Nursing is an in-demand profession, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for qualified nursing professionals. To help you choose the right nursing school for you, we’ve put together a list of the cheapest nursing schools in California.
We’ve got you covered, from small private colleges to large public universities. So whether you’re looking to study nursing in Los Angeles, San Diego, or anywhere else in the state, check out our list of the cheapest nursing schools in California.
What are the low-cost nursing schools in California? The cheapest nursing schools in California include CSU Stanislaus, Cerritos College, Long Beach City College, CUS Fresno, and many more. They provide you with top–quality nursing education that will set you up for success in your career.
How to Choose the Best Affordable Nursing Schools in California?
Nursing is highly demanding and prestigious, and knowing that you are choosing the right nursing school can make all the difference in your success as a nurse. So, what should you look for when selecting the best nursing school for you?
Tuition rates are an essential factor but don’t forget about location. Make sure the nursing school you choose is situated in a city or region with high demand for nurses. Then, you will have plenty of opportunities to find employment after graduation.
In addition to tuition costs and job prospects, be sure to ask about how much clinical experience the program offers students before enrolling. This will give you a better idea of how hands-on the learning process will be. Last but not least, consider whether or not the school has a strong track record of graduating its students into successful careers as nurses.
What is the Cost of Nursing School?
Nursing school can be expensive, but there are several ways to offset the costs. In-state tuition at California’s public universities is relatively inexpensive, at just over $9,000 per year for residents.
Out-of-state students will likely face higher costs, but the best schools offer significant financial assistance packages. Additionally, many nursing programs have affiliated hospitals that provide scholarships and other benefits.
Finally, many nurses gain valuable experience during their undergraduate years by participating in clinical rotations at local hospitals. The total cost of nursing school can range from $30,000 to more than $60,000 annually, but the investment is well worth it if you are interested in pursuing a career as a registered nurse.
The 14 Cheapest Nursing Schools in California
Suppose you’re looking to become an RN in California. In that case, there are some excellent choices of schools that offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) or an Associate Degree program in Nursing.
However, finding the cheapest nursing schools in California can be a challenge. To help with your search, here are 14 of the most affordable nursing schools in California.
1. California State University – Stanislaus
CSU Stanislaus is one of the cheapest nursing schools in California. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, which costs $7,418 annually.
CSU Stanislaus is one of the most affordable colleges in Northern California.
The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 and an acceptance rate of 89 percent. The school is a mid-size institution and enrolls about 8,309 undergraduate students. The faculty is experienced and make learning enjoyable.
2. California State University – Fresno
California State University – Fresno, commonly known as CSUF or Fresno State, is a public university in Fresno. Founded in 1911 as the region’s first college of its kind, CSUF has been educating students for more than 100 years.
The campus sits on 600 acres with more than 50 buildings. CSUF offers 90 bachelor’s and 30 graduate degrees and various professional certificates and credential programs.
Applicants interested in attending the nursing program at CSU-Fresno should be aware that they are one of four campuses offering baccalaureate degrees in nursing. Students can also participate in classes on campus through an interactive video network, LiveUSC.
For in-state students, the cost of attending CSUF is around $6,906 per year. It is among the cheapest nursing schools in California. The California State University – Fresno’s student-to-faculty ratio is 20: 1, and the acceptance rate of this school is 90%.
3. Santa Monica College
Santa Monica College is a public 2-year Nursing college in Santa Monica. This school offers an Associate degree in nursing, certified by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing.
The tuition for this program is $3,872 per year. The total cost, including fees and books, is $6,625 per year. Graduates of Santa Monica College’s nursing program obtain an Associate in Science degree and are qualified to sit for the NCLEX to become Registered Nurses.
Transferring to BSN programs is advised for students. A student must have a current CA LVN license and one year of recent experience providing direct patient care to enroll in the LVN to ADN Career Ladder Program.
Santa Monica College is one of the many best cheapest nursing schools in California.
4. Long Beach City College
Long Beach City College is a community college located in the heart of Long Beach, CA. The school has a variety of programs to choose from, but its nursing program is one of the best.
Long Beach offers an Associate Degree in nursing and charges $6,583 per semester. Long Beach City has an acceptance rate of 100% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1. Long Beach offers LVN to RN, Registered Nursing (RN), and Vocational Nursing (VN).
If you are looking for a low-cost nursing school in California to pursue your dream career as a nurse, this may be the right place for you.
5. Cerritos College
Cerritos College is one of the cheapest nursing schools in California, with tuition costing $4,514 per semester. Located in Norwalk, this two-year college offers a variety of nursing programs. The two-year Associate Degree program covers various topics, including Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Anatomy. Students can earn their Associate’s degree in just two years by taking an average of 15 units per semester.
6. California State University – Dominguez Hills
CSUDH offers a two-year Associate degree program in nursing for students with a high school diploma or GED. The Commission accredits the program on Collegiate Nursing Education, and graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination, which is required for licensure as a registered nurse in California and other states.
CSUDH is one of the cheapest nursing schools in California, costing less than $4,683 per year for tuition and fees. California State University – Dominguez Hills acceptance rate is 81%, and the student-faculty ratio is 23:1.
- California State University – Los Angeles
- Pasadena City College
- Palomar College
- Bakersfield College
- Sierra College
- De Anza College
- Mt. San Antonio College
- California State University – Bakersfield
Cal State with Nursing Programs
Many Cal state universities have top-notch nursing programs at a much lower tuition cost. Therefore, if you want to attend Cal State University, these schools are some of the best and among the cheapest nursing schools in California.
- California State University – Stanislaus
- California State University – Los Angeles
- California State University – Dominguez Hills
- California State University – Bakersfield
- California State University – Fresno
Private Nursing Schools in California
Studying to be a Nurse is an excellent investment and worth it. Here are some of the top private nursing schools in California.
- Stanbridge University – Orange County
- Azusa Pacific University
- West Coast University – Ontario
- West Coast University – Los Angeles
- Point Loma Nazarene University
- Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles
- Biola University
Advantages of Being a Nurse?
Studying to be a Nurse is an excellent investment for your future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $87,220 in May 2016. The highest-paying States were Maryland at $105,390 and Hawaii at $103,180.
Within California, the highest paying counties were Los Angeles County at $106,020 and Ventura County at $102,590. To make a good living as a nurse, you should look into the best nursing schools in California.
When choosing a nursing school, it is crucial to consider cost, location, curriculum, and accreditation factors.
Some of California’s most affordable nursing schools are Westwood College (Los Angeles), with annual tuition of $14,000, and Palomar College (San Diego), with a yearly tuition of $7,600. Both colleges have accredited programs and are located near major metropolitan areas.
What are the Benefits of Attending a Nursing School in California?
Nursing schools in California offer students many benefits, including affordable tuition and generous financial aid packages. Additionally, many nursing programs in California provide valuable clinical experiences that can help graduates land nursing jobs. Finally, many nursing schools in California have strong online programs that make it easy for students to get an education no matter where they are.
What Are the Best Nursing Schools in California?
There are many nursing schools in California, each offering a different degree program and combination of coursework. Some of the best nursing schools in California include:
· Stanbridge University – Orange County
· Azusa Pacific University
· West Coast University – Ontario
· West Coast University – Los Angeles
· Point Loma Nazarene University
· University of California – Los Angeles
· University of San Francisco
Nursing school tuition can be expensive, but several scholarships can offset some of the costs. In addition to scholarships, many nursing programs offer financial aid packages to help students cover most of their tuition costs.
Conclusion on the Cheapest Nursing Schools in California
In conclusion, the cheapest nursing schools in California are CSU Stanislaus, Cerritos College, Long Beach City College, CUS Fresno, and many more. All of these schools provide quality education at a low cost.
There is a wide variety of disciplines that each school offers. So whether you want to become a Nurse Practitioner or an Associate Professor, there is a school for you!
The best part about these schools is that they all have low tuition rates for out-of-state students. There’s no better way to get your education than going to one of these colleges!
