Best Nursing Colleges in California
Its numerous esteemed educational institutions make California a sought-after destination for aspiring nursing students. These universities offer a wide range of programs, varying from Bachelor’s degrees in Nursing to advanced practice nursing degrees such as MSN, DNP, and Ph.D.. This article delves into the top nursing colleges in California, exploring their offered programs, annual costs, and enrollment. SAT ranges to help prospective students decide about their future education.
University of California–San Francisco
Information About Nursing Programs
UCSF School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the best in the nation. The school offers a Master’s Entry Program in Nursing for those new to the field and a wide array of advanced nursing specialties for established professionals. Its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing programs stand out for their emphasis on research and leadership.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Attending UCSF is approximately $46,000 annually for in-state students and $56,000 for out-of-state students. The university enrolls around 3,000 students annually. SAT scores typically range from 1330-1530.
University of California–Los Angeles
Information About Nursing Programs
UCLA School of Nursing offers Bachelor of Science, Masters, and Doctorate programs. It is notably recognized for its advanced practice nursing programs in family nursing, gerontology, pediatric nursing, and psychiatric/mental health nursing.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Annual tuition is about $13,000 for in-state and $42,000 for out-of-state students. UCLA enrolls over 44,000 students with an average SAT score between 1330 and 1530.
University of California–Davis
Information About Nursing Programs
UC Davis Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing provides various nursing programs, including Masters’s, post-master certificates, Doctorate, and Bachelor’s degrees. It emphasizes leadership, interprofessional collaboration, and innovative research.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Tuition costs are approximately $14,400 for in-state and $43,400 for out-of-state students. UC Davis enrolls around 39,000 students with an SAT score range of 1150 to 1420.
University of San Francisco
Information About Nursing Programs
USF School of Nursing and Health Professions offers undergraduate and graduate programs focusing on social, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. The school’s DNP program is renowned for emphasizing transforming health care by improving patient outcomes and influencing health policy.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual tuition fee at USF is around $52,000. The university enrolls approximately 11,000 students with an SAT score range of 1130 to 1340.
University of California–Irvine
Information About Nursing Programs
UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing offers a traditional BSN, MSN, and Ph.D. in nursing sciences, focusing on bridging research, theory, and practice. Their well-regarded faculty and robust research emphasis make it a prime choice for students.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost of attending UC Irvine is about $13,700 for in-state students and $43,700 for out-of-state students. The university enrolls around 36,000 students with an SAT range of 1170-1410.
University of San Diego (Hahn)
Information About Nursing Programs
USD Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science provides comprehensive nursing programs that range from BSN to DNP. It also offers dual programs like MSN/MPH and MSN/MBA.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost of attending USD is approximately $53,000. The university enrolls about 9,000 students with an SAT range between 1190-1340.
Western University of Health Sciences
Information About Nursing Programs
Western offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) focusing on leadership and management. It emphasizes integrating research, theory, and practice and offers part-time and full-time study options.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The average cost of the MSN program is about $22,500 per year. Western has an enrollment of around 3,900 students.
California State University–Fullerton
Information About Nursing Programs
CSU Fullerton School of Nursing provides various programs, including BSN, MSN, and DNP. It’s notably recognized for its focus on public health nursing and nurse anesthesia programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
Tuition is approximately $6,900 for in-state and $18,700 for out-of-state students. The university enrolls about 40,000 students with SAT scores ranging from 1040-1250.
San Diego State University
Information About Nursing Programs
SDSU School of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing community health, medical-surgical nursing, and leadership.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual tuition costs are around $7,500 for in-state students and $19,300 for out-of-state students. SDSU enrolls over 35,000 students with an SAT score range of 1080-1300.
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (Dymally)
Information About Nursing Programs
Charles R. Drew University offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs through the Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing. The university is well-known for its commitment to serving diverse communities and reducing health disparities.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual tuition cost is approximately $13,872. The university enrolls around 600 students. Being a specialized medical university, it doesn’t have a standard SAT range.
In conclusion, choosing the right nursing school depends on the cost, programs offered, and personal career goals. With its wide range of options, California provides something for every aspiring nursing student.
Best Nursing Colleges in Three Other States
Best Nursing Colleges in Oregon
Moving to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon also hosts several high-quality nursing schools.
Oregon Health and Science University
At OHSU, the nursing school offers Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. This university is mainly known for its Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia programs.
University of Portland
The School of Nursing at the University of Portland has a long history of excellence in nursing education. The university offers BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees, emphasizing community-based, holistic care.
Best Nursing Colleges in New York
Heading to the east coast, New York provides diverse options for prospective nursing students.
New York University
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing offers BSN, MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. programs. It’s recognized for emphasizing research, global health, and urban healthcare delivery.
Columbia University
The School of Nursing at Columbia University provides a comprehensive range of nursing programs. It is one of the oldest nursing schools and is internationally recognized for its leadership and innovation in nursing education.
Best Nursing Colleges in Nevada
Nevada is also home to a few high-ranking nursing schools in the West.
University of Nevada–Las Vegas
UNLV School of Nursing provides comprehensive nursing programs, including BSN, MSN, and DNP. Its nursing programs are known for their focus on leadership, research, and community service.
University of Nevada–Reno
Orvis School of Nursing at UNR offers BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs. The school is recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality nursing education to meet the healthcare needs of Nevada’s diverse population.
How a High SAT Score Improves Chances of College Acceptance
Standardized test scores like the SAT still play a significant role in college admissions in the U.S., even as some colleges and universities are moving toward test-optional policies. A high SAT score can improve a student’s chances of acceptance into a competitive college or university. This is particularly true for more selective schools, where a high SAT score can set applicants apart.
In conclusion, considering nursing schools is essential to think beyond just the programs offered. Location, cost, culture, and career goals should all factor into your decision. Regardless of where you choose to study, a career in nursing promises to be both challenging and rewarding.
