Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey for 2023

Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools New Jersey

There are a lot of things to love about New Jersey, and a lot of reasons for nurses to choose the state as their educational home. Ranked the top state in the nation for education and fourth best in the nation for healthcare by U.S. News & World Report, the Garden State also boasts a quality of life that 45% of survey participants rank as excellent. 

With plenty of small towns and big cities and a mixture of urban and rural areas, residents can choose from a variety of lifestyles. New Jersey is family friendly, with world-famous beaches, expansive parks, woods, mountains, and valleys. The state offers close proximity to both Philadelphia and New York and its transportation hubs provide easy access to points across the country and the world. 

Nurses considering working in New Jersey enjoy salaries that are well above the national average and have their pick of some of the best hospitals in the country.

New Jersey’s top nursing programs:

1. The College of New Jersey
2. Seton Hall University
3. Rutgers University – New Brunswick
4. William Paterson University of New Jersey
5. Thomas Edison State University
6. Rutgers University – Camden
7. Fairleigh Dickinson University
8. Rowan University
9. Felician University
10. Bloomfield College

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1. The College of New Jersey – Score 68

NCLEX Pass Rate – 94.55%

Annual In-State Tuition: $17,307

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $22,748.06

The nursing program at The College of New Jersey offers both BSN and MSN programs. Working registered nurses seeking a bachelor’s degree can benefit from the online RN-to-BSN program, while students graduating from the school’s traditional BSN degree program have an 85% graduation rate and are aggressively recruited by local New Jersey hospitals: in the past few years, 100% of the program’s graduates have been employed within six months of graduation. 

Graduate students have multiple MSN options, including Nurse Practitioner programs with specializations in Family, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, and Neonatal Care. MSN-level Clinical Nurse Leader and School Nurse programs are also available, as well as a post-baccalaureate Nurse Educator certificate and several post-master’s certificates. TCNJ also offers a unique MSN program for RNs with non-nursing undergraduate degrees.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• RN-BSN
• MSN

2. Seton Hall University – Score 66

NCLEX Pass Rate – 92.86%

Annual Tuition: $46,380        

Ranked the #66 Best MSN program and the #91 Best DNP program in the country by U.S. News & World Report, the College of Nursing at Seton Hall University educates both graduate level nurses and baccalaureate prepared nurses. The school features an Interprofessional Health Sciences Campus that houses the College of Nursing and the School of Health and Medical Sciences, as well as the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, bringing together future doctors, nurses, and health professionals and preparing them for team-based healthcare delivery. 

The BSN program, which has a graduation rate of 70%, was established in 1937 and was New Jersey’s first. Seton Hall also offers an accelerated BSN that can be completed at two locations and takes 14 months to complete. The online graduate program offers nurse practitioner specializations in Adult-Gerontology Primary/Acute Care, Pediatric Primary Care, and Psychiatric-Mental Health, as well as a degree in Nursing Administration and Nurse Executive Leadership and a unique RN-to-MSN bridge program.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• Accelerated BSN
• MSN
• RN-MSN (Online)
• DNP (Online)
• PhD

3. Rutgers University – New Brunswick – Score 61

NCLEX Pass Rate – 91.49%

Annual In-State Tuition: $12,536 

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $29,737

The Rutgers School of Nursing has been nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report: The publication ranked the bachelor’s degree programs as #31 out of 694 in the country, the DNP program as #15 out of 158 that were rated, and the MSN program at #18 out of 636 programs rated, placing it at the top 2.8 percent of Master’s programs in the country. 

The school has also been recognized among the Best Schools for Men in Nursing by the American Association for Men in Nursing and has been designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. The traditional BSN undergraduate program has a graduation rate of 81% and is one of four routes to a BSN. The school also offers a 14-month full-time Accelerated BSN, an online RN-to-BSN that can be completed in four semesters, and a unique 2+2 BS in Nursing program that allows students to take the first two years of the program at the Community College of Camden and the last two years earning a BSN at Rutgers. 

MSN programs are offered in a hybrid format in Nursing Informatics and Nursing Leadership, and DNP tracks are clinically oriented and lead to Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certifications in 12 specialty areas.

CCNE-accredited program offered:

• BSN
• 2+2 BSN
• Accelerated BSN
• RN-to-BSN (Online)
• MSN
• DNP
• PhD

4. William Paterson University of New Jersey – Score 59

NCLEX Pass Rate – 86.87%

Annual In-State Tuition: $14,192

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $23,192

William Paterson University’s Department of Nursing offers an expansive list of options for those interested in a career in nursing. Its undergraduate offerings include a 100% online RN-BSN as well as an accelerated BSN and a traditional 4-year BSN with the opportunity to participate in a supplemental Nursing Honors program with a focus on research. 

The MSN program offers preparation and education for BSN-degreed nurses to become advanced practice nurses (adult or family nurse practitioners), educators or administrators, while the hybrid BSN-to-DNP program provides a path to seamlessly obtain both an MSN and DNP degree. There is also a DNP program that prepares advanced practice nurses to be clinical scholars and thought leaders. The school has a 61% graduation rate and boasts that 87% of its alumni are employed or in graduate school six months after graduation.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• RN-BSN (Online)
• Accelerated BSN
• BSN
• MSN
• BSN-DNP
• DNP

5. Thomas Edison State University – Score 59

NCLEX Pass Rate – 85.37%

Annual In-State Tuition: $12,330

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $16,050

The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions offers multiple undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing. With the exception of the campus-based Accelerated BSN program, all other degrees are offered fully online. 

In recognition of the school’s popularity with students who have more than twenty years of nursing experience, the administration offers a unique, personalized nurse-to-nurse advising program called Nurses Serving Nursing which helps students create degree completion plans, prepare to take online nursing courses, identify credit-by-exam programs to meet general education requirements, and more. 

In addition to the Accelerated BSN, for which the school also offers a pre-nursing AAS in Applied Health Studies to help students complete prerequisites, the School of Nursing also offers RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN programs, as well as MS in Nursing programs and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• Pre-Nursing AAS I Applied Health Studies (Online)
• Accelerated BSN
• RN-BSN/MSN (Online)
• MSN (Online)
• DNP (Online)

6. Rutgers University – Camden – Score 58

NCLEX Pass Rate – N/A 

Annual In-State Tuition: $12,230

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $28,466

The Rutgers School of Nursing in Camden incorporates engaged civic learning into each of its nursing programs, equipping its students with the ability to recognize and react to complex social problems. Students are involved in outreach opportunities within the city of Camden and partner with the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine to deliver services to the local geriatric community. 

The school’s academic programs include a traditional four-year BSN as well as an Accelerated BSN program that can be completed within 15 months. They also offer an RN-to-BSN program that can be completed as a hybrid program or fully online and a Doctor of Nursing Practice program offering two different Nurse Practitioner tracks through online and live classes. Nurse Educator Courses, a School Nurse Specialty Program, and a Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse Certification round out the offerings. 

The school also offers the unique Veterans Serving Veterans Nursing Fellowship Program designed to recruit and train veteran nursing students on the care of veterans in community-based primary care.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• Accelerated BSN
• RN-BSN (Hybrid or Online)
• DNP (Hybrid)

7. Fairleigh Dickinson University – Score 55

NCLEX Pass Rate – 92.65%

Annual Tuition: $33,264

U.S. News & World Report ranks the Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health #99 in Best Nursing Schools for the  Master’s program (tie) and #120 out of 158 in Best Nursing Schools for the Doctor of Nursing Practice. The BSN program was also honored as one of the top in the nation, and according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the school’s Family Nurse Practitioner program is #6 nationally based on median-post-graduate salary data.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• RN-BSN
• RN-MSN
• MSN (Online or In-Person)
• DNP

8. Rowan University – Score 46

NCLEX Pass Rate – N/A 

Annual In-State Tuition: $14,951

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $24,344

Rowan University’s nursing program is designed for college students, working adults, and lifelong learners. The school offers an RN-to-BSN program that is fully online and designed to minimize disruption of personal and professional responsibilities. It is offered through the school’s Global Learning and Partnerships division, and includes the choice of six graduate credits that can be applied to the pursuit of an MSN degree. 

The school also offers three different pathways to an MSN: Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive, and Nurse Practitioner with specializations in Adult Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The MSN program at Rowan was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best in the country, and is available part-time in a hybrid format that combines fully online courses with face-to-face classes and clinical experiences.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• RN-BSN (Online)
• MSN

9. Felician University – Score 43

NCLEX Pass Rate – 81.15%

Annual Tuition: $33,200

The School of Nursing at Felician University provides nurse education opportunities to match a wide range of experience levels, goals, and needs. The undergraduate programs include a traditional four-year BSN program as well as an accelerated BSN that can be completed in either 16 months in a hybrid format or  18 months in an in-person format. 

There is also a unique 5-year “Preparing for Career in Nursing” program designed to raise the level of proficiency and readiness of high school graduates whose academic abilities need to be strengthened in order to meet the nursing program’s eligibility requirements. 

There is both a fully online RN-to-BSN fast track program that can be completed in 15 months and an online RN-to-MSN that can be completed in between 29 and 45 months, depending upon the track chosen. Felician’s online graduate nursing program has been recognized as among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report, and offers hybrid MSN Nurse Practitioner pathways, Post Master’s Certifications, and an online Doctor of Nursing Practice program that provides all students with the latest generation iPad.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• RN-BSN (Online)
• RN-MSN (Online)
• BSN
• Accelerated BSN
• MSN (Online)
• DNP

10. Bloomfield College – Score 35

NCLEX Pass Rate – 86.67%

Annual Tuition: $30,680

Among its other distinctions, Bloomfield College is the only New Jersey institution to be recognized as a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) and Hispanic Serving Institution. It is also a Minority serving institution at which more than half of students identify as being both first generation and first in their families to enroll in college. 

In 2021 U.S. News & World Report ranked it highest in New Jersey in social mobility. The school offers both a traditional four-year BSN program and an accelerated RN-to-BSN program that can be completed in 15-18 months by attending classes and finishing online assignments once a week. It is offered in a hybrid format.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• RN-BSN (Hybrid)
• BSN

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How to choose the right nursing program

When your goal is a career in nursing, the right nursing program can make all the difference. Every student has their own priorities and needs, so the program that’s best for someone else may not be the right fit for you. 

When weighing your options, it’s a good idea to make a list of what’s most important. Do you need to be able to continue working while you’re studying, or would you prefer a full-time, on campus experience? Do you want to continue living at home and  take classes online or will you commute to school? These questions and others pertaining to price, school reputation, and other tangible and intangible factors should all be included in your considerations.

Location

The nursing schools in New Jersey are located in every corner of the state and in settings ranging from rural to inner city, so choosing the right location is both a matter of personal preference and convenience. Some of the schools listed above offer online programs that can be taken from anywhere on the globe, while others require that you live and study on campus.

Tuition

Your nursing degree promises a reliable, generous salary for the future, but paying for education can be a challenge. When choosing the best school for you it’s a good idea to keep cost in mind, but you should also take the time to investigate the opportunities for financial aid, scholarships, grants, and personal loans. With a bit of planning you may be able to attend the college of your dreams without saddling yourself with long-term student debt.

NCLEX pass rate

Every nursing school operates with the hope of providing its students with a high-quality education that prepares them for the challenges of their chosen career. One measure of a program’s success is the NCLEX pass rate achieved by graduates. Though there are many variables that can impact whether all students do well on this national test, a high pass rate is a strong indication that a school takes preparation of its students seriously.

Programs offered

The New Jersey nursing schools included on this list offer a broad array of programs and delivery formats. Before you choose a school based on its location or campus setting, double check to make sure that it offers the degree program that you’re looking for.

Graduation rate 

Graduation rate is a measure of how many four-year undergraduate students that enter a college as freshman complete and attain a degree within six years of their entry. Though this can be a useful statistic, its application is limited to traditional BSN programs, and the metric does not include students who transfer in from other programs.

Next steps

Once you’ve reviewed New Jersey’s top nursing school options and dug a bit deeper into each, it will be time to move forward with your application. There are plenty of ways to approach the process, but it helps to be as organized as possible, making a list of needed documents and deadlines by which all materials need to be submitted. And remember, it’s never too early to start investigating financial aid or asking mentors to prepare letters of recommendation. 

One of the best parts of attending nursing school in New Jersey is the immediate connection to the state’s remarkable hospitals. You’ll be at the top of the list for career opportunities, so make sure that you’re up to date on the state’s licensing and continuing education requirements. If you can’t find the information you need, don’t hesitate to ask the Incredible Health community: We have plenty of New Jersey professionals who are eager to answer any questions you may have.

Methodology

In order to determine the best nursing schools in a state, Incredible Health compared the top schools among five categories: graduation rate, tuition, NCLEX pass rate, accreditation, and the number of nursing programs offered.

Each metric was scored on a 100-point scale with 100 representing the highest total for that category. Then we compiled the individual scores to get an overall score.

We used data from: 

• The College of New Jersey
• Seton Hall University
• Rutgers University – New Brunswick
• William Paterson University of New Jersey
• Thomas Edison State University
• Rutgers University – Camden
• Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Rowan University
• Felician University
• Bloomfield College
• New Jersey Board of Nursing
• Federal Student Aid
• U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings