2026 Best Nursing Schools in California
Looking for the best Nursing degree programs in California? We have ranked 668 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Nursing Degree Search evaluated 469 schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Nursing Degree Schools in California
Here are the top-ranked schools:
University Of Southern California tops our 2026 ranking of the best Nursing degree schools in California. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full University Of Southern California report
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California State University Monterey Bay came in at #2 on this year's Nursing ranking in California. This public school is set in Seaside, CA. California State University Monterey Bay graduates 59% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,779, compared with $20,379 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $14,622. Get the full California State University Monterey Bay report
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You'll be in good company at University Of California Davis, which ranked #3 this year. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. The median Nursing program debt is $14,404. Read more about University Of California Davis
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You'll be in good company at Sonoma State University, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Rohnert Park, CA, Sonoma State University is a public institution. About 58% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,624, while out-of-state students pay about $21,224. Sonoma State University Nursing students take on a median of $18,031 in debt. More on Sonoma State University
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California State University Dominguez Hills came in at #5 on this year's Nursing ranking in California. Located in Carson, CA, California State University Dominguez Hills is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 43%. Students from in state pay about $7,454 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. Typical Nursing student debt is $15,886. Read the full report on California State University Dominguez Hills
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California State University Stanislaus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This public school is set in Turlock, CA. About 53% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,242 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,842 for out-of-state students. California State University Stanislaus Nursing students take on a median of $14,813 in debt. Get the full California State University Stanislaus report
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University Of California Los Angeles ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. The median Nursing program debt is $16,097. More on University Of California Los Angeles
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Dominican University Of California placed #8 among Nursing schools in California. Dominican University Of California is a private not-for-profit school based in San Rafael, CA. Dominican University Of California posts a six-year graduation rate of 78%. Students from in state pay about $52,161 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. See the full Dominican University Of California profile
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University Of San Francisco came in at #9 in this year's ranking. University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit school based in San Francisco, CA. University Of San Francisco graduates 70% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,522. Students borrow a median of $23,935 to complete their Nursing program here. Read the full report on University Of San Francisco
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California State University Sacramento came in at #10 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Sacramento, CA. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Typical Nursing student debt is $17,492. More on California State University Sacramento
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Mount St Marys College landed the #11 spot in California this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. Mount St Marys College posts a six-year graduation rate of 48%. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,564. Graduates carry a median of $27,555 in student loans. More on Mount St Marys College
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California State University Channel Islands ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Based in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. Roughly 51% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,159, with out-of-state students paying around $19,759. Students borrow a median of $16,997 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full California State University Channel Islands profile
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Merced College landed the #13 spot in California this year. Merced College is a public school based in Merced, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,200, with out-of-state students paying around $8,520. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,024. See the full Merced College profile
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Azusa Pacific University landed the #14 spot in California this year. Based in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,458. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,709. See the full Azusa Pacific University profile
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Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #15 in this year's ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Point Loma Nazarene University graduates 77% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $46,250. Typical Nursing student debt is $22,542. More on Point Loma Nazarene University
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National University landed the #16 spot in California this year. Set in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,426. Read more about National University
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Vanguard University Of Southern California placed #17 among Nursing schools in California. This private not-for-profit school is set in Costa Mesa, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,700. The median Nursing program debt is $21,111. Read more about Vanguard University Of Southern California
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Modesto Junior College did well this year, earning the #18 position. Modesto Junior College is a public school based in Modesto, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,282, with out-of-state students paying around $9,264. Students borrow a median of $8,575 to complete their Nursing program here. More on Modesto Junior College
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San Jose State University came in at #19 in this year's ranking. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. San Jose State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. See the full San Jose State University profile
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California State University San Marcos came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Based in San Marcos, CA, California State University San Marcos is a public institution. California State University San Marcos posts a six-year graduation rate of 55%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,082, compared with $20,682 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $17,527. Get the full California State University San Marcos report
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California State University Chico landed the #21 spot in California this year. This public school is set in Chico, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,472, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. California State University Chico Nursing students take on a median of $18,591 in debt. More on California State University Chico
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San Diego State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. The median Nursing program debt is $16,417. More on San Diego State University
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Pacific Union College landed the #23 spot in California this year. Based in Angwin, CA, Pacific Union College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 44% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,173. The median Nursing program debt is $29,400. See the full Pacific Union College profile
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California State University East Bay landed the #24 spot in California this year. Based in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. In-state tuition and fees average $7,583, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. Students borrow a median of $18,073 to complete their Nursing program here. Read the full report on California State University East Bay
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San Joaquin Delta College came in at #25 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Stockton, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,180, with out-of-state students paying around $9,772. Typical Nursing student debt is $6,382. Get the full San Joaquin Delta College report
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Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Cabrillo College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This public school is set in Aptos, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,270 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,862. The median Nursing program debt is $10,425. More on Cabrillo College
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Simpson University did well this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Redding, CA, Simpson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,708. Graduates carry a median of $22,648 in student loans. Get the full Simpson University report
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Butte College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This public school is set in Oroville, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,356, compared with $9,276 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $13,302. More on Butte College
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California State University Long Beach landed the #29 spot in California this year. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Typical Nursing student debt is $15,671. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
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United States University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Set in San Diego, CA, United States University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,108. Graduates carry a median of $32,641 in student loans. More on United States University
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West Hills College Lemoore came in at #31 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Lemoore, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,384, compared with $10,954 for out-of-state students. West Hills College Lemoore Nursing students take on a median of $9,687 in debt. See the full West Hills College Lemoore profile
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California State University Fresno placed #32 among Nursing schools in California. California State University Fresno is a public school based in Fresno, CA. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. The median Nursing program debt is $15,598. Read the full report on California State University Fresno
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Yuba College placed #33 among Nursing schools in California. Yuba College is a public school based in Marysville, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,128, while out-of-state students pay about $8,208. The median Nursing program debt is $8,729. Read more about Yuba College
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Fresno Pacific University came in at #34 in this year's ranking. Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fresno, CA. About 50% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,660. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,596. Get the full Fresno Pacific University report
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California State University Fullerton came in at #35 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Fullerton, CA. About 70% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. California State University Fullerton Nursing students take on a median of $15,525 in debt. Read more about California State University Fullerton
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San Francisco State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Based in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,024 in student loans. Read the full report on San Francisco State University
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University Of California Irvine landed the #38 spot in California this year. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. University Of California Irvine Nursing students take on a median of $16,539 in debt. See the full University Of California Irvine profile
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Biola University did well this year, earning the #39 position. Set in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,984. The median Nursing program debt is $25,308. Read the full report on Biola University
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Cuesta College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Cuesta College is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,350, while out-of-state students pay about $11,010. Cuesta College Nursing students take on a median of $18,958 in debt. More on Cuesta College
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Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System placed #41 among Nursing schools in California. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Graduates carry a median of $27,471 in student loans. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
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Santa Barbara City College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, Santa Barbara City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,240, while out-of-state students pay about $10,432. Graduates carry a median of $21,090 in student loans. More on Santa Barbara City College
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Ventura College did well this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Ventura, CA, Ventura College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,426, with out-of-state students paying around $9,615. Ventura College Nursing students take on a median of $20,250 in debt. See the full Ventura College profile
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Mt San Antonio College came in at #44 in this year's ranking. Based in Walnut, CA, Mt San Antonio College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $9,384. More on Mt San Antonio College
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Santa Rosa Junior College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Santa Rosa Junior College is a public school based in Santa Rosa, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,318, while out-of-state students pay about $11,308. Santa Rosa Junior College Nursing students take on a median of $14,692 in debt. Read more about Santa Rosa Junior College
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Glendale Community College Glendale Ca landed the #46 spot in California this year. Located in Glendale, CA, Glendale Community College Glendale Ca is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,191, compared with $10,935 for out-of-state students. Glendale Community College Glendale Ca Nursing students take on a median of $19,800 in debt. Read the full report on Glendale Community College Glendale Ca
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Fresno City College came in at #47 in this year's ranking. Located in Fresno, CA, Fresno City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,378, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $7,234. Read the full report on Fresno City College
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College Of The Sequoias placed #48 among Nursing schools in California. Based in Visalia, CA, College Of The Sequoias is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,394, compared with $9,038 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $10,288. Read the full report on College Of The Sequoias
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California State University Northridge placed #49 among Nursing schools in California. Set in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Students borrow a median of $16,202 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full California State University Northridge report
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California State University Los Angeles did well this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. About 53% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Graduates carry a median of $14,430 in student loans. More on California State University Los Angeles
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University Of Phoenix California landed the #51 spot in California this year. Set in Ontario, CA, University Of Phoenix California is a private for-profit institution. About 22% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,552 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $37,432. Read more about University Of Phoenix California
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Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: State · 469 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 668 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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