2023 Best Colleges for Nursing in California

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  107 reviews

Senior: Great program. Very challenging but rewarding, excellent professors and staff that provide a variety of resources to help individuals understand content.... Read 107 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $36,905

• SAT range —

• Azusa, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  2,762 reviews

Graduate Student: Azusa Pacific University (APU) Christ-centered institute that helps students of all ethnic, national, cultural, gender, and religious backgrounds to succeed in their academic goals. In fact, my experience has been extremely life-changing to where I found my vocational calling in ministry and my spouse! Although APU welcomes all people, even those international, I would like to see a change in student demographics. In other words, white-caucasian students represent the majority. I would like to see more students of Latin descent, African-American descent, Pacific Islander descent, Asian descent, and others not mentioned. I believe that Azusa Pacific University's reputation would strengthen and increase by advertising ethnic diversity.... Read 2,762 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $27,112

• SAT range 1030-1260

• Ontario, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  274 reviews

Junior: The school is quite well organized despite its size. West Coast is pricey, but you will get a return on your investment. In addition, the pace is really quick, but this is to be expected given that the program is accelerated. Although there are restaurants within a reasonable driving distance, I strongly suggest that you bring your own lunch. However, vending machines are available for purchasing refreshments. Always be on time and never miss a lesson, otherwise you will rapidly fall behind.Keep a close friend close by as you pursue your study at this institution so that you may assist one another with any material that may be difficult to comprehend.... Read 274 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $38,052

• SAT range —

• North Hollywood, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  265 reviews

Sophomore: It feels really safe, there is security at the front door. It is also very clean and nice on the inside. The parking is also free. The professors really care about their students and are kind to all your questions.... Read 265 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $43,647

• SAT range —

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,012 reviews

Graduate Student: Point Loma Nazarene University excels in both academics and personal connection. Not only with students be able to find like-minded people, they will also have continuous support from professors and faculty throughout their college journey. The small class sizes allow for students to become close with their professors and classmates, which helps in building their network. My professors have helped me drastically in finding jobs, connecting me with others in the field, and by giving me personal advice and guidance in life. From my time at Point Loma Nazarene University, I feel as though I have grown personally, academically, and spiritually. I contribute a great amount of being who I am today because of my experiences at Point Loma Nazarene University. I enjoyed my time so much that I chose to return for my master's degree as well!... Read 1,012 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $34,851

• SAT range 1170-1350

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  5,435 reviews

Sophomore: UCLA is amazing. Large student body but the classes and professors are outstanding. Great Greek system and social environment. Very fun school and the campus is gorgeous. Very academically challenging but with hard work and dedication the course load is manageable. The University is surrounded by beautiful cities. It is only 5 miles away from the Santa Monica Beaches. On numerous occasions groups of friends take breaks and have beach days. UCLA is located very close to Beverly Hills and Century City. The dining and entertainment option are endless. As a student you can be immersed in your studies at a gorgeous school in the day and at night explore the amazing nightlife in Los Angeles. UCLA has a ton of clubs, events and activities that you can participate in. In addition, the student resources are fantastic. However, you must be a self-starter and explore and take advantage of all of the opportunities and resources that UCLA offers. And the food is outstanding.... Read 5,435 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  2,299 reviews

Junior: I truly do love this university. I find the professors to be incredible, and the coursework to be fair for most classes. The community here is strong and the location is great. I think their allocation of money has created some issues within the student body. In addition, the lack of funding is apparent and it is not pretty; Tuition keeps rising to impossible points without any raise in scholarship, and clubs and organizations are failing as a result of it. Instead money gets pushed into sports rather than the stellar nursing program. The main lawn had its grass replaced with plastic turf. There are definitely some financial pitfalls but the academic education is impressive.... Read 2,299 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $39,825

• SAT range 1190-1390

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,155 reviews

Freshman: It’s a beautiful campus with really pretty views of the sunset and the Santa Monica ocean! I love how staff is attentive and caring for/with students, it’s nice to know someone is supporting you along the way while achieving your academic future. There’s many majors and minors to choose from and many activities throughout the semester to help your stressful mind be at ease.... Read 1,155 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $24,508

• SAT range 900-1110

• La Mirada, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  2,266 reviews

Freshman: The biblical studies department is the best of its kind for undergrad in the country. It has amazing professors and the education is phenomenal! I grew so much in my faith there, especially intellectually. However, unless you're naive (homeschooled, private school, sheltered, etc..) or right out of high school, you will most likely have trouble fitting in and most likely get misunderstood. It can be dangerous for transfers and older students living on campus. I've had conversations with Campus Safety and even campus safety notices it, it's called "the biola bubble." I would strongly recommend transfers and older students with more life experience to not live on campus. Other then that, fantastic education!... Read 2,266 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $29,123

• SAT range 1080-1310

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,255 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, the college feels like a home outside of home for me. The campus is walkable, safe, and almost every spot is full of greenery, the student and teacher population is diverse, and despite "just being a local college", I feel and am inspired by countless students and educators passions! And, the amount of free stuff I've gotten that I actually use is over 70%. But, it's not all positive. First of all, safety. I feel safe, but it isn't the case for everyone, especially when it comes to female students and teachers. Due to being an open campus, people experiencing homelessness have and regularly caused trouble, and so far, little to no action has been taken to ensure security. Second, organization. In regards to clubs/organizations and social events, there's always something going on. Literally. But, not everyone knows how to find them. Speaking from experience, the school website is outdated, and the poster boards are swarming with, well, posters.... Read 5,255 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $6,867

• SAT range 1090-1300

• Anaheim, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  248 reviews

Junior: I think this college is a great one to attend to become a nurse. Although the cost is pretty high, it is worth it with the skills lab and clinical experience we receive. It is a well-structured, accelerated program and I have learned so much thus far. I recommend it if it is possible for you to attend!... Read 248 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $24,624

• SAT range —

• San Rafael, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  840 reviews

Freshman: Dominican University has a beautiful campus and lovely people. There is so much you can do, they offer many majors and clubs. Dominican's diversity can really be seen through their clubs, people love to host events to educate and showcase their culture. The residential halls will remind you of Harry Potter and are very comfortable spaces, there's a room with a pool table and another with a ping pong table! Dominican offers so much support, there are many tutors and mentors available and of course, counseling services. There's even a first-generation student program called Torch who helps the transition from high school and are a great support system, you can come to them for any reason. The smaller student population allows for people to really connect with their professors and advisors, which enriches the student experience.... Read 840 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $45,001

• SAT range 1070-1260

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  2,820 reviews

Junior: California Baptist University is a school of community! This university does its best to involve every student in the community! There are events every month and many giveaway opportunities. They incorporate local services into their events! For example, CBU hosted a viewing of The Batman (2022) movie and inclusive service at the local Castle Park amusement center. CBU celebrates events at every corner. Students of differing fields of study or demographic may come together at larger events or feel included in smaller, interest-specific events. The size of the campus is perfect for these efforts! The campus is what I would describe as a size medium. It is not too big, where students would reduced to a number. It is not too small, where high-school-like drama spreads easily. California Baptist University is just right! Student life may expect a community-feeling to their time at CBU.... Read 2,820 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $23,494

• SAT range 990-1210

• Santa Ana, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  22 reviews

Niche User: Great place to study! Amazing detail in teaching. Great professors! Everyone is great small class size makes it easy to learn and understand. If needed they also provide one on one tutoring that can help with understanding the subject at hand.... Read 22 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $28,344

• SAT range —

• La Jolla, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  1,134 reviews

Graduate Student: National University provides a one to one learning model that allows the student and the professor to develop a productive academic relationship. This creates a bond of trust whic can provide for the student to receive specific attention from the professor. National University has an opportunity to grow as an academic institution. It recently acquired Northcentral University. More meetings ro discuss the transition efforts would be beneficial.... Read 1,134 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 55%

• Net price $9,966

• SAT range 750-1170

• Long Beach, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  4,742 reviews

Alum: This school is full of wonderful people. There a lot of students from all over the world with a brilliant personalities. If you don’t fit in, they will help you to fit in and succeed. A lot of students from economically successful social groups in the third college generation. I witnessed freshmen who drive Maserati and Tesla. Some professors are incredible, polite and have a tendency to like all of their students and treat them like if they were their kids. The parking lots are great. You be late for 30 minutes before classes and always find a free spot. I’m so glad I graduated from that place. Beaches are nearby and it’s a beach life. If I will ever have kids, I will send them to CSULB instead of sending them to an expensive private college where they can experience bad influence from spoiled classmates or toxic environment of faculty and administration. Don’t hesitate and Go Beach!... Read 4,742 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $9,171

• SAT range 1020-1240

• Angwin, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  675 reviews

Junior: This school has an incredible student-teacher ratio of 12:1. There is a lot of one-on-one work with empathetic staff. It is filled with support and learning opportunities. It is a community close to God and they really want to help you succeed. I have felt supported and encouraged during my time there so far!... Read 675 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $22,767

• SAT range 900-1140

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4,148 reviews

Senior: UCI is a large campus full of diverse people and many experiences. The teachers, more often than not, are adequate at explaining difficult concepts. The campus can be very lively for those who live on-campus or become involved in campus life, but on the other hand it can be very isolating for commuters and people who do not decide to join clubs/greek life. In my experience, the counselors were a lot more helpful and kind than I imagined but it depends highly on your major. Overall, great school but would recommend being involved and not being afraid to reach out to others, be it professor, counselor, or other classmates.... Read 4,148 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $11,633

• SAT range 1230-1430

• Costa Mesa, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  909 reviews

Junior: Vanguard University provides students with exceptional support. With every upcoming semester every major meets in some form with their individual advisors allowing there to be opportunities for any questions/concerns. The advisors make sure that every student is on track for their intended graduation date. Professors/staff are also really open about providing students with the necessary help. There is a great loving and close knit community on campus which allows students to enjoy their time there. Vanguard University also provides students with food resources/clothing resources as well as emotional support resources if students are in need of them. Commuters however, may have a difficult time getting involved due to the event dates and traveling time. Due to this fact, Vanguard is always open to improving the school and the events occurring which is why they provide students with the opportunity to offer feedback at the end of each semester. Great school!... Read 909 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $20,427

• SAT range 980-1200

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  694 reviews

Senior: Attending Concordia University Irvine was the best decision that I ever made. From the first time I stepped on that campus, I knew that Concordia would be my new home. Every professor I had was excellent and knowledgeable in their subject matter. They were always willing to take extra time out of their day to get to know you as not only a student, but as a friend. I was able to thrive with the amount of opportunities I was given to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, and research. As a student, you will be pushed to think outside the box, which challenges your thinking, but that is the only way to grow as an intellectual. I am so thankful for my time at Concordia and will always be happy to call myself an Eagle!... Read 694 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $25,640

• SAT range 1030-1260

• Redding, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  422 reviews

Freshman: I love the atmosphere, its very welcoming and everyone is so friendly and eager to hep if needed. Its a beautiful and peaceful campus, I love all the activities they have for students to participate in to get to know each other. I love the chapel time, we get to worship and learn more about God together. They worship team is amazing! All the instructors are very helpful and easy to get a hold of, they don't make you feel like you're just another number, they actually take the time to help you. You can tell that the staff and educators are really interested in who you are and your future goals and want to help you reach them. Anytime I have had questions, which I've had many my counselor has been more than happy to help me and respond within and timely manner. The food is amazing, and relatively cheap, the coffee shop is yummy and serves great food for on the go. One thing I think they can improve on is having housing and possibly daycare for single mothers who are going to school.... Read 422 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $25,311

• SAT range 960-1160

• Fullerton, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  5,143 reviews

Junior: The school is overall a good school! When it comes to safety there are things that could be done. There were times were car parts were stolen or where there were lockdowns. The parking passes are EXPENSIVE. Barely have any free/public parking. Teachers are fine just make sure to research them. I’ve heard the party scene depends on who you know. The area around is nice there’s a lot of places to eat just always traffic. Student life it’s hard to make friends people are always in their own world. If you commute you don’t really see classmates outside of class. Overall I believe it is a pretty diverse school. The campus is nice pretty open and wide. The tsu is great they have good foood such as panda, pieology, hibachi, and more. They also have a gaming area which has bowling, billiards (pool), and some arcade games. I only discover this my junior year which was pretty cool to find out. I think it’s great they have more things at the school. A great way to entrain yourself between class.... Read 5,143 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $4,939

• SAT range 1000-1180

• San Mateo, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  100 reviews

Niche User: Haven’t attended but knew a lot of family/friends who attended, heard nothing but great information, I’m looking forward to attending my LVN program here this October!... Read 100 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $28,773

• SAT range —

• San Marcos, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  1,804 reviews

Junior: I like the semester format. Teachers are great, they’re energetic and experienced. It’s a smaller school so you get more personal attention. Forward thinking programs. All around great school.... Read 1,804 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $14,296

• SAT range 950-1130

• Fremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  160 reviews

Freshman: great staff, helped me through every step of the way for every process of enrolling and and with the fasa process. I highly recommend Unitek to any one that wants to proceed in their nursing career. The fasa part was super easy and super fast to do.t is a small institution with an enrollment of 3,618 undergraduate students. The Unitek College - Fremont acceptance rate is 100%. Popular majors include Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN), Medical Assistant, and Nursing Assistant.The university typically requires a high school diploma, taking SAT/ACT and passing TOEFL for international applicants. Based on your applicant type, you may also have to meet additional requirements.First-Time / Full-time Students at Unitek College Represent 73.0% of the Class of 2016 and 77.8% of all Their Bachelor's Degree Graduations. Unitek College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Ed.... Read 160 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $37,823

• SAT range —