The Best Nursing Programs in New Jersey
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty ImagesProspective nurses in New Jersey may have good reason to enroll in nursing school soon.
Per the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing, New Jersey is among the top five states with the largest projected shortage of registered nurses (RNs) by 2036. Further, many graduates from bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs in New Jersey find employment within three months.
Explore these top ranked New Jersey nursing programs and discover which is best for you.
Popular Online Nursing Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How Do New Jersey Nursing Programs Work?
Prospective RNs can choose from several nursing program options. Associate degree in nursing (ADN) and BSN programs prepare students for the RN role through classroom and clinical training. Core classes typically include:
- Nursing fundamentals
- Adult medical-surgical care
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics
- Mental health
- Critical care
ADN and BSN programs generally take two and four years to complete, respectively, with BSN programs including additional coursework in community health and leadership. Nurses with an ADN can earn a BSN in two years through RN-to-BSN bridge programs. The process can take a little longer for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) — about 2-3 years — to earn their BSN through the state.
Applying to a New Jersey Nursing Program
Certain criteria must be met before applying to any of the BSN programs New Jersey offers. Admission criteria can vary per school and program type, but most programs call for applicants to meet a few basic requirements, including GPA, test scores, and completion of prerequisite courses.
As always, check with your school to learn more about the specific requirements for your program.
- Admission Materials: Transcripts listing completed prerequisite courses such as chemistry, psychology, and statistics and standardized exam scores that can predict an applicant’s readiness for college and likelihood of passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) after graduation. RN-to-BSN program applicants must have already passed the NCLEX.
- GPA Requirement: strong>3.0
- Other Requirement: Essays and recommendation letters which can highlight an applicant’s personal readiness for nursing school.
Learn More About the Best New Jersey Nursing Programs and Schools
The College of New Jersey
Ewing, NJ- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$13,239
- Out-of-state$25,217
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled7,783
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Stockton University
- Galloway, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,245
- Out-of-state$19,679
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled9,893
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- New Brunswick, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,230
- Out-of-state$29,012
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled50,411
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
Montclair State University
- Montclair, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,082
- Out-of-state$20,042
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled21,005
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
Rowan University
- Glassboro, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,573
- Out-of-state$18,605
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled19,678
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list was created prior to 2025.
Why Is New Jersey Nursing Program Accreditation Important?
Nursing school accreditation proves that a nursing program meets specific educational standards established by accrediting bodies, such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Accredited programs undergo rigorous evaluations to ensure graduates have a high chance of passing the NCLEX.
The large majority of nursing programs are accredited. Choosing an accredited nursing program in New Jersey increases the likelihood you will graduate and pass state boards. It also makes you eligible for financial aid and gives you the ability to transfer course credits to other accredited schools.
All New Jersey nursing programs in our rankings are accredited.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Programs in New Jersey
Becoming an RN in New Jersey can take as little as two years, but the journey can be longer depending on your educational goals and personal needs. If attending school full-time, you can earn an ADN in two years and a BSN in four.
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