Best Nursing Schools in Washington: Rankings, Cost & NLC Status

Washington offers several strong routes into registered nursing.

You can study at a major public university, a private faith-based university, a community college, or a technical college. Students can also choose between traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, associate degree, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, and graduate-entry pathways.

But a recognizable school name does not automatically mean the strongest current outcome.

The Washington State Board of Nursing publishes first-time NCLEX pass rates for approved programs. Its February 2026 report shows meaningful differences between schools, pathways, and graduating cohorts.

This NurseZee guide uses those official results, along with affordability, cohort size, pathway flexibility, clinical access, and licensing fit.

Why study nursing in Washington?

Washington has a diverse healthcare environment.

Students may train in:

• academic teaching hospitals
• regional health systems
• trauma centers
• pediatric hospitals
• rural clinics
• tribal and Indigenous health settings
• public health departments
• community health centers
• long-term care facilities
• behavioral health programs
• home health and hospice
• military and federal facilities

The Seattle and Puget Sound regions provide access to large health systems and specialty care. Spokane serves as an important healthcare and education center for Eastern Washington. Community colleges and regional campuses support workforce needs in central, southwest, northwest, and rural Washington.

Washington also has high RN wages relative to many states, although Seattle-area housing and living costs can be substantial.

Washington’s Nurse Licensure Compact status

Washington is an active member of the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Nurses with an active multistate license from another compact jurisdiction have been able to practice in Washington under compact privilege since July 24, 2023.

Washington began accepting applications for Washington-issued multistate licenses in early 2024.

Does every Washington nursing graduate receive a compact license?

No.

A Washington nursing graduate must still:

• qualify for RN licensure
• pass the NCLEX-RN
• meet Washington licensing requirements
• establish Washington as the primary state of residence
• meet the compact’s uniform multistate license requirements
• apply for the appropriate single-state or multistate license

A student who graduates in Washington but legally resides in a noncompact state may not qualify for a Washington multistate license.

How NurseZee ranked Washington nursing programs

This is an independent NurseZee comparison.

We considered:

Official first-time NCLEX-RN performance

The Washington State Board of Nursing’s February 2026 report provides program-level results for 2021 through 2025.

Washington prelicensure nursing programs are required to maintain at least an 80% first-time NCLEX pass rate.

Multi-year consistency

One strong year is helpful.

Several strong years provide a better signal.

We looked for:

• stable results
• recent improvement
• repeated performance above 90%
• sharp declines that applicants should investigate

Candidate volume

A 100% result from 15 candidates is impressive.

A 93% result from more than 200 candidates also provides a strong outcome signal.

Cohort size matters when interpreting percentages.

Program cost and likely return

We considered broad cost structure:

• public community or technical college
• public university
• private nonprofit university
• accelerated or graduate-entry pathway

Applicants should compare net price after grants and scholarships, not sticker tuition alone.

Clinical access

We considered location and potential access to:

• UW Medicine
• Harborview Medical Center
• Seattle Children’s
• VA Puget Sound
• Providence
• Swedish
• MultiCare
• Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
• PeaceHealth
• regional and rural systems

A school’s location does not guarantee placement at a particular hospital. Clinical assignments depend on contracts, capacity, faculty, and cohort schedules.

Pathway flexibility

We also considered whether the institution offers:

• traditional BSN
• accelerated BSN
• ADN
• LPN-to-RN
• LPN-to-BSN
• RN-to-BSN
• entry-level master’s
• graduate nursing education

Washington nursing school ranking snapshot

The ranking is not a guarantee that one program will be best for every student.

A lower-cost ADN program may provide a better return than a private BSN. A regional program may fit your family and clinical goals better than a Seattle school. A school with an 85% pass rate may still offer exceptional opportunities, but applicants should understand why its results differ from stronger-performing programs.

1. Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University offers a traditional prelicensure BSN in Spokane.

The program is grounded in Jesuit education, nursing science, service, ethics, community health, and professional leadership.

NCLEX-RN performance

WABON reports:

2021: 89.02% (73/82)
2022: 93.90% (77/82)
2023: 88.57% (62/70)
2024: 98.90% (90/91)
2025: 98.67% (74/75)

The 2024 and 2025 outcomes are especially strong.

Program structure

Gonzaga’s BSN is a freshman-entry pathway.

Prospective students indicate nursing during their university application. The curriculum combines foundational sciences, nursing theory, clinical courses, community and population health, ethics, leadership, and a senior practicum.

Best for

Gonzaga may be a strong fit for students who want:

• freshman-entry nursing
• a traditional four-year university experience
• Spokane and Eastern Washington clinical exposure
• a faith-based institution
• strong recent NCLEX performance
• undergraduate leadership and community-health emphasis

Cost considerations

Gonzaga is private.

Its total cost will usually be substantially higher than a Washington community college and may exceed public university costs.

Compare:

• institutional grants
• merit scholarships
• housing
• transportation
• clinical travel
• total borrowing
• four-year net price

Questions to ask Gonzaga

How many admitted freshmen remain in nursing through graduation?
What is the on-time program completion rate?
Where do students complete clinical rotations?
How are Spokane clinical placements assigned?
What NCLEX support is included in the final year?
What is the average net price for nursing students after aid?

2. Washington State University

Washington State University offers a major public nursing pathway with locations in Spokane, the Tri-Cities, and Vancouver.

Students typically complete university requirements and nursing prerequisites during the first two years, then complete the upper-division nursing sequence.

NCLEX-RN performance

WABON reports:

2021: 86.26% (226/262)
2022: 83.52% (223/267)
2023: 90.57% (240/265)
2024: 97.12% (202/208)
2025: 92.89% (196/211)

WSU combines a strong 2025 result with one of the largest candidate groups in the state.

Program locations and pathways

WSU College of Nursing lists programs in:

• Spokane
• Tri-Cities
• Vancouver

Its undergraduate options include prelicensure BSN and RN-to-BSN pathways. Graduate offerings include MN, DNP, PhD, and certificates depending on campus.

Best for

WSU may be a strong fit if you want:

• public university tuition
• Eastern Washington or southwest Washington access
• a large nursing college
• rural, community, and population health exposure
• interprofessional education
• BSN-to-graduate progression
• strong recent NCLEX outcomes

WSU versus UW

WSU may be the stronger current choice for students prioritizing:

• 2025 first-time NCLEX performance
• Eastern Washington location
• Tri-Cities or Vancouver access
• larger statewide footprint

UW may be stronger for students prioritizing:

• Seattle academic health resources
• a 12-month ABSN
• proximity to Harborview and UW Medicine
• research-intensive nursing education

Neither is universally better.

Your prerequisites, location, cost, admission odds, and career interests should decide.

Questions to ask WSU

Which campus will deliver my nursing coursework?
How are clinical sites assigned by campus?
Does WABON combine all WSU BSN candidates in one result?
What is the program completion rate?
What is the total in-state cost after aid?
Can I complete prerequisites at Pullman or another college?

3. Walla Walla University

Walla Walla University offers a private BSN pathway connected to College Place, Washington, and Portland, Oregon.

In 2026, the university announced approval to offer the full BSN pathway on its College Place campus, expanding its Washington-based nursing options.

NCLEX-RN performance

WABON reports:

2021: 93.55% (58/62)
2022: 81.13% (43/53)
2023: 95.00% (57/60)
2024: 93.18% (41/44)
2025: 94.59% (35/37)

The results are strong in four of the five reported years.

Program structure

Students commonly complete initial general education and prerequisite coursework at College Place, then enter upper-division nursing coursework. Current program information describes options involving College Place and Portland.

Verify which campus and state board will govern your exact clinical pathway.

Best for

Walla Walla may be a strong fit if you want:

• private faith-based nursing education
• southeastern Washington access
• a smaller BSN cohort
• flexibility between Washington and Portland pathways
• strong recent NCLEX outcomes
• rural and regional clinical exposure

Important licensing question

Because Walla Walla has education options spanning Washington and Oregon, ask:

Which state approves my exact pathway?
Where will I complete clinicals?
Which state will verify program completion?
Will I apply initially in Washington or Oregon?
Does my campus affect tuition or licensing paperwork?

Oregon is not an NLC state, while Washington is. The state where you study does not automatically control your future compact eligibility, but applicants should understand the licensing process.

4. University of Washington

The University of Washington School of Nursing offers a traditional BSN and a 12-month accelerated BSN in Seattle.

The traditional BSN is a two-year professional nursing sequence completed after prerequisite and general education preparation.

NCLEX-RN performance

WABON lists the UW BSN results as:

2021: 86.52% (122/141)
2022: 78.72% (111/141)
2023: 90.91% (130/143)
2024: 93.03% (187/201)
2025: 85.43% (170/199)

The 2025 result is above Washington’s required 80% level but below Gonzaga, WSU, and Walla Walla.

UW’s scale and clinical resources remain major strengths, but applicants should not ignore the year-to-year variation.

Pathways

UW offers:

• traditional BSN
• 12-month accelerated BSN
• graduate nursing programs
• doctoral education
• certificates and specialty pathways

Clinical environment

Students study in Seattle near:

• UW Medical Center
• Harborview Medical Center
• Seattle Children’s
• VA Puget Sound
• public health and community agencies
• specialty and regional health systems

Placement at a specific institution is not guaranteed.

Best for

UW may be a strong fit if you want:

• a public research university
• Seattle academic-health exposure
• trauma, specialty, public health, or research interests
• an accelerated pathway after a previous bachelor’s degree
• access to extensive graduate nursing options
• a large professional network

Cost and value

UW can provide strong in-state value compared with private Seattle universities.

However, Seattle housing, transportation, parking, and lost work income can significantly affect total cost.

Questions to ask UW

Are ABSN outcomes reported separately from the traditional BSN?
What was the latest first-time NCLEX result for my exact pathway?
How are Seattle clinical placements allocated?
What is the completion rate?
What additional expenses should Seattle students expect?
How much prior healthcare experience is typical among admitted students?

5. Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University offers several ways to enter nursing.

Its main nursing options include:

• traditional BSN in Tacoma
• accelerated BSN in Lynnwood
• entry-level MSN for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
• graduate and doctoral pathways

NCLEX-RN performance

WABON reports separate results for PLU’s traditional BSN and graduate-entry pathway.

Traditional BSN

2021: 83.70% (77/92)
2022: 74.23% (72/97)
2023: 78.03% (103/132)
2024: 93.51% (144/154)
2025: 86.04% (191/222)

Graduate-entry pathway

2021: 83.33% (25/30)
2022: 61.76% (21/34)
2023: 100% (30/30)
2024: 93.10% (27/29)
2025: 85.00% (17/20)

The program improved substantially after weaker 2022 and 2023 traditional BSN results, although 2025 declined from 2024.

Best for

PLU may fit students who want:

• Tacoma or South Sound location
• a traditional private BSN
• a Lynnwood ABSN option
• a graduate-entry route
• smaller or pathway-specific cohorts
• faith-based education
• access to Puget Sound health systems

Questions to ask PLU

Which pathway’s NCLEX results apply to me?
What changed after the lower pass-rate years?
What is the completion rate for BSN, ABSN, and ELMSN?
Where are clinical placements located?
How much travel is required between Tacoma, Lynnwood, and clinical sites?
What is the total program cost for each pathway?

6. Seattle Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University offers a prelicensure BSN in Seattle.

The program is approved by WABON and accredited by CCNE.

NCLEX-RN performance

WABON reports:

2021: 89.71% (61/68)
2022: 77.42% (72/93)
2023: 79.52% (66/83)
2024: 86.08% (68/79)
2025: 85.57% (83/97)

The 2024 and 2025 results are above the state’s 80% program requirement, but the multi-year pattern is less consistent than Gonzaga or WSU.

Best for

SPU may fit students who want:

• Seattle private university education
• a relationship-centered program
• Christian academic environment
• city-based clinical exposure
• a competitive upper-division BSN pathway

Questions to ask SPU

What caused the below-80% years?
What NCLEX preparation changes were made?
What is the nursing progression policy?
How many students are admitted from SPU versus transfer applicants?
Where are clinical placements?
What is the average net price after institutional aid?

7. Northwest University

Northwest University offers a private BSN in Kirkland.

NCLEX-RN performance

WABON reports:

2021: 95.56% (43/45)
2022: 82.50% (33/40)
2023: 95.35% (41/43)
2024: 97.22% (35/36)
2025: 86.49% (32/37)

The 2025 rate dropped from two strong preceding years, but the five-year picture remains mostly positive.

Best for

Northwest may appeal to students who want:

• smaller private cohort
• Kirkland and Eastside location
• faith-based environment
• access to Seattle-area and Eastside healthcare facilities

Ask the school what changed in 2025 and what remediation was implemented.

8. Saint Martin’s University

Saint Martin’s University offers a private BSN in Lacey.

NCLEX-RN performance

WABON reports:

2022: 73.91% (17/23)
2023: 81.82% (36/44)
2024: 92.86% (52/56)
2025: 86.67% (39/45)

The program improved from 2022 and remained above 80% in 2023 through 2025.

Best for

Saint Martin’s may fit students seeking:

• Olympia/Lacey location
• South Sound clinical access
• private faith-based education
• smaller program setting
• an alternative to Seattle-area tuition and housing

Seattle University: strong location, current NCLEX concern

Seattle University has a long-established nursing program and a strong location near major Seattle healthcare institutions.

It offers a traditional BSN and an Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion pathway for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees.

However, its current WABON outcomes require careful review.

Traditional BSN results

2021: 83.55% (127/152)
2022: 75.00% (126/168)
2023: 86.55% (148/171)
2024: 90.91% (160/176)
2025: 72.78% (131/180)

APNI results

2021: 76.71% (56/73)
2022: 82.35% (56/68)
2023: 92.86% (65/70)
2024: 88.33% (53/60)
2025: 74.51% (38/51)

Both pathways fell below Washington’s 80% first-time pass-rate requirement in 2025.

This does not automatically mean students should never apply.

It does mean applicants should request specific written answers about:

• board status
• plan of correction
• curriculum changes
• NCLEX preparation
• faculty changes
• progression policies
• graduation outcomes
• current cohort performance

Eastern Washington University: an emerging option

Eastern Washington University appears in the 2025 WABON BSN data with:

2025: 80.95% (34/42)

Because historical results are not yet available in the same table, applicants should treat EWU as an emerging program rather than a proven multi-year performer.

Ask:

What was the first cohort’s completion rate?
What changes followed the first NCLEX cycle?
Which clinical partners support the program?
How will EWU improve first-time pass rates?
What is the program’s current WABON standing?

Best ADN nursing programs in Washington

Washington’s ADN pathways can offer excellent value.

Community and technical college students can become RNs after graduating from an approved program, passing the NCLEX-RN, and meeting licensing requirements.

Many later complete an RN-to-BSN program while working.

Top ADN programs by recent WABON results

Big Bend Community College

Big Bend deserves special attention because it combined affordability with four consecutive 100% first-time NCLEX-RN years.

WABON results

2021: 94.44% (17/18)
2022: 100% (14/14)
2023: 100% (17/17)
2024: 100% (15/15)
2025: 100% (17/17)

Program features

Big Bend describes a curriculum that combines:

• classroom learning
• skills laboratory
• clinical experiences
• systematic clinical problem-solving
• adult and geriatric care
• lifespan nursing
• care of less-stable patients

Its associate nursing pathway is approved and ACEN-accredited.

Best for

Big Bend may be a strong fit if you want:

• low-cost ADN pathway
• Moses Lake or central Washington location
• smaller cohort
• excellent recent NCLEX consistency
• a transfer-oriented associate nursing degree
• RN-to-BSN progression later

Honest caveat

The cohorts are small.

That can support personalized education, but clinical variety and local job access may differ from Seattle.

Ask where students complete specialty rotations and how many graduates are hired locally.

Bellingham Technical College

Bellingham Technical College posted:

2021: 98.11%
2022: 91.07%
2023: 93.22%
2024: 100%
2025: 96.00%

This is one of Washington’s strongest five-year ADN records.

It may be a strong choice for students in Whatcom County and northwest Washington.

Skagit Valley College

Skagit Valley College posted:

2021: 93.75%
2022: 92.50%
2023: 95.59%
2024: 96.77%
2025: 95.31%

That is one of the most stable ADN trends in the state.

It may be especially attractive for students seeking northwest Washington clinical access without Seattle private-school costs.

Centralia College

Centralia’s results show why applicants should review multiple years:

2021: 86.36%
2022: 68.00%
2023: 85.71%
2024: 100%
2025: 96.55%

The recent improvement is strong.

Ask what changes produced the rebound and whether those changes are now permanent.

ADN programs that need extra scrutiny

Some Washington ADN programs had 2025 first-time pass rates below the state’s 80% expectation.

Examples include:

Everett Community College: 78.20%
Grays Harbor College: 77.14%
Lake Washington Institute of Technology: 74.29%
Peninsula College: 79.31%
Pierce College: 74.16%
Renton Technical College: 42.86%

A single weak year does not tell the entire story.

However, applicants should ask about:

• current approval status
• plan of correction
• curriculum changes
• faculty turnover
• clinical placement problems
• student progression policies
• updated NCLEX results

Public versus private nursing schools in Washington

Community and technical colleges

Common advantages:

• lowest tuition tier
• local access
• ADN-to-BSN progression
• strong outcomes at several schools
• earlier entry into paid RN work
• smaller regional cohorts

Potential disadvantages:

• competitive admission
• prerequisite wait
• limited specialty clinical sites
• need to complete BSN later for some employers
• fewer university-campus resources

Public universities

UW and WSU are the major public university choices.

Common advantages:

• in-state tuition
• broad clinical networks
• research and graduate pathways
• large alumni networks
• public health and community partnerships

Potential disadvantages:

• competitive admission
• university fees and housing
• urban living costs at UW
• campus relocation at WSU
• outcome differences by year

Private universities

Examples include:

• Gonzaga
• Walla Walla
• Pacific Lutheran
• Seattle Pacific
• Seattle University
• Northwest University
• Saint Martin’s

Common advantages:

• freshman or direct-entry routes at some schools
• smaller cohorts
• values-based education
• individualized advising
• accelerated or graduate-entry options

Potential disadvantages:

• higher tuition
• larger debt
• outcome variation
• private cost does not guarantee stronger NCLEX results
• fewer public tuition protections

Washington nursing school cost tiers

Exact tuition changes annually.

Use this broad planning framework.

Calculate total cost, not tuition alone

Include:

Tuition
Mandatory fees
Books
Testing packages
Laptop requirements
Uniforms
Shoes
Stethoscope
Background check
Drug screening
Immunizations
CPR certification
Clinical travel
Parking
Housing
Childcare
Lost employment income
Loan interest
NCLEX and licensing fees

The Seattle cost-of-living factor

A public Seattle program can still cost more overall than a private or public program elsewhere if housing and transportation are significantly higher.

Compare:

Net tuition after aid
Housing
Commute
Parking
Transit
Ability to work
Program length
Probability of graduating on time

UW versus WSU nursing

Neither school is automatically the right choice.

WSU currently has the stronger official first-time NCLEX trend.

UW has a distinct Seattle academic-health environment and an established ABSN.

BSN versus ADN in Washington

Choose an ADN pathway if:

• minimizing debt is a priority
• you have a strong local community college
• you want to enter RN work sooner
• your target employers hire ADN graduates
• you are willing to complete an RN-to-BSN later

Choose a BSN pathway if:

• you want a four-year university experience
• your target system strongly prefers BSN graduates
• you want public health, leadership, or research exposure
• you plan on graduate nursing education
• you do not want to return for a bachelor’s completion program

Are ADN graduates respected in Washington?

Yes.

Washington ADN graduates become licensed RNs after meeting the same NCLEX and state licensing requirements as BSN graduates.

Employment policies vary.

Some major academic or urban systems may prefer BSN-prepared applicants, especially for competitive nurse residencies. Other hospitals, rural systems, long-term care organizations, clinics, and regional employers actively hire ADN nurses.

Ask employers directly:

Do you hire new-graduate ADN nurses?
Is BSN completion required?
How many years are allowed to complete the BSN?
Is tuition assistance offered?
Are ADN nurses eligible for the same residency?

Clinical placement considerations

A school near a major hospital does not guarantee that every student will rotate there.

Ask each program:

Which health systems hosted students last year?
How far may students travel?
Are clinicals offered on nights or weekends?
Are specialty rotations guaranteed?
How many students are in each clinical group?
What happens when a site cancels?
Does the school secure all core clinical placements?
How much simulation replaces direct clinical experience?

Major Washington clinical environments

Depending on school contracts and capacity, Washington students may encounter systems such as:

• UW Medicine
• Harborview Medical Center
• Seattle Children’s
• Swedish
• Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
• MultiCare
• Providence
• PeaceHealth
• Overlake
• EvergreenHealth
• VA Puget Sound
• regional critical-access hospitals
• tribal and community health programs

Do not present a hospital as a guaranteed partner unless the school confirms it in writing for your cohort.

Washington RN salary outlook

Washington RN wages are high relative to the national level.

O*NET’s Washington wage page, using BLS data, lists an average statewide RN wage of approximately:

Washington average annual wage: $112,180
Washington lower 10%: $86,490 or less
Washington upper 10%: $149,370 or more

For the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area, O*NET lists an average annual wage of approximately:

$118,570

New graduates may earn below statewide averages.

Compensation varies by:

• city
• hospital system
• union contract
• experience
• specialty
• shift differential
• overtime
• call pay
• inpatient versus outpatient role
• benefits
• local cost of living

High pay does not automatically mean better affordability.

Seattle-area housing can absorb a large share of income.

For broader comparisons, see NurseZee’s RN salary by state guide.

How to become an RN in Washington

Step 1: Graduate from an approved nursing program

Complete an approved:

• ADN
• BSN
• diploma pathway if applicable
• entry-level graduate nursing program

Verify the exact program through WABON.

Step 2: Apply for RN licensure by examination

Use Washington’s licensing portal and submit the required application and fee.

Washington distinguishes between:

• first license by NCLEX examination
• endorsement for nurses already licensed elsewhere
• single-state license
• multistate license

Step 3: Register with Pearson VUE

Register for the NCLEX-RN and pay the Pearson VUE registration fee.

The application to WABON and registration with Pearson VUE are separate steps.

Step 4: Submit education verification

Your school must provide the required completion verification or official transcript according to WABON instructions.

Step 5: Complete background-check requirements

Washington conducts criminal background checks on applications.

Applicants with out-of-state addresses and applicants seeking multistate licensure may be instructed to complete an FBI fingerprint-based background check.

Do not assume every applicant follows the identical fingerprint process. Follow the instructions WABON sends for your application type.

Step 6: Receive authorization to test

After WABON confirms eligibility, Pearson VUE issues the Authorization to Test.

Step 7: Take and pass NCLEX-RN

Schedule within the ATT validity period and complete the exam.

Step 8: Wait for license issuance

Do not begin RN practice until your license or compact privilege is valid and verifiable.

Step 9: Confirm multistate status

If Washington is your primary state of residence and you applied for a multistate license, verify that your record displays multistate status before accepting work in another compact jurisdiction.

Washington multistate license eligibility

Washington residents seeking an MSL must meet the compact requirements.

These include, among other requirements:

• valid U.S. Social Security number
• Washington primary state of residence
• active, unencumbered license eligibility
• NCLEX passage
• required education
• state and federal fingerprint-based background checks
• no disqualifying felony conviction
• no disqualifying nursing-related misdemeanor
• no current participation in an alternative-to-discipline program
• required disclosures

Proof of Washington residence may include qualifying documents such as:

• driver’s license
• state-issued ID
• voter registration
• federal tax return
• eligible W-2 documentation
• military residency documentation

For a full explanation, read NurseZee’s Nurse Licensure Compact guide.

Questions to ask before choosing a Washington nursing school

Approval and accreditation

Is this exact campus and pathway WABON-approved?
Is the nursing program accredited by ACEN, CCNE, or another recognized nursing accreditor?
Is the institution properly accredited?
Is the program under a plan of correction or warning?

NCLEX outcomes

What were the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates in 2023, 2024, and 2025?
How many candidates tested?
Does the WABON report combine multiple campuses?
What changes followed any below-80% year?

Student success

How many students start the nursing sequence?
How many graduate on time?
What is the total completion rate?
What percentage leave or repeat courses?
What remediation is available?

Clinical education

Where are clinicals?
How far may I travel?
Are nights and weekends required?
Does the school arrange all placements?
How many students are assigned to each clinical instructor?

Cost

What is the total program cost?
What fees are outside tuition?
What is the average net price after grants?
Can I work during the program?
What happens financially if I repeat a course?

Career fit

Do local employers hire graduates from this pathway?
Are ADN graduates eligible for local residencies?
Does the school offer RN-to-BSN progression?
Will the program support rural or tribal health experience?

Washington nursing program red flags

Be cautious if:

• the exact program is not on WABON’s approved list
• first-time NCLEX results are below 80%
• the school hides candidate counts
• the program markets total pass rate instead of first-time rate
• outcomes are combined across campuses without explanation
• the admissions team cannot explain a sharp decline
• clinical placements are vague
• students must find core prelicensure placements themselves
• tuition is high but outcomes are weak
• credits do not transfer
• the program has frequent director or faculty turnover
• the school promises automatic multistate licensure

Use NurseZee’s nursing program red flags checklist before signing an enrollment agreement.

Best Washington nursing schools by student goal

Best current university NCLEX performance

Gonzaga University.

Its 2025 first-time pass rate was 98.67%.

Best large public BSN outcome

Washington State University.

It posted 92.89% among 211 candidates in 2025.

Best Seattle academic-health environment

University of Washington.

Its current NCLEX outcome is not the highest, but its clinical, research, specialty, and graduate resources are distinctive.

Best small-cohort private BSN result

Walla Walla University.

It posted 94.59% in 2025.

Best ADN consistency

Big Bend Community College and Skagit Valley College.

Big Bend has four consecutive 100% years. Skagit has remained above 92% throughout the five-year WABON table.

Best northwest Washington ADN options

Bellingham Technical College, Skagit Valley College, and Whatcom Community College.

Best central Washington ADN option

Big Bend Community College.

Best South Sound options

Pacific Lutheran University, Saint Martin’s University, South Puget Sound Community College, and Centralia College.

Best lower-cost route into Seattle-area RN practice

Compare Bellevue College, Shoreline Community College, Seattle Colleges, Highline College, Tacoma Community College, and nearby regional programs carefully against current NCLEX outcomes and commute costs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best nursing school in Washington?

Based on NurseZee’s current methodology, Gonzaga has the strongest 2025 university BSN NCLEX outcome. WSU offers the strongest combination of large-cohort results, public value, and statewide access. UW remains a major option for Seattle academic-health and accelerated nursing opportunities.

What nursing school has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Washington?

Among the university BSN programs in the 2025 WABON table, Gonzaga had 98.67%. Big Bend Community College had 100% among its ADN candidates.

Is Washington a compact nursing state?

Yes. Washington is an active Nurse Licensure Compact state.

When did Washington join the Nurse Licensure Compact?

Washington began recognizing out-of-state multistate license privileges on July 24, 2023. Washington began issuing its own multistate licenses in 2024.

Does graduating in Washington automatically give me a compact license?

No. You must meet licensure and compact eligibility requirements, establish Washington as your primary state of residence, and apply for multistate status.

Can a California resident get a Washington multistate license after attending school in Washington?

Not solely because the student attended school in Washington. Compact eligibility is based on the nurse’s legal primary state of residence and other uniform requirements. A California resident may qualify only after legitimately establishing Washington residency and meeting WABON requirements.

Is University of Washington the best nursing school in the state?

UW offers exceptional Seattle-based resources and strong academic-health opportunities, but it did not have the state’s highest 2025 NCLEX result. The best program depends on cost, pathway, clinical interests, location, and outcomes.

Is WSU nursing better than UW nursing?

WSU had a stronger 2025 WABON first-time NCLEX-RN result. UW offers a distinct Seattle academic-health environment and a 12-month ABSN. Neither school is best for every applicant.

What was UW’s 2025 NCLEX pass rate?

WABON reports 85.43%, with 170 of 199 first-time candidates passing.

What was WSU’s 2025 NCLEX pass rate?

WABON reports 92.89%, with 196 of 211 first-time candidates passing.

What was Gonzaga’s 2025 NCLEX pass rate?

WABON reports 98.67%, with 74 of 75 first-time candidates passing.

Is Seattle University a good nursing school?

Seattle University offers established nursing pathways and access to a major healthcare city. However, its 2025 first-time results were below 80% for both the BSN and APNI entries in WABON’s report. Applicants should investigate current board status and corrective actions.

Does Washington require nursing programs to maintain an 80% NCLEX pass rate?

WABON states that Washington prelicensure nursing programs are required to have an 80% first-time NCLEX pass rate.

Are ADN nurses hired in Washington?

Yes. Hiring depends on the employer, location, specialty, and residency program. Some Seattle academic systems may prefer BSN graduates, while many regional, rural, long-term care, clinic, and hospital employers hire ADN RNs.

Should I earn an ADN or BSN in Washington?

Choose an ADN if minimizing cost and entering RN practice sooner are priorities. Choose a BSN if you want a university pathway, direct graduate-school preparation, or broader access to employers that prefer baccalaureate education.

Does Washington have accelerated BSN programs?

Yes. The University of Washington offers a 12-month ABSN. Pacific Lutheran offers an accelerated BSN in Lynnwood. Other private and out-of-state institutions may offer Washington-based or regional accelerated options, but applicants should verify WABON approval and clinical authorization.

How much do registered nurses make in Washington?

O*NET lists an average annual wage of approximately $112,180 statewide and about $118,570 in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area. New graduates may earn less, and wages vary by employer, union agreement, specialty, and shift.

Do all Washington RN applicants need fingerprints?

Washington conducts criminal background checks on license applications. Applicants with out-of-state addresses and multistate applicants may receive FBI fingerprint instructions. Follow the specific requirements WABON provides for your application.

How do I verify a Washington nursing school?

Use WABON’s approved nursing program directory and official NCLEX pass-rate report. Then verify nursing accreditation through the applicable accreditor.

What should I do if a program’s NCLEX rate is below 80%?

Ask about current approval status, board action, corrective plans, faculty changes, completion rates, and the next cohort’s performance. Compare other programs before enrolling.

Final thoughts

Washington has excellent nursing pathways, but the strongest choice may not be the most famous school.

Gonzaga currently leads the university BSN group in first-time NCLEX performance.

WSU combines strong outcomes with a large public, regional footprint.

Walla Walla offers a smaller private pathway with strong recent results.

UW provides distinctive Seattle academic-health resources, but applicants should evaluate its current NCLEX trend alongside those strengths.

Washington’s ADN programs also deserve serious attention. Big Bend, Bellingham Technical, Skagit Valley, Centralia, South Puget Sound, and Whatcom provide strong recent outcome signals at a lower typical tuition level.

Before you enroll:

Verify approval.
Check the exact pathway.
Review at least three years of NCLEX data.
Count the candidates.
Calculate total cost.
Ask where clinicals occur.
Compare graduation rates.
Understand compact eligibility.

A nursing school should prepare you to graduate, pass NCLEX, obtain a valid license, and begin safe professional practice without unmanageable debt.