Seton Hall University charges $53,170 a year in tuition and fees. County College of Morris charges in-district students $6,210, and its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) graduates posted a 98.6% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, edging Seton Hall's 94.5%.
That spread defines the 2026 decision: which New Jersey programs reliably get graduates licensed on the first attempt, and at what cost? The schools ranked here include 2-year ADN and diploma routes alongside 4-year BSN programs.
A cheaper ADN is not the finish line for everyone, though. Hospitals pursuing Magnet status often expect ADN-prepared hires to complete an RN to BSN program within a few years, so the first credential's price is rarely the last tuition bill.
Top NCLEX-RN Outcomes: 10 Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey for 2027
Searching for the best nursing schools in NJ comes down to one question most applicants care about: how do a program's graduates perform on the NCLEX-RN the first time they sit for it? The ten New Jersey schools below combine standout first-time licensure results with accredited curricula and steady completion, and they span the full spectrum from four-year BSNs to two-year community college paths. Each entry notes what sets the school apart so you can match it to your own goals.
How we ranked these
- Institution-wide graduation rate
- Nursing program accreditation
- First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Retention and completion patterns
- Average net price after aid
- Original research on individual programs
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Program-level NCLEX pass rates from the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- In-house program catalog data
The College of New Jersey
#1Ewing, NJ · $20,000 – $26,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 100% (3-yr weighted avg)
Best for: Students wanting a traditional four-year BSN
The College of New Jersey runs the state's flagship public BSN, a four-year campus program that layers a liberal arts core over nursing science and clinical practice. Clinical placements begin in sophomore year at area hospitals, mental health clinics, home health agencies, schools, and senior centers, and students train in modern simulation facilities. Graduates leave as advanced beginner practitioners, and the school reports a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate. The school's overall graduation rate is 86%.
- CCNE accredited
- Four-year, on-campus program
- Clinical experiences begin in sophomore year
- Rotations at hospitals, mental health clinics, and home health agencies
- Placements also include schools and senior centers
- Prepares graduates to sit the NCLEX-RN
- Blends liberal learning with nursing science and clinical practice
- Graduates practice as advanced beginner nurses
Ramapo College of New Jersey
#2Mahwah, NJ · $15,000 – $20,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 98.1% (3-yr weighted avg)
Best for: Working ADN nurses pursuing an RN-to-BSN
Ramapo's generic BSN is delivered in partnership with Valley Hospital, with clinical courses taught by hospital faculty and a curriculum built on ANA standards and AACN Essentials. Direct admission from high school reserves a seat in the nursing sequence for qualified students, so strong applicants do not have to compete again once enrolled. The college also offers an 18-month hybrid RN to BSN for nurses who already hold an associate degree. The school's overall graduation rate is 70%.
- Partnership with Valley Hospital
- Direct admit from high school reserves a nursing seat
- Curriculum follows ANA standards and AACN Essentials
- Clinical courses taught by hospital faculty
- Rotations in acute care, community, and ambulatory settings
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN
- Generalist nursing practice in complex healthcare systems
- 95% online hybrid format
- 18-month completion plan
- Built for A.A.S.-RN holders
- Transfer credits accepted
- Flexible pacing options
- Multiple start terms
- Leadership and professional development focus
- Requires completion of an accredited program
County College of Morris
#3Randolph, NJ · ~$9,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 98.6% (3-yr weighted avg)
Best for: Budget-minded students aiming for an ADN
County College of Morris offers one of the strongest two-year ADN routes in New Jersey, pairing high-fidelity simulation with clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Every nursing faculty member holds a master's or doctoral degree, and the college awards roughly $50,000 in scholarships each year. Transfer agreements reach four-year schools including Rutgers and Montclair State, and a new 80,000-square-foot health center is part of the campus build-out. The school's overall graduation rate is 36%.
- ACEN and New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited
- Reports a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate
- High-fidelity simulators for realistic practice
- $50,000 in scholarships awarded annually
- All nursing faculty hold master's or doctoral degrees
- New 80,000-square-foot health center
- Transfer pathways to Rutgers and Montclair State
- Clinical training in hospitals, clinics, and schools
Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester
#4Sewell, NJ · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 97.5% (3-yr weighted avg)
The Gloucester campus of Rowan College of South Jersey admits students selectively into an A.A.S. nursing sequence that blends general education with hands-on patient care, and a criminal history background check is required before clinical participation. A separate 3+1 track lets students begin at community college prices and finish a bachelor's degree in nursing through a partner university. The school's overall graduation rate is 39%.
- Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN
- Selective admission before nursing courses
- Criminal history background check required
- Campus-based coursework and clinicals
- Blends general education with nursing courses
- Focus on practical skills and patient care
- Hybrid delivery
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion route
Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus
#5Vineland, NJ · ~$11,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 97.6% (3-yr weighted avg)
The Cumberland campus program combines theoretical coursework with clinical practice across hospitals, labs, and community settings, and emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical reasoning, and communication. It is built for students who want to move directly into registered nursing practice in New Jersey after licensure. The school's overall graduation rate is 33%.
- Prepares graduates for RN licensure
- Combines theory with clinical practice
- Focus on evidence-based nursing
- Emphasizes critical reasoning and communication
- Clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings
- Campus-based program
Ocean County College
#6Toms River, NJ · ~$11,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 96.4% (3-yr weighted avg)
Ocean County College's 73-credit associate degree runs on a hybrid schedule, mixing online coursework with in-person labs and clinical experiences in acute care, long-term care, and community health. Evening classes are built around working students, and the curriculum covers legal and ethical practice, patient education, and team-based care alongside holistic assessment across the lifespan. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and can step straight into practice or continue toward a BSN. The school's overall graduation rate is 42%.
- ACEN accredited
- $216 per credit
- 73-credit, two-year curriculum
- Hybrid format with in-person labs and clinicals
- Evening classes for working students
- Clinical training in acute care, long-term care, and community health
- Pathway to BSN completion
- Covers legal and ethical nursing practice
Georgian Court University
#7Lakewood, NJ · $15,000 – $20,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 95.4% (3-yr weighted avg)
Georgian Court's CCNE-accredited BSN is a 120-credit, four-year program taught in small classes with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. A partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health opens clinical rotations at seven or more sites and preferred placement in residencies, supported by an on-campus simulation center. The program reports strong graduate employment, and the university's overall graduation rate is 54%.
- CCNE accredited
- 120-credit, four-year BSN
- 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Clinical rotations at seven or more locations
- Partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health
- On-campus nursing simulation center
- Entrance exam required: SAT or ACT
- Reports an 87.5% graduate employment rate
Mercer County Community College
#8West Windsor, NJ · ~$5,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 96% (3-yr weighted avg)
Mercer's ADN program is organized around patient-centered care, critical thinking, and clinical skill, taught by faculty who are deeply involved in student success. The Next Step Nursing Fund helps cover NCLEX and licensing costs, a practical assist for graduates entering the workforce. Admission requires a mandatory information session and the TEAS exam, with fall and spring start terms available. The school's overall graduation rate is 25%.
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required: TEAS
- Mandatory information session for admission
- Fall and spring start terms
- Next Step Nursing Fund covers NCLEX and licensing costs
- Prepares graduates for entry-level RN roles
- Evening information sessions offered
- Caring, creative learning environment
Salem Community College
#9Carneys Point, NJ · ~$11,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 95.6% (3-yr weighted avg)
Salem Community College's associate degree integrates QSEN competencies with general education and supervised clinical experience, and an LPN to RN transition pathway gives licensed practical nurses an accelerated route into registered nursing. Total program tuition runs $18,340 at in-county rates, and credits transfer to four-year institutions for graduates who want to keep going. The school's overall graduation rate is 40%.
- ACEN and New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited
- $18,340 total program tuition
- $219 per credit
- In-county tuition rate available
- LPN to RN transition pathway
- QSEN competencies integrated into the curriculum
- Credits transfer to four-year institutions
- Includes supervised clinical experience
Seton Hall University
#10South Orange, NJ · $31,000/yr (est. net price) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 94.5% (3-yr weighted avg)
Seton Hall offers New Jersey's first BSN, blending liberal arts coursework in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and ethics with patient-care experiences that begin in sophomore year across hospitals, long-term care, and community health. Most faculty hold doctoral degrees, and the pre-licensure program meets requirements in most states. Graduates are prepared both for the NCLEX-RN and for graduate study. The school's overall graduation rate is 69%.
- CCNE accredited
- New Jersey's first BSN program
- Clinical experiences begin in sophomore year
- 84% of faculty hold doctoral degrees
- Curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, psychology, and ethics
- Patient-care experiences in hospitals, long-term care, and community health
- Pre-licensure program meets requirements in most states
- Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN
Inside Our Scoring: Why First-Try NCLEX Results Outweigh Everything Else
Since the Next Generation NCLEX launched in April 2023, first-attempt NCLEX pass rates by school have become the clearest public signal of how well a nursing program prepares graduates for licensure. That is why the scoring here leans so heavily on them.
The Weighting
The ranking assigns roughly three quarters of the weight to first-attempt NCLEX-RN results. We use the state board's latest three years of results, balancing them by cohort size so a small class cannot jump to the top of the list on one lucky year. Larger cohorts carry more influence because they tell us more.
The remaining weight goes mostly to Nursing School Accreditation, which confirms that an outside body has reviewed the nursing curriculum, faculty, and clinical resources. A small share rests on institutional completion and retention.
What Is Not Scored
Prestige, brand recognition, marketing claims, and self-reported "#1" badges earn no points. A school's own press release counts for nothing here. Only outcomes that can be checked against public records move a program up or down.
Where the Data Falls Short
- Institution-wide rates: Graduation and retention figures describe the whole college or university, not just its nursing program.
- Net price: This is an average after financial aid, so your own cost may land higher or lower.
- Exam variation: A single bad exam year is smoothed by the three-year window, but a program that is rapidly improving or slipping may not show it right away.
Treat the ranking as a starting point, then ask each school for its most recent cohort results before you apply.
Nursing Schools in NJ: NCLEX Pass Rates School by School
The table below pairs individual New Jersey program results with the statewide first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for each program type (2024 testing year) and two NCSBN national benchmarks, so you can judge any single school in context. One common surprise: in 2024, New Jersey's ADN graduates passed on the first try at 94%. That beat BSN graduates (88%), diploma graduates (89%), and the 92% national rate for U.S.-educated candidates, so a two-year degree does not mean weaker licensure prep. Read small cohorts with caution, because Jersey College's 100% reflects only 3 test takers and one result can swing a small program sharply from year to year. Before you apply, also confirm each school's current standing against the New Jersey Board of Nursing's pass-rate requirements.
| School | Program Type | First-Time NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | Test Takers | Reporting Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey College | BSN | 100% | 3 | 2025 |
| Saint Peter's University (Accelerated) | BS | 90.91% | 33 | 2025 |
| Middlesex County College | ADN | 90.48% | 21 | 2024 |
| New Jersey statewide, ADN programs | ADN | 94% | 1,683 | 2024 |
| New Jersey statewide, diploma programs | Diploma | 89% | 521 | 2024 |
| New Jersey statewide, BSN programs | BSN | 88% | 2,268 | 2024 |
| New Jersey statewide, all program types | ADN, Diploma, BSN | 90% | 4,472 | 2024 |
| NCSBN national, U.S.-educated candidates | All program types | 92% | 99,204 | 2024 |
| NCSBN national, all first-time candidates | All program types | 86.71% | N/A | 2025 |
New Jersey by City
Explore other New Jersey related topics
2-Year Nursing Programs in NJ: Community College ADNs and Hospital Diploma Schools
Are there 2-year nursing programs in NJ? Yes. Community college associate degree (ADN) programs and hospital-based nursing programs, which are often run with a partner college, both prepare graduates to take the NCLEX-RN. Private schools such as Jersey College in Teterboro also offer an ADN, and the entry requirement listed there is a high school diploma or equivalent.
The Two Years Usually Don't Include Prerequisites
The advertised 24 months generally covers nursing coursework and clinicals after you are admitted. Online nursing prerequisites typically come first. Common ones include Anatomy and Physiology I and II, microbiology, chemistry, English composition, psychology, sociology, and math. Hospital diploma schools tend to list Medical Terminology as well, though no uniform list applies to every school.
A realistic plan is 30 to 36 months from first enrollment to graduation. Your pace depends on course load, how you sequence prerequisites, grade requirements, and waitlists. Grades matter: Mercer County Community College requires a C in required general education courses and a C+ or higher in BIO 103, BIO 104, BIO 201, and every nursing course. Rowan College at Burlington County's AAS Nursing program runs 71 credits over 24 months, and Passaic County Community College's program totals 68 credits. Always confirm whether a school's stated length counts prerequisites, because many don't say.
Entrance Exams and Admission Requirements
New Jersey has no statewide RN entrance exam, so each school sets its own policy. Rowan College at Burlington County, Passaic County Community College, and Hudson County Community College use the TEAS. Mercer uses the HESI A2 with an 80% minimum score. Minimum GPAs usually fall between 2.5 and 3.0: Mercer asks for 2.5, Passaic 2.8, and Rowan College at Burlington County 3.0.
If you are searching for nursing programs without TEAS or HESI in New Jersey, be careful. Some programs waive standardized testing, but there is no official statewide list. Our research did not confirm a named community college or hospital diploma school with no exam requirement for 2026, so call each admissions office before you apply. The same caution applies to hospital diploma schools generally, where public details on prerequisites and timelines are thin.
The Trade-Off
The ADN route costs less and gets you licensed as an RN sooner. The catch is that many New Jersey hospitals prefer or require a BSN, so you may eventually need an RN-to-BSN bridge to widen your options. If you would rather go straight to a bachelor's degree, the next section compares the main BSN routes.
Five Routes to a BSN in New Jersey, Compared
Which BSN route fits you depends on where you are starting. The 2+2 path through a New Jersey community college is usually the cheapest way to a bachelor's degree, while an accelerated BSN is the fastest option if you already hold a degree or substantial college credit. For school-by-school detail, registerednursing.org keeps dedicated guides to accelerated nursing programs in NJ and to RN-to-BSN programs in New Jersey.
| Route | Best For | Typical Time to BSN | Entry Requirements | New Jersey Specifics | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional 4-year BSN | Recent high school graduates who want a single campus experience from start to finish | About four years of full-time study | Freshman admission to a university nursing program, with science prerequisites built into the curriculum | Offered at public and private universities across the state | Four full years at university tuition rates |
| 2+2 (community college, then university) | Students who want to complete general education or an ADN at a community college before transferring | About four years total: roughly two at community college, two at university | An A.A. or A.S. from a New Jersey community college. Rutgers-Camden accepts up to 60 credits from a two-year college (90 total from two-year and four-year schools), and transfers typically enter with junior standing | Rutgers-Camden School of Nursing lists priority or partnership programs with several local community colleges. New Jersey's statewide nursing articulation model supports credit transfer for ADN graduates | Usually the cheapest route, since half the credits are earned at community college rates |
| 3+1 dual-degree | Community college students who want a structured, pre-planned path to a bachelor's degree with a university partner | About four years; the split between campuses is set by each partnership | Admission to a participating community college program, plus the partner university's progression standards | Terms vary by partnership; confirm credit transfer and progression rules with both schools before enrolling | Lower than a traditional BSN because most coursework is completed at community college rates |
| Accelerated BSN (ABSN) | Career changers with a non-nursing bachelor's degree; some NJ programs also accept applicants with at least 60 college credits | 15 to 16 months | All prerequisites completed before starting, commonly Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology with lab, Chemistry with lab, and Statistics. Georgian Court requires a 3.2 GPA and B- or better in prerequisites, with labs completed within ten years. Felician requires a 3.0 GPA. Rutgers-Camden also requires Human Growth and Development, Nutrition, and an ethics course | Georgian Court: 15 months, June and November starts. Rutgers-Camden: 15 months. Thomas Edison State: 60 credits over four 16-week terms. Ramapo: 16 months, fall or summer start. Felician: as few as 16 months, hybrid starts in January, May, and September, on-ground starts in September | Fastest route; tuition is concentrated in a short, intensive period that typically leaves little time for outside work |
| RN-to-BSN | Licensed RNs with an ADN or diploma who want a bachelor's degree for career advancement | Varies by school and by full-time or part-time enrollment | An ADN or diploma in nursing and an active RN license | New Jersey's statewide articulation model is designed to ease academic credit transfer from associate-degree nursing into baccalaureate programs | Often manageable because students can keep working as RNs while they study |
How Does Graduation Debt Compare With First-Year Pay at New Jersey Nursing Programs?
Federal program-level figures for median debt at graduation and median earnings one year after completion have not yet been published for the associate degree nursing programs at Passaic County Community College, County College of Morris, Warren County Community College, Salem Community College, and Middlesex College. Until they are, cost is the most reliable early indicator. In 2024 data, average annual net price at these schools ranged from $2,288 at Middlesex College to $10,816 at Salem Community College, with Warren County at $5,726, Passaic County at $7,761, and County College of Morris at $8,895. A nursing credential that carries low debt relative to first-year pay is the clearest value signal on this page, and a low net price is the best way to keep that debt down.
Who Licenses RNs in New Jersey
Other Accredited Nursing Programs Across New Jersey
Beyond the ranked programs above, New Jersey has a deep bench of nursing schools spread across the state. This regional directory covers additional accredited options in North, Central, and South Jersey, from community college ADN tracks to four-year BSN programs, with the degree level and format noted for each program.
North Jersey
- Hospital Diploma in Nursing
- BSN in Nursing
- Generic or Basic BSN Program
- Accelerated BSN Program
- Upper Division RN to BSN Program
- Professional Nursing
- Nursing
- Associate of Science in Registered Nursing (LPN to RN) Program
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Associate in Applied Science in Nursing
- Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (LPN Mobility Option)
- Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (Day Option)
- Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (Evening Option)
- Pre-Licensure BSN
- RN to BSN
Central Jersey
- Traditional BS in Nursing
- Nursing
- Nursing A.A.S. Degree
- Nursing/RN, Associate of Applied Science
South Jersey
- Nursing (AAS.NUR)
- Nursing (AAS BSN)
- Prelicensure BSN
- Accelerated BSN