Nurses know that they have to attend the right schools to get the best quality education they can, especially if they have long-term career plans.

Florida is home to some of the top nursing programs in the nation, as well as various high-paying and secure career opportunities. 

1. University of Florida

Annual In-State Tuition: $6,381 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

Traditional: Yes

Online: Yes

Accelerated: Yes

Bridge: Yes

Students eligible for in-state tuition would have a hard time not including the University of Florida on their list of schools. Florida has a well-respected BSN program, as well as a DNP and Ph.D. program. Student’s can’t earn their MSN at Florida, but they do have a BSN to DNP program – something to note for students looking to get a doctoral degree. On top of the high-quality education, you’ll get to enjoy the vibrant student life in Gainesville!

2. Jacksonville University

Annual Tuition: $33,930| NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

Traditional: Yes

Online: Yes

Accelerated: Yes

Bridge: No

Often considered one of the best universities in the South, Jacksonville University offers everything a student should expect from a private school. The cost might be a little high, but nursing students have plenty of options at Jacksonville University. Aside from their traditional BSN program, Jacksonville has an online RN to BSN degree option. Also, on-campus students can enroll in their RN to MSN program, skipping straight to a graduate degree – an excellent option for current registered nurses (RNs).

3. University of Miami

Annual Tuition: $47,004 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.51%

Traditional: Yes

Online: Yes

Accelerated: Yes

Bridge: Yes

Another private school with an excellent reputation, the University of Miami may be more expensive than other options, but for good reason. With BSN, MSN and DNP programs available (as well as plenty of specializations), most nursing students will be able to find a program for them at the University of Miami. Each program also prepares students to pass any exams after graduation, with the majority of BSN students passing the NCLEX on their first try.

4. Florida State University

Annual In-State Tuition: $6,507 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 94.59%

Traditional: Yes

Online: Yes

Accelerated: Yes

Bridge: No

It’s tough to beat the low tuition costs of public Florida schools! Aside from the low in-state tuition, two of the highlights at Florida State University are the accelerated BSN and MSN Nurse Leadership programs. The accelerated BSN is full-time and year-round, but degrees are completed faster, and it shows dedication to employers. The MSN Nurse Leadership program is nationally ranked and prepares nursing students to become leaders in the workplace. For students interested in starting their career ASAP, FSU is worth taking a look at.

5. University of South Florida

Annual In-State Tuition: $6,410| NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.92%

Traditional: Yes

Online: No

Accelerated: Yes

Bridge: Yes

Based in Tampa, the University of Florida is perfect for students looking to study in a busy urban area. USF is also a good choice for nursing students that want to be prepared for work right after graduation. Over 90% of nursing degree graduates at all levels are employed at graduation, and nurses typically begin their careers with above-average salaries. USF is also the top school in Florida for research funding, something graduate-level nurses might be interested in.

6. Nova Southeastern University

Annual Tuition: $28,736 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.24%

Traditional: Yes

Online: Yes

Accelerated: No

Bridge: Yes

For a private, not-for-profit school, Nova Southeastern University has an incredibly low tuition rate – and it helps that most students receive some form of financial aid. The entry BS in Nursing is the highlight of Nova Southeastern University’s nursing school. This program can be completed in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, or Miami, so the choice is yours! Nova prepares nurses for their professional careers, and they have plenty of graduate-level options to choose from, too.