Last Updated: October 3, 2026
Compare 16 Florida accelerated nursing schools with reviewed nursing sequences lasting 12–24 months. Most serve students with a prior bachelor’s degree; GCU also accepts applicable college credits, and JU’s 16-month track accepts an associate degree. Campus location, prerequisite rules and clinical attendance can matter as much as program length.
FGCU reports four consecutive semesters rather than a month-based duration. Current tuition estimates for these programs range from $8,628.45 to $70,000 before required fees, prerequisite study and living expenses. Public-university amounts below use Florida-resident rates. Keiser’s estimate uses a conservative semester-load assumption rather than a fixed program price.
Florida ABSN Programs at a Glance
| School | Est. Tuition | Duration | GPA | Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Barry University Miami Shores, FL | $28,000 | 15 Months | 3.0 | January |
ECPI University Orlando (Lake Mary), FL | $43,650 | 12 Months | 2.50 | Available cohorts |
Florida Atlantic University Davie, FL | $8,712 | 16 Months | 3.0 | Jan / Aug |
Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL | $8,628.45 | 4 Semesters | 3.0 | Summer |
Florida International University North Miami, FL | $9,126.88 | 16 Months | 3.0 / 3.25 | August |
Grand Canyon University Jacksonville, Miramar, Lake Mary, FL | $53,550 | 16 Months | 3.0 / 3.25 | Spring / Summer / Fall |
Herzing University Orlando/Winter Park, Tampa, FL | $62,050 | 20-24 Months | 2.50 | Available cohorts |
Jacksonville University Jacksonville, FL | $70,000 | 12 or 16 Months | 2.50 | Jan / May / Aug |
Joyce University Florida clinicals; Draper, UT labs | $60,520 | 20 Months | 2.75 | Available cohorts |
Keiser University 13 Florida campuses | $64,540 | 16 Months | 3.0 | Campus-specific |
Nova Southeastern University Miami, Fort Myers, FL | $34,580 | 15 Months | 3.0 / 2.75 | Fall / Winter |
Rasmussen University Central Pasco, Fort Myers, North Orlando, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa/Brandon, FL | $41,552 | 18 Months | 2.25 route | Eight starts / year |
University of Central Florida Orlando, FL | $9,254.74 | 16 Months | 3.0 | Summer |
University of Florida Gainesville, Jacksonville, FL | $8,954.40 | 15 Months | 3.0 | May |
University of Miami Coral Gables, FL | $43,260 | 12 Months | 3.0 | Jan / May |
University of South Florida Tampa, St. Petersburg, FL | $9,420.90 | 16 Months | 3.0 | Summer / Fall |
Tuition calculations and additional charges are explained below. Rasmussen’s 2.25 figure identifies its degree-GPA exam-waiver route, with alternative qualifying exam routes available. GPA pairs identify different admission measures; use the admissions table for their meaning. Starts depend on the selected campus or track.
How to Compare Florida ABSN Programs
- 12-month pacing: Compare ECPI, Miami and JU’s Baptist Health or Mayo Clinic tracks.
- Resident tuition: Compare FGCU, FAU, FIU, UCF, UF and USF after adding required university and nursing fees.
- Prior education: GCU’s college-credit entry and JU’s associate-degree option differ from second-bachelor’s-only pathways.
- Location: Choose a campus within reach of its assigned labs and clinical facilities; hybrid theory still requires local attendance.
- Start term: Match your prerequisite completion date to the actual cohort and final application deadline.
Program Format and Attendance
Online coursework with local attendance:
Grand Canyon University combines online theory with in-person skills labs, simulation, proctored examinations and clinical rotations in Jacksonville, Miramar and Lake Mary. Rasmussen also combines online and residential courses with required local laboratories and clinicals. Herzing requires local campus and clinical attendance, with selected online coursework.
Campus schedules and clinical shifts:
ECPI University describes weekday classes with clinical assignments possible on any day, evenings or overnight. Keiser University promotes an on-campus, one-class-at-a-time approach across 13 Florida locations; nursing laboratories and clinical work still follow the assigned schedule. Nova Southeastern University offers Miami and Fort Myers cohorts; obtain the current campus timetable.
Florida clinicals with required Utah travel:
Joyce University offers online coursework with supervised direct-care clinical placements in Florida and three approximately week-long Utah skills immersions in semesters three, four and five. Its 20-month minimum requires qualifying transfers; budget for travel to Draper.
Florida Campuses and Regional Comparisons
- Jacksonville ABSN programs: JU, UF’s Jacksonville campus and GCU’s learning site.
- Miami and Fort Lauderdale ABSN programs: Barry, FAU’s Davie cohorts, FIU, Miami, NSU and nearby GCU/Keiser locations.
- Orlando ABSN programs: UCF, ECPI and GCU in Lake Mary, Herzing in Winter Park, Rasmussen and Keiser.
- Tampa Bay ABSN programs: USF’s Tampa and St. Petersburg intakes, Herzing, Rasmussen’s Tampa/Brandon campus and Keiser.
Hospital-Partner Tracks and Scholarship Options
Jacksonville University offers 12-month Baptist Health and Mayo Clinic tracks and a 16-month Ascension St. Vincent’s track. Its 64-credit nursing curriculum is paired with those clinical partnerships; the 16-month track accepts an associate or bachelor’s degree.
JU’s Brooks Rehabilitation scholarship carries track-specific award and employment-agreement conditions. Barry University offers eligible accelerated spring entrants a competitive Baptist BOND scholarship opportunity. Review award terms and any work commitment separately from admission; a partnership or scholarship does not guarantee employment.
Admissions and Prerequisite Differences
| School | Minimum GPA | Key Admission Detail |
|---|---|---|
3.0 | Cumulative GPA; in-person TEAS 70% overall and 50% per section. | |
2.50 | Bachelor’s-degree GPA; A&P I/II require B− or higher; TEAS required. | |
3.0 | Undergraduate and designated science GPAs both 3.0; interview. | |
3.0 | Cumulative attempted-course GPA; first-attempt TEAS; prior bachelor’s completed before entry. | |
3.0 / 3.25 | Bachelor’s GPA 3.0 and prerequisite GPA 3.25; in-person TEAS 70% overall, 62% science. | |
3.0 / 3.25 | Required pre-nursing GPA 3.0, prerequisite GPA 3.25; HESI A2. Prior bachelor’s not mandatory. | |
2.50 | Tiered GPA/science GPA/TEAS routes; TEAS 66% for the applicable exam route. | |
2.50 | Cumulative GPA; writing sample and recorded interview. Associate degree accepted for 16-month track. | |
2.75 | Cumulative GPA; prior bachelor’s and qualifying transfers for shortest plan. Required sciences can be completed in the program. | |
3.0 | Prior cumulative or last-60 GPA and prerequisite/general-education GPA both 3.0; sciences B; SLE 23 and interview. | |
3.0 / 2.75 | Cumulative GPA 3.0, science GPA 2.75; TEAS required, published minimum unspecified. | |
2.25 route | 2.25 degree GPA waives entrance exam; HESI 75% / TEAS 72% and other qualifying routes are available. | |
3.0 | Overall GPA; TEAS minimum 78%; designated prerequisites. | |
3.0 | Most recent 60 bachelor’s credits or graduate cumulative GPA; HESI A2 required. | |
3.0 | Cumulative and prerequisite GPAs both 3.0; eight prerequisites. | |
3.0 | Cumulative and prerequisite GPAs both 3.0; four anonymous essays. |
Minimums establish eligibility and do not guarantee a seat. Prerequisite equivalencies, science age limits and repeat policies differ. FIU requires completed science prerequisites when applying; FAU averages repeated prerequisite grades in its science-GPA calculation.
Barry’s preparation includes biomedical ethics, digital literacy and philosophy/theology distribution requirements. ECPI requires B− or higher in anatomy and physiology I and II; Keiser requires B grades in prerequisite sciences. Have the selected school evaluate prior coursework before enrolling in additional classes.
FGCU requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA and completed A&P I/II with labs when applying. Herzing uses tiered admission rather than one GPA/TEAS rule; Joyce integrates required sciences and evaluates transfers for its shortest plan.
Start Dates and Application Deadlines
| School | Start | Final Application Timing |
|---|---|---|
January | October 31, 2026 for January 2027. | |
Available cohorts | Rolling until available cohorts fill. | |
Jan / Aug | February 5, 2027 for August 2027; July 31, 2026 for January 2027 has passed. | |
Summer | October 14, 2026 for summer 2027; summer-only entry. | |
August | May 10, annual fall-entry deadline. | |
Spring / Summer / Fall | Rolling; complete preparation and secondary admission for the selected cohort. | |
Available cohorts | Rolling until campus cohort fills; obtain the completed-file cutoff. | |
Jan / May / Aug | Rolling until each partner cohort fills. | |
Available cohorts | Rolling; confirm transfer plan and available cohort. | |
Campus-specific | Confirm campus cohort availability and final completed-file cutoff. | |
Fall / Winter | August 1 for fall; December 1 for winter. | |
Eight starts / year | Rolling; confirm the selected campus’s final completed-file cutoff. | |
Summer | January 15 for the annual summer cohort. | |
May | February 1, 2027 for summer 2027. | |
Jan / May | October 1, 2026 for January 2027 has passed; March 1, 2027 for May 2027. | |
Summer / Fall | January 15 for Tampa summer; June 1 for St. Petersburg fall. |
FAU requires NursingCAS verified status by its final deadline and advises allowing 4–6 weeks for processing. USF separates final application submission from later verification: February 1 for summer and June 15 for fall, followed by separate university-admission deadlines. Priority dates and transcript targets can be earlier; they do not replace the final submission dates above.
Dates without a cohort year are recurring published deadlines; confirm the entering cycle before applying. Rolling admission continues only while seats remain. Keiser’s availability and completed-file cutoff depend on the selected campus.
Tuition and Costs
The six public-university amounts use Florida-resident tuition plus tuition differential, excluding mandatory fees. Nonresident charges can substantially increase the bill. A low tuition figure does not establish the lowest total cost once nursing fees, prerequisites, clinical transportation and living expenses are included.
| School | Tuition Calculation | Additional Costs and Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
4 × $7,000 = $28,000 | Nursing resources add $3,150; student-services illustration adds $1,650. | |
4 × $10,912.50 = $43,650 | Technology adds $1,720; application and registration add $125. | |
60 × $145.20 = $8,712 | Resident per-credit fees add $3,485.40; four-term transportation adds $262.74. | |
61 x $141.45 = $8,628.45 | Assumes 58 nursing credits plus a 3-credit university requirement. Resident standard fees add $3,811.89; ATI/readiness about $1,650 and other nursing expenses separate. | |
58 × $157.36 = $9,126.88 | Resident per-credit fees add $2,796.18; four-term health, athletics and transportation add $789.54. | |
63 × $850 = $53,550 | Books, software, clinical expenses and other ancillary fees are separate. | |
Orlando:85 x $730 = $62,050 | Only automatic 35-credit transfer assumed. Six-semester fees add $6,030; further approved transfers can reduce cost. Tampa estimate needs campus evaluation. | |
Published program tuition: $70,000 | Required $2,000 clinical subscription; tuition plus that fee is $72,000. | |
85 x $712 = $60,520 | NCLEX resources add $3,710. Budget for three Utah immersions; shortest duration needs qualifying transfers. | |
4 × $16,135 = $64,540 | Conservative full-time-plus assumption; lower-load terms can cost less. Listed nursing/resources/initial fees add $6,688. | |
4 × $8,645 = $34,580 | Institutional fee budget allowances total $4,365 for fall or $4,240 for winter entry; actual bills vary by terms. | |
106 x $392 = $41,552 | Quarter credits, 74-credit prior-degree block assumed. Admin $495 plus course/lab/clinical resource fees and materials. Orlando separately advertises $50,297; obtain cohort breakdown. | |
62 × $149.27 = $9,254.74 | Resident standard per-credit fees add $3,906.62; nursing expenses remain additional. | |
60 × $149.24 = $8,954.40 | Resident per-credit fees add $3,918; listed nursing resources/materials/agency expenses add $4,355.56. | |
3 × $14,420 = $43,260 | Nursing fees add $1,440, giving $44,700 before other university fees. | |
62 × $151.95 = $9,420.90 | Resident per-credit fees plus four $37 term fees add $3,759.68; ATI and clearance expenses are additional. |
Calculated totals apply current published rates across the reviewed sequence, including future terms. Rates may rise, and summer billing, term loads, transfer decisions or additional courses can change the final amount. JU publishes full-program tuition; Keiser’s four full-time-plus terms are a budgeting assumption, with lower semester rates possible when the enrolled load qualifies.
Budget separately for books, uniforms, clinical clearance, BLS, insurance, travel, housing and meals. Some packages include specific supplies or assessment services; check the detailed profile and entering-cohort schedule before counting those expenses twice.
Clinical Training and NCLEX Outcomes
Assigned clinical sites can be away from campus and may require early mornings, evenings, weekends or overnight attendance. University of Florida notes travel up to 100 miles; University of South Florida advises planning for clinical travel up to two hours. Arrange reliable transportation and complete the required health, background and drug-screening clearance.
- UF: its four-semester plan identifies 765 clinical hours, including the final practice immersion.
- USF: its 990-plus clinical-hours description includes simulation and a 270-hour preceptorship; it also lists separate laboratory learning.
- Miami: the school coordinates placements through more than 200 partners; students do not source their own sites.
- FIU: S.T.A.R. Center simulation complements adult, specialty, community and senior-practicum clinical learning.
- NSU: the final practicum identifies a 150-clock-hour clinical component within a five-credit course.
Hours above describe different training measures and should not be ranked as equivalent totals. Miami reports a 97% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its 2025 baccalaureate nursing graduates, combining the school’s BSN population rather than identifying an ABSN-only cohort. Request the reporting year, campus, population and first-attempt measure when comparing outcomes.
Florida ABSN Program Summaries
Barry University ABSN Program
Miami Shores | $28,000 | 15 Months
Barry University's 15-month ABSN starts in January in Miami Shores. Its 63-credit nursing sequence combines campus study, South Florida clinical learning, a precepted role transition and a scholarly senior seminar. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA and in-person TEAS scores of 70% overall and 50% in each section... read more.
ECPI University ABSN Program
Orlando (Lake Mary) | $43,650 | 12 Months
ECPI University's Orlando–Lake Mary ABSN is an on-campus second-degree pathway with a four-quarter, 12-month minimum. Its 75 quarter credits include simulation, specialty clinical courses, a precepted capstone and ATI licensure preparation. The bachelor's-degree GPA minimum is 2.50... read more.
Florida Atlantic University ABSN Program
Davie | $8,712 | 16 Months
Florida Atlantic University's four-semester Accelerated BSN includes 60 nursing credits and approximately 16 months of full-time study. Advertised spring and fall 2027 cohorts are at Davie. Applicants need 3.0 undergraduate and designated science GPAs, verified NursingCAS applications and an interview... read more.
Florida Gulf Coast University ABSN Program
Fort Myers | $8,628.45 | 4 Semesters
FGCU's accelerated BSN starts in summer and spans four consecutive semesters in Fort Myers. Its plan includes 58 nursing credits plus a three-credit university requirement. Applicants need a prior bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA and TEAS results. Estimated resident tuition is $8,628.45 for 61 credits before required fees... read more.
Florida International University ABSN Program
North Miami | $9,126.88 | 16 Months
FIU's four-semester AO BSN at Biscayne Bay Campus includes 58 nursing credits and fall entry. Applicants need a 3.0 bachelor's-degree GPA, a 3.25 prerequisite GPA and in-person TEAS scores of 70% overall and 62% in science. The published final deadline is May 10... read more.
Grand Canyon University ABSN Program
Jacksonville, Miramar, Lake Mary | $53,550 | 16 Months
GCU's 16-month hybrid ABSN nursing sequence is offered at Jacksonville, Miramar near Miami and Lake Mary near Orlando. Online theory is paired with in-person labs, simulation, proctored exams and clinical rotations. Applicants may qualify with a prior degree or 60 applicable college credits; estimated tuition is $53,550 before ancillary fees.
Herzing University ABSN Program
Orlando/Winter Park, Tampa | $62,050 | 20-24 Months
Herzing offers its 20–24-month accelerated BSN in Orlando/Winter Park and Tampa, with required local campus and clinical attendance. The curriculum embeds 12 graduate credits; admission uses tiered GPA and TEAS routes. Orlando tuition is estimated at $62,050 for 85 remaining credits, plus $6,030 in six-semester fees; approved additional transfers can reduce costs.
Jacksonville University ABSN Program
Jacksonville | $70,000 | 12 Months
Jacksonville University's 64-credit ABSN offers 12-month Baptist Health and Mayo Clinic tracks and a 16-month Ascension St. Vincent's track. All require a 2.50 GPA; the 16-month option also accepts associate-degree applicants. Rolling admission continues until cohorts fill, and tuition is $70,000 plus a required $2,000 clinical subscription fee... read more.
Joyce University ABSN Program
Florida clinical placements; Draper, UT immersions | $60,520 | 20 Months
Florida residents can apply to Joyce's hybrid second-degree BSN with supervised direct-care clinical placements in Florida. Online coursework is combined with approximately one-week Utah skills immersions in semesters three, four and five. The 20-month minimum requires qualifying transfer credits; estimated tuition is $60,520, plus a separate $3,710 NCLEX Resources Fee.
Keiser University ABSN Program
13 Locations in Florida | $64,540 | 16 Months
Keiser's 16-month accelerated BSN includes 76 nursing credits across four semesters at 13 Florida locations. Applicants need a prior non-nursing degree, a 3.0 GPA and an on-site Wonderlic SLE score of 23. The $64,540 tuition budget assumes four full-time-plus semesters; nursing fees and other expenses are additional... read more.
Nova Southeastern ABSN Program
Miami, Fort Myers | $34,580 | 15 Months
NSU's 15-month accelerated BSN offers fall and winter starts at Miami and Fort Myers. Its four-semester, 64-credit nursing sequence includes simulation, specialty clinical experiences and an RN-precepted practicum. Applicants need a non-nursing bachelor's degree, a 3.0 cumulative GPA, a 2.75 science GPA and official TEAS scores; estimated tuition is $34,580 before fees... read more.
Rasmussen University ABSN Program
Central Pasco, Fort Myers, North Orlando, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa/Brandon | $41,552 | 18 Months
Rasmussen's second-degree accelerated BSN can be completed in 18 months after approved prior-degree preparation. Six Florida campus options combine online and residential study with local labs and clinicals. A 2.25 degree GPA qualifies for an entrance-exam exemption; alternative exam routes exist. Tuition for 106 quarter credits is estimated at $41,552 before fees... read more.
University of Central Florida ABSN Program
Orlando | $9,254.74 | 16 Months
UCF's second-degree BSN is a full-time, approximately 16-month nursing sequence in Orlando with one annual summer intake. Applications close January 15; applicants need a 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA and at least 78% on the TEAS. The curriculum has 57–62 credits depending on approved substitutions, with estimated Florida-resident tuition of $9,254.74 for the full 62-credit plan before fees... read more.
University of Florida ABSN Program
Gainesville, Jacksonville | $8,954.40 | 15 Months
UF's accelerated BSN runs approximately 15 months at Gainesville and UF Health Jacksonville, with annual May entry, 60 nursing credits and 765 planned clinical hours. Summer 2027 applications close February 1, 2027. Applicants need a qualifying 3.0 GPA and the HESI A2. Estimated resident tuition is $8,954.40 before required fees... read more.
University of Miami ABSN Program
Coral Gables | $43,260 | 12 Months
Miami's 12-month accelerated BSN at Coral Gables has January and May starts, 55 nursing credits and program-arranged clinical placements. Applicants need 3.0 cumulative and prerequisite GPAs. Published tuition is $43,260 before fees; the final deadlines are October 1, 2026 for spring 2027 and March 1, 2027 for summer 2027... read more.
University of South Florida ABSN Program
Tampa, St. Petersburg | $9,420.90 | 16 Months
USF's accelerated second-degree BSN is a full-time, approximately 16-month, 62-credit pathway. Current admission timelines list Tampa summer entry and St. Petersburg fall entry, with NursingCAS submission deadlines January 15 and June 1. Applicants need 3.0 overall and prerequisite GPAs. Estimated resident tuition is $9,420.90 before required fees... read more.