Our 2026 rankings help you compare Utah's best nursing schools, costs, and career outcomes.
Utah’s nursing shortage isn’t temporary; it’s a structural gap between growing healthcare demand and too-few graduates entering the workforce. For prospective students, the tension often boils down to balancing tuition cost against program quality and clinical access. Public flagship schools like the University of Utah attract top applicants, while Weber State, Utah State, and private colleges such as Westminster provide alternatives with varying price points and class sizes. Rankings, net-price transparency, and admissions data can illuminate the options, but ultimately Utah’s licensure bar (passing the NCLEX and completing accredited clinical hours) doesn’t distinguish between a budget degree and a premium one.
Utah offers a wide mix of public universities, private colleges, and online-focused schools, so the right BSN choice depends on budget, schedule, and where you want to do clinicals. The schools below stand out for their nursing pathways, with big differences in net price and institutional outcomes. Compare the program formats and earnings alongside each school's overall graduation rate to find the best fit.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Brigham Young University | Provo, UT | $15,000 – $20,000/yr (est.) | Faith-based students wanting global clinicals | |
Brigham Young University pairs a CCNE-accredited campus BSN with strong clinical placements across the Wasatch Front and global health experiences. As a private university in Provo, it reports a low net price around $15,600 and an overall graduation rate of about 81%. Median earnings among former students are roughly $75,790, the highest in this list. CCNE accredited
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| #2 | University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT | $10,000 – $31,000/yr (est.) | Direct-entry high school seniors | |
The University of Utah gives prelicensure students a campus BSN at Salt Lake City's academic medical center, with Direct Entry for high school seniors and an online RN-to-BS option for working nurses. The public university reports a net price around $16,200 and an institution-wide graduation rate of about 65%. Median earnings among former students are approximately $67,170, and students train across urban, rural, and Veterans Affairs sites. CCNE accredited
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| #3 | Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | Draper, UT | ~$12,000/yr (est.) | Career changers needing hybrid flexibility | |
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences is a private Draper-based school with online and hybrid nursing programs, including an ASN, a CCNE-accredited BSN, and a Direct Path MSN for career changers. Its typical net price is about $28,000, and the institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 54%. Median earnings among former students are around $49,840, and the school emphasizes no-prerequisite entry and simulation-based learning. ACEN accredited
CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #4 | Southern Utah University | Cedar City, UT | $7,000 – $21,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southern Utah University runs a full-time, on-campus prelicensure BSN in Cedar City with a strong rural and frontier Utah focus. The public university has a net price around $10,460 and an institution-wide graduation rate of about 61%. Median earnings among former students are roughly $50,300, and the nursing program does not require an entrance exam. CCNE accredited
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| #5 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | $9,000 – $25,000/yr (est.) | ||
Utah State University offers a four-year campus prelicensure BSN in Logan plus a statewide associate-degree nursing pathway for current LPNs. As a public university, it reports a net price around $14,940 and an institution-wide graduation rate of roughly 59%. Median earnings among former students are about $54,020, and the BSN maintains small, competitive cohorts.
ACEN accredited
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| #6 | Westminster University | Salt Lake City, UT | ~$27,000/yr (est.) | ||
Westminster University is a private Salt Lake City institution offering an accelerated, campus-based BSN with small classes and a four-semester curriculum. Its typical net price is about $27,090, and the university reports an overall graduation rate of roughly 64%. Median earnings among former students are around $66,220, with clinical placements concentrated in Salt Lake area health systems. CCNE accredited
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| #7 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | ||
Western Governors University offers a CCNE-accredited prelicensure BSN in a hybrid format, pairing competency-based online coursework with in-person labs and clinical rotations. The private nonprofit university has a net price around $12,550 and an institution-wide graduation rate of about 46%. Median earnings among former students are roughly $60,620, and Utah residents benefit from being in a supported prelicensure state with Salt Lake City learning labs. CCNE accredited
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| #8 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Weber State University is a public Ogden-based school with an online RN-to-BSN completion track and a hybrid associate-degree nursing pathway. The university's net price is about $10,260, and its overall graduation rate stands near 46%. Median earnings among former students are around $56,290, and the RN-to-BSN is built for working Utah RNs who need flexible pacing.
ACEN accredited
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| #9 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Utah Valley University pairs a campus ASN with a fully online BSN completion program in Orem, serving Utah County and rural Utah nurses. The public university reports a net price around $6,380, the lowest in this ranking, and an institution-wide graduation rate of roughly 45%. Median earnings among former students are about $55,490. Rolling admissionsFully online option
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| #10 | Arizona College of Nursing-Salt Lake City | Murray, UT | ~$38,000/yr (est.) | ||
Arizona College of Nursing's Salt Lake City campus offers a direct-entry, campus-based BSN that can be completed in three years. The private for-profit school's net price is about $37,660, the highest in this list, and its institution-wide graduation rate is not reported. Median earnings among former students are around $34,660, and the program includes early NCLEX-RN preparation and simulation labs.
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Utah offers a variety of BSN pathways to fit different budgets, schedules, and career goals. These key figures highlight the range of costs, graduate outcomes, and program formats you can expect from accredited nursing schools in the state.
Utah’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated nurses hit 91.4% in 2024-2025, well above the national average of 86.7%. Choosing the right pre-licensure BSN program means looking beyond a school’s reputation and weighing the details that directly affect your education and career.
Start by mapping out the time commitment. Campus-based BSN programs like those at the University of Utah or Southern Utah University typically span four years of full-time study. For those who need flexibility, Western Governors University offers a hybrid prelicensure BSN with online coursework and in-person clinicals, while Arizona College of Nursing–Salt Lake City provides a three-year accelerated track. Make sure the format, online, in-person, or hybrid, fits your learning style, work schedule, and family obligations.
NCLEX-RN pass rates are the single best outcome metric for pre-licensure programs. You can find school-level data through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) or the NCSBN. Programs like Utah Tech University and Utah State University have recently posted 100% first-time pass rates. Compare these figures with the state average to gauge how well a program prepares students for licensure. Also check admission requirements. Brigham Young University, for example, admits about 68% of applicants, while the University of Utah’s more open admission rate doesn’t mean the nursing program itself is easy to enter, it often has separate, competitive prerequisites.
Sticker price rarely tells the full story. The University of Utah’s in-state tuition is about $9,620, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $16,200. Southern Utah University lists in-state tuition at $6,962, yet students typically pay around $10,462. Even private options like Brigham Young University, with a published tuition of $6,688, have a net price of $15,564. Always compare the net price, the real amount families pay, rather than the headline tuition. Lower net price can dramatically reduce your future debt burden.
Hands-on training depends on where you do your clinical rotations. Programs near major health systems like Intermountain Healthcare or University of Utah Health often provide broader, more specialized experiences. Ask whether a program guarantees clinical placements, how far you might travel, and whether you can rotate through diverse settings like ICUs, pediatrics, or community clinics.
Published tuition is only part of the story, after grants and scholarships, many students pay a much lower net price. At some public universities in Utah, Pell Grant recipients and those who file the FAFSA can see thousands of dollars shaved off the sticker price, while private schools often provide institutional aid that narrows the gap. Don’t overlook state nursing scholarships and hospital-sponsored tuition programs like Intermountain Health’s annual award of $5,250 that can further reduce out-of-pocket costs.
| School | Type | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Tech University | Public | $6,306 | $18,246 | $16,039 |
| Utah Valley University | Public | $6,507 | $18,489 | $6,376 |
| Weber State University | Public | $6,557 | $17,545 | $10,258 |
| Brigham Young University | Private | $6,688 | $6,688 | $15,564 |
| Southern Utah University | Public | $6,962 | $21,192 | $10,462 |
| Western Governors University | Private | $8,658 | $8,658 | $12,548 |
| University of Utah | Public | $9,620 | $30,860 | $16,200 |
| Provo College | Private | $16,548 | $16,548 | $27,053 |
| Eagle Gate College-Murray | Private | $16,548 | $16,548 | $27,345 |
| Westminster University | Private | $43,528 | $43,528 | $27,094 |
Accreditation is the single most important factor when evaluating any nursing program. In Utah, bachelor's-level nursing programs typically seek accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Both agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, but they serve slightly different purposes. CCNE focuses exclusively on baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs, while ACEN accredits a broader range, from diploma to doctoral levels. For a BSN, CCNE is the more common standard among leading institutions. The University of Utah and Weber State University, for example, both hold current CCNE accreditation.
Why does this matter? State boards of nursing require graduation from an accredited program to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Beyond licensure, employers increasingly prefer or require new hires to have completed an accredited program, and nearly all graduate nursing programs (MSN, DNP) mandate a BSN from an accredited school. Without it, your career path could hit a dead end before it starts. Always verify a program's accreditation status directly through the CCNE or ACEN website.
Utah's healthcare landscape provides an unusually rich training ground. Students benefit from institutions like Intermountain Health, University of Utah Health, and HCA Mountain Division hospitals. The quality and variety of clinical rotations often depend on a program's partnership network. Some schools have formal agreements that guarantee placement slots in specialty areas such as emergency, pediatrics, or behavioral health, while others may require students to compete for or find their own sites.
Simulation labs fill the gaps where clinical placements are limited and allow students to practice high-risk scenarios safely. Weber State University, for instance, operates a state-of-the-art simulation facility that mirrors real hospital environments. When visiting a campus, ask about the simulation-to-clinical-hour ratio, the realism of manikins and task trainers, and whether the lab is open for independent practice. Strong programs also expose you to both urban and rural settings, reflecting Utah's diverse communities.
Smaller cohort sizes often translate into more personalized instruction and closer supervision during clinical rotations. A program with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio in clinical settings gives you far more hands-on time than one with a 12:1 ratio. However, smaller cohorts can also mean fewer seats and more competitive admissions. Larger programs may offer broader resources but risk less individualized feedback.
Beyond numbers, look into faculty qualifications and accessibility. Are instructors actively practicing in their specialties? Do they hold advanced certifications? Programs that employ faculty who also work in clinical settings often bring current, real-world insights into the classroom. Chat with current students, if possible, to gauge how approachable professors are and how quickly they receive feedback on assignments or clinical performance.
Even the strongest students benefit from structured support. The best programs embed NCLEX preparation directly into the curriculum, offering live review sessions, question banks, and predictor exams that track readiness. Academic advising should be proactive, helping you map out prerequisites, course loads, and clinical schedules to avoid delays. Tutoring services, whether peer-led or professional, can make the difference when tackling demanding subjects like pharmacology or pathophysiology.
Some schools also provide mental health resources, peer mentoring programs, or career coaching. These services directly influence graduation rates and first-time NCLEX pass rates, yet they are often overlooked during program comparisons. Before you decide, ask about recent NCLEX pass rates and what specific support mechanisms are in place if a student begins to struggle.
Program-level earnings data for specific BSN programs in Utah is not yet available, but statewide BLS figures provide a useful benchmark. Early-career earnings for registered nurses in Utah fall below the national median, but the state's lower cost of living can balance the scales.
Nursing school admissions have grown increasingly competitive across Utah, making it essential to understand what each program actually weighs when reviewing applicants.
While minimum GPA requirements can be as low as 2.0 or 3.0 on paper, the most competitive Utah BSN programs expect a cumulative and science GPA in the 3.3–3.7 range for a realistic shot at admission. For example, the University of Utah sets a 3.0 minimum but admits students with far stronger academic records. Utah State University requires a B- or better in prerequisite courses and a 2.0 overall, yet the typical admitted student profile is well above those floors.
Virtually every program expects a solid foundation in science and general education. Common prerequisite courses include:
Additional courses like nutrition, chemistry, and ethics may appear on some program checklists. Utah Tech University, for instance, specifies 10 prerequisite courses totaling 60 semester credits with no grade below a C.
Not all Utah programs require a standardized nursing entrance exam. The University of Utah, for example, does not mandate the TEAS or HESI. However, Utah State requires the HESI A2 with a minimum score of 75%, permits two attempts per application cycle, and considers scores valid for two years. Other schools may accept either exam or none, so verify directly with each program.
Science course recency is a common but often overlooked requirement. Beyond the A&P windows already mentioned, Utah State enforces a 5-year limit on physiology coursework. Always check whether your earlier credits will still count before you apply.
Most Utah BSN programs admit once per year for a fall start, though a few offer a spring option. Utah State, for example, accepts applications for fall from January 1 to February 15 and for spring from July 1 to August 15. These narrow windows mean missing a deadline can delay your plans by a full year. Early preparation, confirming prerequisites, completing exams, and gathering recommendations, is critical.
Institution-wide acceptance rates from federal data give a rough sense of selectivity, but nursing programs are almost always more competitive than the university as a whole. For context, overall school acceptance rates range from about 67% at Brigham Young University and 67% at Westminster University to 86% at the University of Utah and 92% at Utah State. Nursing admissions typically see far fewer seats and higher standards, regardless of the undergraduate admit rate.
Many schools use a points-based system that awards values for GPA, exam scores, healthcare experience, and other factors. Others, like Southern Utah University, emphasize a holistic review that weighs personal statements, recommendations, and life experience alongside academics. Understanding whether a program leans quantitative or holistic helps you tailor your application to what they value most.
Not every nursing career begins with a four-year BSN. Utah offers multiple entry points and advancement routes that fit different timelines, budgets, and long-term goals. Below are the core pathways, from quick-entry LPN programs to doctoral-level advanced practice.
Licensed practical nursing programs provide the shortest route to a nursing license. Most take 10 to 12 months, though some run longer. Graduates sit for the NCLEX-PN and work under the supervision of RNs or physicians in long-term care, clinics, and home health. Scope is more limited than an RN, but for many it is a deliberate first step.
Several Utah technical colleges offer on-campus or hybrid LPN training:
If practical nursing interests you, the site’s LPN guide details licensing steps and local job outlooks for Utah.
The ADN is a two-year pathway to RN licensure, typically offered at public community colleges. Graduates take the NCLEX-RN and can enter the workforce as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities. Because tuition is often lower than a four-year degree, the ADN remains a popular starting point.
Salt Lake Community College, Snow College, and several other institutions run ADN programs that combine general education with clinical rotations. Completing an ADN qualifies you to work as an RN, but many employers now prefer or require a BSN, especially Magnet-designated hospitals. Consequently, many ADN graduates return for an RN-to-BSN bridge.
If you are weighing ASN versus BSN, the ADN vs. BSN comparison page breaks down cost, time, and career impact side-by-side.
For working ADN-prepared nurses, an RN-to-BSN is designed as a flexible upgrade that builds on existing nursing knowledge. Most programs accept your prior ADN coursework and focus on leadership, evidence-based practice, and community health. Because they are tailored for employed nurses, fully online and part-time options are common.
Several Utah schools deliver online RN-to-BSN pathways that let you complete clinical requirements in your current workplace. This keeps you earning while you learn, and many employers offer tuition assistance. Earning a BSN can open doors to roles in management, public health, and specialty units, and is often required for graduate study. A full list of accredited RN-to-BSN programs in the state, including online and accelerated formats, is available in the RN-to-BSN directory.
Nurses who hold a BSN and want to move into advanced practice, education, or leadership roles can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). In Utah, the University of Utah and Westminster College both offer MSN and DNP tracks, with specializations such as family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and nurse anesthesia. These graduate roles come with increased autonomy, higher earning ceilings, and the ability to prescribe and manage patient panels independently (subject to state scope-of-practice laws).
If advanced practice is your goal, the MSN program landing page outlines admission prerequisites, common specializations, and how NP certification aligns with Utah’s licensure board.
Choosing a nursing school in Utah involves weighing program outcomes, costs, and flexibility. Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask.
Beyond the top-ranked programs, several accredited BSN options in Utah offer flexible formats and regional access. The directory below is not ranked; it is organized by region to make side-by-side comparison easier.
