Top 46 Best BSN Programs in California [2023]

Getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN, degree in California is a great idea. The demand for nursing professionals in the state is huge, partially thanks to the state’s generous implementation of the Affordable Care Act. In addition to guaranteeing coverage for all state residents, California tried to offer healthcare to as many as two million undocumented immigrants. That healthcare initiative was scrapped in early 2017. Even with two million less people to worry about, 78% of California’s population lives in a registered nurse shortage area.

The average salary for a nurse in California is $124,000, which is well above the national average. This is partially offset by the higher cost of living in many areas of the state. However, several great cities such as Clovis and Folson offer the option of more affordable living costs. Whether you choose to hang out with celebrities in Los Angeles or relax on the beaches of Santa Cruz, there’s bound to be a good place for you.

Getting a BSN degree in California takes four years. In contrast, an associate degree in nursing (ADN), the fastest way to become a registered nurse (RN), takes two to three years. While ADNs and BSNs lead to similar job duties at first, a BSN degree will give you the opportunity to pursue a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree in the future.

The Best BSN Programs in California

There are dozens of schools you can study at to get your BSN degree in California. However, there is a current shortage of nurse educators in this state. If you want to become a nurse, it’s important to put your best foot forward with your college application. You must also ensure you enroll in an accredited BSN program.

1. Sonoma State University

   1801 E Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA 94928 (707) 664-2880

2. San Jose State University

   1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA 95192 (408) 924-1000

3. California State University-Stanislaus

   1 University Cir, Turlock, CA 95382 (209) 667-3122

4. California State University-Long Beach

   1250 N Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90815 (562) 985-4111

5. Simpson University

   2211 College View Dr, Redding, CA 96003 (530) 224-5600

6. California State University-Chico

   400 W 1st St, Chico, CA 95928 (530) 898-6116

7. California State University - LA

   5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90032 (323) 343-3000

8. California State University-Sacramento

   6000 J St, Sacramento, CA 95819 (916) 278-6011

9. California State University-San Marcos

   333 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd, San Marcos, CA 92096 (760) 750-4000

10. California State University-Channel Islands

    1 University Dr, Camarillo, CA 93012 (805) 437-8400

11. Samuel Merritt University

    3100 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609 (510) 869-6511

12. California State University-Bakersfield

    9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311 (661) 654-2782

13. Mount Saint Mary's University

    12001 Chalon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310) 954-4000

14. California State University-Fullerton

    800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831 (657) 278-2011

15. Concordia University-Irvine

    1530 Concordia, Irvine, CA 92612 (949) 854-8002

16. Point Loma Nazarene University

    3900 Lomaland Dr, San Diego, CA 92106 (619) 849-2200

17. Loma Linda University

    11139 Anderson St, Loma Linda, CA 92354 (909) 558-1400

18. University of San Diego

    5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 260-4600

19. Vanguard University of Southern California

    55 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 556-3610

20. California State University-Northridge

    18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91325 (818) 677-1200

21. American University of Health Sciences

    1600 E Hill St, Signal Hill, CA 90755 (562) 988-2278

22. California State University-San Bernardino

    5500 University Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407 (909) 537-5000

23. California State University-East Bay

    25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward, CA 94542 (510) 885-3000

24. Azusa Pacific University

    901 E Alosta Ave, Azusa, CA 91702 (626) 969-3434

25. Pacific Union College

    1 Angwin Ave, Angwin, CA 94508 (707) 965-6313

26. California Baptist University

    8432 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504 (951) 689-5771

27. California State University-Fresno

    5241 N Maple Ave, Fresno, CA 93740 (559) 278-4240

28. Pacific College

    3160 Red Hill Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 662-4402

29. Dominican University of California

    50 Acacia Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 457-4440

30. Biola University

    13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639 (562) 903-6000

31. San Diego State University

    5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182 (619) 594-5200

32. Stanbridge University

    2041 Business Center Dr #107, Irvine, CA 92612 (949) 794-9090

33. United States University

    7675 Mission Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 477-6310

34. Humboldt State University

    1 Harpst St, Arcata, CA 95521 (707) 826-3011

35. Fresno Pacific University

    1717 S Chestnut Ave, Fresno, CA 93702 (559) 453-2000

36. West Coast University-Ontario

    2855 E Guasti Rd, Ontario, CA 91761 (909) 467-6100

37. University of California-Los Angeles

    405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095 (310) 825-4321

38. University of Massachusetts Global

    16355 Laguna Canyon Rd #1, Irvine, CA 92618 (855) 231-9710

39. University of California-Irvine

    501 Aldrich Hall, Irvine, CA 92697 (949) 824-5011

40. Unitek College

    4670 Auto Mall Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538 (510) 249-1060

41. Saint Mary's College of California

    1928 St Marys Rd, Moraga, CA 94556 (925) 631-4000

42. West Coast University-Los Angeles

    12215 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606 (818) 299-5500

43. West Coast University-Orange County

    1477 S Manchester Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802 (714) 782-1700

44. National University

    11255 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 (800) 628-8648

45. California State University-Monterey Bay

    100 Campus Center, Seaside, CA 93955 (831) 582-3330

46. California State University-Dominguez Hills

    1000 E Victoria St, Carson, CA 90747 (310) 243-3300