Florida is one of the most important states for nursing education in the United States — driven by a large and rapidly growing population, a massive healthcare industry, and persistent nursing shortage that makes qualified nursing graduates among the most sought-after professionals in the state. The top nursing colleges in Florida train the next generation of nurses across all specializations — from BSN programs for new graduates to DNP programs for advanced practice nurses.
How We Selected These Top Nursing Colleges in Florida
Our selection criteria: ACEN or CCNE accreditation status, NCLEX-RN pass rates, program reputation within Florida’s healthcare market, delivery format options for working nurses advancing credentials, tuition accessibility, and program breadth across nursing specializations. We cover the full range from research-intensive flagship university nursing programs to accessible regional nursing schools.
1. University of Florida — College of Nursing
UF’s College of Nursing is Florida’s flagship nursing program — offering BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs with strong research output and deep connections across Florida’s healthcare system. UF Nursing is consistently ranked among the top 50 nursing programs nationally and produces graduates who enter leadership positions across Florida’s major health systems.
CCNE accredited. Strong research connections with UF Health — one of Florida’s leading academic medical centers. In-state tuition: approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year for undergraduate programs. Best suited for: Florida resident students and nursing professionals seeking Florida’s flagship public university nursing education with research opportunities and UF Health clinical connections.
2. University of Miami — School of Nursing and Health Studies
UM Nursing offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs — with particular strength in research, cultural competency nursing for Miami’s diverse multilingual population, and international health. UM’s location in Miami provides access to one of the most diverse patient populations in the United States — excellent preparation for multicultural nursing practice.
CCNE accredited. Strong connections across Miami’s major healthcare systems including Jackson Health System. Private university tuition: approximately $52,000 per year. Best suited for: students seeking research-intensive nursing education with strong cultural competency training and access to Miami’s diverse patient populations and international health research opportunities.
3. Florida International University — Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences
FIU Nursing serves Miami-Dade County’s large and diverse population — offering BSN, MSN, and DNP programs with strong emphasis on community health nursing, cultural competency, and serving underserved populations. FIU is one of the largest universities in the United States and produces a significant volume of Florida’s nursing graduates annually.
CCNE accredited. Strong connections across Miami-Dade’s public health system. In-state tuition: approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year. Best suited for: Miami-Dade area students seeking affordable nursing education with strong community health and cultural competency training for one of the nation’s most diverse urban healthcare markets.
4. University of South Florida — College of Nursing
USF Nursing offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs — with strong research connections through USF Health and Tampa Bay area healthcare systems. USF’s nursing programs emphasize evidence-based practice and produce graduates well-prepared for Tampa Bay’s growing healthcare market.
CCNE accredited. Strong connections across Tampa Bay’s major health systems. In-state tuition: approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year. Best suited for: Tampa Bay area students seeking research-intensive public university nursing education with strong USF Health clinical connections and affordable in-state tuition.
5. Florida State University — College of Nursing
FSU Nursing offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs — with particular strength in pediatric nursing, family nurse practitioner programs, and rural health nursing reflecting Florida’s rural and underserved population needs. FSU’s Tallahassee location provides connections to Florida’s state government health policy apparatus.
CCNE accredited. Strong connections across North Florida and rural health systems. In-state tuition: approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year. Best suited for: students interested in rural health nursing, family nurse practitioner specialization, and health policy — with access to Florida state government healthcare policy connections through FSU’s Tallahassee location.
6. University of Central Florida — College of Nursing
UCF Nursing serves Central Florida’s rapidly growing healthcare market — offering BSN, MSN, and DNP programs with strong connections across Orlando’s major health systems and Florida’s growing theme park and hospitality healthcare sector. UCF’s nursing programs emphasize simulation-based clinical training with state-of-the-art facilities.
CCNE accredited. Strong connections across Orlando’s major health systems. In-state tuition: approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year. Best suited for: Central Florida students seeking affordable public university nursing education with access to Orlando’s rapidly growing and diverse healthcare market.
7. Nova Southeastern University — Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing
NSU Nursing offers BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs — with strong emphasis on interprofessional education reflecting NSU’s status as one of Florida’s largest health professions universities. NSU’s Fort Lauderdale campus serves South Florida’s nursing market with strong clinical connections across Broward and Palm Beach counties.
CCNE accredited. Strong interprofessional education environment — nursing students train alongside medical, pharmacy, and dental students. Private university tuition: approximately $30,000-$40,000 per year. Best suited for: South Florida students seeking interprofessional health professions education with strong clinical connections across Broward and Palm Beach counties.
8. Barry University — Andreas School of Business Nursing Division
Barry University Nursing offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs — with a strong Catholic mission-driven curriculum emphasizing service, cultural competency, and care for underserved populations. Barry’s Miami Shores location serves Miami-Dade’s nursing market with a values-driven educational approach.
CCNE accredited. Faith-based institution with strong community health mission. Private university tuition: approximately $32,000-$38,000 per year. Best suited for: students seeking faith-based nursing education with strong community health mission and service orientation in South Florida’s diverse healthcare market.
9. Florida Atlantic University — Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
FAU Nursing is distinctive for its caring science curriculum — one of the few nursing programs in the United States built around Dr. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. Programs span BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD — with strong research output in caring science and holistic nursing practice.
CCNE accredited. Unique caring science research focus. In-state tuition: approximately $6,000-$8,000 per year. Best suited for: students interested in caring science, holistic nursing, and nursing theory research — seeking an academically distinctive nursing program within Florida’s public university system at accessible in-state tuition.
10. Jacksonville University — Keigwin School of Nursing
Jacksonville University Nursing serves Northeast Florida’s nursing market — offering BSN, MSN, and DNP programs with strong clinical connections across Jacksonville’s major health systems. JU’s nursing programs emphasize simulation-based clinical training and community health nursing for Northeast Florida’s diverse population.
CCNE accredited. Strong connections across Northeast Florida health systems. Private university tuition: approximately $36,000-$42,000 per year. Best suited for: Northeast Florida students seeking private university nursing education with strong clinical connections across Jacksonville’s growing healthcare market.
How to Verify Nursing College Accreditation in Florida
CCNE accreditation is verifiable at ccneaccreditation.org. ACEN accreditation is verifiable at acenursing.org. Florida state nursing program approval is verifiable through the Florida Board of Nursing at floridasnursing.gov. Always verify that the specific nursing program — not just the institution — holds the relevant accreditation.
For the complete accreditation verification methodology — our guide to online university accreditation covers the complete process. For nursing professionals considering credential advancement alongside active careers — our guide to working and studying at the same time covers the 9 proven strategies.
Check the complete list of accredited nursing schools in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best nursing college in Florida?
University of Florida’s College of Nursing is Florida’s highest-ranked nursing program. For South Florida students, University of Miami and FIU offer strong programs at different price points. The best nursing college for any individual depends on location within Florida, specialization goals, career stage, and budget.
What accreditation should I look for in Florida nursing programs?
Both CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) and ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) are recognized accreditors for nursing programs. CCNE accreditation is more common among university-based nursing programs. Always verify that the specific nursing program holds current accreditation before enrolling.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Florida nursing graduates?
NCLEX pass rates vary by institution and program — always request current NCLEX pass rate data directly from any nursing program you are considering. Florida nursing programs are required to report NCLEX pass rates, and programs with consistently high pass rates indicate strong clinical preparation.
