Best ADN Program in Every State – 2024


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Welcome to our page with the listing of the Best ADN program in every state across the nation. Nursing Schools listed in our list of “Best ADN Program in Every State” provide students with rigorous high-quality employable ADN education. These schools are well reputed and have a history of excellent NCLEX-RN Pass rates.



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How Did we Rank the Best ADN Program in Every State?


We gathered a list of all nursing schools offering ADN programs in every state and then ranked the Best based on the following three factors:

• Average NCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rates of Recent Five Years - 40% of Overall Score
• Academic Quality (Enrollment Rate, Graduation Rate & Retention Rate) - 30% of Overall Score
• NursingProcess.org Editorial Staff Ratings and Nursing School Reputation - 30% of Overall Score

The data required for our rankings was gathered from IPEDs, State Board of Nursing Websites, U.S. News & World Report, Niche, Grad Reports, Rate My Professors and the official school websites.

FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE BEST ADN PROGRAM IN EVERY STATE FOR 2024

Read on to find out about the best ADN Program nearest to you in this state-by-state roll call.


#1 in Alabama

Lawson State Community College, Birmingham   ( Visit )

Did you know that Lawson State Community College has one of the highest pass rates on the NCLEX-RN? Therefore, its ADN program, founded in 1970 has become one of the most popular nursing associate degrees in the state of Alabama. This curriculum offers you a robust foundation in patient care, clinical judgment, and psychomotor skills in 5 semesters.

#1 in Alaska

University of Alaska Anchorage School of Nursing, Anchorage   ( Visit )

If you wish to study in a close-knit learning environment, then you should consider enrolling in the University of Alaska Anchorage School of Nursing’s ADN program where the student-to-faculty ratio is not more than 15:1. The curriculum is offered on-campus for Anchorage residents. However, the college also offers a flexible hybrid option for students preferring to take classes remotely.

#1 in Arizona

Eastern Arizona College, Thatcher   ( Visit )

For over 30 years East Arizona College has been providing its ADN students excellence in education. Also, this college has partnerships with several 4-year schools. This provides you with the benefit of completing an associate degree while also getting enrolled into a BSN, should you desire to earn a baccalaureate degree at any of the partner four-year colleges. Classes are delivered on campus where you will be learning face-to-face under its highly credentialed faculty.

#1 in Arkansas

Arkansas Northeastern College, Blytheville   ( Visit )

Did you know that Arkansas Northeastern College has the lowest tuition fees in the state? It offers its traditional ADN at its main campus. Also, the college offers an LPN to RN option that is specially designed for practical nurses who wish to advance in their education by pursuing an ADN.

#1 in California

Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo   ( Visit )

Cuesta College offers well-rounded education through its ADN program, combining didactic learning with internships and preceptorships. The college is located at the hub of San Luis Obispo County and is well known in the community for its dedicated instructors and highly supportive student services. The program is offered at its main campus and takes 4 semesters or 2 years to complete.

#1 in Colorado

Arapahoe Community College, Littleton   ( Visit )

At Arapahoe Community College almost all of its ADN graduates are employed within 12 months of graduating. The college is also popular among students for offering several financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Its dynamic associate-level training offers you varied simulation experiences, active theoretical learning in the classroom, and a seamless transition to its BSN if you wish to study further.

#1 in Connecticut

Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury   ( Visit )

Naugatuck Valley Community College offers a dynamic curriculum that trains you for entry-level practice. Popularly known as the Connecticut Community College Nursing Program, through this training, you will not only have access to excellent didactic education but will also benefit from its advanced placement opportunities in varied clinical settings.

#1 in Delaware

Delaware Technical Community College, Wilmington   ( Visit )

If you are looking for excellent job opportunities after your associate-level education, then Delaware technical college is the right choice for you. The college has an impressive job employment rate, having almost all of its ADN graduates find suitable placements soon after leaving the college. This 67-credit curriculum is divided into 5 semesters.

#1 in Florida

State College of Florida, Bradenton   ( Visit )

State College of Florida is Florida’s first and largest public school. Its ADN program is offered through 2 tracks. If you have no prior nursing training, then opting for its traditional track can be an ideal choice for you. However, if you have already completed your LPN training, then its LPN to RN track can help you gain your RN licensure through a fast-paced format.

#1 in Georgia

Chattahoochee Technical College, Marietta   ( Visit )

Chattahoochee Technical College’s ADN training offers you the necessary skills to earn your RN licensure in as little as 4 semesters. The college is not only the largest technical college in Georgia but also offers one of the most affordable tuition fees in the state. What’s more? Here, you have greater chances of landing your dream job as the institute boasts of a promising job placement rate.

#1 in Hawaii

Kapiolani Community College, Honolulu   ( Visit )

Kapiolani Community College offers a fast-paced 3-semester associate degree in nursing. To start your journey here, you can conveniently enroll in either the fall or spring semester. Besides, here you will also have the option of completing your pre-requisite courses before or after you begin with your ADN coursework.

#1 in Idaho

College of Western s, Nampa   ( Visit )

Are you eager to launch your career as an entry-level nurse in healthcare? If so, then you should enroll in the College of Western where most of its highly credentialed instructors hold an MSN degree. Through its ADN curriculum, you will gain the perfect balance of theoretical, laboratory, and clinical skills, allowing you to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination seamlessly.

#1 in Illinois

Oakton Community College, Des Plaines   ( Visit )

The main goal of Oakton Community College is to offer you maximum opportunities for advancement; be it effortlessly transferring to a 4-year institute or kickstarting your entry-level career in nursing. Upon enrolling, you will be studying in small-sized classes, allowing you to maintain personalized relationships with your faculty and peers. To earn your associate degree, you will take 67 credits of courses in core nursing, general education, and liberal arts.

#1 in Indiana

Ivy Tech Community College Terre Haute, Terre Haute   ( Visit )

Ivy Tech Community College allows you to earn your ASN in just 2 years. The college’s several partnerships with four-year schools can be beneficial for students who wish to earn a BSN or MSN after their associate. Being the largest public post-secondary institution in Indiana, the college provides access to vast learning resources. Besides, as a graduate of this program, you will be in demand as employers in the region seek the college’s high-quality nursing graduates.

#1 in Iowa

Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids   ( Visit )

This ADN program by Kirkwood Community College is offered in a ladder format wherein completing your first two semesters will lead you to a practical nursing diploma. By further undergoing training during the remaining semesters, you can earn your associate degree. The final semester of this program features a 12 to 16 weeklong personalized preceptorship with a qualified staff nurse in a hospital. Here, you will not only gain the required real-world experience but also opportunities to transition as a full-time employee, upon graduation.

#1 in Kansas

Manhattan Area Technical College, Manhattan   ( Visit )

Manhattan Area Technical College’s ADN program prepares you to deliver nursing care directly to patients across the lifespan in varied medical settings. The college is a popular choice among students because of its high-quality coursework that is also very affordable. Once enrolled, here you will also have access to several financial aid opportunities.

#1 in Kentucky

Hopkinsville Community College, Hopkinsville   ( Visit )

The main goal of Hopkinsville Community College’s ADN program is to empower you with marketable skills that allow you to practice in entry-level nursing roles in a variety of health care settings. Its generic track takes 2 years or 4 semesters to complete. However, you can also sign-up for its 3-semester-long PN to RN track if you’re already a practical nurse. Regardless of the track, you can conveniently enroll in the fall or spring semester.

#1 in Louisiana

Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Natchitoches   ( Visit )

At the Northwestern State University of Louisiana, you will be trained by faculty who are not only qualified but also have extensive volunteering experience as nurse leaders, consultants, and board members of well-recognized organizations. The curriculum comprises several clinical, laboratory, and didactic courses that can be completed through a 2-year course sequence. Specially constructed to enhance your career mobility, you will be able to work as an RN in nursing homes, clinics, and hospitals.

#1 in Maine

Kennebec Valley Community College, Fairfield   ( Visit )

Kennebec Valley Community College is one of the oldest non-profit, post-secondary public schools in Maine that was established way back in 1969. To start with your nursing education, you can enroll in its traditional pathway or LPN to RN track. You can graduate in a minimum of 3 semesters by taking up 69 credits worth of courses.

#1 in Maryland

Hagerstown Community College, Hagerstown   ( Visit )

Hagerstown Community College understands that each student has different scheduling needs and may prefer a different pace of learning. Hence, it offers its associate degree in two formats, an intensive 2-year schedule, and a comfortable 3-year schedule. Additionally, the college has also designed an ‘Associate to Bachelor’s Dual Enrollment Program’ that allows you to take BSN and ASN courses simultaneously and earn both degrees in 4 years.

#1 in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley Hills   ( Visit )

If you are a veteran looking to transition into a nursing career, then Massachusetts Bay Community College’s ADN program could be a great option for you. This military-friendly school offers veterans benefits like free tuition, fee waivers, and credits for their military education. This associate degree is offered on-campus on a full-time schedule and takes 2 years to complete.

#1 in Michigan

Muskegon Community College, Muskegon   ( Visit )

Muskegon Community College is the fourth oldest community college in the state and was founded way back in 1926. Just like quite a few of the other ADN programs this too is delivered through a ladder pathway, where you will earn your PN diploma in the first year and move into your associate curriculum in the next year. Additionally, to advance in your education further, you can also enroll in a BSN program concurrently with its partner universities.

#1 in Minnesota

Inver Hills Community College, Inver Grove Heights   ( Visit )

Inver Hill Community College is known to have one of the most military-friendly campuses in the country. By participating in community-focused activities here, you can benefit from gaining actual real-world practical experience. The curriculum trains you to enter the workforce as a vital member of the professional medical team and to deliver effective nursing care to your patients.

#1 in Mississippi

Mississippi University for Women, Columbus   ( Visit )

If you are shortlisting ASN programs in the Hospitality State, then Mississippi University for Women’s nursing program must certainly be high on your list. The program prepares you to become an RN through two options, a fast-paced coursework designed for LPNs and a generic track for non-nurses. Also, to prepare you for this dynamic patient-care role, the college offers ample practical learning and includes a three-week preceptorship before you transition to the workforce.

#1 in Missouri

State Fair Community College, Sedalia   ( Visit )

Ever thought of pursuing an ASN program without having to worry about heavy tuition costs? If yes, then State Fair Community College will not disappoint you. Here, you will have access to top-class education, excellent student support, and several on-field learning experiences at minimal tuition fees. What’s more, if you wish to have the convenience of studying from the comfort of your home, then enrolling in its hybrid schedule will allow you to do just that.

#1 in Montana

The University of Montana, Missoula   ( Visit )

With a student-to-faculty ratio that is as little as 13:1, the University of Montana focuses on offering you a personalized learning experience. Its ASN program entails 72-73 credits that can be completed in 4 semesters. In addition to providing, you with the required nursing skills, you will also receive constant support from your faculty for career advice.

#1 in Nebraska

Northeast Community College, Norfolk   ( Visit )

In addition to having the most affordable tuition in Nebraska, Northeast Community College has also received national recognition for its innovative programs. To ensure that you have a debt-free academic experience, here you will have access to several tuition relief options such as free summer tuition, debt forgiveness programs, and government grants. Its ADN curriculum is delivered through full-time and part-time schedules, allowing you to study at your own pace.

#1 in Nevada

Great Basin College, Elko   ( Visit )

Great Basin College’s main focus is to offer student-focused, employer-tailored post-secondary training to the rural regions of the state. Its AAS program trains you to offer entry-level nursing care in diverse medical settings. By employing state-of-art technology and well-trained faculty, the college offers in-depth didactic coursework through a distance format. To gain the required hands-on training, you will participate in several practical experiences in local hospitals and the school’s simulation labs.

#1 in New Hampshire

Rivier University, Nashua   ( Visit )

By combining experiential training with substantial clinical experiences, Rivier University’s ASN degree aims at preparing you to have a lucrative nursing career. From evening or weekend classes to full-time or part-time schedules, the program is designed to allow you maximum flexibility. Once enrolled, you will be exposed to hospital-like laboratories that are fully equipped with birthing simulators, and a variety of patient examination tools.

#1 in New Jersey

Rowan College of South Jersey, Sewell   ( Visit )

Rowan College of South Jersey is one of the oldest schools in the state with more than 100 years of quality education. Its recent merger with Cumberland County College allows you to have access to New Jersey’s first all-inclusive, dual-campus regional community college. Its 68 credits, 2 year AAS program provides clinical competence and a robust foundation in theoretical concepts.

#1 in New Mexico

Eastern New Mexico University, Roswell   ( Visit )

Eastern New Mexico University has been a popular choice among ADN students for its technologically advanced campus. Its Roswell campus features the only high-tech medical simulation laboratory in the southeastern part of the state. Upon enrolling in its ADN program, you will study in ‘smart’ classrooms with a small student to faculty ratio, allowing you to gain the personalized attention you need.

#1 in New York

Rockland Community College, Suffern   ( Visit )

Rockland Community College boasts of a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN examinations of its ADN students. If you are looking for an affordable associate in nursing education, then this college should be on your list as its tuition costs are just one-third of other colleges in New York. To earn your ADN, you will be taking 67 credits worth of courses in 4 semesters.

#1 in North Carolina

Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington   ( Visit )

Cape Fear Community College emphasizes on offering you one-on-one training by maintaining a student-to-faculty ratio that is as little as 17:1. Here, you can be assured of receiving quality education as the college boasts of an impressive RN licensure exam pass rate of its graduates. Applications are accepted from October to January. Once enrolled, you will be taking 69 credits of clinical, laboratory, and theoretical courses, spanning 5 semesters.

#1 in North Dakota

Bismarck State College, Bismarck   ( Visit )

Located in the bustling city of Bismarck with a view of the Missouri River, studying at Bismarck State College not only comes with an easily accessible campus but also a serene location. Its ADN is a part of the Dakota Nursing Program, which is a collaborative effort of Bismarck State College, Dakota College at Bottineau, Lake Region State College, and Williston State College. Here you will not only be trained by your competent campus faculty but also by highly credentialed instructors from these partnered colleges.

#1 in Ohio

Washington State Community College, Marietta   ( Visit )

Ever since its beginning in 1971, Washington State Community College has shown its commitment to excellence in education, community welfare, and workforce development. To enhance your learning experience, the college focuses on maintaining close-knit classrooms where the student-to-faculty ratio does not exceed 15:1. This ADN program has one of the most affordable tuition fees in Ohio.

#1 in Oklahoma

Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton   ( Visit )

Eastern Oklahoma State College’s ADN program is offered at its main campus in Wilburton. Once enrolled, you will be trained by highly credentialed faculty members who have multiple years of teaching experience. This two-year curriculum prepares you to deliver patient-focused care at the entry-level. The college offers two ADN programs, one for non-nurses and the other for LPNS.

#1 in Oregon

Chemeketa Community College, Salem   ( Visit )

Being one of the top-ranking ADN programs in Oregon, it is no surprise that almost all of Chemeketa’s graduates clear their licensure examination on their first attempt. The curriculum is offered on campus so that you can learn face-to-face with your faculty. Upon graduating, you will be job-ready to work in hospitals, public health departments, hospice services, intermediate care, and community clinics.

#1 in Pennsylvania

Northampton Community College, Bethlehem   ( Visit )

Northampton Community College is a Veteran Administration authorized college and offers complete support to military students, starting with the application to receiving financial aid. Additionally, the college has the lowest per-credit tuition fees in the state, making it a budget-friendly option for you. Its AAS curriculum is offered on-campus and covers 71 credits of courses in English language, humanities, liberal arts, and core nursing.

#1 in Rhode Island

Community College of Rhode Island, Warwick   ( Visit )

Community College of Rhode Island’s associate degree offers you a quick way to become a skilled registered nurse. By studying in its compact classrooms, you will be able to communicate directly with your faculty. The training also offers you the choice of becoming a certified nursing assistant as well as a practical nurse as you move through various stages of the program, finally graduating with an ADN. This laddered curriculum allows you to work first as a CNA and then as an LPN while still pursuing the associate degree.

#1 in South Carolina

Aiken Technical College, Greenville   ( Visit )

Aiken Technical College offers diverse clinical experiences at some of the prominent accredited healthcare facilities in the state. This college is an excellent option for veterans, offering them several benefits such as easy admissions, financial aid, and advising & counseling services. Upon enrolling, you will be first taking up pre-requisite courses after which you can graduate in just 3 semesters.

#1 in South Dakota

Southeast Technical College, Sioux Falls   ( Visit )

Counted among the top ADN programs in South Dakota, Southeastern Technical College boasts of an impressive job placement rate of its associate in nursing graduates. After joining, here you will have access to its innovative health Science Center, well-equipped laboratories, and virtual classes. You can choose to graduate from this program in as few as 12 months through a fast-paced schedule or in 18 months if you wish to study at a relaxed pace.

#1 in Tennessee

Chattanooga State Community College, Chattanooga   ( Visit )

If you’re a working nurse, then Chattanooga State Community College’s ADN should surely be on your list. Here you have the flexibility of taking night or day classes, allowing you to easily fit your education into your busy schedule. The college has impressive pass rates on the NCLEX-RN, leaving you well-qualified to take this exam seamlessly.

#1 in Texas

Laredo College, Laredo   ( Visit )

Established in 1947, Laredo College is among the oldest colleges in Laredo. In addition to offering you an excellent ADN education, the college also provides its students with multiple student services to help them achieve their career aspirations. Its 2-year associate degree prepares you to deliver safe nursing care across the lifespan.

#1 in Utah

Utah Valley University, Orem   ( Visit )

Utah Valley College’s main focus is to offer its ASN students maximum real-world exposure. Apart from having low tuition fees, the college also has a great reputation for its high alumni salaries. You can enroll in its ASN training in the fall or spring semester. Upon graduating from this program, if you wish to study even further, then, here you also have the option of seamlessly entering the BSN curriculum after you successfully pass the RN licensure exam.

#1 in Vermont

Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center   ( Visit )

Did you know that Vermont Technical college’s ADN program has a job placement rate of 100%? The college understands the importance of hands-on training in the field of healthcare, therefore, here, you will be spending close to half of your time in lab-based activities. Furthermore, the program can be a boon for non-nurses, seeking to become entry-level nurses as the ladder curriculum allows you to complete the LPN courses within one year, after which you take the PN licensure exam and work as a practical nurse. Continuing with the program, you proceed to complete ADN courses within the next year, followed by the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. Now, you can either exit the program at this point or continue with it for another two years to earn a BSN. You can even choose to re-enter it in the future, should you decide to obtain your baccalaureate degree later.

#1 in Virginia

Danville Community College, Danville   ( Visit )

Being one of the best ADN programs in Virginia, this associate degree of Danville Community College has received awards and recognition for its high-quality education. After joining here, you will be taking classes on a full-time basis to earn your associate degree in 4 semesters or 2 years. The curriculum is rigorous and requires you to complete 66 credits of liberal arts, general education, and core nursing courses.

#1 in Washington

Pierce College, Lakewood   ( Visit )

Pierce College has collaborated with several 4-year colleges, allowing you to smoothly pursue a BSN after your associate degree if you wish to go in that direction. The ADN curriculum requires six terms to complete. Also, if you are a licensed PN, you can enter this program in the fourth term and complete it within three terms of full-time study. Alternatively, LPNs preferring the part-time schedule will graduate with an ADN within five years.

#1 in West Virginia

West Virginia University at Parkersburg, Parkersburg   ( Visit )

The associate in nursing of West Virginia University aims at creating a strong foundation of nursing knowledge that leads to dynamic career opportunities and possibilities of future academic advancement. Its partnerships with multiple 4-year schools allow you to seamlessly transition into a BSN. The curriculum, spread over 4 semesters requires taking 60 credits worth of courses.

#1 in Wisconsin

Mid State Technical College, Wisconsin Rapids   ( Visit )

By signing up for Mid State Technical College’s ADN degree, you will have access to a conducive and caring studying environment, the latest technology, and highly qualified instructors who will guide you at every step. Here, almost all of its ADN graduates are employed in their dream jobs within 6 months of graduating. The coursework is a perfect blend of physical sciences, biological courses, social sciences, and core nursing.

#1 in Wyoming

Western Wyoming Community College, Rock Springs   ( Visit )

Western Wyoming Community College is an award-winning institution that offers you an enriching academic experience all at a very affordable cost. Here, education goes beyond the classroom, as you will have the opportunity to participate in the college’s Student Nurses Association and gain real-world exposure. The college also offers you, flexible online classes, for a few courses.


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