Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey

16 Min Read Published June 5, 2024
Pier overlooking the water in New Jersey

The school where you earn your nursing degree can play a huge role in determining your future career as a nurse.

The Garden State has always been home to some of the top colleges and universities in the nation. Because of New Jersey’s proximity to major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York City, New Jersey has established itself as an ideal place to earn a nursing degree and enjoy a nursing career.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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Top 10 Nursing Schools in New Jersey 

New Jersey has an impressive range of both public and private nursing schools, including some famous names. Here is our selection of New Jersey’s top 10 nursing schools.

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors, including,

  • Reputation
  • NCLEX pass rate
  • Tuition
  • Acceptance rate, when available
  • Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible 

Our selection panel includes 5 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.

  • Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
  • Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
  • Chaunie Brusie, BSN, RN
  • Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
  • Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN

Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 New Jersey nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.

In-State Tuition
$35,950 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$35,950 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

Caldwell University is a liberal arts school located in the city of Caldwell, just 20 minutes away from New York City. To earn a BSN from Caldwell, students must complete the liberal arts core classes and 25 credits of nursing prerequisites.

Unfortunately, no in-state tuition is offered because Caldwell is a private Catholic institution. However, most students receive some form of financial aid. With its quality of education and prime location, Caldwell is a great choice for students who want a private education near a big city.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Private
  • Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 1%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $742
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $742
Contact Information:
  • Address: 120 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $72,134

 

In-State Tuition
$12,755 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,465 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

In addition to a traditional four-year BSN program, Montclair State also offers an accelerated, 18-month Master’s Direct Entry to Nursing (MDE) specifically designed for students holding non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. The MDE focuses on Care Coordination and Transition Management. Montclair also offers an online MSN, RN to MSN bridge, and RN to BSN program.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 10%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $425
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $716
Contact Information:
  • Address: 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A

 

In-State Tuition
$42,504 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,504 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

Monmouth University offers everything a nursing student would want, from a BSN to a doctorate of nurse practitioner (DNP). The private school is also considered one of the top research institutions in the area, something that’s sure to get the attention of students looking for a graduate degree or DNP in nursing.

Monmouth also offers the traditional four-year BSN track. For current nurses, there’s even an RN to BSN program that can be completed online. The school offers the same tuition amount regardless of the student’s residency.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Private
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 4%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,230
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,230
Contact Information:
  • Address: 400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch, NJ
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

In-State Tuition
$14,140 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$26,934 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is located about midway between Philadelphia and New York City. TCNJ boasts one of the highest four-year graduation rates in the nation for public schools and an impressive NCLEX pass rate for nursing students.

Nursing students are likely to enroll in the traditional BSN program, which has a 100% job placement rate after 6 months for graduates. This is an affordable, effective way for in-state students to become nurses.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 0%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $502
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $954
Contact Information:
  • Address: 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $75,946

 

In-State Tuition
$14,192 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$23,192 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

Located on the edge of wetlands and woodlands but just a short drive from New York City, students will get the best of both worlds at William Paterson University. Being a public school, New Jersey residents can enjoy an incredibly affordable in-state tuition.

There are no online nursing options at William Paterson University, but various undergraduate and graduate programs are available to students, including BSN, MSN, NP, and DNP degrees.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: 92%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 37%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $455
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $752
Contact Information:
  • Address: 300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $76,946

 

In-State Tuition
$13,384 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$23,983 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

The quality of the education earned at New Jersey City University (NJCU) is what gets this public school on this list. One of the top schools in the region, NJCU has flexible, affordable programs for busy students.

Current RNs or students with a non-BSN degree can take advantage of their accelerated programs to earn their BSN and become certified. However, a traditional four-year BSN program is not currently offered.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 28%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $446
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $799
Contact Information:
  • Address: 2039 Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $77,087

 

In-State Tuition
$12,900 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,600 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (better known as Rutgers University) is one of the top schools in the nation. Founded in 1766, Rutgers is also part of the nation’s largest academic healthcare system.

In addition to a traditional BSN, Rutgers offers one of the top accelerated BSN programs in NJ. Students will initially appreciate Rutgers' low in-state tuition. However, they'll also find that a Rutgers education carries weight, and finding a desirable job could be much easier with a degree from this famous institution. 

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 9%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $416
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $994
Contact Information:
  • Address: 249 University Avenue, Blumenthal Hall, Newark, NJ
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: N/A

 

In-State Tuition
$38,790 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,790 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

Saint Peter’s University, a small Jesuit school, is only a few minutes from New York City. It offers nursing students clinical placements at some of the best hospitals in the country.  

Saint Peter’s offers three different undergrad nursing programs: a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program, and an online RN to BSN program. As a private school, Saint Peter’s has a higher tuition than other schools – but future nursing students will like the impressive 100% NCLEX pass rate.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Private
  • Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 28%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,255
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,255
Contact Information:
  • Address: 2641 Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $81,886

 

In-State Tuition
$12,740 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,474 per year
Accreditation
CCNE
Online?
No

Nothing beats location, and Stockton University has one of the best locations of all: right in the middle of the Pinelands National Reserve. While studying in the beauty of nature, students will also benefit from the proximity to NYC, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.

With a low tuition rate for in-state students, Stockton University is an affordable way to earn your BSN. Stockton also offers an accelerated BSN program for students with a bachelor's degree.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 7%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $489
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $787
Contact Information:
  • Address: 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $71,947

 

In-State Tuition
$7,372 per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$9,556 per year
Accreditation
CCNE, ACEN
Online?
Yes

Opened in 1972, Thomas Edison State University doesn’t quite stack up to the rich and famous histories of other schools on this list. However, the incredibly affordable in-state tuition will surely attract many nursing students.

Because Thomas Edison is still relatively young, a complete, four-year BSN program isn’t offered. However, an accelerated BSN program for students who already have a bachelor’s degree is offered, as is an RN to BSN program.

School Information:
  • Public or Private? Public
  • Acceptance Rate: N/A
  • Percent Enrolled Online: 99%
Tuition:
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $411
  • Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $535
Contact Information:
  • Address: 111 W State St, Trenton, NJ
  • Website
School Success:
  • Retention Rate: N/A
  • Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $82,204

New Jersey Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

  • New Jersey employs 77,980 nurses, well above the national average of roughly 59,000 nurses per state.
  • The mean annual wage is $89,690 for nurses employed in New Jersey.

Studying at a New Jersey school opens doors not only to working in local hospitals but, many NJ schools have close connections with other areas. New Jersey is part of the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington which, as a metropolitan area, is the fourth highest employer of nurses.

The first step to beginning a career in nursing is earning a degree, then taking the NCLEX to become a registered nurse (RN).

Next Steps

Once you’ve created a shortlist of the best nursing schools for your situation, the next step is to start the application process.

  1. Contact an Admission Representative at each school. Some schools have stricter nursing school application standards than others, so you don’t want to end up enrolling in a school where you’re not eligible to earn a nursing degree.
  2. Check your eligibility to enter the school’s nursing program. While individual program requirements vary, it’s safe to assume that you’ll need a GPA of 2.75 or higher for both your high school and college courses. Most schools also want to see grades higher than a C+ in prerequisite courses.
  3. Gather all the paperwork you’ll need for the application. Again, the required paperwork often varies from school to school. For example, some schools may want to see proof that you’re CPR certified, or that you have previous work experience in a health-related field. Most schools will require a letter of interest or a personal essay. Keep in mind that some requirements can be completed in college prior to applying to the nursing program.

Remember: if at any point in the application process you feel lost or confused, contact the school’s admission representatives. They’ll walk you through everything you need to do.

Choosing a Nursing School

Just because a school has a low tuition rate or a high acceptance rate doesn’t mean it’s the right choice. Every student should come up with a list of expectations from their potential school. Make sure to make the following considerations before deciding on a school, 

Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation  

Nursing students who complete their studies at a non-accredited university will not be able to sit for the NCLEX. Therefore, they will face immense challenges in securing stable, well-paying jobs. Why? Because students who do not take the NCLEX are not eligible to work as Registered Nurses. 

The two nursing program accrediting organizations are,

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

These accrediting bodies ensure that all accredited nursing programs adhere to the same standard and criteria.

You should also make sure that your top nursing program choices are offering exactly what you’re looking for. If you have a specific career goal, keep in mind that making compromises could alter the trajectory of your future nursing career. 

Getting a License in New Jersey

To become an RN in New Jersey, you need to:

The easiest way to ensure that you’ll be eligible to become a nurse in New Jersey is to earn a degree from a New Jersey school. Local schools tend to set their standards based on the state’s standards. Also, because many schools share similar requirements, a degree from New Jersey can open doors to a career in another state.

Conclusion 

New Jersey has a variety of options for earning a degree in nursing, and any school could easily lead to a career in one of the top states for nurses. However, with so many options, it can be tough to choose the perfect school and nursing program. Having so many options is a good thing, though, since students can find the perfect New Jersey schools for them while still working toward a long, successful career as a nurse!

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

References:

BLS

New Jersey RN Application

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program

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