The Best ADN Programs
Nurses continue to be in high demand, and one of the quickest ways to enter the field is through earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Students who complete an ADN program can become licensed as registered nurses in around two years. Many nurses choose to earn an ADN and then continue their nursing education while they work.
This guide explores some of the top ADN nursing programs offered in the United States. Prospective students need a strong understanding of the application process and insight into choosing the right program.
Top ADN Programs and Schools
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Canton, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Aultman College offers an associate of science in nursing (ASN) degree — a close cousin of the ADN — for aspiring registered nurses. The five-semester program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in simulation laboratories. Learners also complete clinical experiences. Enrollees can use this degree to move into Aultman College's bachelor of science in nursing program.
- Program: ASN
- Campus: Canton, OH
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma; minimum 3.0 GPA; ACT or SAT or ACCUPLACER Next Gen scores; Test of Essential Academic Skills scores
- Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $51,150 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
86%
$18,754
61%
$18,754
- Acceptance Rate
- 41%
- Students Enrolled
- 241
- Institution Type
- Private
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
- Wesson, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The associate degree in nursing (ADN) from Copiah-Lincoln Community College trains students for entry-level positions as patient care providers and managers. The 72-credit program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Learners can complete the degree in two years. The curriculum includes general education classes and 45 credits of nursing core courses.
- Program: ADN
- Campus: Wesson, MS
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma; minimum 2.5 GPA; minimum 18 ACT composite score
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,110 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
64%
$3,500
73%
$4,500
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 2,834
- Institution Type
- Public
East Mississippi Community College
- Scooba, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
East Mississippi Community College offers an associate degree in nursing (ADN) that takes two years to complete. The 62-credit curriculum includes 26 credits of general education classes and 36 credits in core nursing classes. Students must take courses in sequence. The school also offers an LPN-to-RN program for licensed practical nurses seeking RN licensure.
- Program: ADN
- Campus: Scooba, MS
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma; minimum 18 ACT score
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.5% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $48,940 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
69%
$3,500
64%
$6,500
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 3,642
- Institution Type
- Public
Frontier Community College
- Fairfield, IL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Frontier Community College, one of four colleges that comprise the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges district, offers a 72-credit associate degree in nursing (ADN). The degree prepares graduates for RN licensure. Enrollees can pursue a practical nursing certificate in the summer between the program's first and second year.
- Program: ADN
- Campus: Fairfield, IL
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma; minimum 2.5 GPA; Test of Essential Academic Skills scores
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,440 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
6%
$ 9,180
68%
$11,250
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 2,364
- Institution Type
- Public
Itawamba Community College
- Fulton, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Northeastern Mississippi-based Itawamba Community College offers academic, career, and health sciences programs, including an associate degree in nursing (ADN). The 24-month, five-semester program admits applicants once annually. Students attend classes in the state-of-the-art Health Science Education Center.
- Program: ADN
- Campus: Fulton, MS
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma; minimum 18 ACT composite score
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $51,790 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
70%
$3,100
75%
$5,500
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 4,937
- Institution Type
- Public
Lake-Sumter State College
- Leesburg, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The limited-access associate in science in nursing (ASN) program at Lake-Sumter State College offers two tracks. A general track accepts 50 students each fall and spring semester. The bridge track, for students with current LPN or paramedic certification, accepts 30 students annually. The curriculum includes core nursing classes and ends with a clinical internship.
- Program: ASN
- Campus: Leesburg, FL
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma; minimum 2.5 GPA; HESI exam
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.3% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,420 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
74%
$ 3,292
N/A
$13,276
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 5,064
- Institution Type
- Public
Moraine Park Technical College
- Fond du Lac, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Moraine Park Technical College offers a 68-credit associate degree in nursing (ADN). One of the best ADN programs, this program prepares graduates for careers as LPNs and RNs. The curriculum includes hands-on classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experiences. Learners must enroll full time.
- Program: ADN
- Campus: Fond du Lac, WI
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma; minimum 3.0 GPA or ACT or ACCUPLACER scores
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $53,820 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
43%
$4,375
75%
$6,579
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 3,532
- Institution Type
- Public
Northeast Mississippi Community College
- Booneville, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The associate degree in nursing (ADN) at Northeast Mississippi Community College prepares graduates for entry-level positions as nurse caregivers. One of the best ADN programs, this program prepares learners for the NCLEX-RN exam. Students must progress through the 72-credit curriculum in sequential order. Learners typically take five semesters to complete the degree.
- Program: ADN
- Campus: Booneville, MS
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma; ACT or SAT scores
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $47,490 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
77%
$3,650
72%
$6,930
- Acceptance Rate
- 39%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,338
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
What Can You Do With an ADN Degree?
An ADN degree prepares nurses for a variety of roles. ADN graduates can record patients’ health histories, administer medication, order tests, and educate patients and their families on medical conditions and treatment options.
RNs who have earned an ADN and wish to increase their earning potential can continue their education with either a (BSN) or a master of science in nursing (MSN) program.
Upon earning their degree, RNs can work in virtually any healthcare setting. Typical work environments include hospitals, regional medical centers, long-term care facilities, public health centers, and private practices.
A few of the more common roles include:
Oncology Nurse
ADN required
Oncology nurses treat cancer and cancer-related issues, assess patients, and educate family members on treatment processes and expected side effects.
- Salary: $85,936 average annual salary
- Job Outlook: Projected 5% increase in the demand for RNs from 2024-2034
Emergency Room (ER) Nurse
ADN required
ER nurses help patients who require immediate medical care. They assess patients, monitor vital signs, and administer medical treatments.
- Salary: $79,085 average annual salary
- Job Outlook: Projected 5% increase in the demand for RNs from 2024-2034
Homecare Nurse
ADN required
Homecare nurses work in the homes of chronically ill patients. They provide basic care, monitor patients’ health, track any health-related changes, and provide treatment.
- Salary: $77,785 average annual salary
- Job Outlook: Projected 17% increase in the demand from 2024-2034
What to Look for in an ADN Program
When researching ADN programs, examine the program’s admission requirements, accreditation, and graduation rate to help narrow down options. Exploring program length, curriculum, and clinical requirements can help students select the right program for them.
Admission Requirements
Understanding admission requirements should be students’ first step. While most programs are similar, applicants should ensure they have the appropriate background to be admitted into the program.
Program Curriculum
While curricula tend to be similar from one school to the next, applicants should review elective options provided at the institution. These choices can help in determining a focus area for incoming students.
Clinical Experience
The time spent in clinical rotations provides prospective nurses with an opportunity to develop professional experience. Being able to spend time in a variety of specialties also helps when choosing a specialty area to pursue.
Accreditation
Applicants should only apply to an accredited program to ensure the institution adheres to state and national standards. AN unaccredited program may not meet these standards, often making it difficult for students to transfer or pursue a more advanced degree. Read more about accreditation.
Program Length
Students who enroll in an ADN program can complete their schooling within two years. However, the length can vary depending on start date and enrollment status — full-time vs. part-time.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
Before becoming a licensed RN, prospective nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) review first-time student passing rates on the NCLEX when evaluating a nursing program. They use these rates to determine if the program’s accreditation can continue, which signals the strength of that program.
School Graduation Rate
Graduation rate demonstrates the success of a program’s students. Not only does it provide insight into the completion of the program, but it also identifies if students are earning their degree on time.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Online programs provide the same rigorous curriculum found with in-person settings. Through these programs, students typically complete synchronous courses, which take place in real-time, and asynchronous courses, which students access on their own time.
Applying to an ADN Program
Once an applicant has decided to apply to nursing school, there are a variety of requirements they must meet to gain admittance. These requirements typically require certain academic prerequisites, such as GPA minimums, a writing sample, and references.
While most programs require similar material, others vary, so make sure to examine the specific requirements for each school.
Why is ADN Program Accreditation Important?
Choosing an accredited ADN program comes with many advantages. Students, graduates, and employers all benefit from accreditation, both academically and professionally:
- Accreditation is awarded by the ACEN and the CCNE, organizations that confirm the academic quality of the program.
- Credits from unaccredited programs may not transfer to other programs (ADN or BSN).
- Unaccredited undergraduate degrees earned may not be valid for those looking to enter an MSN program.
- Students may not be eligible for federal financial aid if they attend an unaccredited institution.
- Accredited degrees can lead to more exclusive job prospects and higher earning potential.
Paying for ADN Programs
Program costs vary depending on the exclusivity of the program, whether attending as a full-time or part-time student, and the location of the institution (in-state vs. out-of-state).
Learners can explore a variety of resources to help lessen the financial burden of their education. Financial aid is accessible for students as grants, scholarships, and loans. Grants are awarded based upon the financial need of the students; scholarships provide funds based on merit, talent, or academic performance; and loans consist of borrowed money that will eventually need to be paid back.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADN Programs
When examining the value of completing an ADN program, prospective nurses must determine their professional goals as a nurse. ADN programs can be a great start to a nursing career, as it is both less expensive and less time-consuming than other programs.
After earning an ADN, nurses can gain experience while deciding if additional education is right for them.
