Choosing an accelerated nursing program is a significant decision, especially when you consider both affordability and graduation rates. This blog post highlights some of the most affordable accelerated nursing programs in the United States with impressive graduation rates exceeding 80%. We'll delve into the details of each program and provide insight into their tuition costs.

1. University of Texas – Medical Branch - Galveston, Texas

Graduation Rate: 100%

Tuition: In-state: $5,374 per semester; Out-of-state: $15,414 per semester

 The University of Texas – Medical Branch offers an exceptional nursing program with a 100% graduation rate. The standard BSN track allows students to complete their degrees in four semesters, UTMB also offers an accelerated BSN program designed for individuals with non-nursing degrees that can be completed in about 15 months.

 Website: University of Texas – Medical Branch Nursing Program

2. University of Maryland - College Park, Maryland

Graduation Rate: 95%

Tuition: In-state: $12,028 per semester; Out-of-state: $27,662 per semester 

This nursing program prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare. UMD offers an accelerated BSN program for students who choose to complete their prerequisite courses at an accelerated rate. It also offers a traditional BSN program and other advanced nursing degrees.

Website: University of Maryland Nursing Program

3. University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Graduation Rate: 91%

Tuition: In-state: $8,980 per semester; Out-of-state: $36,159 per semester

The University of North Carolina’s nursing program is renowned for its commitment to research and community engagement. It offers an accelerated BSN program as well as a traditional BSN program. The accelerated program can be completed in about 15 months.

 Website: University of North Carolina Nursing Program

4. University of Virginia - Charlottesville, Virginia

Graduation Rate: 92%

Tuition: In-state: $6,994 per semester; Out-of-state: $18,778 per semester

 The University of Virginia has a nursing program known for its interdisciplinary approach and strong emphasis on leadership development. UVA offers an accelerated BSN program for individuals with non-nursing degrees, which can be completed in about 15 months. Students will have the opportunity to begin taking nursing classes in their first year in the program.

Website: University of Virginia Nursing Program

5. Texas Tech University – Health Sciences Center - Lubbock, Texas

Graduation Rate: 93%

Tuition: In-state: $15,616 per semester; Out-of-state: $28,716 per semester

Texas Tech's Health Sciences Center offers a nursing program focused on producing skilled healthcare professionals. Students must complete 60 credit hours of general education coursework to be admitted to the BSN program. They can complete this requirement in an accelerated time of a year and a half if they take 15 credits per semester.

Website: Texas Tech University – Health Sciences Center Nursing Program

6. University of Florida - Gainesville, Florida

Graduation Rate: 84%

Tuition: In-state: $3,190 per semester; Out-of-state: $9,944 per semester

This program prepares students for nursing careers that contribute to healthcare innovation. The program offers rigorous training and clinical experiences that shape well-rounded professionals.

Website: University of Florida Nursing Program

7. University of Washington - Seattle, Washington

Graduation Rate: 84%

Tuition: In-state: $11,465 per semester; Out-of-state: $38,166 per semester

The University of Washington offers the top accelerated nursing program in the Pacific Northwest. This program is very rigorous, requiring 151 credits of coursework and over 1,000 hours of clinical experience. Students can graduate at an accelerated rate by taking a heavier class load.

 Website: University of Washington Nursing Program

8. Rutgers University - New Brunswick, New Jersey

Graduation Rate: 84%

Tuition: In-state: $5,550 per semester; Out-of-state: $13,813 per semester

Rutgers University offers an accelerated nursing program that equips students with the skills needed for a successful nursing career. With a focus on evidence-based practice and clinical expertise, the program prepares individuals with non-nursing degrees to excel in the healthcare field. The accelerated program can be completed in about 15-18 months.

Website: Rutgers University Nursing Program 

9. Ohio State University - Columbus, Ohio

Graduation Rate: 83%

Tuition: In-state: $11,084 per semester; Out-of-state: $32,061 per semester

Ohio State University is one of the biggest public universities in the country, and it has a large nursing program. Its BSN program requires 121 credits of coursework. Students can complete the program at an accelerated rate by taking 15 credits per semester instead of 12.

Website: Ohio State University Nursing Program

10. San Diego State University - San Diego, California

Graduation Rate: 83%

Tuition: In-state: $7,510 per semester; Out-of-state: $19,390 per semester

San Diego State University's accelerated nursing program emphasizes cultural competence and prepares students to provide quality care in diverse healthcare settings. It offers a four-year BSN program that students can enter straight out of high school. Students can complete this program at an accelerated rate by taking a heavy course load in the first two years of the program.

Website: San Diego State University Nursing Program 

11. University of Wisconsin – Madison - Madison, Wisconsin

Graduation Rate: 85%

Tuition: In-state: $10,725 per semester; Out-of-state: $37,785 per semester

University of Wisconsin – Madison offers a well-rounded education with a focus on leadership and clinical excellence. UW-Madison offers an accelerated BSN program that can be completed in about 12-16 months. Traditional BSN and DNP programs are also available.

Website: University of Wisconsin – Madison Nursing Program]

12. Emory University - Atlanta, Georgia

Graduation Rate: 90%

Tuition: $53,804 per semester

Emory University offers a program that prepares students for nursing careers and makes a positive impact on patient care. Its nursing program has two BSN tracks: a traditional option and an accelerated track for students who have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and can be completed in about 12-16 months. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum and clinical experiences.

Website: Emory University Nursing Program

13. University of Delaware - Newark, Delaware

Graduation Rate: 81%

Tuition: In-state: $14,280 per semester; Out-of-state: $35,710 per semester

This nursing program focuses on experiential learning and hands-on clinical practice. Its BSN program offers the usual three tracks: traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN. The online RN-to-BSN can be completed in only 17 months.

Website: University of Delaware Nursing Program

14. University of Miami - Miami-Dade County, Florida

Graduation Rate: 81%

Tuition: $51,930 per semester

The University of Miami's nursing program provides students with a solid foundation in nursing theory and practice. It offers an accelerated BSN program that can be completed in about 12-16 months. The program emphasizes clinical skills and evidence-based care.

Website: University of Miami Nursing Program

15. Florida State University - Tallahassee, Florida

 Graduation Rate: 80%

Tuition: In-state: $5,656 per semester; Out-of-state: $18,786 per semester

Florida State University offers an accelerated nursing program known for its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences. This program is designed for individuals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees who want to transition into nursing. It also offers a traditional BSN program. The accelerated program can be completed in about 12-15 months.

Website: Florida State University Nursing Program

Dear future nurse, do you need help getting into nursing school, here is a very detailed guide that explains 7 Steps For Getting into Nursing School: A Comprehensive Guide To Launch Your Nursing Career

As you explore these schools' nursing programs, consider factors such as the duration of the accelerated program, available pathways for individuals with non-nursing degrees, the curriculum's focus, clinical opportunities, faculty expertise, and program outcomes.

It's important to choose a nursing program that aligns with your career goals and values, ensuring that you receive the education and training needed for a successful nursing career.