Nursing Programs in Evansville, IN

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Evansville

Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for your career. Rankings help students compare schools by focusing on key outcomes. Registerednursing.org has created rankings for the Best Nursing Schools in Evansville. Our methodology uses NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criteria. View our https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/ for details.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

The data shows a steady improvement in average pass rates from 2022 to 2024, alongside a decrease in the number of test-takers.

• 2024: 88.45% average pass rate (26 students)
• 2023: 86.34% average pass rate (44 students)
• 2022: 74.96% average pass rate (68 students)

Yearly Nursing Graduates

The number of nursing graduates in the region has declined over the three-year period.

• 2024: 26 graduates
• 2023: 44 graduates
• 2022: 68 graduates

Top Performing Schools

Vincennes University stands out as the top performing school with a strong three-year average pass rate.

• Vincennes University: 81.13% average pass rate (138 students, 3 years of data)

Biggest Improvements

Vincennes University demonstrated significant improvement in pass rates from the earliest to the latest year.

• Vincennes University: +13.49 percentage points (from 74.96% to 88.45%)

#1

University of Evansville

Evansville, IN - Private 4-year - evansville.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Evansville's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing through a blend of natural, behavioral, and social sciences. Students gain hands-on clinical experience guided by dedicated faculty mentors, developing real-world skills and confidence. The program is direct-entry for qualified high school students and also welcomes transfer students. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and enjoy a 100% employment or graduate school placement rate within six months. The curriculum emphasizes immersive learning, with opportunities like studying abroad at Harlaxton in England. Accreditation by ACEN and the Indiana State Board of Nursing ensures high standards. Whether you're a high school senior or a transfer student, this BSN program offers a supportive community and a clear path to becoming a registered nurse.

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Indiana State Board of Nursing accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: ACT, SAT, TEAS
• 100% job placement rate
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Direct entry for qualified students
• 100% employed or in grad school
• ATI TEAS test alternative
• Study abroad at Harlaxton England
• Transfer students with 2.75 GPA

#2

University of Southern Indiana

Evansville, IN - Public 4-Year - usi.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Southern Indiana prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing. The program covers essential nursing skills, patient care, and leadership. You'll learn from expert faculty in small classes, with a focus on clinical competency. Graduates are ready for roles in hospitals, community health, and advanced practice. The curriculum integrates current standards from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. USI's BSN is accredited by the CCNE and the Indiana State Board of Nursing, ensuring a high-quality education. Whether you're starting fresh or advancing from an RN, the program offers a supportive path to becoming a healthcare leader.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• Accredited by Indiana State Board of Nursing
• Smaller class sizes
• Mentoring with expert faculty

#3

Vincennes University

Vincennes, IN - Public 4-Year - vinu.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing RN-BSN Completion program

Online Learning - Visit Website

Vincennes University's RN to BSN Completion program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This 100% online bachelor's degree builds on your existing nursing knowledge, preparing you for leadership roles and expanded opportunities in healthcare. The curriculum covers topics such as community health, nursing leadership, and evidence-based practice, equipping you with skills to improve patient outcomes and pursue positions in management, education, or specialized clinical areas. With a median salary of $82,750 for BSN-prepared nurses, the program offers a strong return on investment. Delivered in a flexible online format, you can continue working while earning your degree. Faculty include experienced nursing educators dedicated to student success. Graduates are eligible for roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. The program emphasizes critical thinking and professional development, helping you transition from bedside nursing to broader healthcare leadership.

• $82,750 median earnings
• 100% online format
• Earn BSN while working
• Designed for busy nurses
• Become eligible for leadership roles
• Job openings nationwide

*Data retrieved from: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2025.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Evansville, IN

To start out as an RN, students in Evansville have the option of entry-level programs including an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These programs are designed for those who don't already hold a nursing license.

LPN to RN Programs

Licensed practical nurses are already experienced in providing patients with basic care and assisting them with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. For LPNs who want to expand on these skills and become licensed as RNs, some schools offer LPN to RN bridge programs that provide an accelerated pathway to becoming a registered nurse. Ivy Tech Community College offers an LPN-to-ASN bridge program designed to facilitate the transition of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) into becoming Registered Nurses (RNs). This program recognizes the practical skills of LPNs and provides an accelerated pathway to RN licensure.

ADN Programs

The ADN program is the basic, entry-level route to becoming an RN. These programs take about 2 years to complete and are regularly offered at community and technical colleges in the city. The University of Southern Indiana offers a comprehensive Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program. This program equips students with essential nursing knowledge and skills over a two-year curriculum. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and begin their nursing careers.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

The 4-year baccalaureate nursing program has become more and more ubiquitous in recent years. With many employers requiring this type of nursing degree, some students choose to earn it from the get-go. The University of Evansville provides an Accelerated BSN program catering to individuals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees. This program offers an efficient route to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and emphasizes holistic nursing training, clinical proficiency, and leadership development.

Find out more about Indiana Accelerated BSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Evansville, IN

Those RNs who are licensed and have previously earned an ADN or nursing diploma can opt to further their careers with an RN to BSN or RN to MSN program. These bridge programs offer the benefits of earning a higher degree in a shortened time span, taking into account the nursing education the RN has already completed.

RN to BSN Programs

The RN to BSN pathway allows licensed RNs to earn a baccalaureate nursing degree. Many of these programs have the option to be completed online in order to accommodate working RNs. Indiana University School of Nursing offers an online RN-to-BSN program tailored to the needs of working Registered Nurses (RNs). This program recognizes the experience of RNs and enhances their skills while earning a BSN degree.

Learn more about Indiana RN to BSN programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Nurses wanting a more advanced option may decide to pursue an RN to MSN program. These programs allow licensed RNs to earn a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN). These programs typically allow students to specialize in a niche area, such as pediatrics or women's health. The University of Southern Indiana features an RN-to-MSN bridge program aimed at RNs aspiring to advanced practice roles. This program streamlines the transition from RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), preparing nurses for specialized positions such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator.

Learn more about Indiana RN to MSN programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Evansville, IN

For nurses looking to enter advanced practice as nurse practitioners, Evansville schools have a number of options. From MSN degrees to post-graduate certificates to doctoral nursing programs, RNs have a variety of available pathways depending on their goals.

MSN Programs

The traditional graduate pathway can be found at most universities in the area. In around two years of study, students are well-equipped to work in a number of nurse practitioner (NP) specializations. Oakland City University offers an MSN program with specialized tracks, including Nursing Administration. This program equips nurses with advanced clinical and leadership skills, preparing them for roles in healthcare management and administration.

Learn more about Indiana Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Post-graduate certificates are designed for RNs who have completed a master's program and don't want to complete an additional master's or DNP program to change specialties. These certificates take just 1-2 years to finish. The University of Evansville provides post-master's nursing certificates for experienced nurses seeking to specialize in nursing education. These certificates enhance teaching skills and offer avenues to contribute to nursing education.

Learn more about Indiana Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP and Ph.D. Programs

The terminal degree options for nurses are the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) degrees. While the DNP degree is mainly focused on clinical practice, the Ph.D. degree is geared toward academia and research. The University of Southern Indiana offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for nurses aspiring to the highest level of clinical practice and leadership. DNP programs emphasize advanced practice skills and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery.

Learn more about Indiana DNP Programs.