Top 10 Community Colleges With Nursing Programs 2026

Affordable community colleges that offer nursing degrees give you an accessible way to begin a career in health care. These schools provide training for entry-level nursing roles, including licensed practical nurse (LPN) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, while also offering transfer opportunities into Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees at four-year universities. 

With lower tuition and supportive faculty, community colleges make nursing education more affordable without sacrificing quality. Below, you’ll find a list of top programs that focus on value and strong preparation for nursing careers.

Do Community Colleges Offer Nursing?

Yes, many community colleges have nursing programs. Most community colleges with nursing programs give students affordable and accessible ways to enter the nursing profession. Options often include LVN/LPN certificates, ADN, and transfer pathways that lead to a BSN at a four-year university. 

These schools’ campuses are typically right in local communities, making them easy to access for students balancing work, family, and education. With hands-on clinical training and supportive faculty, community colleges prepare graduates for licensure exams and entry-level nursing careers.

What Type of Nursing Degree Can I Earn at a Community College?

Community colleges offer multiple nursing credentials to match different career goals. Students can pursue LVN/LPN certificates for entry-level practice, earn an ADN to become a registered nurse (RN), or choose transfer-focused programs that provide a clear pathway into BSN degrees at universities.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) Programs

Many community colleges that offer LPN programs provide a fast, affordable path into nursing. If you’re in Texas or California, these programs will be called licensed vocational nurse (LVN) programs. They all typically take about one year to complete and focus on core skills in patient care, pharmacology, and basic nursing procedures. 

You’ll receive hands-on training in labs and clinical settings, while also preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) licensure exam. Once you’ve graduated, you can begin working quickly as a licensed practical nurse in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or physician offices. You can even use this credential as a stepping stone toward an advanced nursing degree.

RN-to-BSN Transfer Pathways

Many community colleges partner with four-year universities to create seamless RN-to-BSN transfer pathways. These programs let students begin with an ADN, then transfer most or all credits toward a BSN. This approach will save you both time and money. 

BSN degrees can open doors to leadership roles, specialized nursing fields, and greater earning potential. By starting at a community college, you can build an affordable foundation before moving on to your bachelor’s.

Best Community Colleges for Nursing

The best community colleges for nursing stand out for their strong academic and clinical preparation. These schools often have high NCLEX pass rates, making sure you’re well-prepared for licensure. Partnerships with local hospitals and health care facilities will give you hands-on experience, and affordable tuition keeps your education accessible. 

Many also offer seamless transfer agreements with universities that will let you move directly into a BSN program. Together, these features make community college an excellent starting point if you’re looking for quality and value.

Top Affordable Community Colleges That Offer Nursing Programs

This list highlights accredited community colleges that offer nursing programs known for affordability and quality. Each school will prepare you for entry-level nursing roles, with pathways that support both immediate employment and transfer into BSN programs.

1. North Central Texas College

North Central Texas College offers an ADN that blends classroom learning with hands-on clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Courses such as health assessment, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing build your knowledge while practical experiences strengthen patient care and communication skills. 

The program also focuses on safety, reflective practice, and professional accountability. After graduation, you can apply for RN licensure and step into entry-level positions or transfer into a BSN program for continued study.

• Estimated tuition cost: $57 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal and state grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, loans, and veterans benefits are available.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) in North Carolina offers an ADN that includes classroom instruction and clinical training in hospitals and community health sites. You’ll study anatomy, physiology, and nursing concepts while practicing evidence-based care with diverse patients. 

The program includes teamwork, communication, and patient safety to prepare you for real-world nursing challenges. Graduates leave ready to pursue RN licensure and transition into roles in hospitals, long-term care, or public health, or continue their studies through BSN transfer agreements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit hour (in-state); $268 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal and state grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and student loans are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. GateWay Community College

GateWay Community College in Phoenix offers flexible nursing pathways, including traditional, evening, and accelerated Associate of Applied Science (AAS) options. The curriculum includes classroom study and clinical experiences in acute care, long-term care, and community health, building both technical expertise and clinical judgment. 

You can also start with stackable credentials, such as nurse assistant or LPN training, before advancing into the AAS track. Completing the program provides the academic and clinical preparation needed for RN licensure and careers in hospitals, clinics, or specialized care facilities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $97 to $146 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal and state grants, scholarships, and Maricopa County aid are administered through the Financial Aid Office.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ACEN 

4. Oakland Community College

Oakland Community College (OCC) in Michigan has an ADN program that provides multiple scheduling options, including day, evening, and weekend classes. You’ll combine coursework in health sciences with supervised clinical experiences across hospitals, clinics, and community care settings. Along with technical skills, the program emphasizes teamwork, communication, and reflective practice. 

OCC students benefit from a nationally recognized Student Nurses’ Association that builds leadership and networking opportunities. Graduates meet the requirements for RN licensure and can move directly into practice or pursue BSN completion through transfer agreements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $115 per contact hour (in-district); $217 per contact hour (out-of-district)
• Financial aid: Federal/state grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans are available.
• Accreditation: HLC, ACEN

5. Metropolitan Community College

Metropolitan Community College in Missouri offers an LPN-to-ADN bridge program for licensed practical nurses ready to advance their careers. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with labs and clinical rotations in medical-surgical, maternal-child, and mental health nursing. Faculty focus on patient safety, teamwork, and clinical judgment, helping you transition smoothly into RN-level practice. 

Flexible day and evening scheduling supports working nurses, while regional clinical partnerships provide valuable real-world experience. Upon completion, you’ll be prepared to apply for RN licensure and begin work in hospitals, long-term care, or community health organizations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $121 per credit hour (in-district); $237 per credit hour (out-of-district)
• Financial aid: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)-based aid, federal/state grants, scholarships, work-study, loans, and veterans benefits are available.
• Accreditation: HLC, ACEN

6. Monroe County Community College

Monroe County Community College’s (Michigan) AAS in nursing prepares you for professional practice through a mix of classroom learning, simulation labs, and clinical placements in hospitals and community health agencies. The program highlights patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and collaboration with healthcare teams. 

Small class sizes allow for personalized attention, while modern labs help you practice skills before entering clinical rotations. Advisors also guide students interested in RN-to-BSN transfer pathways. Graduates are ready for licensure and nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $130 per credit hour (in-district); $221 per credit hour (out-of-district); $246 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal/state grants, scholarships, work-study, loans, and veteran/military benefits are offered.
• Accreditation: HLC, ACEN

7. Delaware Technical Community College

Delaware Technical Community College offers a five-semester ADN at its Dover, Georgetown, and Newark campuses. The program includes classroom study, skills labs, and clinical experiences to give you broad preparation for nursing practice. Coursework focuses on patient safety, ethics, and effective communication, while advanced placement options are available for LPNs and certified paramedics. 

Graduates qualify to apply for RN licensure and begin practice in hospitals, long-term care, or community health. Transfer agreements also make it easy to continue into BSN programs after licensure.

• Estimated tuition cost: $152 per credit hour (in-state); $381 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FAFSA-based aid is available through Student Financial Services, including grants, scholarships, loans, work-study, and veterans benefits.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), ACEN

8. Southeastern Illinois College

Southeastern Illinois College’s ADN program takes a practical, career-focused approach to preparing students for licensure. You’ll move from foundational concepts to complex patient care while applying clinical reasoning in high-fidelity simulation labs and local clinical sites. Coursework emphasizes communication, patient safety, and teamwork, helping you develop the skills employers expect from new nurses. 

Faculty mentoring and student services support your progress from admission through graduation. The degree provides the preparation needed to pursue RN licensure and start nursing careers in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care.

• Estimated tuition cost: $152 per credit hour
• Financial aid: FAFSA-based aid, including federal/state grants, SIC scholarships, loans, work-study, and veteran benefits are available.
• Accreditation: HLC, ACEN

9. Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College offers Indiana’s largest Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program, with campuses statewide. Students learn through classroom instruction, modern simulation labs, and clinical rotations in both community and acute-care settings. Selective admission helps maintain academic standards, while faculty mentoring supports your success throughout the program. 

Completing the degree makes you eligible for RN licensure and positions you for roles in hospitals, long-term care, or clinics. Ivy Tech also partners with universities across the state to provide seamless transfer into BSN programs for continued advancement.

• Estimated tuition cost: $178 per credit hour (in-state); $349 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal/state grants, Ivy Tech scholarships, loans, work-study, and veteran/military benefits are available through the FAFSA.
• Accreditation: HLC, ACEN

10. St. Cloud Technical & Community College

St. Cloud Technical & Community College’s (SCTCC) ADN combines classroom learning, simulation labs, and clinical rotations to prepare you for professional nursing roles. Located in Minnesota, the school’s program stresses patient-centered care, evidence-based decision-making, and effective communication. 

Students benefit from academic advising and financial aid guidance, creating a clear pathway from enrollment through graduation. By the end of the program, you’ll have the knowledge and clinical experience required for RN licensure and can enter hospitals, clinics, long-term care, or community health positions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $212 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal/state grants, SCTCC scholarships, loans, work-study, and veteran/military benefits are available options.
• Accreditation: HLC, Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA)

How We Rank Schools

Our rankings highlight programs that combine strong academic standards with affordability and career readiness. We evaluate each school based on three key factors:

• Accreditation: Accreditation shows that a program meets high academic and professional standards, giving you confidence that your degree will be recognized by employers and licensing boards.
• Affordability: We look closely at tuition and fees to highlight programs that deliver solid value.
• Program reputation: A school’s reputation comes through in the expertise of its faculty, the success of its graduates, and the partnerships it builds with respected organizations.

How Much Does Nursing School Cost at Community College?

If you’re asking how much nursing school costs at a community college, the answer is that it’s usually far less than at a four-year university. Most programs charge between $50 and $250 per credit hour, depending on residency, which can make a degree thousands of dollars more affordable overall. 

These savings are especially important if you’re planning to transfer into a BSN program later. Also, community colleges provide access to federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, ensuring nursing education remains within reach for students from many backgrounds.

Nursing Prerequisites at Community Colleges

Before beginning an ADN or LPN program, you’ll usually need to complete core science and general education courses that provide a strong foundation for nursing study. Common nursing prereqs at community college include:

• anatomy
• physiology
• microbiology
• chemistry
• English composition
• math

These classes build the scientific knowledge and academic skills you’ll rely on in more advanced coursework. By completing prerequisites first, you’ll be better prepared for subjects like pharmacology and clinical practice, making the transition into nursing school smoother and more manageable.

Other Good Community Colleges for Nursing

Beyond the top-ranked schools, there are many other community colleges that still offer strong pathways into nursing. These programs often feature experienced faculty, solid NCLEX pass rates, and clinical partnerships that help you gain real-world skills. Many also maintain transfer agreements with universities for a smooth transition into a BSN program. Here are a few more quality options worth considering:

• Del Mar College: Corpus Christi, TX
• Big Bend Community College: Moses Lake, WA
• Trinidad State College: Trinidad, CO
• Portland Community College: Portland, OR
• Cecil College: North East, MD

Even if these schools don’t appear in the top 10, they remain excellent choices for students seeking affordable tuition and accessible locations. Each one provides the training and support you need to confidently begin a nursing career.

Best Community Colleges in California for Nursing

California community colleges are popular choices for nursing students thanks to their affordability, strong academics, and excellent clinical partnerships. These programs are often competitive, reflecting the state’s high demand for well-prepared nurses. Students gain experience in diverse health care settings, from large hospitals to local clinics, while preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam. Here are some top options:

• Cypress College: Cypress
• Los Angeles Harbor College: Wilmington
• Saddleback College: Mission Viejo
• College of the Canyons: Santa Clarita

San Diego City College: San Diego

Comparing Nursing Community Colleges Nationwide

Nursing community colleges across the United States vary in tuition, accreditation, and transfer options. Some states offer especially low in-district tuition rates, while others provide statewide transfer agreements that make moving from an ADN into a BSN program seamless. 

Accreditation, whether through ACEN or CNEA, ensures programs meet the standards needed for NCLEX-RN eligibility. Many nursing community colleges also form clinical partnerships with local hospitals and health systems, giving students valuable real-world experience. 

Why Choose Community College Nursing Programs?

Community college nursing programs give you a practical, affordable way to start a career in health care. They’ll help you enter the field quickly without taking on the higher costs of a four-year university. Here are some of the biggest advantages:

• Lower tuition rates make these programs budget-friendly.
• Most can be completed in about two years, so you can start working sooner.
• Hands-on training and clinical partnerships prepare you for the NCLEX-RN.
• Transfer agreements allow you to continue into a BSN program later.

FAQs About Community College Nursing Programs

If you’re thinking about starting your nursing journey at a community college, you probably have a few questions. From admission requirements and program costs to transfer options and career opportunities, these FAQs break down what you need to know so you can decide if this path fits your goals.

Is It Better To Go to a Community College for Nursing?

Community colleges for nursing offer major advantages such as lower tuition, smaller class sizes, and strong local clinical ties. However, they can be competitive to enter and may require transfer steps if you want a BSN. For many, the affordability and accessibility outweigh the drawbacks.

What Is the Fastest Program to Become an RN?

The fastest route is typically a one-year LPN program, which provides entry-level licensure but not RN status. Most RNs enter the field through a two-year ADN degree at community colleges. For those with a prior bachelor’s degree, accelerated BSN programs can shorten the path to about 12 to 18 months.

How Much Is a Four-Year Nursing Degree? 

A four-year BSN at a university often costs between $40,000 and $100,000 in tuition, depending on whether the school is public or private. By comparison, ADN or LPN programs at community colleges are far more affordable, usually costing only a fraction of that amount while still preparing students for RN licensure.

Are Community College Nursing Programs Affordable Compared to Universities?

Yes, community college nursing programs typically cost much less than four-year universities, with tuition often under $150 per credit. You can also access federal and state grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities, making these programs one of the most affordable pathways into a nursing career.

What Degree Can You Earn in a Community College Nursing Program?

Community colleges offer nursing credentials such as licensed practical nurse certificates and ADN. Many ADN programs also provide transfer pathways into Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs at partner universities.

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Community College Nursing Program?

Community college nursing program timelines vary by credential. LPN programs usually take about one year of full-time study, while ADN programs typically require two years. Some colleges also provide accelerated or bridge options to help students finish faster.

Are Community College Nursing Programs Respected by Employers?

Yes, accredited programs at community colleges meet high standards for quality and prepare students to pass the NCLEX licensure exam. Employers value graduates for their clinical training, evidence-based practice, and readiness to step into entry-level nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Do Community Colleges Offer Online Nursing Programs? 

Some community colleges offer hybrid or partially online nursing programs, where general education and theory courses are completed online. However, clinical labs and hands-on experiences must be completed in person to meet licensure and accreditation requirements.

Discover More Nursing Programs

You can take the next step in nursing by exploring related programs on Learn.org. Options like ADN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN pathways offer affordable, accredited choices that align with your career goals in health care.