The Best ADN Programs

An associate degree in nursing (ADN) is one of the fastest routes into the field. You can become a licensed RN in about two years, and many nurses earn an ADN, start working, then continue their education on the job. This guide covers strong ADN programs in the United States and what to weigh when choosing one.

Top ADN Programs and Schools

The school data below draws on sources including Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics.

Aultman College offers an associate of science in nursing (ASN), a close cousin of the ADN. The five-semester program combines classroom instruction with simulation-lab training and clinical experiences, and graduates can move into Aultman's BSN 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, SAT, or ACCUPLACER Next Gen scores; TEAS scores
• Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months
• Onsite Requirements: Yes
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $51,150 for associate graduates (College Scorecard)

The ADN from Copiah-Lincoln Community College trains students for entry-level patient care and management roles. The 72-credit program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and takes two years, with general education classes plus 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
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• Onsite Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,110 for associate graduates (College Scorecard)

East Mississippi Community College offers a two-year, 62-credit ADN: 26 credits of general education and 36 credits of core nursing, taken in sequence. The school also runs 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
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• Onsite Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.5% first-time
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $48,940 for associate graduates (College Scorecard)

Frontier Community College, one of four colleges in the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges district, offers a 72-credit ADN that prepares graduates for RN licensure. Enrollees can pursue a practical nursing certificate in the summer between the 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; TEAS scores
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• Onsite Requirements: Yes
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,440 for associate graduates (College Scorecard)

Itawamba Community College in northeastern Mississippi offers a 24-month, five-semester ADN that admits applicants once a year. Students attend classes in the college's 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
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• Onsite Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $51,790 for associate graduates (College Scorecard)

The limited-access ASN at Lake-Sumter State College runs two tracks. The general track admits 50 students each fall and spring; the bridge track, for current LPNs or paramedics, admits 30 a year. The curriculum 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
• Onsite Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.3% first-time
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,420 for associate graduates (College Scorecard)

Moraine Park Technical College offers a 68-credit ADN with a practical-nursing exit point, preparing graduates for LPN and RN careers. The curriculum combines classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experiences, and requires full-time enrollment.

• 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
• Onsite Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98% first-time
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $53,820 for associate graduates (College Scorecard)

The ADN at Northeast Mississippi Community College prepares graduates for entry-level caregiver roles and the NCLEX-RN. Students progress through the 72-credit curriculum in sequence, typically over five semesters.

• 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
• Onsite Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $47,490 for associate graduates (College Scorecard)

What You Can Do With an ADN

An ADN prepares you for a range of roles. ADN graduates record patient health histories, administer medication, order tests, and educate patients and families on conditions and treatment options. RNs who want to increase their earning potential can continue with a BSN or MSN.

You can work in almost any healthcare setting: hospitals, regional medical centers, long-term care facilities, public health centers, and private practices. Common roles include:

Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses treat cancer and related conditions, assess patients, and educate families on treatment and side effects.

• Salary: about $85,936 average annual (Payscale)
• Job Outlook: 5% projected growth in RN demand, 2024–2034 (BLS)

Emergency Room (ER) Nurse

ER nurses care for patients who need immediate treatment. They assess patients, monitor vital signs, and administer care.

• Salary: about $79,085 average annual (Payscale)
• Job Outlook: 5% projected growth in RN demand, 2024–2034 (BLS)

Homecare Nurse

Homecare nurses work in the homes of chronically ill patients, providing basic care, monitoring health, and tracking changes.

• Salary: about $77,785 average annual (Payscale)
• Job Outlook: 17% projected growth in home health and personal care demand, 2024–2034 (BLS)

What to Look for in an ADN Program

Start with admission requirements, accreditation, and graduation rate to narrow your options, then weigh program length, curriculum, and clinical requirements.

Admission Requirements

Check requirements first. Most programs are similar, but confirm you have the background each one expects before you apply.

Program Curriculum

Curricula are similar across schools, so compare elective options. Those choices can help you build toward a focus area.

Clinical Experience

Clinical rotations are where you develop professional experience. Time across different specialties also helps you decide which area to pursue.

Accreditation

Apply only to accredited programs, which adhere to state and national standards. An unaccredited program may not, which can make it hard to transfer credits or pursue an advanced degree.

Program Length

Most students finish an ADN within two years, though the timeline shifts with start date and whether you enroll full or part time.

School NCLEX Pass Rate

Before licensure, you 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 pass rates when evaluating a program and deciding whether its accreditation continues. A strong pass rate signals a strong program.

School Graduation Rate

Graduation rate shows how many students complete the program, and whether they finish on time.

Online Learning Format and Requirements

Online programs deliver the same rigorous curriculum as onsite ones. You'll typically mix synchronous courses, which meet in real time, with asynchronous courses you access on your own schedule.

Applying to an ADN Program

Admission is competitive. Most programs require academic prerequisites like GPA minimums, a writing sample, and references, though specifics vary, so check each school. Common requirements:

• Proof of prior education (high school diploma or GED), high school transcripts, proof of completed prerequisites (algebra, biology, chemistry), a writing sample, and recommendation letters
• A 2.5 GPA or GED equivalent
• Pre-entrance exams in some cases: SAT/ACT, the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), the Nursing Entrance Exam (NET), or the Kaplan Nursing School Admission Test

Why ADN Accreditation Matters

Accreditation benefits students, graduates, and employers:

• It's awarded by the ACEN and CCNE, which confirm a program's academic quality.
• Credits from unaccredited programs may not transfer to other ADN or BSN programs.
• An unaccredited undergraduate degree may not qualify you for an MSN program.
• You may lose eligibility for federal financial aid at an unaccredited institution.
• Accredited degrees can open better job prospects and higher pay.

Paying for ADN Programs

Costs vary with the program, full- or part-time status, and in-state versus out-of-state location. Financial aid comes as grants, scholarships, and loans. Grants are need-based, scholarships reward merit or academic performance, and loans are borrowed money you repay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an ADN worth it? For many students, yes. It's less expensive and faster than other paths, and it qualifies you to sit the NCLEX-RN and work as a registered nurse. You can gain experience and earn an income while deciding whether more education makes sense.

How long does an ADN take? Most students finish in about two years full-time. Some accelerated tracks run as short as 18 months, while part-time enrollment and unfinished prerequisites extend the timeline.

What GPA do ADN programs require? Admission is competitive everywhere. ADN programs typically require at least a 2.5 GPA, while BSN programs generally want a 3.0 or better. A higher GPA improves your odds at selective programs.

How many ADN programs are there? ADN programs exist in every state and the District of Columbia, usually at community and junior colleges, with more than 1,000 programs nationwide.

What is the job outlook for ADN nurses? RN employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 189,100 openings each year over the decade (BLS).

Should I start with an ADN or a BSN? It depends on your goals. An ADN gets you working sooner; a BSN or MSN brings higher earning potential and more specialized roles. Many nurses start with an ADN, then bridge to a BSN while employed.