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20 Best ADN Nursing Programs

Badge for our ranking of best ADN nursing programsThe article will rank the 20 best ADN nursing programs in primarily traditional campus formats.

Nursing is an important and challenging career that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives. In addition, it is a career that is in high demand nearly everywhere in the country. Earning an associate degree in nursing is a great way to get started in a career as a nurse.

Depending on the school you choose, you can earn an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing), an ASN Nursing (associate of science degree in nursing) or an AAS (associate of applied science in nursing). These three degrees differ from each other very little. Each of them is a step towards becoming an LPN (licensed practical nurse), becoming an RN (registered nurse), or moving on towards a bachelor’s degree in nursing. In addition to taking classes, nursing students must also complete clinical work and take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

20 Best Associate Degree in Nursing Programs Methodology

Our rankings for the best ADN nursing are based on three main factors: the school’s cost, the school’s graduation rate, and the first-time passing rate for students taking the NCLEX when they graduate.

The top 20 associate degree in nursing programs in primarily traditional on-campus formats are:

1 – Louisiana Tech University
2 – Fox Valley Technical College
3 – De Anza College
4 – Morehead State University
5 – Valencia College
6 – Marshall University
7 – Northeast Community College
8 – West Kentucky Community and Technical College
9 – St. John’s River State College
10 – Pennsylvania College of Technology
11 – Wallace State Community College
12 – Arkansas State University – Main Campus
13 – Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale
14 – Lewis and Clark Community College
15 – Utah State University
16 – Ohio University – Main Campus
17 – Santa Fe College
18 – Northwestern State University of Louisiana
19 – Chippewa Valley Technical College
20 – Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

20 – Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Green Bay, Wisconsin
ADN Nursing

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Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offers an ADN nursing that boasts a 100% graduate satisfaction rate. NWTC graduates have consistently been scoring above the national average on the NCLEX. The program plans to transition to 8-week courses in the fall of 2020, adding the convenience of multiple yearly entry options. Additionally, the school’s N.E.W. medical clinic offers hands-on application and practice for nursing students throughout their time in the program.

Tuition: $9,452

19 – Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
ADN Nursing

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The associate degree in nursing at Chippewa Valley Technical College consists of 70 credits and takes 2 years to complete. It is offered at both the Eau Claire campus and River Falls. Students at Chippewa Valley can earn credit for prior learning experience. CVTC also offers an RN refresher course for students returning to nursing after an absence. Graduates from the nursing program have a 99% employment rate, and the school has transfer agreements with many other institutions. This makes it easy for students to continue their education and work towards a bachelor’s degree.

Tuition: $9,307

18 – Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, Louisiana
ASN Nursing

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The associate degree in nursing at Northwestern State University of Louisiana includes both didactic and clinical courses, as well as general education courses. Many students benefit from completing some of their non-nursing courses prior to the 2 years of clinical courses, but it’s also possible to do it all at once. Over the past 3 years, the program’s graduates have a 100% job placement rate.

Tuition: $10,448

17 – Santa Fe College

Gainesville, Florida
Associate in Arts Degree with Nursing Track

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At Santa Fe College, their associate’s degree is not offered in a specific major; however, the college allows students to track towards a Bachelor of Arts in nursing by choosing a related advisement track. The degree provides all the necessary requirements for students to transfer to a college or university to complete their nursing track. Additionally, the students will take liberal arts courses in areas such as English, humanities and arts, and science and math.

Tuition: $11,244

16 – Ohio University – Main Campus

Athens, Ohio
Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

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The 2-year associate degree in nursing at Ohio University combines coursework and clinical experience in a contemporary healthcare environment. This prepares students to apply for licensure as an RN. In addition to offering an associate’s degree, Ohio University also offers an LPN to RN track for current LPNs desiring to enter practice as RNs after obtaining their associate’s degree. Students in their second year of the program are eligible for dual enrollment in these 2 programs.

Tuition: $22,072

15 – Utah State University

Logan, Utah
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

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Enrollment is limited and competitive for the associate degree in nursing at Utah State University. Nursing students in Utah State’s 2 year program have the opportunity to learn in a nursing skills laboratory, as well as in clinical settings. A unique feature of this program is that it is limited to prospective students who currently hold a Utah LPN license and are choosing to continue their education by completing an associate’s degree in nursing.

Tuition: $12,738

14 – Lewis and Clark Community College

Godfrey, Illinois
Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

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Lewis and Clark Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing that includes classroom, laboratory, simulation instruction, and clinical experience each semester. This affordable 2-year program fully equips graduates to apply for the NCLEX-RN, and upon passing, enter the workplace as an RN. Moreover, the nursing program at Lewis and Clark has transfer agreements in place with many universities. This is a convenient option for students wishing to continue their education at the next level after the associate degree in nursing.

Tuition: $3,780

13 – Keiser University – Ft. Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
ASN Nursing

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Keiser University offers an Associate of Science degree that prepares its graduates to successfully enter the world of professional nursing upon graduation. This associate’s degree program is offered at their main campus, as well as 13 other campuses throughout the state of Florida. To receive their degree, students must earn 72 credit hours, 30 of which are courses in general education. Upon completion of the program, students have the option to advance to a nursing major and continue their education.

Tuition: $23,248

12 – Arkansas State University – Main Campus

Jonesboro, Arkansas
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

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The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at Arkansas State is a 4-semester program that begins each year in the spring semester. In 2019, 91.4% of their students passed the test needed to graduate on their first try. In addition to their traditional associate degree program, Arkansas State University has two other offerings: an LPN- AASN program for current LPNs wanting to gain credit for previous education and work towards their associate’s degree, as well as an LPN-AASN program that can be completed online.

Tuition: $13,459

11 – Wallace State Community College

Hanceville, Alabama
Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

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At Wallace State Community College, nursing students can complete their Associate of Applied Science degree in 5 semesters. This associate degree in nursing boasts small class sizes, good reputation, and excellent licensure and job placement rate among graduates. Almost all of the program’s courses are available in either a traditional or hybrid format. Additionally, students wishing to continue their education have the option of joint enrollment in the school’s AAS/BS nursing program.

Tuition: $5,143

10 – Pennsylvania College of Technology

Williamsport, PA
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

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Pennsylvania College of Technology offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree, as well as an AAS in Health Arts with a Practical Nursing Emphasis, and an AAS LPN-RN. The graduates of the AAS in Nursing Program boast a first time pass rate of 97.83% on the NCLEX-RN, and a 97.4 overall job placement rate. The curriculum includes specialized labs with hands-on experience across diverse clinical settings. Students in the program also benefit from the school’s strong partnerships with local hospitals and medical centers. This creates good connections as well as possible career placements after completion of the associate degree in nursing.

Tuition: $21,242

9 – St. John’s River State College

Palatka, Florida
ASN Degree

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St. John’s associate degree in nursing program takes 5 semesters to complete. It is offered on two of their campuses. Their graduates have had great success finding jobs after completing their degree and passing the NCLEX-RN. Students in the program have the option of completing their associate’s degree and continuing their studies at SJR State to complete their bachelor’s degree, as well. Students who choose to do this have the option of completing the BSN online.

Tuition: $5,183

8 – West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Paducah, Kentucky
Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

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The associate degree in nursing program at West Kentucky Community and Technical offers a 5 semester program for students wishing to enter the nursing field and graduate eligible to become a RN. Additionally, they offer an accelerated track for current LPNs, and this program can be completed in just one year. Their curriculum combines general education with nursing courses that correlate classroom instruction and clinical practice in various community agencies. The nursing program graduates have an impressive 100% job placement rate.

Tuition: $5,440

7 – Northeast Community College

Norfolk, Nebraska
ADN Nursing

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Northeast Community College offers a 5 semester associate degree in nursing program, and students also have the convenient option to complete the program while attending only part-time. The program requires 72 credit hours of nursing and general education courses, and this can be completed in as little as 2 years for the full-time student. The nursing curriculum consists of a combination of theory and clinical courses, including hands-on experience at local hospitals and healthcare facilities. Students in the program have the opportunity to get a diploma in practical nursing and take the NCLEX-PN after just two semesters.

Tuition: $8,457

6 – Marshall University

Huntington, WV
ASN Degree

Marshall University

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The Marshall University associate degree in nursing program is offered in cooperation with St. Mary’s School of Nursing, also located in Huntington. Students have the benefit of utilizing both the outstanding instruction and facilities of St. Mary’s, while still being awarded a degree from Marshall University. This competitive nursing program takes two years to complete. Students can enter the program in either July or January, and financial aid is available to those who may need it.

Tuition: $8,850

5 – Valencia College

Orlando, Florida
ASN Degree

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Valencia College’s ASN nursing program is a nationally-accredited two year program that combines classroom curriculum and real life clinical experiences. The traditional track requires 72 credits over 5 semesters, and the school also offers an accelerated track for current LPNs. This program consists of 60 credit hours and can be completed in just 3 semesters. Students wishing to go on to obtain their bachelor’s degree have the option of dual enrollment with the ASN to BSN program, in affiliation with University of Central Florida. This program is 5 semesters at Valencia, followed by as little as one year at UCF.

Tuition: $4,982

4 – Morehead State University

Morehead, Kentucky
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

Morehead State University

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Morehead State offers an AASN that can be completed in as little as two years. Their combination of science and nursing courses include clinical practicum in their state of the art simulation lab. Here students can put to practice their knowledge using high-tech, interactive mannequins that simulate a wide range of human ailments and symptoms. The associate in nursing program can be completed at one of two campuses – Morehead and Mt. Sterling. Over the past five years, 100% of their ADN nursing graduates have been employed within 6 months of graduation.

Tuition: $12,528

3 – De Anza College

Cupertino, California
Associate of Science Degree in Registered Nursing

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The ADN nursing program at De Anza boasts an excellent reputation, and their graduates are actively recruited by local health institutions in Silicon Valley and throughout Northern California. Their two year associate’s degree program offers a curriculum that includes state-of-the-art technology in both classroom and clinical settings. Their program has three yearly options for entry – fall, winter, and spring, and prospective students should know that there is often a waiting list. They also offer an advanced placement program for LPNs wishing to transition to RN.

Tuition: $5,905

2 – Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, Wisconsin
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

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Fox Valley Technical offers a 70-credit Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree. This program has 3 options of entry each year – spring, summer, and fall. The nursing curriculum combines hands-on experience with clinical skills, health assessments, and medical administration. In addition to patient care, Fox Valley has a unique emphasis on drug classifications and their effects on the body, as well as the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Students in the ADN nursing can choose electives allowing them to build on their specific areas of interest.

Tuition: $9,969

1 – Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, Louisiana
ASN Degree

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Louisiana Tech University offers our #1 ranked program for an associate degree in nursing. The graduates of this award-winning ADN nursing program boast a first time pass rate for the NCLEX-RN of over 99% for the past 3 consecutive years. On campus, they have simulation labs designed to prepare students for a wide range of patients, including specialty care areas such as labor and delivery, neonatal, and pediatric care. In 2017, the Louisiana Nurses Foundation selected Louisiana Tech as the Nursing School of the year for undergraduate programs.

Tuition: $9,795

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This concludes our ranking of the top 20 ADN nursing programs.