Best Community College Nursing Programs in 2024 (Online & On-Campus)

Nursing is a fantastic career that not many people are cut out for. Those that are cut out for it have the ability and the opportunity to change the lives of those that they help each and every day. Starting out with one of the many community college nursing programs may be right for you.

There are some distinct advantages to becoming a nurse, the first is, of course, being able to help people. You also have a very good job outlook with nurses being one of the most sought-after professionals in the United States.

Two-year nurses are able to earn around $40,000 per year depending on where they are located. For those that want a nursing degree but aren’t sure if they want a four-year or higher degree, a two-year RN degree is a fantastic place to start. Students can also get an ADN degree as well as a nursing certification. Note that there is a difference between an LPN certification and a nursing associate degree.

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The Best 50 community college nursing programs in 2024

1. Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson, KS

The program at Hutchinson Community Colleg allows students the opportunity to take classes online and to apply their current LPN experience. Classes are all online but students have access to a counselor to help make sure they get the clinical rotation that they want and that they are able to pass the program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 83%
• 70 Total credit hours
• ACEN Accreditation
• Requirements are that you must be an LPN, have a 2.5 average, and take the entrance exam
• Tuition is $99 per credit hour for in-state students and $130 per credit hour for out-of-state students

2. Alabama Southern Community College, Monroeville, AL

This program at Alabama Southern Community College is a bridge program that allows students the chance to use their experience as an LPN to gain their RN certification. Students can begin the program as an LPN or can take the LPN program and transfer directly into the RN program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 86%
• Total credit hours vary depending on what training you enter the program with
• CCNE Accreditation
• Requirements are that students are already LPNs
• Tuition is $3,510 for in-state students per year and $7,020 per year for out-of-state students

3. Bevill State Community College, Jasper, AL

Students can take two paths with this program as either straight entrance students that start with nothing or students that are already LPNs using it as a bridge program. The full program at Bevill State Community College gets students a two year RN certification.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 97%
• Total credit hours depends on what you enter the program with
• CCNE Accreditation
• Requirements students must be LPNs with 2.5 GPA, etc.
• Tuition is $4,198 per year for in-state students and $7,398 per year for out-of-state students

4. Pratt Community College, Pratt, KS

This hybrid program at PCC is one of the best community college nursing programs. It allows students to work both online and in person and allows them to get their ADN degree if they already have an LPN. Students can take their classes online then come to campus for clinical courses.

• NCLEX-RN pass rates 60%
• 71 Total credit hours
• ACEN Accreditation
• Requirements are that students must be an LPN and finish all prerequisite courses with a minimum of a C average
• Tuition is $147 per credit hour plus a $60 nursing fee

5. Garden State Community College, Gadsden, AL

Garden State has a bridge program that allows LPN students to become ADNs and gain their two year RN degree. The program is both online and in-person for a hybrid delivery and allows students to continue work while they obtain their degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 83%
• Total credit hours depend on what level you are when you enter the program
• CCNE Accreditation
• Requirements, students must be accepted to the college and must have a GPA of at least 2.5, other requirements are outlined on the site
• Tuition is $13,601 per year

6. George C. Wallace State Community College-Dothan, Dothan, AL

George C. Wallace State Community College-Dothan has a program that’s for those students who want to become an RN and want to do it quickly and efficiently. It is a full-time program that offers both online and in-person content and that challenges the students. They also offer a mobility plan with the in-person program option.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 88%
• Total credit hours vary dependent on what degree you start the program with
• ACEN Accreditation
• Requirements vary dependent on what program you choose
• Tuition is $3,510 per year

7. Lawson State Community College- Birmingham Campus, Birmingham, AL

This program at Lawson State Community College- Birmingham Campus has one of the highest NCLEX-RN pass rates of the entire state of Alabama and gives students the chance to use state of the art equipment and techniques to get the best education possible.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 98%
• 72 Total credit hours
• ACEN Accreditation
• Requirements vary depending on what classes you have taken when you apply to the program
• Tuition is $4,320 per year for in-state students and $7,770 for out-of-state students per year

8. Tallahassee Community College, Tallahassee, FL

This program at TCC is perfect for students that are already practicing LPNs that want to obtain their RN. The courses prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam and for applying to the Florida Nursing Board.

• NCLEX-RN pass rates 93%
• 72 Total credit hours
• SACSCC Accreditation
• Requirements are that students must be 18 years or older, meet the requirements of the college for admission, and maintain the right GPA
• Tuition is $10,626 per year

9.  Albany Technical College, Albany, GA

This program at Albany Tech is a short program that offers students the chance to gain their associate in nursing and take the NCLEX-RN test.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 97%
• 69 Total credit hours plus clinical hours
• ACEN Accreditation
• Requirements students must be admitted to the college and must complete the prerequisite course for the program.
• Tuition is $2,648 per year for in-state students and $4,784 for out-of-state students

10. Heartland Community College, Normal, IL

Heartland has an on-campus program that gives students the knowledge they need to succeed and earn their nursing certification. If you already have LPN experience, you can opt out of some courses to get your RN even faster.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• 68 Total credit hours
• HLC Accreditation
• Requirements  are prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $8,250 for in-state students per year and $12,240 per year for out-of-state students

11. Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Lexington, KY

Students at Bluegrass Community and Technical College have access to the newest equipment and methods and are able to attain their degree quickly. They offer both a straight program as well as a bridge program for those that are already LPNs.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 92%
• Total credit hours vary depending on the program
• ACEN accreditation
• Requirements are that students must finish the prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $3,704 per year for in-state students and $12,536 for out-of-state students

12. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, Elizabethtown, KY

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College offers the best-trained professionals as well as state of the art equipment for those looking to attain their RN. They also offer bridge options for those that are already LPNs.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 96%
• Total credit hours vary depending on what you have completed
• ACEN accreditation
• Requirements are prerequisites along with other admission requirements for the college
• Tuition is $3,624 for a year of classes for in-state students and $12,456 for out-of-state students

13. Henderson Community College, Henderson, KY

Henderson Community College offers a straight entrance program that does not allow for bridge students. It offers an associate degree for students that want a fresh start and an education that is from the ground up.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 95%
• Total credit hours vary
• ACEN accreditation
• Requirements are that students have completed prerequisite courses and meet other admission requirements for the college
• Tuition is $3,624 per year for in-state students and $12,456 for out-of-state students

14. Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, Cumberland, KY

The Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College has a hands-on program that is taught on campus and that prepares students for a life as an RN and what career challenges they may come up against.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 97%
• Total credit hours vary
• ACEN accreditation
• Requirements students must have their prerequisite courses completed and must meet the other admission requirements for the college.
• Tuition is $3,624 for in-state students per year and $12,456 for out-of-state students for a year

15. Cayuga County Community College, Auburn, NY

Cayuga County Community College offers a simple two-year program that offers students the chance to get their associate in nursing degree. They offer transfer options for those that already have courses from either their LPN certification or from other universities.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 98%
• 64 Total credit hours
• ACEN Accreditation
• Requirements must be a high school graduate or have a GED and must have prerequisite classes
• Tuition is $4,742 for a year for in-state students and $9,068 for out-of-state students

16. Jefferson Community College, Watertown, NY

Jefferson Community College has a program that prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN program and offers a very high pass rate for those that want to take this two-year program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 99%
• 64 Total credit hours
• ACEN Accreditation
• Requirements can be found on the site
• Tuition is $4,835 per year for in-state students and $7,115 for out-of-state students

17. Owens Community College, Perrysburg, OH

This is a two-year program that is on the Owens Community College campus and that’s great for students just out of high school that want their nursing certification.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 93%
• Total credit hours vary
• ACEN Accreditation
• Requirements are that students must finish prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $4,233 for in-state students for a year and $8,236 for out-of-state students

18. Washington State Community College, Marietta, OH

Washington State Community College has a two year, on-campus program that is no-nonsense and gets you straight to the bulk of your nursing content. It is perfect for those that are working as they do offer day and evening classes to fit the schedules of students.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 97%
• Total credit hours vary
•  ACEN Accreditation
• Requirements are that students must finish prerequisite classes.
• Tuition is $4,490 for in-state students per year and $8,660 for out-of-state students

19. Lakes Region Community College, Laconia, NH

Lakes Region Community College has a two-year program that offers straight entrance for those students that have no nursing experience and for those students that may want to transfer into the program from another university or to apply their own current degree or certification.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 95%
• 70 Total credit hours
• CIHE Accreditation
• Requirements are that students must complete prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $6,642 for in-state students per year and $14,802 for out-of-state students

20. White Mountains Community College, Berlin, NH

White Mountains Community College has an exceptionally high NCLEX-RN pass rate. The program prepares students to take the licensure test and prepares them for life as a registered nurse.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 96%
• Total credit hours vary
• Accredited
• Requirements are that students must complete prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $7,344 for in-state students for a year and $15,504 for out-of-state students

21. Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville, NC

FTCC offers an associate nursing degree program that allows students the chance to either start fresh or to bring in their current nursing classes. This is an ADN program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of %100
• Total credit hours depend on how many credits you bring to the program upon admission
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements are that students must complete all prerequisite courses before they can be accepted into the program
• Tuition is $8,142 per year

22. Wake Technical Community College, Raleigh, NC

WTCC’s program offers both a standard placement program as well as an advanced placement program for those students that have credits from other programs and from other positions.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 97%
• Total credit hours depend on how many hours you have when you are admitted to the program
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements are that students must complete prerequisite courses before they can be admitted
• Tuition is $8,771 per year

23. Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC

CPCC has a two-year program that is perfect for students that want to be able to transfer in credits that they already have or that want a simple program that is streamlined for the most success possible.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• Total credit hours depend on how many credits you have when you transfer in or if you start the program without any transfer credits.
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements are that students must have their prerequisite classes completed prior to being admitted to the program
• Tuition is $7,461 per year

24. Guilford Technical Community College, Jamestown, NC

Guilford Technical Community College offers an associate nursing degree that allows students to gain their RN certification. They offer two entry options for students that have no nursing credentials and a third, summer option for those that are returning LPNs to the program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 88%
• Total credit hours depend on how much you have completed, it is a two-year program
• Accreditation by the SACS
• Admission requirements vary but all students must complete their prerequisite courses.
• Tuition is $10,483 per year

25. Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington, NC

Cape Fear Community College offers an associate nursing degree as well as a practical nursing certificate. This program is competitive and does have very strict admission requirements.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 99%
• Total credit hours depend on how much you have completed upon entrance to the program
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements are subject to change from year to year and it is best for students to check the website to see what current admission requirements are
• Tuition is $8,778 per year

26. Pitt Community College, Winterville, NC

Pitt Community College offers a competitive nursing degree that is a two-year degree. They do not have a bridge program and do not allow re-entry to the program after the student has left. If you are going to take this program, it is advised that you have no other commitments.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 90%
• Total credit hours depend on what program you select.
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements are that students must have their prerequisite courses completed.
• Tuition is $5,660 per year

27. Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem, NC

This program at Forsyth Technical Community College is a two-year associate degree that challenges students to do more and attain higher goals.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• Total credit hours depend on how much you have completed prior to entering the program
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements are that students must complete their prerequisite courses prior to entrance to the program
• Tuition is $5,402 per year

28. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC

This program at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is for those students that want a straightforward program that gets them prepared for the world of nursing.

•  NCLEX-RN pass rate 95%
• Total credit hours depend on how much you have completed prior to acceptance
• Accreditation by the NLN CNEA
• Admission requirements
• Tuition is $8,356 per year

29. Coastal Carolina Community College, Jacksonville, NC

Coastal Carolina Community College offers an associates degree in nursing as well as a practical nursing program that allows students to prepare for the fast-paced world of nursing and all that it entails.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 91%
• Total credit hours depends on the program chosen
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements vary depending on program and are subject to change each year
• Tuition is $9,800 per year

30. Central Carolina Community College, Sanford, NC

This program at Central Carolina Community College offers both an associate nursing degree as well as a pre-nursing degree that allows students to transition into the program without having to reapply.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 71%
• Total credit hours depends on the program but it is a two-year program
• Accreditation ACEN
• Admission requirements vary but all students must complete prerequisite courses prior to admission
• Tuition is $7,535 per year

31. Jefferson Community and Technical College, Louisville, KY

Jefferson Community and Technical College offers a two-year ADN degree that allows students to take their courses and truly learn what it means to be a nurse.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Total Credit Hours vary but it is a two-year degree
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission Requirements  are that students pass the admission exam and complete their prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $3,888 per year

32. Carteret Community College, Morehead City, NC

This program at Carteret Community College is a two-year associate degree in nursing that offers students the chance to truly excel and get a quality degree.

• High NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Total Credit Hours depends on how much you have completed
• Accreditation  ACEN
• Admission Requirements vary and students should check the site for the most up to date requirements
• Tuition is $2,704 per year for in-state students and $7,312 for out-of-state students

33. Mesa Community College, Mesa, AZ

Mesa Community College offers a range of different options when it comes to their program list. They offer both an associate of nursing along with several certificate options like the nurse assistant, nursing refresher course, and the registered nurse certification.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 90%
• Total credit hours vary depending on the program chosen
• Accreditation through the ACEN
• Admission requirements vary from program to program
• Tuition is $2,046 for in-state students and $7,830 for out-of-state students

34. Kauai Community College, Lihue, HI

This program at Kauai Community College is built around the career ladder form that allows students to move from one degree to another to advance their career.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 83%
• Total Credit Hours depend on where you are when you are admitted to the program
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements vary but students must have a c average or higher, complete the admission test, and take the time to fill out the application and go through the interview process
• Tuition is $2,988 per year for in-state students and $7,980 for out-of-state students

35. Rappahannock Community College, Virginia

This program at Rappahannock Community College is an applied science degree of nursing and is perfect for students that need to quickly get their degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 100%
• Total Credit hours vary depending on the program you choose but it normally lasts 5 semesters
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements vary but students must complete their prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $4,460 for in-state students per year and $10,298 for out-of-state students

36. Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN

This program at NCC is an associate degree and offers students the chance to use the most state of the art equipment possible.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 94%
• Total Credit hours, 75
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements vary but students must have their prerequisite courses completed
• Tuition is $5,736 per year for in-state students and $5,736 for out-of-state students as well

37. Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, MA

Holyoke Community College offers a range of options including the ASN, the PN, as well as an advanced placement LPN to RN program as well as a mobility program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 80%
• Total credit hours vary depending on the program chosen
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements vary but all students must have their prerequisite courses completed
• Tuition is $4,166 per year for in-state students and $9,110 for out-of-state students

38. Hagerstown Community College, Hagerstown, MD

Hagerstown Community College offers a two year RN program as well as an LPN to RN program for those that are eligible. They also offer a CMA, CAN, and LPN programs for those that qualify for admittance.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 100%
• Total Credit hours vary depending on what program is chosen
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements vary by program
• Tuition is $5,280 for in-state students and $6,788 for out-of-state students

39. Tidewater Community College, Norfolk, VA

Tidewater Community College offers a two year RN program as well as an advanced track placement for those that are already LPNs.

• High NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Total credit hours vary
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements vary
• Tuition is $4,313 per year for in-state students

40. Clatsop Community College, Astoria, OR

Clatsop Community College offers both a practical nursing certificate as well as an ADN-RN degree. You can re-enter the program as needed or opt for advanced placement.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 100%
• Total Credit Hours depend on how much you have completed prior to admittance
• Accredited
• Admission requirements vary but all students must complete prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $4,014 for in-state students per year and $7,578 for out-of-state students

41. Hillsborough Community College, Plant City, FL

Hillsborough Community College offers a challenging but rewarding two-year nursing degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 84%
• Total Credit Hours vary depend on program and how much you have completed prior to admittance
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements vary but all students must complete their prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $2,506 per year for in-state students and $9,111 for out-of-state students

42. Calhoun Community College, Decatur, AL

This program at Calhoun Community College is an LPN program as well as a bridge to RN program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate of 90%
• Total Credit Hours depend on the program chosen
• Accreditation by the CCNE
• Admission requirements vary but all students must complete prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $4,320 for in-state students per year and $7,770 for out-of-state students

43. Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA

Montgomery County Community College offers a transition into an ADN degree as well as a traditional two-year nursing degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 72%
• Total Credit Hours depends on the program chosen
• Accreditation by the CCNE
• Admission requirements vary depending on program
• Tuition is $9,240 for an in-state student per year

44. Lamar Community College, Lamar, CO

Lamar Community College offers an AAS degree that runs the course of two years.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 78%
• Total Credit Hours vary dependent on how much you have completed
• Accreditation by the CCNE
• Admission requirements vary but all students must complete their prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $3,546 for in state students per year

45. Bunker Hill Community College, Boston, MA

Bunker Hill Community College offers both a two-year degree as well as a nursing certification.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 82%
• Total Credit Hours depend on the program selected
• Accreditation ACEN
• Admission requirements can be found on the site for each program
• Tuition is $17,30 per year

46. Pima Community College, Tucson, AZ

Pima Community College offers both a BSN as well as an LPN to RN program.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 90%
• Total Credit Hours depend on the program chosen
• Accreditation ACEN
• Admission requirements vary depending on program
• Tuition is $16,384 per year

47. Roxbury Community College, Roxbury Crossing, MA

Roxbury Community College offers an associate in nursing as well as a range of other certifications and degrees. This is a fantastic school for those that want to get a great degree quickly.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 80%
• Total Credit Hours depends on the program but the ADN is a two-year program
• Accreditation by the ACEN
• Admission requirements vary but all students must complete their prerequisite courses
• Tuition is $3,984 for in state students per year

48. Hibbing Community College, Hibbing, MN

Hibbing Community College offers both a traditional program that is an RN program as well as an LPN to RN bridge program for students that already hold their certification.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 97%
• Total Credit Hours depends on the program chosen
• Accreditation by the CCNE
• Admission requirements vary
• Tuition is $5,310 per year for in-state students

49. Butler County Community College, Butler, PA

Butler County Community College offers both an RN and an AAS degree.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 88%
• Total Credit Hours depend on the degree chosen
• Accreditation ACEN
• Admission requirements vary
• Tuition is $7,320 per year

50. Clovis Community College, Fresno, CA

Clovis Community College offers an LPN program that is considered the pre-nursing program and that readies students to take further educational courses and programs.

• NCLEX-RN pass rate 93%
• Total Credit Hours vary
• Accreditation CCNE
• Admission requirements vary depending on program
• Tuition $280 per credit hour

If you represent any of the schools on this list and would like to change or amend the information provided please feel free to contact us.

Schools were ranked on ease of access for students, NCLEX pass rates, and quality of the program.

Nursing may be the change you are looking for, start today!