One of the fastest routes to licensure as a registered nurse (RN) is an associate degree program. A traditional ADN curriculum requires two years of fulltime study and prepares graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Many of California’s approved ADN schools also offer an advanced placement option for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), often called an LVN-to-RN bridge program. Indeed, several schools like Allan Hancock College and College of the Siskiyous offer only the LVN-to-RN track.
A traditional ADN student must complete approximately 60 credit hours on a semester system, or 90 credit hours on a quarter system, in order to graduate. Several California schools offer afternoon or evening classes to accommodate students with full- or part-time work schedules. While ADN students typically enter the workforce upon graduation, many will later use the ADN program as a stepping stone to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Numerous schools offer an RN-to-BSN program tailored to ADN graduates, and most deliver the content entirely online.
Newly licensed California RNs can expect an excellent job outlook and competitive salaries. The state’s registered nurses earn an average annual salary of $120,560 according to recent data (May 2020) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, this is the highest average RN salary in the entire country. Registered nurse employment is projected to grow by 7% over the next decade, faster than the average for all occupations. Major California healthcare networks like Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, Cedars-Sinai Health System, and Verity Health System are frequently hiring new nurses, both to meet growing demand and to replace retiring RNs.
To help aspiring nurses evaluate their options, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac has compiled an extensive database of student performance on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. We analyzed this data over a lengthy period of time -- the past decade when possible -- to calculate each program’s NCLEX pass rate among first-time test-takers. We then used this metric to rank California’s ADN programs, from the strongest NCLEX-RN performance (Chabot College) to the weakest (East Los Angeles College). You can find the detailed results of our analysis below.
#1: Chabot College
98.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate25555 Hesperian Boulevard
Hayward, California 94545
https://www.chabotcollege.edu98.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 36 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#2: Sierra College
98.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate5100 Sierra College Boulevard
Rocklin, California 95677
https://www.sierracollege.edu98.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 33 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#3: Los Angeles Harbor College
97.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate1111 Figueroa Place
Wilmington, California 90744
https://www.lahc.edu97.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 66 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#4: Cuesta College
97.4% first-time NCLEX pass rateHighway 1
San Luis Obispo, California 93405
https://www.cuesta.edu97.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 39 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#5: Grossmont College
97.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate8800 Grossmont College Drive
El Cajon, California 92020
https://www.grossmont.edu97.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 61 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#6: MiraCosta College
97.0% first-time NCLEX pass rateOne Barnard Drive
Oceanside, California 92056
https://www.miracosta.edu97.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 46 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#7: Merritt College
96.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate12500 Campus Drive
Oakland, California 94619
https://www.merritt.edu96.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 24 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#8: Victor Valley College
96.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate18422 Bear Valley Road
Victorville, California 92395
https://www.vvc.edu96.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 61 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#9: Saddleback College
96.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate28000 Marguerite Parkway
Mission Viejo, California 92692
https://www.saddleback.edu96.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 104 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#10: Hartnell College
96.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate411 Central Avenue
Salinas, California 93901
https://www.hartnell.edu96.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 35 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#11: Sacramento City College
96.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate3835 Freeport Boulevard
Sacramento, California 95822
https://www.scc.losrios.edu96.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 75 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#12: Monterey Peninsula College
96.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate980 Fremont Street
Monterey, California 93940
https://www.mpc.edu96.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 28 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#13: Moorpark College
95.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate7075 Campus Road
Moorpark, California 93021
https://www.moorparkcollege.edu95.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 68 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#14: College of the Siskiyous
95.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate2001 Campus Drive
Yreka, California 96097
https://www.siskiyous.edu95.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 25 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#15: Mendocino College
95.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate1000 Hensley Creek Road
Ukiah, California 95482
https://www.mendocino.edu95.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 20 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#16: San Diego City College
94.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate1313 Park Boulevard
San Diego, California 92101
https://www.sdcity.edu94.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 55 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#17: Chaffey College
94.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate5897 College Park Avenue
Chino, California 91710
https://www.chaffey.edu94.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 57 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#18: American River College
94.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate4700 College Oak Drive
Sacramento, California 95841
https://www.arc.losrios.edu94.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 70 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#19: Bakersfield College
94.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate1801 Panorama Drive
Bakersfield, California 93305
https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu94.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 118 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#20: Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health
94.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate1237 North Mission Road
Los Angeles, California 90033
https://www.dhs.lacounty.gov/college-of-nursing-and-allied-health94.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 91 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#21: Santa Barbara City College
94.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate721 Cliff Drive
Santa Barbara, California 93109
https://www.sbcc.edu94.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 60 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#22: Imperial Valley College
94.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate380 East Aten Road
Imperial, California 92251
https://www.imperial.edu94.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 42 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#23: Palomar College
93.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate1140 West Mission Road
San Marcos, California 92069
https://www.palomar.edu93.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 54 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#24: Madera Community College
93.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate30277 Avenue 12
Madera, California 93638
https://www.maderacollege.edu93.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 8 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#25: Glendale Community College
93.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate1500 North Verdugo Road
Glendale, California 91208
https://www.glendale.edu93.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 77 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#26: Ventura College
93.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate4667 Telegraph Road
Ventura, California 93003
https://www.venturacollege.edu93.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 80 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#27: Riverside City College
93.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate4800 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, California 92506
https://www.rcc.edu93.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 171 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#28: Mt. San Jacinto College
93.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate28237 La Piedra Road
Menifee, California 92584
https://www.msjc.edu93.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 49 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#29: Santa Monica College
93.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate1900 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, California 90405
https://www.smc.edu93.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 56 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#30: College of Marin
93.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate835 College Avenue
Kentfield, California 94904
https://www.marin.edu93.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 39 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#31: Santa Rosa Junior College
93.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate1501 Mendocino Avenue
Santa Rosa, California 95401
https://www.santarosa.edu93.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 103 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#32: Rio Hondo College
92.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, California 90601
https://www.riohondo.edu92.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 79 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#33: Long Beach City College
92.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate4901 East Carson Street
Long Beach, California 90808
https://www.lbcc.edu92.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 92 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#34: El Camino College
92.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate16007 Crenshaw Boulevard
Torrance, California 90506
https://www.elcamino.edu92.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 66 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#35: Modesto Junior College
91.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate435 College Avenue
Modesto, California 95350
https://www.mjc.edu91.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 112 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#36: Los Angeles Valley College
90.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate5800 Fulton Avenue
Valley Glen, California 91401
https://www.lavc.edu90.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 72 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#37: Ohlone College
90.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate39399 Cherry Street
Newark, California 94560
https://www.ohlone.edu90.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 34 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#38: Pierce College
90.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate6201 Winnetka Avenue
Woodland Hills, California 91371
https://www.piercecollege.edu90.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 55 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#39: Evergreen Valley College
90.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate3095 Yerba Buena Road
San Jose, California 95135
https://www.evc.edu90.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 64 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#40: Golden West College
90.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate15744 Goldenwest Street
Huntington Beach, California 92647
https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu90.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 91 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#41: Pasadena City College
90.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate3035 East Foothill Boulevard
Pasadena, California 91107
https://www.pasadena.edu90.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 111 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#42: De Anza College
90.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard
Cupertino, California 95014
https://www.deanza.edu90.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 50 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#43: Los Angeles City College
90.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate855 North Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90029
https://www.lacitycollege.edu90.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 65 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#44: Glendale Career College
89.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate240 North Brand Boulevard, Lower Level
Glendale, California 91203
https://www.glendalecareer.com89.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 123 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2018-19 through 2020-21
#45: Cypress College
89.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate9200 Valley View Street
Cypress, California 90630
https://www.cypresscollege.edu89.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 82 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#46: Solano Community College
89.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate4000 Suisun Valley Road
Fairfield, California 94534
https://www.solano.edu89.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 41 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#47: San Joaquin Delta College
89.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate5151 Pacific Avenue
Stockton, California 95207
https://www.deltacollege.edu89.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 108 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#48: West Hills College Lemoore
89.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate555 College Avenue
Lemoore, California 93245
https://www.westhillscollege.com/lemoore89.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 36 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#49: Citrus College
89.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate1000 West Foothill Boulevard
Glendora, California 91741
https://www.citruscollege.edu89.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 36 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#50: Mt. San Antonio College
89.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate1100 North Grand Avenue
Walnut, California 91789
https://www.mtsac.edu89.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 104 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#51: Antelope Valley College
88.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate3041 West Avenue K
Lancaster, California 93536
https://www.avc.edu88.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 105 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#52: Porterville College
88.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate100 East College Avenue
Porterville, California 93257
https://www.portervillecollege.edu88.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 16 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#53: Shasta College
88.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate1400 Market Street, Suite 8204
Redding, California 96001
https://www.shastacollege.edu88.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 53 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#54: Pacific Union College
88.2% first-time NCLEX pass rateOne Angwin Avenue
Angwin, California 94508
https://www.puc.edu88.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 83 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#55: College of the Redwoods
88.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate7351 Tompkins Hill Road
Eureka, California 95501
https://www.redwoods.edu88.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 47 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#56: Contra Costa College
87.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate2600 Mission Bell Drive
San Pablo, California 94806
https://www.contracosta.edu87.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 40 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#57: College of the Sequoias
87.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate915 South Mooney Boulevard
Visalia, California 93277
https://www.cos.edu87.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 93 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#58: College of the Desert
87.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate43-500 Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert, California 92260
https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu87.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 58 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#59: Copper Mountain College
87.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate6162 Rotary Way
Joshua Tree, California 92252
https://www.cmccd.edu87.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 25 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#60: City College of San Francisco
87.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate50 Frida Kahlo Way
San Francisco, California 94112
https://www.ccsf.edu87.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 78 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#61: Gavilan College
87.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard
Gilroy, California 95020
https://www.gavilan.edu87.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 18 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#62: Napa Valley College
87.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway
Napa, California 94558
https://www.napavalley.edu87.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 41 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#63: Butte College
87.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate3536 Butte Campus Drive
Oroville, California 95965
https://www.butte.edu87.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 95 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#64: Santa Ana College
87.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate1530 West 17th Street
Santa Ana, California 92706
https://www.sac.edu87.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 95 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#65: Cerritos College
87.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate11110 Alondra Boulevard
Norwalk, California 90650
https://www.cerritos.edu87.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 80 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#66: Yuba College
87.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate2088 North Beale Road
Marysville, California 95901
https://yc.yccd.edu87.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 51 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#67: California Career College
86.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate7003 Owensmouth Avenue
Canoga Park, California 91303
https://www.californiacareercollege.edu86.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 36 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2018-19 through 2020-21
#68: American Career College
86.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate4021 Rosewood Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90004
https://www.americancareercollege.edu86.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 64 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2016-17 through 2020-21
#69: Merced College
86.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate3600 M Street
Merced, California 95348
https://www.mccd.edu86.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 55 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#70: Los Medanos College
86.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate2700 East Leland Road
Pittsburg, California 94565
https://www.losmedanos.edu86.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 37 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#71: College of San Mateo
86.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard
San Mateo, California 94402
https://www.collegeofsanmateo.edu86.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 46 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#72: College of the Canyons
85.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate26455 Rockwell Canyon Road
Santa Clarita, California 91355
https://www.canyons.edu85.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 108 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#73: Southwestern College
85.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate8100 Gigantic Street
San Diego, California 92154
https://www.swccd.edu85.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 62 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#74: Allan Hancock College
84.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate800 South College Drive
Santa Maria, California 93454
https://www.hancockcollege.edu84.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 34 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#75: Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
84.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate400 West Washington Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90015
https://www.lattc.edu84.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 51 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#76: San Bernardino Valley College
82.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate701 South Mount Vernon Avenue
San Bernardino, California 92410
https://www.valleycollege.edu82.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 77 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#77: Compton College
80.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate1111 East Artesia Boulevard
Compton, California 90221
http://www.compton.edu80.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 62 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#78: San Joaquin Valley College
79.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate8344 West Mineral King Avenue
Visalia, California 93291
https://www.sjvc.edu79.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 86 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#79: Cabrillo College
78.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate6500 Soquel Drive
Aptos, California 95003
https://www.cabrillo.edu78.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 58 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#80: Carrington College - Sacramento
77.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate8909 Folsom Boulevard
Sacramento, California 95826
https://www.carrington.edu77.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 51 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#81: Fresno City College
77.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate1101 East University Avenue
Fresno, California 93741
https://www.fresnocitycollege.edu77.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 252 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#82: Los Angeles Southwest College
76.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate1600 West Imperial Highway
Los Angeles, California 90047
https://www.lasc.edu76.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 42 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#83: Mission College
76.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate3000 Mission College Boulevard
Santa Clara, California 95054
https://www.missioncollege.edu76.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 32 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21
#84: Gurnick Academy - Fresno
75.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate4747 North First Street, Suite 192
Fresno, California 93726
https://www.gurnick.edu75.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 61 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2018-19 through 2020-21
#85: Career Care Institute
71.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate43770 15th Street West, Suite 115
Lancaster, California 93534
https://www.ccicolleges.edu71.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 20 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2019-20 through 2020-21
#86: East Los Angeles College
68.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez
Monterey Park, California 91754
https://www.elac.edu68.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Associate Degree in Nursing
Average of 93 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2011-12 through 2020-21