Top 10 Nursing Schools in New Jersey (2025 Edition)

If you’re seeking to launch a successful nursing career in New Jersey, choosing the right nursing program is essential. Throughout the state, these top-rated institutions stand out for their commitment to student success, the use of cutting-edge technology, excellent clinical affiliations, and comprehensive support. Here’s your guide to NJ’s most highly regarded nursing schools for 2025.

10. Rutgers University School of Nursing

Locations: Newark, New Brunswick

Why it stands out:

Rutgers University School of Nursing is widely regarded as New Jersey’s flagship program. As of 2024, the BSN program consistently ranks among the top 25 nationally, and the school boasts a remarkable 95% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (Class of 2024). Students benefit from advanced simulation centers, including the Clinical Simulation Lab featuring high-fidelity mannequins and VR technology. With over 200 clinical partners throughout NJ—ranging from RWJBarnabas Health to Hackensack Meridian—students gain hands-on experience in urban, suburban, and rural settings. Rutgers offers dedicated career services, mentorship programs, and a diversity-focused student support center, making it an inclusive launching pad for all future nurses.

9. Ramapo College of New Jersey

Location: Mahwah

Why it stands out:

Ramapo’s BSN and RN-to-BSN programs emphasize flexibility, innovation, and personal attention. Their 2024 NCLEX-RN pass rate reached 93%, well above the state average. Ramapo’s hybrid learning format mixes state-of-the-art online coursework with in-person clinicals at some of North Jersey’s leading hospitals, including Valley Hospital and Hackensack University Medical Center. The Adler Center for Nursing Excellence features simulation labs, task trainers, and telehealth tools integrated into coursework. Small cohort sizes (typically <40 per class) ensure close faculty relationships and academic support, while career counselors and peer mentoring help new nurses transition smoothly into professional roles.

8. Rutgers University–Camden

Location: Camden

Why it stands out:

Rutgers–Camden’s Elizabeth Corine Cooke Nursing Resource Center offers an immersive simulation experience using the latest patient care technology. In 2024, the campus reported a 94% NCLEX-RN pass rate and high job placement rates within six months of graduation. Students benefit from community-powered clinical partnerships—like Cooper University Health Care and Virtua Health—ensuring rich exposure to a variety of patient populations. The program’s urban campus is known for its tight-knit community and supportive environment, enhanced by robust tutoring, counseling, and wellness initiatives designed for student success.

7. Monmouth University

Location: West Long Branch

Why it stands out:

Monmouth’s Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies emphasizes advanced technology, including a newly updated Simulation Center and telehealth training suites. Monmouth’s Class of 2024 boasted a 92% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate and above-average graduation rates. The university’s partnerships with Hackensack Meridian, Monmouth Medical Center, and other regional health systems provide students access to diverse specialties—from pediatrics to mental health. Strong faculty mentorship, comprehensive academic support, and hands-on learning opportunities (including study abroad in global health) help students develop competence and confidence.

6. Seton Hall University

Location: South Orange

Why it stands out:

Seton Hall’s Interprofessional Health Sciences Campus offers a multidisciplinary approach, with simulation labs, virtual reality equipment, and collaborative learning alongside medical and pharmacy students. Their 2024 NCLEX-RN pass rate was 94%. The curriculum stresses leadership, cultural competence, and person-centered care, with clinical learning at top regional hospitals and community health sites. A range of support—from writing workshops to academic tutoring and mental health counseling—ensures students thrive both academically and personally.

5. Fairleigh Dickinson University

Locations: Teaneck, Madison

Why it stands out:

FDU features a modern nursing skills lab and simulation suites, small class sizes (average 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio), and a commitment to hands-on education. The 2024 NCLEX-RN pass rate reached 92%. Their clinical partners span Bergen, Morris, and Sussex counties, so students experience both urban and suburban practice. Career placement rates are high, and the school offers bridge options for RNs and LPNs to advance their careers. A robust advising system supports both academic achievement and personal growth.

4. Bloomfield College

Location: Bloomfield

Why it stands out:

Bloomfield’s BSN program serves a diverse, urban student body and boasts a 91% NCLEX-RN pass rate (2024). The campus simulation center includes obstetric, pediatric, and high-dependency settings, preparing students for critical thinking under pressure. Clinical partnerships with Newark Beth Israel, Clara Maass, and Hackensack UMC provide hands-on experience in a range of specialties. Strong academic support, faculty accessibility, and vibrant student life create a supportive, community-oriented environment for future nurses.

3. Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC)

Location: Branchburg

Why it stands out:

RVCC’s ACEN-accredited Associate Nursing degree is among the best-value programs in Central NJ, with a 2024 NCLEX-RN pass rate of 89%—well above the national associate degree average. Students access newly renovated skills labs, simulation mannequins, and a variety of clinical settings (including local hospitals and long-term care). Flexible scheduling (day and evening classes) and strong transfer pathways to BSN programs make this a launch pad for ambitious future nurses, especially for those balancing school, work, and family commitments.

2. Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing

Location: Camden

Why it stands out:

This renowned diploma and bridge program, in partnership with Camden County College and Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, achieved a 96% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024. Students receive early immersion in patient care, with rotations throughout Virtua’s system—exposing them to acute care, specialty units, and complex urban settings. The school features simulation labs and access to hospital-based learning resources. Small classes foster individualized instruction and mentoring, while Lourdes’ “students-first” philosophy and impressive job placement rates (over 90% within 6 months of graduation) make it a preferred pathway to practice.

1. The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)

Location: Ewing

Why it stands out:

Known for its rigorous curriculum, TCNJ’s School of Nursing has a stellar 97% NCLEX-RN pass rate for the Class of 2024. The six high-tech simulation labs—including maternal, pediatric, and critical care suites—replicate hospital environments, allowing students to respond to real-world scenarios safely. Their clinical rotation system places undergraduates in premier healthcare settings across Central and Southern NJ, building clinical confidence and professional networks. The school’s strong academic advising, individualized career counseling, and research opportunities (including undergraduate leadership projects) ensure that graduates are competitive for both employment and graduate study.

New Jersey’s top nursing schools are committed to student success, blending high-tech learning, comprehensive clinical training, and strong mentorship into every aspect of their programs. Whether you’re looking for a large research institution or a nurturing community college, these schools provide the resources and support you need to excel—both on the NCLEX and in your nursing career.

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