Best Nursing Schools in California

The following guide is designed to provide you with essential information on the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs offered at California’s colleges and universities. The numerous programs available allow students to concentrate in a vast range of areas, including family nurse practitioner, health care administration, and pediatric nurse practitioner. Students who require a more flexible and convenient alternative to earning an undergraduate or graduate nursing degree may want to consider an online program.

Quick Facts

148 schools with nursing programs in California are in our database (see below).
87 colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees or certificates in nursing.¹
41 colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing.¹
38 colleges and universities offer master’s or advanced degrees in nursing.¹
5 schools ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.²
No schools ranked in the Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors in 2018.³
13 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s programs.⁴
3 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.⁴

Top-Ranked Schools with Nursing Programs in California

Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges 2018*

San Diego State University (#87 in-state, #56 out-of-state)
California State University-Long Beach (#70 in-state, #47 out-of-state)
University of California-Davis (#47 in-state, #84 out-of-state)
University of California-Irvine (#26 in-state, #42 out-of-state)
University of California-Los Angeles (#6 in-state, #12 out-of-state)

*Institution-wide ranking.

US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s

University of California-San Francisco (#11 tie)
University of California-Los Angeles (#20 tie)
University of San Diego (#30 tie)
University of California-Davis (#46 tie)
University of California-Irvine (#66 tie)
San Diego University (#78 tie)
University of San Francisco (#91 tie)
California State University-Los Angeles (#98 tie)
California State University-Long Beach (#167 tie)
San Jose State University (#182 tie)
Western University of Health Sciences (#190 tie)
Point Loma Nazarene University (#201 tie)
Azusa Pacific University (#210 tie)

US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice

University of San Diego (#44 tie)
University of San Francisco (#73 tie)
Brandman University (#97 tie)

NCLEX Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Nursing Schools in California

The following table allows you to easily compare not-for-profit California nursing schools on a variety of factors. Click on the arrows in the top row to sort the table. In addition to seeking a program that leads to licensure in your desired area of nursing, it’s advisable to consider accreditation as a factor in your decision. If you are considering education beyond the associate’s level, know that a degree from a school that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a common requirement for admission to master’s degree, ADN/LVN and RN to BSN, and specialized certificate programs. You should also check to ensure that the school you are considering is approved or accepted by the California Board of Nursing.

School	ADN or LVN Program	BSN Program	Graduate Nursing Program	ACEN/CCNE Accred.*	NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rate**	# Taking	NCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rate^	# Taking	Net Price^^
Allan Hancock College	Yes	No	No	No	97%	33	80%	36	$6,192
American River College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	94%	67	$7,838
Antelope Valley College	Yes	No	No	No	62%	13	82%	99	$6,019
Azusa Pacific University	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	84%	276	$31,587
Bakersfield College	Yes	No	No	No	100%	35	91%	125	$4,953
Bethesda University of California	Yes	No	No	No	35%	26	N/A	N/A	N/A
Biola University	No	Yes	No	CCNE	N/A	N/A	77%	44	$32,087
Blake Austin College	Yes	No	No	No	83%	60	N/A	N/A	$38,370
Brandman University	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	$13,830
Butte College	Yes	No	No	No	88%	17	81%	83	$5,929
Cabrillo College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	69%	49	$9,635
California Baptist University	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	83%	130	$25,752
California State University-Bakersfield	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	83%	49	$5,690
California State University-Channel Islands	No	Yes	No	CCNE	N/A	N/A	93%	47	$12,423
California State University-Chico	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	95%	69	$11,781
California State University-Dominguez Hills	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	69%	23	$1,640
California State University-East Bay	No	Yes	No	CCNE	N/A	N/A	84%	127	$8,723
California State University-Fresno	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	77%	100	$5,599
California State University-Fullerton	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	88%	49	$5,542
California State University-Long Beach	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	95%	116	$7,672
California State University-Los Angeles	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	95%	64	$2,735
California State University-Northridge	No	Yes	No	CCNE	N/A	N/A	89%	55	$7,654
California State University-Sacramento	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	97%	112	$7,446
California State University-San Bernardino	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	78%	127	$5,993
California State University-San Marcos	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	97%	170	$7,725
California State University-Stanislaus	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	96%	81	$6,340
Casa Loma College-Anaheim	Yes	No	No	No	52%	89	N/A	N/A	$30,771
Casa Loma College-Van Nuys	Yes	No	No	No	66%	73	N/A	N/A	$30,771
Cerritos College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	87%	70	$8,234
Cerro Coso College	Yes	No	No	No	77%	13	N/A	N/A	$15,144
Chabot College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	100%	38	$7,410
Chaffey College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	67%	46	85%	65	$9,589
Charles Drew University	No	No	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	55%	87	$19,338
Citrus College	Yes	No	No	No	85%	40	89%	28	$4,333
City College of San Francisco	Yes	No	No	No	65%	62	88%	100	$4,865
College of Marin	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	97%	38	$9,020
College of San Mateo	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	84%	50	$4,639
College of the Canyons	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	85%	121	$6,846
College of the Desert	Yes	No	No	No	62%	29	91%	53	$8,683
College of the Redwoods-Del Norte	Yes	No	No	No	100%	1	83%	48	$6,163
College of the Redwoods-Eureka	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	83%	48	$6,163
College of the Sequoias	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	90%	96	$1,424
College of the Siskiyous	Yes	No	No	No	100%	21	98%	42	$8,095
Concordia University-Irvine	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	94%	70	$25,694
Contra Costa College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	76%	33	$11,123
Copper Mountain Community College	Yes	No	No	No	91%	11	82%	22	$10,299
Cuesta College	Yes	No	No	No	96%	28	100%	30	$11,738
Cypress College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	86%	66	$6,993
De Anza College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	91%	55	$5,615
Dominican University of California	No	Yes	No	CCNE	N/A	N/A	62%	103	$34,384
East Los Angeles College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	62%	120	$8,600
El Camino College-Torrance	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	89%	71	$9,936
El Camino College-Compton	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	59%	54	$7,548
Eastern Sierra College Center	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	$16,843
Evergreen Valley College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	94%	53	$11,444
Feather River College-Fall River Mills	Yes	No	No	No	100%	1	N/A	N/A	$19,362
Feather River College-Quincy	Yes	No	No	No	88%	8	N/A	N/A	$19,362
Fresno City College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	67%	367	$5,374
Fresno Pacific University	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	$16,325
Gavilan Community College	Yes	No	No	No	94%	17	69%	26	$7,279
Glendale Community College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	90%	72	$4,188
Golden West College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	91%	85	$9,752
Grossmont College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	95%	61	$3,041
Hartnell Community College	Yes	No	No	No	86%	14	92%	25	$10,206
Holy Names University	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	42%	33	$26,502
Imperial Valley Community College	Yes	No	No	No	100%	1	N/A	N/A	$3,503
Lassen Community College	Yes	No	No	No	78%	9	89%	44	$15,536
Loma Linda University	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	86%	154	$50,109
Long Beach City College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	75%	52	90%	83	$5,668
Los Angeles City College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	81%	72	$6,752
Los Angeles Harbor College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	97%	64	$9,523
Los Angeles Pierce College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	85%	40	$8,568
Los Angeles Southwest College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	70%	30	$7,156
Los Angeles Trade-Tech College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	76%	25	$6,315
Los Angeles Valley College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	95%	80	$8,471
Los Medanos Community College	Yes	No	No	No	82%	22	82%	33	$9,691
Mendocino College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	100%	15	$9,194
Merced Community College	Yes	No	No	No	92%	37	87%	55	$9,870
Merritt College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	100%	15	$11,041
Mira Costa Community College	Yes	No	No	No	100%	17	100%	44	$7,294
Mission Community College	Yes	No	No	No	95%	61	76%	37	$9,725
Modesto Junior College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	89%	97	$8,851
Monterey Peninsula College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	93%	30	$9,075
Moorpark College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	90%	61	$4,379
Mount St. Mary’s University (ADN)	Yes	Yes	No	CCNE	N/A	N/A	71%	78	$27,334
Mount St. Mary’s University (BSN)	Yes	Yes	No	CCNE	N/A	N/A	86%	105	$27,334
Mt. San Antonio College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	86%	105	$4,294
Mt. San Jacinto Community College	Yes	No	No	No	100%	1	95%	43	$6,923
Napa Valley Community College	Yes	No	No	No	60%	5	73%	33	$11,318
National University	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	94%	235	$22,058
Ohlone College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	89%	28	$12,083
Oikos University	Yes	No	No	No	67%	6	N/A	N/A	N/A
Pacific Union College	Yes	Yes	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	83%	78	$22,738
Palomar College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	88%	33	$5,110
Palo Verde Community College	Yes	No	No	No	33%	18	N/A	N/A	$10,519
Pasadena City College	Yes	No	No	No	63%	24	80%	138	$6,652
Point Loma Nazarene University	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	91%	45	$30,171
Porterville Community College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	67%	9	$3,345
Rio Hondo Community College	Yes	No	No	No	96%	24	91%	77	$5,740
Riverside Community College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	100%	50	92%	160	$7,375
Sacramento City College	Yes	No	No	No	86%	28	94%	69	$7,659
Saddleback College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	94%	100	$11,278
Samuel Merritt University	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	86%	378	$44,166
San Bernardino Valley College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	79%	58	$7,655
San Diego City College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	88%	56	$6,531
San Diego State University	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	93%	151	$10,085
San Francisco State University	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	87%	109	$9,356
San Joaquin Delta College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	0%	1	79%	97	$9,947
San Jose State University	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	81%	104	$10,729
Santa Ana College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	84%	88	$6,024
Santa Barbara City College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	97%	33	93%	68	$10,718
Santa Monica College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	100%	54	$7,435
Santa Rosa Junior College	Yes	No	No	No	100%	1	89%	124	$8,297
Shasta Community College	Yes	No	No	No	50%	2	85%	53	$5,746
Shepherd University	Yes	Yes	Yes	CCNE	29%	17	30%	64	N/A
Sierra College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	100%	11	$8,759
Simpson University	No	Yes	No	CCNE	N/A	N/A	100%	32	$18,275
Solano Community College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	64%	42	$8,405
Sonoma State University	No	Yes	Yes	ACEN	N/A	N/A	83%	12	$12,914
Southwestern College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	59%	22	91%	57	$5,931
State Center Community College District-Madera Center	Yes	No	No	No	33%	3	N/A	N/A	N/A
University of California-Davis	No	No	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	$16,231
University of California-Irvine	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	80%	49	$12,072
University of California-Los Angeles	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	75%	51	$12,510
University of California-San Francisco	No	No	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	90%	52	$51,466
University of San Diego	No	No	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	91%	34	$32,482
University of San Francisco	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	85%	168	$32,867
Vanguard University of Southern California	No	Yes	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	$24,229
Ventura College	Yes	No	No	ACEN	N/A	N/A	90%	88	$4,431
Victor Valley College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	98%	63	$8,502
Western Governors University	No	Yes	Yes	No	N/A	N/A	67%	42	$11,475
Western University of Health Sciences	No	No	Yes	CCNE	N/A	N/A	86%	58	$22,930
West Hills College-Lemoore	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	95%	41	$8,048
Yuba Community College	Yes	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	82%	56	$6,175

*The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits ADN/ASN/BSN programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits BSN/MSN/DNP programs.^5,6
**NCLEX-PN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between August 1 2014-May 30 2014.⁷ You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^NCLEX-RN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between July 1 2014-June 30 2015.⁸ You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^^The National Center for Education Statistics calculates net price from the total estimated cost of attendance, including includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses, for in-state students minus the average financial aid award (such as grants and scholarships).

Schools in California with Nursing Degrees

Associate’s in Nursing Programs

Cerritos College
Cerritos College offers an Associate in Arts in Nursing program on its campus in Norwalk, California. Program graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and become licensed registered nurses. Current Licensed Registered Nurses (LVNs) and Licensed Psychiatric Technicians (LPTs) may be eligible for advanced standing in the program, which reduces the total time required to complete the associate’s degree program. Current LVNs may also complete the school’s LVN+30 non-degree program to become eligible for registered nurse licensure. To be eligible for admission to the program, candidates must achieve satisfactory scores on placement tests in mathematics, English, and reading as well as a grade of at least “C” in prerequisite courses. Candidates must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA for all college coursework taken. The ADN program at Cerritos College holds approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing and accreditation from the Accreditation Commission For Education In Nursing (ACEN).

Santa Monica College
Santa Monica College awards the Associate in Science – Nursing Major degree to students who successfully complete its four-semester associate nursing program. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam in California and become licensed registered nurses. An LVN to ADN option that awards eligible students with advanced standing in the degree program is also offered. Admission to the program is based on a screening process that utilizes points for academic achievement, professional and life experience, and other criteria. Admission decisions are made each semester and candidates who are not accepted on initial application are encouraged to re-apply during the following admissions period. The associate degree nursing program at Santa Monica College holds approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing and accreditation from the Accreditation Commission For Education In Nursing (ACEN).

Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs

California State University-Sacramento
California State University-Sacramento, more familiarly known as Sacramento State, offers a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that includes two years of intensive clinical training for aspiring nurses. Flexible scheduling allows working students to complete their degrees while accommodating other commitments. Program graduates are professionally prepared to pass the California licensing exams and enter the workforce with theoretical as well as practical nursing knowledge and are also prepared to pursue graduate study. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In addition to the BSN program, Sacramento state offers RN to BSN, LVN to RN, and Master of Science in Nursing degree programs.

University of California at Irvine
The University of California at Irvine features a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing Science program designed to prepare graduates to become registered nurses. Undergraduates complete four years program requirements, with the first two years dedicated to core university courses and the final two years focused on the nursing program. Nursing majors will gain hands-on experience through required work placements at clinical locations. The nursing program is competitive, accepting only 50 students each year due to limited clinical opportunities. Applicants who are not initially accepted to the program may reapply the following year as the school does not maintain a waiting list.

University of San Francisco
Nursing majors at the University of San Francisco must successfully complete a four-year, 128 credit program to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Graduates of the program will have met the necessary requirements to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) and to earn a California Public Health Nursing Certificate. In addition to general college and major requirements, nursing majors must also complete clinical labs covering such areas as community and mental health nursing and applied assessments in health and wellness. Students are encouraged to become involved on campus by joining the Nursing Students Association, the Male Student Nurses Society, and the Nursing Student Multicultural Interest Group.

Master’s in Nursing Programs

University of California-San Francisco
The University of California-San Francisco School of Nursing provides a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that prepares graduates to assume various roles in advanced practice nursing. The program’s multidisciplinary approach to theoretical and practical nursing study allows students to contribute to the advancement of nursing theory and understand and deploy practical and theoretical applications in nursing practice. MS students may pursue a minor in such areas as health policy and HIV/AIDS. The program requires between 30 and 36 credits with a mandatory clinical experience and either a comprehensive exam or a thesis. Students may choose from over 10 nursing specialties and 6 minor areas of study to fit individual career goals and interests. Though the MSN program is developed for nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and work experience, UCSF offers two bridge programs for students interested in pursuing an advanced degree: the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) and the ADN-to-Master’s Pathway Program. The MEPN spans three years and is for those students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing and have no training or experience in the field. Graduates of the program earn expert status in their particular area of specialization. The program combines weekly courses and clinical work with students taking courses and doing clinical work in all quarters of the year, including the summer session. The ADN-to-Master’s Pathway program caters to registered nurses who possess only an associate’s degree. Students first earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing by taking courses at Golden Gate University or John F. Kennedy University, which takes up to two years to complete. Upon finishing the bachelor’s degree requirements, students begin the MS in Nursing Program at the University of California at San Francisco. Graduates of any of these programs may be interested in pursuing UCSF’s PhD in Nursing, which prepares graduates to work as scientists in nursing research and development. The graduate nursing programs at UCSF are regularly ranked among the best in the nation by US News & World Report.

California State University at Long Beach
California State University at Long Beach confers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with five specialty degree programs, such as adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, pediatric primary care nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, and nursing and health systems executive management. Each specialty requires graduate students to complete core courses and clinical specialty courses. The culminating degree experience consists of a directed nursing project, a thesis, or a professional literature project. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing will be considered, although the program prefers to admit applicants who hold a BSN.

Samuel Merritt University
Graduate students at Samuel Merritt University may pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in one of three areas: case management, certified nurse anesthetist, or family nurse practitioner. Full-time graduate students concentrating in case management generally fulfill degree requirements in five semesters or two full years. The certified nurse anesthetist concentration requires 60 credits over seven semesters, including the summer. Courses cover such areas pharmacology, analysis of health policy issues, and professional aspects of practice. The family nurse practitioner concentration consists of 49 credits with students completing approximately 630 hours of clinical experience to fulfill degree requirements.

Student Reviews

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

California State University, Chico
400 W 1st St
Chico, CA 95929
(530) 898-4636
https://www.csuchico.edu/

Student Review: I am quite disappointed in the nursing program at California State University, Chico. As a second degree student I opted for a campus-based program under the assumption that I would be provided with adequate classroom instruction; I was wrong. Had I known the primary pathophysiology instructor refused to lecture, I would have pursued an online program such as WGU’s instead. Most members of my graduating class gave this particular instructor scathing reviews yet our concerns were never addressed. CSU Chico uses ATI for NCLEX preparation–after our first pathophysiology class during our 2nd semester we took an ATI exam that showed our class to have a 75% predicted pass rate, a far cry from previous classes (who were taught in a traditional lecture manner). Despite the evidence, we faced this instructor a second time during our 4th semester for advanced pathophysiology–after our first exam, the majority of the class earned grades between Cs and Fs. As Chico’s program admission is relatively competitive, this was a class full of over-achieving students. We were not failures; the nursing school failed us by dismissing our concerns. However, we did have a number of instructors who were great, particularly those who taught maternal/child and psychiatric nursing. Several of the clinical instructors were also very good.” – Student at California State University, Chico

Mission College-Santa Clara
3000 Mission College Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 988-2200
https://missioncollege.edu/

Student Review: I was initially admitted into [Mission College-Santa Clara] as an international student. I was one of the few blacks on campus and I can boldly say I have never been discriminated against by any professor. Despite being a community college, there are standard facilities that made things go smoothly for students on campus. I would stay in the library til 6pm as the place is so conducive. The instructors are so effective that you’ll fall in love with all of them. I met people of various backgrounds and I can boldly say I became a better person with Mission college. I took some classes that were so difficult I thought I was going to give up, but once I talked to the professors during office hours, every problem will get solved at least to an extent and new hope would be renewed. I would recommend Mission college a million times to anyone who bothers to listen.” – Student at Mission College- Santa Clara

Mt. San Jacinto College
1499 N State St
San Jacinto, CA 92583
(951) 487-6752
https://www.msjc.edu/

Student Review: Mount San Jacinto College has a wonderful nursing program. The professors are what make the program here; there are some amazing teachers. They give you enough knowledge and critical thinking skills to succeed, especially compared with other nursing schools in the area. There is a new administration in place which is very positive and pro-student. There is lots of help when needed, most especially through the peer mentoring/peer tutoring program. It really feels like a community where they want you to succeed. I especially liked the online portal interface, Blackboard, to see my grades and download lectures. They also have a state-of-the-art simulation lab. My only recommendation for improvement would be to lower equipment costs.” – Student at Mount San Jacinto College

San Joaquin Delta College
5151 Pacific Ave
Stockton, CA 95207
(209) 954-5151
https://www.deltacollege.edu

Student Review: I am currently enrolled in San Joaquin Delta College’s nursing program and I just can not believe the greatness of the program. A lot of people think community colleges are not good schools, but I’m spending close to nothing at SJDC while people at UOP, which is right down the street, are spending thousands for the exact same education. It’s crazy. Anyways, I feel SJDC is really helping me put my foot in the door into the world of healthcare. My favorite part of the program would have to be the clinicals. Sure, I learn some things sitting in the classroom, but I’m a hands on learner. I feel I learn twenty times as much in one day of clinicals than I do in a week of theory days. The only thing I would improve about the nursing program is make it easier to get into, but I guess it’s hard to get into any nursing program.” – Student at San Joaquin Delta College

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/index.php#Tile
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2018 Edition. New York, Penguin Random House, 2018.
4. US News Top Graduate Nursing Schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
5. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
6. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp
7. California Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians: https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/
8. California Board of Registered Nursing: https://www.rn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml

California Nursing Programs and Degrees Guide