New Jersey’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
As the nursing shortage continues, now is the right time to enter nursing. New Jersey is a great place to consider starting your nursing career. New Jersey has a projected registered nurse (RN) growth rate of 9% between 2020-2030, just above the national RN growth rate of 6% between 2021-2031. With 5,240 RN job openings annually in New Jersey, there are plenty of job opportunities to choose from.
The Wallethub ranked New Jersey the fifth happiest state in the US in 2022. The quality of life in New Jersey is high due to its low crime rate and excellent job market. It is home to 17 Fortune 500 Companies with many tech, healthcare, finance, and business job opportunities. This makes living there less stressful and more enjoyable for its residents.
Nicknamed the Garden State, New Jersey has beautiful landscapes full of plenty of outdoor activities. It offers plenty of hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, and surfing opportunities. New Jersey allows you to enjoy all the outdoors while being close to major US cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Being only one to two hours from these major hubs makes it easy to do a day trip.
US News ranks New Jersey eighth in healthcare and the 19th best state overall. The state is a leader in pharmaceutical and biotechnical industries, with Johnson & Johnson and Merck having headquarters there. Being home to world-class universities makes New Jersey a great place to get your RN degree and begin your nursing career.
The Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey
Learn more about the best nursing schools in New Jersey to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in New Jersey based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the New Jersey Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 New Jersey ADN Nursing Program
Mercer County Community College
Mercer County Community College is a public community college in West Windsor, New Jersey. They offer an ADN program that prepares students for a career in nursing through their rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue entry-level RN positions in various healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,000
Out-of-State: $8,328
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,000 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,328 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
97.3% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020 |
45% |
| Job Placement 2020 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
6,342 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
59% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 New Jersey ADN Nursing Program
Raritan Valley Community College
Raritan Valley Community College is a public community college in Branchburg, New Jersey. They offer an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing (AASN), with a curriculum design that includes nursing courses, general education courses, and clinical experiences that prepare students for a healthcare career. Students are given hands-on learning experiences by practicing nursing interventions in their skills and simulation labs and providing clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. Upon graduation, students are prepared for positions as entry-level RNs.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,912
Out-of-State: $6,912
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,912 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,912 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
93.06% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
89.98% |
| Job Placement |
90% |
| Students Enrolled |
16,688 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 New Jersey ADN Nursing Program
Rowan College of South Jersey
Rowan College of South Jersey is a public community college in Gloucester, New Jersey. They offer an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) degree that combines general education with nursing courses to prepare students for entry-level nursing practice. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities through skills, simulation labs, and clinical rotations at various healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,640
Out-of-State: $5,640
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,640 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$5,640 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
92.31% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
5,441 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 New Jersey BSN Nursing Program
Saint Peters University
Saint Peters University is a private university in Jersey City, New Jersey. They offer a generic or basic BSN program, an upper division RN to BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, and an online RN to BSN program. Their accelerated BSN program achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate upon their first attempt in 2022. This program has a curriculum designed to prepare future nurses with the knowledge and skills needed for competent, ethical, and empathetic practice that can be completed in 15 months. Its program develops graduates to promote, maintain, or restore health for all they care for across the lifespan. Students must already have a bachelor’s degree to apply to this program.
Average Tuition
In-State: $38,790
Out-of-State: $38,790
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$38,790 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$38,790 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2021 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
93% |
| Retention Rate |
77% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,009 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
55% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 New Jersey BSN Nursing Program
Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2022. This college is located in Freehold and Nutley, New Jersey. This is a 14-month, 62-credit program for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. The program prepares students to practice nursing in various healthcare settings. Students learn how to provide evidence-based care using critical thinking and clinical decision-making.
Average Tuition
In-State: $46,880
Out-of-State: $46,880
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$46,880 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$46,880 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2020-2021 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
75% |
| Retention Rate |
84% |
| Students Enrolled |
6,063 |
| Institution Type |
Private Roman Catholic University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
36.8% |
| Accreditation |
Yes- by the CCNE |
#3 New Jersey BSN Nursing Program
The College of New Jersey
The College of New Jersey is a public university in Ewing, New Jersey. They offer a BSN program committed to educating nurses with the clinical and critical thinking skills demanded of professional leaders. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities in the college’s on-campus nursing labs, where students participate in nursing simulations and practice their nursing skills. In addition, the college’s wide-ranging partnerships provide clinical experiences to support varied education and career goals.
Average Tuition
In-State: $17,287
Out-of-State: $29,594
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$17,287 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$29,594 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
96.55% |
| Admission Rate |
62% |
| Retention Rate |
62% |
| Students Enrolled |
7,598 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes- by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in New Jersey
When choosing a nursing program in New Jersey you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 20 ADN and 20 BSN programs in New Jersey are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in New Jersey
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in nursing employment nationwide, and New Jersey estimates a nursing growth of 9% from 2020-2030. This means there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
US News ranks New Jersey as the 19th best state overall, ranking eighth in healthcare. The state is ranked 13th for healthcare access, 20th for healthcare quality, and third for public health. Residents and visitors of New Jersey can receive high-quality care when needed so they can remain healthy.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in New Jersey earn an average annual salary of $96,670, which is above the national average.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in New Jersey
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in New Jersey is $97,670, and it employs 78,340 nurses. New Jersey also employs 6,640 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $143,240.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many of these job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in New Jersey for RNs |
| Trenton, NJ |
$91,570 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ $88,520 |
$88,520 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ |
$88,330 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in New Jersey
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in New Jersey, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in New Jersey:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first New Jersey RN license, you must renew it every two years before May 31st. New Jersey RNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education before license renewal.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in New Jersey:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in New Jersey. ·RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program. ·RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- New Jersey APRN licenses must be renewed every two years before May 31st. APRNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education before license renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in New Jersey
Is New Jersey a good place for nurses to work?
New Jersey is a great place to work and is ranked eighth for overall healthcare. The state is a leader in pharmaceutical and biotechnical industries, with Johnson & Johnson and Merck having headquarters there. Additionally, RNs in New Jersey make above the national average.
Is New Jersey a compact state for nursing?
Yes. New Jersey is a compact state for nursing. This means that RNs issued by your primary state of residence will be recognized in New Jersey and vice versa.
What are the requirements for RNs in New Jersey?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the
NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have been issued your New Jersey RN license, you must renew it every two years before May 31st. Before license renewal, you must complete 30 continuing education hours.
How much does a New Jersey RN license cost?
It costs $200 to take the NCLEX-RN in New Jersey. Licensing by endorsement has a $120 licensing fee, a $75 non-refundable application fee, and a $5.00 mandatory non-refundable alternative to discipline fee. Renewing your New Jersey RN license costs $120.
