The clearest measure of a Kansas nursing school is how many graduates pass the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam, on the first try, an outcome shaped by NCLEX Prep During Nursing School. Coffeyville Community College and Kansas Wesleyan University both posted 100% first-time pass rates.
The ranking orders ADN and BSN programs mainly by that first-attempt rate, with accreditation and completion as tie-breakers. Average net price runs from $4,068 a year at Dodge City Community College to $27,891 at Benedictine College. Accelerated paths, scholarships, regional options, and Kansas licensure steps follow.
That price gap is worth weighing. A community college ADN and a private-college BSN, the private vs public nursing schools choice, sit for the same exam and earn the same RN license.
Kansas Nursing Schools Ranked by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate for 2027
Kansas RN candidates face a single gate to licensure: the NCLEX-RN, which is why this list is ordered by how Kansas prelicensure ADN and BSN programs have performed on that exam. Figures come from the Kansas State Board of Nursing's program-level first-time results, where statewide first-time pass rates in the board's most recent multi-year report ran roughly between 89% and 93% from 2023 through 2025; where a school-level rate is published we note it, and programs without a recent published result are listed without one. Two notes on the numbers: the graduation rate shown for each school is the institution's overall rate rather than a nursing-specific figure, and net price is an average after aid, an approximation rather than a quote.
How we ranked these
- Institution-wide graduation rate
- Student retention and completion
- Accreditation status
- NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates
- 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
Coffeyville Community College
#1Coffeyville, KS · ~$5,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 100% (3-yr weighted avg)
Best for: Paramedics and LPNs seeking ADN bridge
Coffeyville Community College runs a Kansas State Board of Nursing approved ADN program in southeast Kansas, and graduates can continue toward a bachelor's degree through articulation agreements with four-year schools such as Kansas Wesleyan University. The bi-level design lets students earn practical nurse standing after the first year before completing the RN sequence, and a Paramedic to ADN Bridge gives licensed paramedics a shorter route in. Program materials report a 100% NCLEX pass rate and 100% job placement for graduates.
- Kansas State Board of Nursing approved
- Paramedic to ADN Bridge pathway available
- BSN completion agreements with four-year institutions
- First year leads to practical nurse (PN) standing
- Pre-admission exam and active Kansas PN or paramedic license required
- One application cycle per year with an August start
- Program reports 100% NCLEX pass rate and 100% job placement
Kansas Wesleyan University
#2Salina, KS · $20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 100% (3-yr weighted avg)
Best for: Students who thrive in small cohorts
Kansas Wesleyan University offers a CCNE-accredited traditional BSN in Salina, built around small classes and close faculty contact rather than large lecture sections. Clinical work is anchored by a partnership with Salina Regional Health Center, a Trauma III facility, so students get hospital experience before graduation. The program reports a 100% NCLEX pass rate and full employment for graduates since 2018, and a 2+2 articulation agreement with Coffeyville Community College gives southeast Kansas students a defined transfer path.
- CCNE accredited and Kansas State Board of Nursing approved
- Small class sizes with personalized faculty attention
- Clinical partnership with Salina Regional Health Center, a Trauma III facility
- Program reports 100% NCLEX pass rate and 100% employment since 2018
- Scholarships include state and institutional aid
- 2+2 articulation pathway from Coffeyville Community College
Garden City Community College
#3Garden City, KS · ~$8,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 98.1% (3-yr weighted avg)
Best for: Rural LPNs advancing to RN
Garden City Community College has been training nurses in southwest Kansas since 1972, and its ADN program holds ACEN accreditation. Cohorts are capped at 40 students, with clinical groups running at roughly a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and advisement handled by full-time nursing faculty. An LPN to RN pathway gives working licensed practical nurses a way into the program, and the college reports licensing pass rates above national and Kansas averages.
- ACEN accredited; program operating since 1972
- Cohort capped at 40 students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio in clinical areas
- LPN to RN pathway available
- Licensing rates reported above national and Kansas averages
- Full-time nursing faculty provide student advisement
Fort Hays State University
#4Hays, KS · ~$13,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 97.9% (3-yr weighted avg)
Fort Hays State University offers a CCNE-accredited pre-licensure BSN both on campus and in a hybrid format, plus a separate RN to BSN track for nurses who already hold a license. A guaranteed-admission agreement gives graduates of participating Kansas community college nursing programs with an active RN license assured entry into the RN to BSN program, removing a competitive application step. Students train in settings that range from rural clinics to urban hospitals, with career paths into emergency, obstetrics, ICU, school nursing, and cardiac care.
- CCNE accredited
- Pre-licensure BSN offered on campus and in a hybrid format
- RN to BSN track for licensed nurses
- Guaranteed admission to RN-to-BSN for participating Kansas community college graduates
- Clinical placements span rural clinics to urban hospitals
- Career paths include ER, obstetrics, ICU, school nursing, and cardiac care
- Prepares students for healthcare administration or academic roles
Labette Community College
#5Parsons, KS · $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 98.5% (3-yr weighted avg)
Labette Community College structures its ACEN-accredited ADN as a bi-level pathway: students earn practical nurse standing after two semesters, then continue into the RN sequence. Clinical placements extend across three states, and on-campus simulation labs back up the hands-on training. More than 1,500 nurses have graduated from the program since 1968, and an LPN-to-RN bridge is available for licensed practical nurses.
- ACEN accredited and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing
- Bi-level program: LPN after two semesters, then continue to RN
- LPN-to-RN bridge option available
- Clinical sites in three states
- Simulation center and skills labs on campus
- Prerequisites in anatomy, algebra, psychology, and English
- Minimum B grade required in nursing courses
- More than 1,500 graduates since 1968
University of Kansas
#6Lawrence, KS · $12,000 – $30,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 95.7% (3-yr weighted avg)
The University of Kansas is the state's flagship nursing school, offering a BSN at its Kansas City and Salina campuses along with online and hybrid options built for working nurses. The upper-division BSN takes two years of full-time study after roughly 60 prerequisite credits, and coursework covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, evidence-informed practice, and population health. KU's Community College Nursing Partnership lets students stay at a participating Kansas community college while completing about 30 university BSN credits online, with up to 30 portfolio credits awarded after the associate degree is conferred.
- Two years of full-time study after 60 prerequisite credit hours
- 120 total credit hours
- Courses cover pathophysiology, pharmacology, and population health
- Offered at the Kansas City and Salina campuses
- Competitive admission; pre-nursing advising support provided
- Honors program participation available
- Emphasizes clinical judgment and interprofessional collaboration
- Online format designed for working nurses
- Requires current RN licensure
- Focus on evidence-based practice and leadership
- Flexible coursework for nurses balancing full-time jobs
- Hybrid program built with nationally accredited Kansas ADN programs
- Students complete about 30 KU BSN credits online alongside the associate degree
- Up to 30 portfolio credits may be awarded after the associate degree
- Admission deadlines of July 1 and December 1
- Minimum 2.50 GPA and 59 to 62 prerequisite hours
- Prepares graduates for leadership and further education
Pittsburg State University
#7Pittsburg, KS · $16,000/yr (est. net price) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 96.8% (3-yr weighted avg)
Pittsburg State University pairs its CCNE-accredited BSN coursework with clinical practice in a dedicated simulation hospital, so students rehearse high-acuity scenarios before entering live settings. The program reports a 97.6% retention rate and a 2.34% attrition rate, and a Guaranteed Nursing Pathway helps qualified students move steadily from admission to graduation. Students from 32 states can pay in-state tuition through the Gorilla Advantage program.
- CCNE accredited
- Three-year program with a simulation hospital for clinical training
- 97.6% retention rate and 2.34% attrition rate
- Guaranteed Nursing Pathway available
- In-state tuition for students from 32 states through Gorilla Advantage
- Collaborative study groups and nursing student clubs
- Prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN
University of Saint Mary
#8Leavenworth, KS · ~$23,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 96.8% (3-yr weighted avg)
The University of Saint Mary offers two entry points on its Leavenworth campus: a four-year traditional BSN with direct entry for qualified freshmen, and a 12-month accelerated BSN for career changers who already hold a bachelor's degree or prior college credit. Traditional students complete clinical rotations at more than 20 Kansas City area facilities, including KU Medical Center and Children's Mercy. The program reports a 96% first-time NCLEX pass rate and awards substantial scholarships, including up to $17,500 annually for transfer students.
- CCNE accredited and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing
- Four-year program totaling 120 credit hours
- Direct entry for qualified freshmen
- Clinical placements at 20+ Kansas City area facilities
- Clinical partners include KU Medical Center and Children's Mercy
- Entrance exam required (TEAS or ACT); test optional
- Program reports a 96% first-time NCLEX pass rate
- Transfer students may receive up to $17,500 in annual scholarships
- 12-month program for career changers
- For students with a bachelor's degree or prior college credit
- Two concentration options
- Prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure
Dodge City Community College
#9Dodge City, KS · $5,000 – $6,000/yr (est.) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 96.8% (3-yr weighted avg)
Dodge City Community College's two-year associate degree in nursing blends classroom theory with clinical rotations in hospitals, extended care facilities, nursing homes, physician offices, and home health settings. Students can earn practical nurse certification after the first year, letting them hold a credential while continuing toward the associate degree, and LPNs with a year of experience can enter through advanced standing for the final two semesters. The program holds continuing ACEN accreditation and Kansas State Board of Nursing approval.
- ACEN continuing accreditation and Kansas State Board of Nursing approval
- Two-year campus program with weekday clinicals
- Practical nurse certification option after the first year
- Advanced standing for LPNs with one year of experience
- Clinicals in hospitals, extended care, nursing homes, and home health
- New students start each fall
- Continuing education credits available
Benedictine College
#10Atchison, KS · $28,000/yr (est. net price) · NCLEX-RN pass rate 95.8% (3-yr weighted avg)
Benedictine College follows a 2+2 structure, pairing two years of liberal arts and prerequisites with two years of nursing coursework on its Atchison campus. Cohorts stay small at roughly 36 students, and simulation rooms and clinical skills labs sit inside the Mother Teresa Center for Nursing and Health Education. The CCNE-accredited program leans heavily on clinical judgment, ethics, communication, and person-centered care, and graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
- CCNE accredited and Kansas State Board of Nursing approved
- 2+2 structure; students apply in the sophomore year
- Cohorts of about 36 students
- Mother Teresa Center for Nursing and Health Education
- Simulation rooms and clinical skills labs
- Curriculum covers clinical judgment, ethics, and leadership
- Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN
Behind the List: Why First-Try NCLEX-RN Results Carry the Most Weight
What is the single best predictor that a nursing program will actually get you to licensure? The answer is how many of its graduates pass the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt. A nursing degree only converts into a paycheck once you hold an active RN license, so the licensing exam is the clearest scoreboard a prospective student can check.
What Shapes the Order
First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates reported to the Kansas State Board of Nursing do most of the heavy lifting here, roughly three-quarters of each program's standing. These are averaged across three years and weighted by how many candidates each program sent to the exam, so larger cohorts carry proportionally more influence than a single strong or weak class.
The remaining weight comes from accreditation status and institution-wide completion and retention figures. Accreditation confirms the program meets recognized national standards; completion and retention hint at whether students tend to finish what they start.
Why Three Years Instead of One
Small programs can swing dramatically from one year to the next. A class of fifteen where two people miss the exam looks very different from a class of two hundred with the same number of misses. A three-year, takers-weighted average smooths out that noise and gives you a steadier read on a program's track record.
What the Ranking Does Not Measure
Be clear-eyed about the limits. Net price, graduate earnings, and typical debt appear on the program cards for context, but they do not set the order. Graduation and retention rates are institution-wide, not nursing-specific, so treat them as supporting signals rather than guarantees about the nursing program itself.
KSBN Approval vs. ACEN and CCNE Accreditation: What to Check Before Applying
Two different stamps of approval sit behind every Kansas nursing program, and they do not do the same job. Confusing them is one of the easiest mistakes to make before you choose a nursing program.
State Approval Is the One That Lets You Test
Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) approval is what allows a program's graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN in Kansas. A program may carry full approval or an initial/conditional status, but national accreditation is not required for KSBN approval and does not stand in for it. The KSBN prelicensure list flags any status other than full approval; a program without a special notation is treated as fully approved. KSBN has confirmed at least one program currently on conditional status, so treat initial or conditional notations as a reason to ask the program directly how it plans to return to full standing.
Accreditation Matters Later
National accreditation is voluntary, but it affects transfer credit, graduate school admission, and some employers. ACEN accreditation is common among ADN programs, while CCNE accreditation typically covers BSN and higher degrees. The public directories do not confirm current accreditor status for every Kansas program, so verify each school individually rather than assuming. Emporia State's baccalaureate program, for example, is KSBN-approved, and you should confirm its accreditor straight from the directory.
Read the Pass-Rate Report Correctly
KSBN sets an 80% first-time NCLEX-RN standard under its regulations. Falling below 80% for two consecutive years can trigger a survey and conditional approval; three consecutive years can lead to a halt on admissions. When you review a program's results, use How to Read NCLEX-RN Pass Rate Data:
- Focus on first-time takers: repeat results inflate the picture.
- Watch multi-year trends: one strong or weak year rarely tells the full story.
- Discount tiny cohorts: a handful of candidates swings the percentage wildly.
For 2024, WSU Tech, Seward, Donnelly, and Colby fell below the 80% benchmark. Make this your habit: check the KSBN program list first, then the ACEN or CCNE directory, before you submit a single application.
Kansas ADN vs. BSN vs. Accelerated Nursing Programs
How long does it take to become an RN in Kansas? Plan on about 2 years for an ADN, 4 years for a traditional BSN, or roughly 12 to 16 months for an accelerated BSN if you already hold a bachelor's degree or substantial college credit. Career changers with a prior degree fit ABSN programs best, budget-focused students often start with an ADN, working LPNs can bridge in about 18 months, and current RNs can finish an RN-to-BSN in 18 to 24 months.
| Path or Program | Typical Length | Key Entry Requirements | Start Date or Deadline | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional ADN | About 2 years | Prerequisites vary by school | Varies by school | Budget-focused students who want a shorter route to RN licensure |
| Traditional BSN (example: Wichita State University) | About 4 years | Prerequisites with a C or better; 3.00 science GPA; three of four science courses (chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, biology) completed | Varies by school | Students starting college who want the broadest long-term career options |
| LPN-to-RN bridge | About 18 months (LPN-to-BSN bridges run about 18 to 30 months) | Current LPN credential; prerequisite status shapes ADN vs. BSN bridge choice | Varies by school | Working LPNs upgrading to RN |
| RN-to-BSN | 18 to 24 months | Existing RN credential | Varies by school | Current RNs adding a bachelor's degree |
| Wichita State University Accelerated BSN | 13 months | Admitted to WSU; 3.000 overall GPA; general education and science prerequisites; 90+ credits or prior bachelor's recommended | Cohort begins in May | Career changers and WSU students near senior standing |
| University of Saint Mary ABSN | 12 months | 64 credits or an associate degree plus prerequisites; bachelor's holders need a 3.0 GPA, 3.0 science GPA, and TEAS score of 70 | Summer II term; deadline generally early July | Students with substantial college credit or a prior degree |
| Research College ABSN | 12 months | Non-nursing bachelor's; 3.0 GPA; prerequisites with a C or better; Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs done at application; ATI TEAS proficient | January and May | Career changers with a bachelor's degree |
| MidAmerica Nazarene University Accelerated BSN | 12 months | 60 to 63 credit hours; some prerequisites may be in progress when applying | Contact the school | LPNs, paramedics/MICTs, and adults with prior college |
| Baker University Accelerated BSN | 14.5 months | Not detailed in available research; confirm with the school | Contact the school | Students wanting online coursework with in-person clinicals at a Magnet-designated hospital |
| Rockhurst University Online ABSN (Kansas City, Missouri; open to Kansas residents) | 16 months | Bachelor's degree in any field; hybrid format with a 10-day campus residency and regional clinicals | Application deadline January 11, 2027 | Career changers who need flexible online coursework |
Getting Into a Kansas ADN or BSN Program: Admission Checklist
Kansas has no single statewide admission standard, so confirm each school's current requirements before you apply. Most programs share these core requirements.
- Prerequisite science coursesExpect anatomy and physiology (often with lab) and microbiology. Some programs also require chemistry. English Composition I, General Psychology, College Algebra, and Human Growth and Development are also common. Cloud County and Butler require a C or higher in prerequisites.
- Minimum GPAPublished minimums vary: 2.0 prerequisite GPA at Cloud County, 2.5 at Emporia State, 2.75 at Johnson County, and 3.0 for Butler's advanced-standing ADN. BSN programs typically set 2.8 to 3.0, but competitive applicants often hold 3.3 or higher.
- Entrance examThe ATI TEAS is most common, and some programs accept the HESI A2. Hutchinson requires a 58.7% TEAS total taken within two years of the deadline. Butler requires a score at or above the national benchmark. Competitive scores generally land around the 65th to 75th percentile or higher.
- CNA certificationNot required statewide. The Kansas Board of Nursing made it optional for admission. Cloud County requires a current CNA or equivalent but allows waivers. Fort Hays Tech | North Central requires an active Kansas CNA that students must maintain during their first year.
- Background check, drug screen, and immunizationsConfirm each program's clinical clearance requirements early so they don't delay your start.
- Points-based selectionMany Kansas community college ADN programs, including Cloud County, rank applicants on competitive points. Meeting the minimums does not guarantee a seat.
- BSN timing and deadlinesUniversity BSN programs often admit students to the nursing major after they finish prerequisite coursework. Emporia State, for example, uses a standardized pre-admission test. Application deadlines vary by school.
Kansas by City
Explore other Kansas related topics
Three Kansas Nursing Programs With the Lowest Net Price
The cheapest nursing school in Kansas by net price after aid is Dodge City Community College, where students paid an average of $4,068 per year, followed closely by Coffeyville Community College and Fort Scott Community College, all offering the associate degree in nursing (ADN) route to RN licensure. Figures come from 2024 IPEDS and College Scorecard data from the U.S. Department of Education. Net price is an institution-wide average for all students after grants and scholarships, not a nursing-specific figure, so your own cost will depend on your family income, the aid you qualify for, and program fees such as uniforms, clinical supplies, and licensure exam costs.
| School | City | Degree Level | Average Net Price (After Aid) | In-State Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge City Community College | Dodge City, KS | Associate (ADN) | $4,068 | $4,650 |
| Coffeyville Community College | Coffeyville, KS | Associate (ADN) | $4,957 | $3,600 |
| Fort Scott Community College | Fort Scott, KS | Associate (ADN) | $5,586 | $3,390 |
Kansas RN Pay at a Glance
Registered nurses in Kansas earn a median salary just under $80,000 a year, with pay varying by metro area.
More Kansas Nursing Programs to Consider
These programs round out the Kansas directory beyond the schools ranked above, grouped by region so you can see what is available near you. Each entry notes the city, the degree level, how the program is delivered, and the reported average net price. They are presented in no particular order.
Kansas City Area
- Registered Nurse
- Associate Degree Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Northeast Kansas
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Obstetrics)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pediatrics)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Emergency Department)
- Associate Degree Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
North Central Kansas
- Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing
- Associate Degree Nursing
Central Kansas
- Associate Degree Nursing
- Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing (ADN)
South Central Kansas
- Associate Degree Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)