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Most Popular Online Nursing Schools in California

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2023 Most Popular Online Nursing Schools in California

19 Colleges
$90,600 Avg Salary
$21,020 Avg Student Debt

In 2020-2021, nursing students earned 18,329 degrees and certificates from a California school, making the subject the 5th in the state.

With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools with offerings that you might find attractive.

The Most Popular Online Nursing Schools in California ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 19 schools in California to see which ones were the most popular online programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Check out the online nursing programs at these schools if you want to attend one of the most popular in California.

#1

National University

La Jolla, CA

Our 2023 rankings named National University the most popular online school in California for nursing students. National University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the large city of La Jolla.

While working on their degree, nursing majors at National University accumulate an average of around $37,500 in student debt. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $198, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Nursing at National University

The excellent online programs at California State University - Dominguez Hills helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in California. Located in the city of Carson, CSUDH is a public school with a fairly large student population.

On average, nursing graduates from CSUDH take out $17,500 in student loans while working on their degree.

Read More…

#3

Brandman University

Irvine, CA

The excellent online programs at Brandman University helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in California. Located in the large city of Irvine, Brandman is a private not-for-profit college with a medium-sized student population.

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A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a great place for nursing students pursuing an online degree. Located in the city of San Mateo, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts take out is $18,603.

Read full report on Nursing at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

#5

Compton College

Compton, CA

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Compton College is a great place for nursing students pursuing an online degree. Located in the large suburb of Compton, Compton College is a public school with a small student population.

Read full report on Nursing at Compton College

#6

United States University

San Diego, CA

United States University ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Online Nursing Schools in California list. Located in the city of San Diego, USU is a private for-profit school with a small student population.

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University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Nursing Schools in California ranking. Located in the suburb of San Marcos, USAHS is a private for-profit school with a moderately-sized student population.

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With a ranking of #8, West Coast University - Orange County did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students. Located in the city of Anaheim, West Coast University - Orange County is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at West Coast University - Orange County take out is $38,146. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $665.

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With a ranking of #10, California State University - Fresno did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students. Fresno State is a very large public school located in the large city of Fresno.

After completing their degree, nursing graduates from Fresno State carry an average student debtload of $16,500.

Read full report on Nursing at California State University - Fresno

Best Nursing Colleges in the Far Western US Region

Explore all the Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Far Western US Area or other specific states within that region.

State Degrees Awarded
Washington 3,851
Oregon 1,502
Nevada 2,015
Hawaii 535
Alaska 177

More Nursing Rankings in California

Nursing is one of 30 different types of programs to choose from.

Related Major Annual Graduates
Health & Medical Administrative Services 89,359
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services 84,492
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants 84,274
Allied Health Professions 82,308
Public Health 40,596

Notes and References

*These averages are for the top 19 schools only.

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Credit for the banner image above goes to Aleksahgabrielle.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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