Nursing Programs in Baltimore, MD

Last Updated On Jul 29, 2026

Expert Verified: Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN

3 Min Read

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Baltimore

Rankings are invaluable tools for prospective nursing students, offering a data-driven snapshot of program quality. Our rankings of the Best Nursing Schools in Baltimore are based exclusively on NCLEX pass rates, the gold standard for nursing competency. To learn how we compile these rankings, visit our methodology https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Pass rates have demonstrated consistent growth over the past three years, reaching a high of 93.39% in 2024. This upward trajectory suggests improving educational outcomes for nursing students in the Baltimore region.

2024: 93.39% average pass rate (1,301 students)
2023: 83.60% average pass rate (1,226 students)
2022: 80.22% average pass rate (1,284 students)

Top Performing Schools

Based on three years of data, the following programs stand out for consistently high pass rates. Students at these institutions benefit from exceptional preparation.

Carroll Community College: 92.21% average pass rate (154 students)
Anne Arundel Community College: 92.14% average pass rate (471 students)
Towson University: 90.95% average pass rate (497 students)

Pass Rate by Program Size

Program size appears to influence pass rates, with medium and large programs outperforming smaller ones. This suggests that resources and peer support in larger cohorts may positively impact student success.

Small (<50 students/year): 83.56% average pass rate (73 students)
Medium (50-100 students/year): 94.84% average pass rate (155 students)
Large (>100 students/year): 93.85% average pass rate (1,073 students)

Biggest Improvements

Several schools have shown remarkable gains in pass rates from their earliest to latest reporting year. These improvements highlight a commitment to programmatic enhancements.

Stevenson University: +22.75 percentage points (from 69.31% to 92.06%)
Washington Adventist University: +18.88 percentage points (from 60.61% to 79.49%)
Harford Community College: +18.22 percentage points (from 76.92% to 95.14%)

Consistently High Performing Schools

These programs have maintained average pass rates above 90% across multiple years, demonstrating sustained excellence. They are reliable choices for prospective students.

Carroll Community College: 92.21% average pass rate (154 students, 3 years of data)
Anne Arundel Community College: 92.14% average pass rate (471 students, 3 years of data)
Towson University: 90.95% average pass rate (497 students, 3 years of data)

Anne Arundel Community College

Arnold, MD - Public 2-Year - aacc.edu

Associate - Associate of Science (A.S.) in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Anne Arundel Community College's Associate of Science in Nursing is a 70-credit, campus-based program designed to launch graduates into careers as registered nurses. Accredited by ACEN and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, it consistently ranks No. 1 in Maryland for associate-level nursing education. Students build clinical skills through hands-on simulation labs and real hospital placements, gaining experience in acute medical-surgical, obstetrical, and pediatric settings across the Baltimore-Washington area. The curriculum covers patient assessment, pharmacology, health promotion, and collaborative care. Full-time students can finish in three years. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, and AACC boasts above-average pass rates at both state and national levels. Starting salaries for local graduates average over $47,000 annually, with roles in hospitals, home health, rehab, and community health. The program can be completed for $12,000 or less in-county.

ACEN accredited
No entrance exam required
$12,000 total program tuition
3-Year program
70 total credit hours
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Financial aid available
Scholarships available
No. 1 Maryland Associate's Nursing Program 2024
ACEN-accredited, Maryland Board of Nursing approved

Towson University

Towson, MD - Public 4-Year - towson.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Towson University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a competitive, screened major that blends rigorous science coursework with core curriculum courses to build strong communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Students complete prerequisite courses in their first two years, then apply to the nursing major for junior-year entry. The program prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and pursue careers in direct patient care or healthcare administration. Towson's nursing program consistently achieves first-time NCLEX pass rates above the state average, reflecting its strong clinical preparation. With clinical placements at partner sites and dedicated student resources, this BSN offers a comprehensive pathway to a rewarding nursing career.

120 total credit hours
91% licensure pass rate
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Highly competitive, screened major
Pre-licensure option for new students
Eligible for NCLEX-RN licensure
Apply during sophomore year
Builds communication and leadership skills
Prepares for healthcare leadership roles

Notre Dame of Maryland University

Baltimore, MD - Private 4-year - ndm.edu

Bachelor's - Entry-Level Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Notre Dame of Maryland University's Entry-Level Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a traditional four-year program designed for students entering nursing for the first time. The curriculum blends general education with nursing core courses like Holistic Health Assessment, Pathopharmacology, and Professional Nursing Care across specialties. Students develop a strong foundation in caring science, learning to balance self-care with patient advocacy. Clinical experiences start in junior year at prestigious Baltimore hospitals including Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Medical Center. State-of-the-art simulation labs allow safe practice of critical skills. Students also complete a Transformational Practice Project and may join a mission trip to Haiti. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and careers as registered nurses in diverse healthcare settings. With small classes and faculty mentoring, this program offers personalized support for future nurses.

4-Year program
Complete in four-year
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Small class sizes and faculty mentoring
Clinicals at Johns Hopkins Hospital
State-of-the-art simulation labs
Study abroad mission trip to Haiti
Research opportunities in clinical practice
Caring science foundation
Transformational Practice Project

Harford Community College

Bel Air, MD - Public 2-Year - harford.edu

Associate - Nursing (AS)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Harford Community College's Associate of Science in Nursing program equips students with the skills to become registered nurses. The curriculum covers fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, maternal-newborn, and pediatric nursing, building a strong foundation for patient care. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The program is ACEN accredited and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, ensuring quality education. With part-time options and articulation agreements with BSN programs, it offers flexibility for career advancement. Students benefit from clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, with employment opportunities available in the Baltimore area and beyond. The program requires selective admission, including a minimum GPA of 2.5 and TEAS exam score.

ACEN accredited
Entrance exam required
Exams: TEAS
4-Semester program
Complete in a minimum of four semesters
70 total credit hours
Full-time and part-time options
3 start dates per year
Starts fall/spring/summer
2.5 GPA minimum

Bowie State University

Bowie, MD - Public 4-Year - bowiestate.edu

Bachelor's - Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bowie State University's Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Program leads to a BSN degree in four years. Designed for freshman and transfer students, this campus-based program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The curriculum emphasizes culturally congruent care, research utilization, professional role development, and leadership skills. Students learn to provide therapeutic care in diverse settings, work collaboratively on healthcare teams, and adopt emerging technologies. As a generalist nursing program, it builds a strong foundation for graduate study. The department fosters community partnerships and quality instruction, ensuring graduates are ready to meet healthcare needs globally. With a focus on ethical practice and critical thinking, this BSN program equips students for rewarding nursing careers.

4-Year program
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Generalist nursing practice emphasis
Four-year traditional curriculum
Freshman and transfer admissions
Culturally congruent care focus
Research and collaboration skills
Leadership development included

*Higher education statistics sourced from IPEDS 2025 via NCES.

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Baltimore, MD

For students just starting their careers in nursing, there are a number of entry-level nursing programs to consider. The Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) is an ideal option for students who wish to begin working as soon as possible due to the fast completion time. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs provide a more in-depth introduction to nursing than their ADN counterparts and take around four years to complete.

ADN Programs

ADN programs include coursework in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and nursing fundamentals and generally can be completed in around two years. The Associate’s Degree in Nursing program at Baltimore City Community College is a two-year program that prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam and begin working as registered nurses (RNs).

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

BSN programs also prepare students to take the NCLEX exam and become RNs, but they provide additional coursework in topics such as leadership, communication, public health, mental health nursing, and nursing research that is not usually covered in an associate’s program. One example of a traditional BSN is the program offered at Coppin State University, which includes studies in nursing as well as humanities, behavioral and natural sciences.

Learn more about Maryland Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Baltimore, MD

Designed for registered nurses who want to earn a higher wage or increase their job opportunities, RN to BSN or RN to Master of Science (MSN) “bridge” programs provide a pathway to higher degrees for experienced nurses. Bridge programs allow nurses with a diploma or ADN to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in less time than traditional programs because they count previous coursework toward the new degree.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs are ideal for nurses who want to earn their bachelor’s degree. Often these programs come with the flexibility of online or hybrid courses, such as the RN to BSN program at the University of Maryland, which is offered on a full-time or part-time basis with online and hybrid class options for maximum convenience for working students.

Learn more about Maryland RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Some schools also offer RN to MSN programs, which allow nurses to earn their master’s degree in a shorter timeframe than taking a traditional BSN program followed by a traditional MSN program. The RN to MSN program at the University of Maryland combines a BSN program with an MSN program with a specialization of the student’s choice of community/public health nursing, health services leadership and management and nursing informatics.

Learn more about Maryland RN to MSN Programs.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

We've gathered a list of RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs to help find the right fit. Each entry includes the school's location, program highlights, and a link to get more details. Compare options from various states and cities. Whether aiming for a bachelor's or master's degree, these programs offer flexible paths for working nurses. Check out the table to see what each school has to offer.

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Baltimore, MD

Coppin State University

RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- No entrance exam required
- 120 total credit hours
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid available
- Active RN license required
- ATI TEAS exam not required

Notre Dame of Maryland University

RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Complete in two and a half years
- Cohort-based structure
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- Courses range from 5 to 10 weeks
- State of the art simulation labs
- Clinical sites include Johns Hopkins Hospital

Owings Mills, MD

Stevenson University

RN to BSN - RN to BS in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- $505 per credit
- 15-Month program
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- $0 application fee
- Financial aid available
- Clinical hours completed on the job

Takoma Park, MD

Washington Adventist University

RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing | for R.N.s
Campus Based - Website
- Evening format for working adults
- 121 total credit hours required
- RN licensure required for admission
- 45 hours of prerequisites
- 58 hours nursing core curriculum
- 31 RN license transfer credits
- CPR certification required
- Prerequisites require C or higher