Best Nursing Schools in California
California employs more registered nurses than any other state and pays the highest average RN salaries in the nation ($124,000/year). With UCSF consistently ranked the #1 nursing school in the country, the state's programs are among the most competitive — and rewarding — in American nursing education.
Top California Nursing Schools by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
California's top programs consistently exceed 90% pass rates. UCSF offers MSN entry-level and is distinctly graduate-focused.
| UCSF | MSN | 97% |
| UCLA | BSN | 94% |
| UC Davis | BSN | 93% |
| UC Irvine | BSN | 92% |
| USC | BSN | 91% |
| San Diego State | BSN | 90% |
| Samuel Merritt University | BSN | 89% |
| Cal State Fullerton | BSN | 88% |
| Cal State Long Beach | BSN | 87% |
| Mt. San Antonio College | ADN | 86% |
California Nursing Markets
Different regions of California offer distinct clinical training environments and specialty focus areas. Your choice of program location can significantly shape your nursing career trajectory.
San Francisco Bay Area
Research & Academic Medicine
UCSF Medical Center, Stanford Health Care, and Kaiser Permanente anchor world-class clinical training.
Los Angeles
Trauma & Critical Care
Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, and LA County+USC provide high-acuity training in the nation's second-largest metro.
San Diego
Military & Biotech Nursing
Naval Medical Center and Scripps Health offer unique military nursing and biotech clinical pathways.
Sacramento
Public Health & Rural
UC Davis Medical Center serves a vast rural region, providing public health and underserved-community experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurses make in California?
California pays the highest average RN salary in the nation at approximately $124,000/year (BLS 2024). NPs average $158,000, and CRNAs can exceed $230,000. However, the high cost of living offsets some of this advantage.
How competitive are California nursing programs?
Very competitive. Top BSN programs like UCLA and UCSF accept 5–10% of applicants. Community college ADN programs often have multi-year waitlists due to limited clinical placement spots.
What is the nursing shortage like in California?
California projects a shortage of 44,000 RNs by 2030. Mandated nurse-to-patient ratios (the only state with this law) increase demand further, making California one of the best markets for new nursing graduates.
Is UCSF really the #1 nursing school?
Yes. UCSF has been ranked #1 for nursing by US News & World Report for over a decade. It offers MSN entry-level and DNP programs (not BSN), making it uniquely graduate-focused.
Ready to Compare California Nursing Programs?
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