New Jersey offers 12 accredited accelerated nursing programs for second-degree students, with tuition ranging from approximately $30,000 to over $110,000 and program lengths spanning 12 to 24 months.
NJ ABSN Programs at. a Glance
| School | Location | Est. Cost | Min. GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | Florham Park | $69K | 3.0 |
| Felician University | Parsippany & Rutherford | $61K | 3.0 |
| Georgian Court University | Lakewood, NJ | $59K | 3.2 |
| New Jersey City University | Jersey City | $45K | 3.0 |
| Ramapo College | Mahwah | $30K–$38K | 3.0 |
| Rutgers University | Camden | $42K | 3.0 competitive |
| Saint Peter’s University | Jersey City | $33K | 3.0 |
| Seton Hall University | Freehold & Nutley | $111K–$113K | 3.0 |
| Stockton University | Galloway | $34K | 3.5 desired |
| The College of New Jersey | Ewing | $34K | 3.0 |
| Thomas Edison State University | Trenton | $47K | Not publicly stated |
| William Paterson University | Wayne | $34K | 3.0 (3.5 recommended) |
NJ ABSN Program Rankings
1. Georgian Court University ABSN Program
Lakewood | $58,580 | 14 Months
Georgian Court University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in Lakewood, NJ, is a 14–15 month, full-time option for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to become registered nurses. The program emphasizes small class sizes, a 10:1 clinical ratio, and strong clinical partnerships with Hackensack Meridian Health to provide extensive hands-on experience. With start dates in June and November, the ABSN reports outstanding outcomes, including a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate and high graduate employment rates... read more.
2. Saint Peter’s University ABSN Program
Jersey City | $30,000 | 15 Months
Saint Peter’s University offers a 15-month Accelerated BSN in Jersey City, NJ, designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want a fast-track path into professional nursing practice. The full-time, 64-credit program follows a Fall–Spring–Summer–Fall sequence and combines classroom instruction with labs, simulations, and clinical rotations across adult, pediatric, maternal, psychiatric, and community health nursing. Taught by practicing professionals within a CCNE-accredited school, the program emphasizes ethical, empathetic, and evidence-based care while preparing graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam... read more.
3. Thomas Edison State University ABSN Program
Trenton | $46,140 | 15 Months
Thomas Edison State University’s Accelerated BSN program in Trenton, NJ, is a rigorous 15-month, full-time hybrid option for individuals with at least 60 prior college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, blending online coursework with on-campus labs and clinical rotations. The 60-credit nursing curriculum spans eight units, covering fundamentals, health assessment, pathophysiology, pediatric and maternal care, behavioral health, public health, leadership, and evidence-based practice, all while integrating high-fidelity simulations and direct patient care at affiliated New Jersey facilities. CCNE-accredited and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, it prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN with strong pass rates exceeding state and national averages... read more.
4. Rutgers University ABSN Program
Newark | $40,000 | 15 Months
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABS) program at Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden is a 15-month intensive program designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who seek a swift entry into the nursing profession. With a tuition of $40,000, this program offers rigorous clinical training equivalent to the traditional BSN, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and advanced nursing roles. Accredited by CCNE, MSCHE, and NJBON, the program ensures high standards in education and professional preparation, although it does not offer online courses... read more.
5. New Jersey City University ABSN Program
Jersey City | $44,121 | 12 Months
The New Jersey City University (NJCU) Accelerated BSN program is a full-time, 12-month program designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. It offers an intensive curriculum that integrates classroom instruction, clinical rotations, and lab experiences to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Accredited and offered at two locations—Jersey City and Fort Monmouth—the program provides comprehensive training in various nursing areas, including adult health, pediatric care, pharmacology, and community health. Admission is competitive, and while a GPA of 3.0 is preferred, applicants with lower GPAs are encouraged to apply if other criteria are met... read more.
5. The College of New Jersey ABSN Program
Ewing | $34,000 | 14 Months
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) offers an Accelerated Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program that allows students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to earn a BSN in just 14 months. The program, accredited by the CCNE, combines online coursework, simulation labs, and hands-on clinical rotations beginning from the first summer, ensuring comprehensive practical experience. With a 96% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2022, the program prepares students effectively for licensure, and graduates have a 100% employment rate within six months. Admission is competitive, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0, completion of prerequisites, and submission of TEAS scores... read more.
7. Stockton University ABSN Programs
Galloway | $33,508 | 15 Months
The Stockton University Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program is a 15-month, full-time program designed for individuals who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. With fall and spring start options, this intensive program emphasizes critical thinking, culturally competent care, and global health perspectives. The 62-credit curriculum includes foundational courses in Health Assessment, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, and Population Health, combined with hands-on clinical placements in South Jersey healthcare facilities. Accredited by the CCNE and New Jersey Board of Nursing, Stockton's ABSN program boasts strong NCLEX-RN pass rates, reflecting the program's commitment to preparing students for successful nursing careers... read more.
8. Seton Hall University ABSN Program
South Orange | $112,800 | 14 Months
The Seton Hall University Accelerated Second Degree BSN program is a 14-month, full-time program designed for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Accredited by the CCNE and the New Jersey Board of Nursing, the program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam, with a strong track record of high pass rates. The curriculum spans 62 credits over four semesters, covering essential areas like nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, health assessment, and specialized care for pediatric, geriatric, and maternal populations. Clinical rotations and simulation labs provide hands-on experience in hospitals and community settings. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, prerequisite coursework, and completion of healthcare certifications, including CPR. Additionally, Seton Hall offers advanced nursing pathways, such as MSN and DNP programs, for further specialization. The program is offered in-person, emphasizing practical clinical training and skills development... read more.
9. Ramapo College ABSN Program
Mahwah | $27,000 | 16 Months
The Ramapo College Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is a 16-month, full-time program for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 credits. The program is accredited and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through a 64-credit curriculum covering nursing fundamentals, health assessment, pharmacology, and specialized courses. Students gain hands-on experience through state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical rotations with healthcare partners. The program is entirely in-person, with multiple start terms available each year... read more.
10. Felician University ABSN Program
Parsippany | $63,000 | 16 Months
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Felician University offers a fast-track to a nursing career, available in two formats: a 16-month Hybrid ABSN in Parsippany, NJ, and an 18-month On-Ground ABSN in Rutherford, NJ. Fully accredited and designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam, the program blends foundational nursing theory with hands-on labs and clinical rotations. Tuition is approximately $63,000, and applicants need a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The Hybrid format includes online coursework, while the On-Ground program is entirely campus-based... read more.
11. William Paterson University ABSN Program
Wayne | $35,000 | 14 Months
The William Paterson University Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is a 14-month, full-time program tailored for individuals holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. This CCNE and New Jersey Board of Nursing accredited program provides a comprehensive 62-credit curriculum, including essential courses in Nursing Foundations, Health Assessment, and Public Health. With a blend of classroom and hands-on clinical experiences, graduates are well-prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and enter the nursing profession with confidence... read more.
12. Fairleigh Dickinson University ABSN Program
Florham | $68,722 | 15 Months
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Fairleigh Dickinson University is a 15-month, full-time program designed for individuals with a prior bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The curriculum includes 56 nursing credits, along with transferred general education and prerequisite coursework, combining didactic instruction with hands-on clinical experiences each semester to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Admissions are rolling, with a summer start, and applicants must meet prerequisite requirements, including anatomy, chemistry, microbiology, and statistics... read more.
Scoring Notes
Cost scaled proportionally between lowest ($30,000 Ramapo) and highest ($110,080 Seton Hall). Seton Hall’s flat-rate semester billing tanks its cost score despite strong outcomes.
Duration — NJCU is the only 12-month program (20 pts). Georgian Court, Seton Hall, and TCNJ get 15 pts at 14 months. Felician, Ramapo, Stockton, and WPU score 0 at 16 months.
NCLEX — Only Georgian Court (100%, 2023) and Seton Hall (97.4%, 2024) cited specific rates. TESU gets 10 pts for a vague “exceeded state and national averages” claim.
Clinical Partners — Georgian Court (Hackensack Meridian), Felician (Atlantic Health), Ramapo (Valley Hospital, St. Joseph’s, Hackensack Meridian), and TESU (Magnet facilities) earned full 10 pts for naming specific partners.
Admissions Flex — Felician (3 starts), Georgian Court, Saint Peter’s, Seton Hall, and Stockton all offer multiple start dates. NJCU, Ramapo, TCNJ, and WPU are single-start, scoring 0.
Comparing & Choosing a NJ ABSN Program
Review distinguishing features of each program to determine the best fit for your career needs.
TL;DR – Quick Decision Guide
Choose New Jersey City University if you want the shortest accelerated nursing program in New Jersey at just 12 months and can meet the HESI exam requirement.
Choose Ramapo College if in-state affordability is your top priority and you already have all prerequisites done.
Choose Saint Peter’s University if you want a low-cost second degree nursing program with January or August start options.
Choose Georgian Court University if a 100% NCLEX pass rate, small class sizes, and guaranteed Hackensack Meridian Health clinical placements matter most to you.
Choose Seton Hall University if you want a highly credentialed faculty, a 97.4% NCLEX pass rate, and are less sensitive to cost.
Choose The College of New Jersey if you want a 14-month hybrid program with 100% post-graduation employment outcomes and a small cohort feel.
Choose Felician University if you want multiple start dates per year and the flexibility to choose between a hybrid or on-ground format.
Choose Thomas Edison State University if you want a hybrid program backed by Magnet-facility partnerships and above-average NCLEX pass rates.
Choose Rutgers University if academic prestige and clinical access across southern New Jersey and the Delaware Valley are important to you.
Choose Stockton University if you prefer a structured, theory-grounded curriculum and fall or spring entry flexibility.
Choose William Paterson University if you are a competitive in-state applicant who wants an affordable program with a summer start.
Choose Fairleigh Dickinson University if you prefer HyFlex class flexibility combined with in-person labs and a 15-month timeline.
Shortest ABSN Programs in New Jersey
Shortest Program – 12 Months: New Jersey City University offers the fastest accelerated nursing pathway in New Jersey, completing the BSN in just three consecutive semesters. The program is campus-based in Jersey City and enrolls 60 students each fall.
14-Month Programs: Three schools complete the second degree nursing program in 14 months.
Georgian Court University (Lakewood) runs a structured on-campus cohort with June and November starts.
Seton Hall University offers a 14-month format at campuses in Freehold and Nutley with fall and spring entry.
The College of New Jersey (Ewing) delivers a 14-month hybrid program with a May start using short course blocks of 7 weeks or less.
Most Affordable New Jersey ABSN Programs
Ramapo College is the most affordable accelerated nursing option in New Jersey for in-state residents, with an estimated tuition-only cost of approximately $30,000 and an all-in tuition-and-fees estimate of $37,750 for the 16-month ABSN.
Saint Peter’s University is the second most affordable program at an estimated $32,100 to $32,800 for the full 15-month sequence, based on 64 credits at $450 per credit plus program fees.
Prerequisite Course Patterns for NJ ABSN
Nearly every accelerated nursing program in New Jersey requires the same core science foundation: Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology with a lab, and Statistics.
Most programs also require a Chemistry course with a lab, though acceptable formats vary — some accept General Chemistry, others require Organic Chemistry, and a few allow Biochemistry. A behavioral science course such as Developmental Psychology, Lifespan Development, or Introduction to Psychology is required by most programs as well.
Start Dates and Cohort Availability
| School | Available Start Dates | Admissions Type |
|---|---|---|
May (Summer) | Rolling | |
January, May, September (Hybrid); September (On-Ground) | Rolling | |
June, November | Rolling (limited seats) | |
Fall only | Fixed cycle (Oct 15–Feb 16) | |
Summer (ABSN); varies (Bridge) | Fixed (deadline Feb 1; next cycle Fall 2027) | |
Spring, Fall | Fixed (Oct 1 / Feb 15) | |
January, August | Rolling | |
Spring, Fall | Fixed (Nov 30 / May 1) | |
Fall, Spring | Fixed (May 15 / Oct 15) | |
May (Summer) | Fixed (Dec 10) | |
Contact admissions | Contact admissions | |
Summer (May) | Fixed (Sept 1–Oct 1 annually) |
Schools with fall-only starts: New Jersey City University admits one cohort per year beginning in the fall semester, with a fixed application window from October 15 through February 16.
Schools with multiple or flexible start dates: Felician University offers the most entry points in the state, with January, May, and September starts available for its hybrid track, and a September start for on-ground students.
Georgian Court University runs two cohorts per year beginning in June and November.
Saint Peter’s University offers January and August cohort starts.
Schools with spring or summer starts: Fairleigh Dickinson University, The College of New Jersey, and William Paterson University all begin their accelerated nursing sequences in May.
Ramapo College starts its 16-month ABSN track in the summer as well.
Rolling vs. fixed admissions: Fairleigh Dickinson University, Felician University, Georgian Court University, and Saint Peter’s University use rolling admissions, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received and early submission improves chances of securing a seat.
Clinical Training Structure
Clinical training models vary significantly across New Jersey’s second degree nursing programs, and these differences can meaningfully affect your day-to-day schedule, clinical access, and overall readiness for licensure.
Understanding how each program structures hands-on training is one of the most important factors in choosing where to accelerate your nursing education.
Clinical hours: Specific total clinical hour counts are not published uniformly across all NJ ABSN programs, but programs structure clinical learning across rotations in adult health, maternal-newborn, pediatrics, mental health, community health, and an immersion or capstone experience.
Thomas Edison State University is the most transparent about clinical structure, beginning with 96 hours of on-campus simulation in the first term followed by 12-hour direct patient care shifts starting in term two.
Students typically attend clinical one to two days per week across most programs, though Rutgers University notes students may attend class and clinical three to four days per week with shifts running from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., including weekends.
Guaranteed placements and dedicated clinical support:
Georgian Court University stands out for its long-standing partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, providing students with access to seven or more clinical rotation locations across New Jersey through a structured institutional agreement.
Ramapo College places the majority of clinical hours at Magnet-designated hospitals including The Valley Hospital and St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, with additional Hackensack Meridian Health network access.
Thomas Edison State University leverages partnerships with Magnet-designated facilities and uses a high-fidelity simulation lab with recorded sessions and open lab access to supplement clinical readiness.
At most other programs, clinical sites are assigned by program staff and students do not choose their own placements, which reduces the burden of placement logistics but limits location control.
Programs in Nearby States
Most programs also require specific prerequisite courses completed within the last 5-10 years, depending on the school’s criteria.