10 Best Private Nursing Schools in California in 2024[UPDATED]

Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by Michael Tijani

To become a better nurse that stands out of the pack, you need to attend one of the best private nursing schools in California that is capable of equipping students with the best skills they need to become NPs or RNs. In this article, we will be educating you on things to look out for before applying to study in one of the nursing schools in California.

Imagine studying for such a long time only to discover a week before your graduation that this nursing school is not accredited or it is not just the best for you, considering who you are or what role you want to play in the medical field. You need to ensure that whatever nursing school you attend is duly accredited. For a nursing school to be accredited, it means this institution has met certain educational standards and requirements.  In addition, this comes with the benefit of applying for licensure after graduation, as this can only be done with an accredited degree.

Also, the admission requirements, acceptance rates, the school’s NCLEX-RN pass rates, accreditations, minimum GPAs, and estimated tuitions of these best private nursing schools in California will be carefully analyzed to help you in choosing your desired institution of study.  These private schools offer what most public schools cannot attempt, like flexible student requirements, certain specializations, or important scheduling options. They also ensure that their students are equipped with the necessary qualities for a bright job outlook.

Top 10 Best Private Nursing Schools in California

Below is a list of some private institutions with the best nursing schools in California, their various admission requirements, and every other information that will aid you through a smooth application process.

1. Point Loma Nazarene University

It is a private Christian nursing school located in San Diego, California, with the aim of providing a better higher education where the lives of its students are well-groomed physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Most times, it is usually abbreviated as PLNU. Initially, it was founded as a Bible College in 1902 by the church of the Nazarene. The president of Point Loma Nazarene University is Bob Brower. Currently, they have about 3,480 students, 2346 undergraduates, and 1,135 postgraduates.

Admission Requirements at Point Loma Nazarene University

To be successfully admitted into PLNU, your college and high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and two letters of recommendation are needed.

What GPA does Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) require?

It has been discovered over time how selective and competitive it is at PLNU. You need to be at the top of your class to really make it to PLNU. A GPA of about 3.86 and your transcript should be mostly A’s. In addition, you will also have to take several AP or IB classes to enable you fit to handle academics at a college level.

What is the acceptance rate at Point Loma Nazarene University?

One will ask, is it hard to be admitted at PLNU? It is only hard if you do not meet the admission requirements. The acceptance rate at PLNU is 84%. In addition, it ranks #80 for the lowest rate of acceptance in California. Last year the acceptance rate was 71.34% who knows what this year holds? The point here is that you have to be at the top of your game to make it to Point Loma Nazarene University.

How much do I need to pay to study at Point Loma Nazarene University?

The estimated tuition is $20200 per semester and $40400 per year.  The general fee per semester is $350, and $700 per year. If you are interested in living in the dormitory, you would have to pay $37 per semester and $74 per year.

 Accreditations

The university is accredited by these Organizations:

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• California Board of Registered Nursing
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Council of Social Work Education
• National Association of Schools of Music

2. California Baptist University 

This is a private university, also known as Cal Baptist or CBU, located in Riverside, California. CBU was founded in 1950 and is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. The motto of the California Baptist Church is “Live a purpose”. Their main aim is to produce students who can stand out in society and make a change wherever they find themselves, irrespective of how daring the world could be. The president of CBU is Ronald L. Ellis. They have about 11,419 students; they have been nicknamed the Lancers and are known for the colors blue and gold.

Admission Requirements of California Baptist Church.

To be admitted at CBU, one must have obtained an undergraduate degree with a 70% average. An academic and professional letter of recommendation is also needed. Furthermore, applicants must complete the online general CBU application and write a brief essay in response to a type of question like “What do you hope to gain from your experience as a student at California Baptist University?”

What is the acceptance rate at CBU like?

CBU is currently getting more applications each year. The acceptance rate at CBU is nothing less than 80.2%. It would not be too hard since the admission requirements are quite considerable.

What GPA does California Baptist University (GPU) require?

You will need a GPA of 3.6 to be admitted to CBU. You must have A’s and B’s making up your result, but you definitely need more A’s than B’s. This automatically means you must be at the top of your game. Harder classes like AP or IB can compensate for a lower GPA.

How Much Do the Fees of CBU Cost?

For single coverage, it costs $1,283. Those studying at the campus pay a sum of $39.20 for what is called an activity fee. Students are charged $2407.20, plus a $17.61 IT fee for off-campus graduate MBA 3-term credit courses.

Accreditations

The following organizations have accredited the university:

• WASC Senior college
• university Commission

3. University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco, also known as USF, is a private Jesuit university located in California. Its main campus is located on a 55-acre (22 ha) setting along the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park. They have a motto, ‘Pro Urbe et Universitate,’ meaning for the city and University. They are nicknamed ‘DONS’. It Was established on October 15, 1855, 166 years ago. The founder is Anthony Maraschi, S.J. THe president is Paul J Fitzgerald, S.J. They have about 10,636 students and 4,059 postgraduates. They are known for the colors green and gold.

Academic Requirements of the University of San Francisco

To be qualified to study at the University of San Francisco, you must be at least an average student in your high school. You will also need a mix of A’s, B’s, and c’s.

What GPA Is Required By San Francisco?

For residents or graduates of California high schools, a GPA of 2.00 to 2.49 is needed, while for non-California graduates or residents, a GPA of 2.47 to 2.99 is needed.

What is the acceptance rate at the University of San Francisco?

No need to be worried about being accepted into the school because the acceptance rate is moderately selective. At San Francisco University, the acceptance rate is 64.6%. They are more flexible than other schools, although they expect you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores.

How Much Do the Fees at the University of San Francisco Cost (USF)?

Tuition for the undergraduate cost of acceptance is $54,980, and $552 for fees; Total tuition and fee is $55,532. For campus housing, the students are required to pay $11,310.

Accreditation

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges WSCUS

4. Azusa Pacific University

Also known as APU is a private evangelical Christian university in Azusa, California, aimed at educating students in a Godly and responsible way. Their motto is “God First”. Azusa Pacific University was founded in 1899, and on March 3, 1990, classes started. At APU, hundreds of master’s, bachelor’s, and doctoral programs are offered via different channels, such as online, on campus, and at seven regional locations across California. The president of APU is Adam J. Morris. They have 1,235 academic staff, 1,062 administrative staff, 10,095 students, and 10,000 plus students. They are nicknamed cougars and are known for the colors Brick and Black.

Admission Requirements of Azusa Pacific University

If you are a freshman, you may not complete a specific set of courses; however, you must go through preparatory courses for some number of years in Mathematics, English, science, foreign language, United States history or government, and strong academic electives.

What GPA is required for APU?

All applicants must have a GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 US scale. For transfer applicants, a minimum GPA of 2.5 is needed on a 4.0 US scale.

What is the Acceptance Rate at APU like?

The acceptance rate at APU was reported as 93.6%. Thank goodness that they are not selective like the other private nursing schools.

How much is the fee at APU?

The total cost at APU is $54,826. The textbooks and e-books are free for all, whether undergraduates, doctoral, or master’s level students.

Accreditation

The WASC senior college and university commission has accredited Azusa Pacific University (APU).

5. Charles R. Drew University Of Medicine And Science

This nursing university is abbreviated as CDU. Due to the inadequate medical access within the Watts region of Los Angeles, California, in 1966, the university was founded. Charles R. Drew University is historically a university for black graduates. They go by a popular motto, “A Private University with a Public Mission”. The president of CDU is David M. Carlisle. CDU also has an academic affiliation with WASC. They have about 22080 students, 3190 undergraduates, 460 postgraduates, and the faculty strength is 1420.

Academic Requirements at CDU

For you to have a place in Charles R. Drew University in four of your academic subjects, including English, you must have an average of 60%, along with an IELTS score of 6.0.

What GPA is required at CDU?

Any student applying to study at CDU must know that the minimum GPA for most courses is 2.24. In addition, the average SAT is 1200, and the average percentage is 75%

What is the Acceptance Rate?

CDU is one of the top 100 best universities in the world. They have an acceptance rate of 66%, and the student-to-staff ratio is 64:1.

Tuition Fees at CDU

The fees of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science are $25,920; the living cost is $26000, and other fees sum up to $1300.

Accreditations at CDU

WASC senior college and university commission accredits Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

6. Concordia University 

This is a private university located in Irvine, California. It is of the Lutheran church to provide religious education for pastors, religious education teachers, and Christian school administrators. Its campus size is 28 ha. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1592 students. It was formerly known as Christ College and was established in 1976. Developing wise, Honorable, and cultivated citizens is their motto. The president of Concordia University is Michael Thomas. There are about 4046 students in the school. They are known for their colors; green and gold.

Academic Requirements of Concordia University

As an aspiring student of Concordia University, a high school diploma is needed. In addition, a Curriculum Vitae is needed and any other document which is needed to elucidate your ability to pursue a course in the university, such as your SAT or a GPA.

What GPA is required at Concordia University?

A GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale is needed. You must have a diploma in grade 12 academic courses, specifically a minimum of five courses, including English.

What is the Acceptance rate at Concordia University?

Actually, for every 100 applicants, 66 students are admitted; at least they are moderately selective. So one can say that the acceptance rate is 65.9%

Tuition fees at Concordia University

Tuition fees cost $17810. In addition, books and supplies cost $3964, and the estimated amount spent on transportation is $926

Accreditation

They are accredited by AACSB. AACSB is a known international accreditation that represents the highest standard of achievement for schools worldwide.

7. Mount Saint Mary’s University

This University is also known as Mount St. Mary’s College it is a catholic university located in Los Angeles, California. Their motto in English is “God, My Light. It is private and was established in 1925. As of 2019, they had about 709 part-time students and about  2,079 full-time students. Their vision is to train their students in the light of God

Admission Requirements to Study at Mount Saint Mary’s University

You need straight A’s. They actually want you to be at the top of your class. You must also show the college how ready you are by taking AP or IP courses. You will also need a good GPA and SAT scores

What GPA is required at Mount Saint Mary’s University?

A minimum GPA of 4.27 scale is needed. Anything less than that, maybe 2.49 and 2.0, such students bearing them, would be considered probationary admission. Furthermore, an SAT score between 900 and 1110 is needed.

What is the acceptance rate at Mount Saint Mary’s University? 

Mount Saint Mary’s University has an acceptance rate of 89%. They are very selective, and you have to be on top of your game to be admitted.

How much does it cost to study at Mount Saint Mary’s University?

The full-time tuition is $44,330, and the part-time tuition is $1,400.

Accreditations

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, NCATE, IACBE, ATS, and CEA

8. Bradman University

This University is currently known as the University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global. It was founded in 1958, 64 years ago. The chancellor is Gary Brahm. The university has about 23000 students. It is located in Irvine, California

Academic requirements at Bradman University

You need to complete 15-year-long academic courses, including history, literature, and English.  Your GPA and SAT must be worth it as well.

What GPA is required at Bradman University?

You need a high school GPA of nothing less than 2.0. Also, students planning for a Baccalaureate program and Association of Arts Program must have a GPA of 2.0.

What is the acceptance rate of Bradman University?

It was 95% in 2020 and 89.3% in 2019, and the number of applicants between 2019 and 2020 grew by 161%; also the admissions grew by 177%.

How much do I need to pay to study at Bradman University?

Basically, the average tuition fee between 2019 and 2020 at Bradman was $12,480 a year.

Accreditations

Bradman University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University (WSCUC)

9. The Fresno Pacific University

The Pacific District Conference Institute founded the University in 1944 as the Pacific Bible Institute. The university has its vision in its motto “Founded on Christ”. The president is Dr. Joseph Jones. They have about 200 staff, 2731 undergraduates, and 1298 post-graduates. It is located in Fresno, California, united states.

Admission Requirements of Fresno Pacific University

Thank goodness, the admission requirements are not stringent as other schools. They technically accept B+ average students from high school

What GPA is required at Fresno Pacific University?

With an average GPA of 3.54, you are good to go with a mix of A’s and B’s and very few C’s. You can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes if you have a lower GPA. Your SAT and ACT scores must be above 74%.

The Acceptance Rate at Fresno Pacific University

They are quite selective, with an acceptance rate of 66.9%.

How much does it cost to study at Fresno Pacific University?

Tuition and fees cost $52,072, Room and Meals cost $14,408, Books and Supplies $1,050, and Personal Expenses $1000

Accreditations

Fresno Pacific University programs are accredited by WASC senior college and University Commission. The Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation also approves them.

10. Holy Names University 

A Roman Catholic university located in Oakland, California. The sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary founded it. Their vision is to display Honor, Nobility, and Virtue in their students. It school was established in 1868. They have about 1846 undergraduates and 328 postgraduates.

Academic Requirements of Holy Names University

It is okay to be a below-average student with A’s and B’s but do well to avoid C’S. You also need a good GPA. Also, note that Holy Names University does not require SAT.

What GPA is required at Holy Names University?

At Holy Names University, a GPA of 3.35 on the 4.0 scale is required to have a place in the school. Applicants must have above-average in their high school grades.

Acceptance Rate at Holy Names University

No need to worry about the acceptance rate of Holy Names University because it is the least, with an acceptance rate of 89%.

Accreditations

In 1949, Holy Names University was accredited, and you can verify it on the WSCUC website. A more comprehensive review of Holy Names University was done in 2016 and was given an 8-year reaffirmation of its accreditation through 2024.

Conclusion

You may have the best high school grades or an awesome GPA, but if you do not make the best of it by attending one of the Best Private Nursing Schools in California, you may end up not getting the best education you have dreamed of, and this may affect your career. I know you won’t like that, so do well to look before you leap when choosing a university for nursing in California.