, with a net price of $37,244 after aid and an institution-wide graduation rate of 83.7%. Its network of over 200 clinical partners and the UHealth system connection position graduates for strong early career earnings, with median 10-year pay exceeding $75,000. A low student-faculty ratio of 11:1 adds to the learning experience.
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| #4 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Florida International University in Miami offers on-campus BSN and direct-entry MSN programs, with a net price of $9,288 after aid and a 74.4% institution-wide graduation rate. Its S.T.A.R. Center simulation labs and diverse clinical placements make it a strong public university option for South Florida residents, including an accelerated track for degree holders and a unique pathway for foreign physicians.
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| #5 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of Central Florida in Orlando delivers traditional and accelerated BSN tracks on campus, with a net price of $10,411 after aid and a 78% institution-wide graduation rate. Though it requires relocating from Royal Palm Beach, UCF's graduates consistently exceed state NCLEX averages, and its three campus locations provide broad clinical exposure.
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| #6 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
In Tampa, the University of South Florida offers multiple campus-based BSN pathways, including a veteran-focused track, with a net price of $9,812 after aid and a 76.8% institution-wide graduation rate. The 16-month accelerated option and recognition of military healthcare experience appeal to a range of students.
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| #7 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | ||
The University of Florida in Gainesville holds the top BSN ranking in the state, offering campus-based traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN tracks. The net price after aid is a low $6,541, and the institution-wide graduation rate is an impressive 91.1%. While it requires moving from Palm Beach County, UF's cutting-edge simulation labs, strong NCLEX results, and national reputation attract top candidates.
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| #8 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $11,000/yr | ||
Florida State University in Tallahassee runs a nationally accredited, 15-16 month campus-based BSN program, with a net price of $11,297 after aid and an 85.6% institution-wide graduation rate. Its holistic admissions process considers community engagement and work experience, making it a competitive option for well-rounded students willing to relocate.
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| #9 | 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 pathway on campus, with a net price of $10,154 after aid and a 69.2% institution-wide graduation rate. Its emphasis on community-based learning and hands-on clinicals suits students seeking a small-city campus experience, though it is a farther move from South Florida.
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| #10 | Antigua College International | Miami Lakes, FL | $29,000/yr | ||
Antigua College International in Miami Lakes provides a hybrid BSN spanning 42 months, with a net price around $29,211 after aid. The school reports a low 33% retention rate and institution-wide graduation rate data is not available, so prospective students should carefully assess fit and student support before enrolling.
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Pursuing a BSN near Royal Palm Beach, FL, means weighing the costs across public institutions that offer nursing programs. The table below compares annual in-state and out-of-state tuition alongside the average net price after financial aid. Net price figures are institution-wide averages and may differ from your individual aid package.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian River State College | $2,764 | $10,201 | $3,815 |
| Gulf Coast State College | $2,370 | $8,635 | $4,709 |
| Florida Gateway College | $3,100 | $11,747 | $5,364 |
| Miami Dade College | $2,838 | $9,661 | $5,463 |
| Lake-Sumter State College | $3,292 | $13,276 | $5,855 |
| Saint Johns River State College | $2,591 | $9,334 | $6,135 |
| Eastern Florida State College | $2,791 | $10,976 | $6,440 |
| University of Florida | $6,381 | $28,659 | $6,541 |
| Florida Atlantic University | $4,879 | $17,324 | $8,752 |
| Florida International University | $6,565 | $18,964 | $9,288 |
First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates serve as a transparent measure of how well a BSN program prepares graduates for the licensing exam they must pass to practice as a registered nurse. A strong pass rate signals that a program's curriculum aligns with the clinical reasoning and knowledge tested on the exam. For students weighing multiple BSN options near Royal Palm Beach, this metric offers an objective way to compare program outcomes beyond marketing materials or tuition costs.
The most recent complete-year data shows a clear performance gap. According to the Florida Center for Nursing's 2026 report, Florida's 2025 statewide first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for BSN graduates sits at 81.82%.1 The national average for the same period ranges from 86.7% to 87.5%, placing Florida 47th among all states. This gap underscores the importance of carefully evaluating individual program performance rather than relying on statewide averages alone.
While statewide trends offer context, the pass rates of specific schools are the data points that matter most to prospective students. The Florida Board of Nursing publishes annual NCLEX outcomes for every approved BSN program, including those near Royal Palm Beach such as Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Atlantic University, South University West Palm Beach, Florida Atlantic University, and Keiser University. Because these figures can shift from year to year, reviewing several years of data reveals whether a program consistently exceeds the Florida average or struggles with stability. Checking the board's latest published report directly gives the clearest picture of how effectively a nursing school in the Royal Palm Beach area turns classroom and clinical training into licensure success.
BSN admissions across Florida are leaning more heavily on holistic review, but quantitative benchmarks like GPA and entrance exam scores still serve as the first gate. For students targeting programs near Royal Palm Beach, the exact numbers shift annually, so going directly to each school’s nursing page is essential.
Among nearby options, Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida Atlantic University, and Keiser University each set their own exam requirements. Some require the TEAS with a composite score above 65%, while others accept the HESI A2. Minimum cumulative GPAs often sit between 2.5 and 3.0, but competitive cohorts may only admit students with a 3.4 or higher. Prerequisite courses typically include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and nutrition, though credit-hour specifics differ. Application windows for fall starts frequently close in February or March, while spring cohorts may have August deadlines. Always confirm on the program’s website.
Clinical rotations in Palm Beach County hospitals and clinics are a cornerstone of the BSN experience. Partnerships with facilities like Wellington Regional Medical Center, Jupiter Medical Center, or the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach give students direct patient-care exposure. Because these affiliations can change, the nursing program’s clinical coordinator can provide the most current list. Additionally, CCNE and ACEN accreditation reports often detail the geographic reach and types of clinical sites utilized.
For general labor market trends, the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook publishes national and state-level employment projections for registered nurses, not program-specific outcomes. To confirm a particular BSN program’s NCLEX pass rates, graduation figures, or specialty accreditation status, contact the Florida Board of Nursing or review its publicly available reports. The Florida Nurses Association also offers career guidance and can help you evaluate top nursing schools in Florida from a practitioner’s perspective.
Starting with precise, institution-specific information will help you meet application requirements and choose a program that aligns with your clinical interests in Palm Beach County.
Registered nurses in the West Palm Beach metro area earn competitive wages, with local median pay topping both state and national benchmarks. Below are key salary percentiles from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to help you gauge earning potential in Palm Beach County.
Prospective nursing students often have questions about program options, costs, and admissions near Royal Palm Beach. The following answers address common concerns to help you make an informed choice. Whether you're comparing BSN tracks or wondering about online flexibility, we've got you covered.
Nursing education rankings have shifted toward measurable student outcomes, driven by a broader demand for transparency in higher education. Our list for the Royal Palm Beach area evaluates each school’s combined value using tuition and net price estimates, institution-wide graduation rates, program-level earnings data, and delivery format flexibility.
We pull from three primary sources: the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS databases, along with information reported directly by schools. Graduation rates cover the entire institution, not just nursing majors, and net price is an average across all aid recipients, so your actual cost may differ. Program-level earnings offer a useful benchmark, but individual salaries vary by specialty, shift, and location.
