Best Nursing Schools in Maryland in 2024 (Online & On-Campus)

If you’re looking for a BSN nursing program in Maryland or another type of nursing program, you’re in luck. Maryland is getting more involved in the nursing industry as job growth rates in the healthcare field continue to climb. Some states predict that by 2025, the number of nurses employed will grow by more than 15%. Those interested in being a nurse, and those that are already employed in the nursing field, are encouraged to pursue higher education from the best nursing schools in Maryland.

RN to BSN Programs in Maryland

Online RN to BSN programs in Maryland is for prospective nurses looking to take two years of nursing classes. It is designed with the RN working nurse in mind and make completing the undergraduate work easy through flexible scheduling.

Best Nursing Schools in Maryland: List of Requirements and Benefits

This program enables registered nurses to take on supervisory roles and more responsibility at work. Nurses take this as a smart option that makes them more competitive, take on more leadership roles and receive a higher salary. Besides, pursuing accredited RN to BSN programs allow the nurses to get an advanced education to handle challenges comfortably.

This program is for nurses only. Registered nurses must have an active working license at the time of registration of this program. Also, some qualifying prerequisites depending on the school may be required in case of any discrepancies noticed to an individual registering this course. They may include:

a) Official transcripts from all schools attended

b) Completion of prerequisite courses

c) Copy of State of Maryland or compact state licensure

d) Two academic letters of recommendation (Mandatory in some schools)

e) Overall Grade Point Average of 3.0

Salary and Employment Outlook

When hiring, employers are likely to consider the nurses with BSN compared to the ones with RN. Mostly, they associate the number of years spent in college with an individual applicant possessing advanced knowledge, skills, and experience.

Maryland has developed a few ways to compensate for the needed skills in the field of nursing. Notably, BSN nurses are getting $30 000 more annually as compared to the RN nurses. According to the report by U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics nurses with BSN degree have a salary of $71,090 annually.

Besides, the state is promoting individuals who are patient driven to further their education and upgrade their skills by providing favorable study leaves for those working with government hospitals. Whether you’re looking for a nursing program in Baltimore or another city, you’ll be sure to find an option below.

List of the Best Nursing Schools in Maryland in 2024

1. Salisbury University

Located on the historic eastern shore, Salisbury University is among the twelve members of the University System of Maryland. This 155-acre campus offers a total of 14 graduate and 42 undergraduate degree programs. Working nurses seeking a BSN can enroll at this university and attain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in 2 years. Other programs offered by the university include a traditional BSN and a second degree BSN. It also offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) which includes the RN to master’s (no previous bachelor’s) option.  This university has an acceptance rate of 61% and a graduation rate of 66%.

•    NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 92.86%
•    Program length or credit hours: 2 Years
•    Admission requirements: RN License
•    Tuition: $17,495
•    Accreditation: CCNE

2. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a private research institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. It prides itself for being the first research university in the United States. It’s also home to 9 first-class academic divisions that work in unison as one university. It has an acceptance rate of 14% and a graduation rate of 93%. Besides offering the RN-BSN program, the university also offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.  From pre-licensure programs to online programs, post-degree opportunities, Ph.D., DNP, and Master’s programs, Johns Hopkins University offers more nursing opportunities for more people in a variety of places, times, and formats.

•    NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 89.24%
•    Program length or credit hours: Unavailable
•    Admission requirements: Unavailable
•    Tuition: $28,335
•    Accreditation: CCNE

3. University of Maryland

Founded way back in 1889, The University of Maryland School of Nursing is among the oldest nursing schools in the U.S. It also ranks among the largest nursing schools in the country. It offers part-time (3 semesters) and full-time (2 semesters) options at 3 locations, including University of Maryland, Baltimore, Universities at Shady Grove, and Laurel College Center. Besides being offered on-campus, courses are also available online and in a blended format. The University of Maryland also offers registered nurses an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree. RNs are required to complete the full course of study within 6 years to earn the RN-to-MS option.

•    NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 87.60%
•    Program length or credit hours: 4 Years
•    Admission requirements: 59 Credits
•    Tuition: Unavailable
•    Accreditation: CCNE

4. Stevenson University

For those who prefer private institutions over public ones, Stevenson University could be an ideal place to pursue your studies. This independent and coeducational institution is situated in the Greenspring Valley area of Baltimore County, Maryland. The CCNE-accredited institution offers registered nurses with an opportunity to pursue a BSN. It has an acceptance rate of 60% and a graduation rate of 60%. Besides the RN-BSN option, Stevenson University also offers the RN to MS option that gives registered nurses an opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree. Furthermore, the institution offers the Associate to Bachelors (ATB) option that is designed for those who intend to be concurrently enrolled in the RN-BS option at the university and in a community college nursing.

•    NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 86%
•    Program length or credit hours: Unavailable
•    Admission requirements: Unavailable
•    Tuition: $26,681
•    Accreditation: CCNE

5. Notre Dame of Maryland University

Located in Baltimore, Notre Dame of Maryland University is a private, Catholic-affiliated institution. NDMU School of Nursing graduates in 2018 happened to score a first time pass rate of 93% on the (NCLEX-RN), which was one of the highest first-time pass rates in Maryland. This university offers 3 ways to secure a BSN: a traditional 4-year BSN program accessible through the Women’s College, an accelerated 2nd degree BSN program for those holding a bachelor’s degree in any other field, and the RN-BSN program for RNs pursing a bachelor’s degree. NDMU also offers the MSN – Leadership in Nursing Administration program that’s offered on the main campus.

•    NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 82.61%
•    Program length or credit hours: 2 1/2 Years
•    Admission requirements: Unavailable
•    Tuition: $19,900
•    Accreditation: CCNE

6. Towson University

Towson University, also referred to as TU, is a public institution situated in Baltimore County, Maryland. It’s set in a 329-acre land and features a suburban setting. It has an acceptance rate of 73 percent and a graduation rate of 68 percent. The school is recognized as one of the best regional public schools in the country, and it’s currently ranked #50 in Regional Universities North. Those applying for admission to the RN-BSN degree completion option at Towson University must either be seeking admission to the university or have been admitted to the university. Towson University also enrolls those pursing the associate to bachelor’s degree (ATB).

•    NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 82.54%
•    Program length or credit hours: 4 Years
•    Admission requirements: Minimum cumulative GPA of a 2.5
•    Tuition: $14,700
•    Accreditation: CCNE

7. Copin State University

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Coppin State University Helene Fuld School of Nursing offers students a unique opportunity to adequately prepare for professional nursing practice. After successful completion of their studies, they can work as members of multidisciplinary health groups when offering care to individuals, families, and groups in a wide range of health care settings including homes, nursing homes, and hospitals, etc. This institution also offers the BSN (accelerated second degree) option that requires students to complete 40 credit hours of general education requirements.

•    NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 76.47%
•    Program length or credit hours: 4 Years
•    Admission requirements: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on 4.0 scale
•    Tuition: $9,043
•    Accreditation: CCNE

8. Bowie State University

Located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Bowie State University is a public institution that offers affordable and high quality education. Registered nurses intending to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing can enroll at this university and attain their degree in 2 years. The acceptance rate for this school is 57 percent and its graduation rate is 33 percent.

•    NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 71.64%
•    Program length or credit hours: 2 Years
•    Admission requirements: GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
•    Tuition: $12,250
•    Accreditation: ACEN

9. Morgan State University

Morgan State University is a public university located in Baltimore, Maryland. This urban research institute is the biggest of the historically black universities and colleges in Maryland. It has an acceptance rate of 67% and a graduation rate of 32%. The curriculum guiding the BSN program at this institution adheres to the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education of Professional Nursing Practice 2008 as expressed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Besides the RN-BSN program, MSU also offers the MSN program that offers a 43 credit degree, as well as a 54 credit Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) program.

•    NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 89.47%
•    Program length or credit hours: Unavailable
•    Admission requirements: Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
•    Tuition: $15,400
•    Accreditation: CCNE

10. Washington Adventist University

The Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a Seventh Day-affiliated university located in Takoma Park, Maryland. It offers a number of certificate programs, as well as undergraduate associate and bachelor’s degree programs. WAU is approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and it’s accredited by the Adventist Accrediting Association of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, as well as by the Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools. The Edyth T. James Department of Nursing offers a four-year BSN program, while the School of Graduate and Professional Studies offers programs such as the Nurse Education (MS) program, Nursing and Business Leadership (MS) program, and an RN to MSN program.

•    NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: 42.86%
•    Program length or credit hours: Unavailable
•    Admission requirements: Unavailable
•    Tuition: $16,700
•    Accreditation: CCNE

11. Frostburg State University

Set in a rural background, Frostburg State University is the only 4-year institution of the University System of Maryland situated west of the Baltimore-Washington passageway. It is located in the Appalachian highlands, a place that’s rich in its educational and mining heritage. This university offers the RN-BSN completion program for nurses who have graduated from a diploma program in nursing or community college and successfully completed the NCLEX exam for registered nurse licensure. In addition to the RN-BSN program, Frostburg State University also offers the online associate to bachelor’s program and the online MSN program.

•    NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: Unavailable
•    Program length or credit hours: 8 Months
•    Admission requirements: Unavailable
•    Tuition: $13,020
•    Accreditation: CCNE

12. Hood College

Hood College is a private institution located in Fredrick, Baltimore. Through the Hood College Department of Nursing students can adequately get ready for reflective and culturally competent practice through the methodical study of the liberal arts and the science of nursing. The college’s proximity to Baltimore, Washington D.C. and the I-270 biotech corridor makes it easy for students to have access to numerous research and internship opportunities.

•    NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: Unavailable
•    Program length or credit hours: Unavailable
•    Admission requirements: Unavailable
•    Tuition: $24,375
•    Accreditation: CCNE

13. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus is a public, non-profit institution situated in Adelphi in Prince George’s County, Maryland. It’s among the 11 degree-granting universities in the University System of Maryland. The institution offers both on-campus and online courses, enabling students in the U.S. and around the world get access to educational opportunities in a convenient way.

•    NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: Unavailable
•    Program length or credit hours: Unavailable
•    Admission requirements: associate degree in nursing or a diploma from a
registered nursing education program
•    Tuition: $12,430
•    Accreditation: CCNE

RN to BSN Programs Ranking

All school information has been extracted from each school’s website and ranked according to NCLEX-RN pass rates. All numbers are estimates as at the time of writing; please contact each school directly for additional information about tuition, fees, degree program and scholarships.

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