Best Nursing Programs in Sun City, Arizona (2026 Guide)
Choosing the best nursing program in Sun City is one of the most important decisions for your healthcare career. While Sun City itself is primarily residential, it is located near several highly respected nursing schools in the Phoenix metro area. This guide provides a detailed, side-by-side comparison of accredited programs, including tuition, NCLEX pass rates, program length, clinical hours, and career outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University offer top-ranked BSN options near Sun City.
- Maricopa Community Colleges provide affordable ADN pathways with strong NCLEX outcomes.
- Accreditation, clinical hours, and NCLEX pass rates should be your top evaluation criteria.
- Most programs within 25 miles of Sun City offer day, evening, hybrid, or accelerated tracks.
- Arizona nursing graduates benefit from strong job demand and competitive starting salaries.
How We Evaluated the Best Nursing Programs
To identify the best nursing programs near Sun City, we evaluated schools using five objective criteria:
- Accreditation: ACEN or CCNE approval and Arizona State Board of Nursing recognition.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: First-time pass rates over the last reporting cycle.
- Tuition and Value: In-state cost per credit and total program tuition.
- Clinical Experience: Number of supervised clinical hours and healthcare partnerships.
- Career Outcomes: Job placement rates, hospital affiliations, and graduate reputation.
Top Nursing Programs Near Sun City (Within 30 Miles)
SchoolDegreeAccreditationNCLEX Pass RateLengthApprox. TuitionLocationArizona State UniversityBSNCCNE94%+4 years$10,000–$13,000 per year (in-state)PhoenixGrand Canyon UniversityBSNCCNE90%+4 years$16,000–$18,000 per yearPhoenixGlendale Community CollegeADNACEN92%+2 years$5,000–$7,000 totalGlendaleGateWay Community CollegeADNACEN93%+2 years$6,000–$8,000 totalPhoenixBrookline CollegeAccelerated BSNCCNE88%+3 years or less$45,000+Phoenix
Detailed Program Breakdowns
Arizona State University (ASU) – Best Overall Reputation
ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is nationally recognized and consistently ranks among Arizona’s top programs. Students benefit from high-fidelity simulation labs, partnerships with Mayo Clinic and Banner Health, and research-driven faculty.
Why Choose ASU:
- Excellent NCLEX pass rates above 94 percent
- Strong hospital pipeline partnerships
- Extensive scholarship opportunities
- Accelerated and RN-to-BSN options available
ASU is ideal for students seeking long-term leadership or advanced practice roles.
Grand Canyon University (GCU) – Strong Clinical Network
GCU offers a traditional campus-based BSN program with structured clinical placements in major Phoenix hospitals. The program emphasizes ethical leadership and hands-on preparation.
Highlights:
- Competitive NCLEX performance
- Modern simulation labs
- Direct admission pathway for freshmen
Students often praise GCU’s faculty accessibility and small clinical group sizes.
Glendale Community College – Most Affordable Pathway
Just minutes from Sun City, Glendale Community College offers one of the most cost-effective ADN programs in Arizona. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and begin working as registered nurses in as little as two years.
Best For:
- Students seeking low tuition
- Working adults needing local access
- Future RN-to-BSN bridge candidates
Many graduates later complete a BSN online while working.
GateWay Community College – High NCLEX Performance
GateWay is known statewide for strong student support and consistent NCLEX pass rates above 90 percent. The program integrates simulation and hospital clinicals from the first semester.
Admission is competitive and often uses a point-based system evaluating GPA, prerequisites, and testing scores.
Brookline College – Accelerated Option
Brookline offers a fast-track BSN for students who already have prior college credits. While tuition is significantly higher, the accelerated structure allows students to enter the workforce sooner.
This program is best suited for career changers who need flexible scheduling and quick completion.
Arizona Nursing Career Outlook
The demand for registered nurses in Arizona continues to grow due to population expansion and retirements in the healthcare workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in Arizona earn an average annual salary above $85,000, with higher wages in metro Phoenix hospitals.
Major employers near Sun City include:
- Banner Boswell Medical Center
- Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
- Mayo Clinic Arizona
- Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital
Clinical rotations at these facilities often lead to full-time job offers upon graduation.
Admissions Requirements You Should Expect
Most nursing programs near Sun City require:
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 to 3.5
- Completion of prerequisite science courses
- TEAS entrance exam scores
- Background check and immunizations
- Application deadlines typically between January and March
Community colleges may use waitlists or ranking systems, so applying early improves acceptance odds.
How to Choose the Right Program for You
ADN vs BSN
An ADN allows you to become licensed faster and at lower cost. A BSN offers broader leadership opportunities and is increasingly preferred by hospitals.
Accelerated vs Traditional
Accelerated programs are intensive but shorten your timeline. Traditional programs provide more flexibility and reduced academic pressure.
Online and Hybrid Options
RN-to-BSN programs are widely available online. However, pre-licensure programs require in-person labs and clinical rotations.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Students in Arizona can access:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership grants
- Nursing-specific scholarships through hospitals
- Employer tuition reimbursement for working CNAs or LPNs
Community college students typically graduate with significantly less debt compared to private institutions.
Student Insights
Recent graduates frequently highlight clinical exposure as the most valuable part of their education. One Glendale Community College graduate shared that early hospital rotations gave her confidence when entering the workforce. An ASU student noted that simulation labs closely mirrored real emergency scenarios, making the transition into critical care smoother.
Programs that combine rigorous academics with hands-on experience consistently produce the strongest outcomes.
Start Dates and Planning Timeline
Most programs begin in August, with limited January cohorts. Application windows often close six months prior to the start date. Planning early, completing prerequisites on time, and preparing for the TEAS exam are critical steps in securing admission.
Choosing the best nursing program in Sun City requires balancing cost, accreditation, clinical quality, and career goals. With multiple high-performing options within a short drive, aspiring nurses have strong opportunities to begin a rewarding healthcare career in Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Programs in Sun City, Arizona
Are there nursing schools directly in Sun City, Arizona?
Sun City is mainly a residential and retirement community, so nursing schools are not located inside Sun City itself. Instead, you will find several accredited ADN and BSN programs within about 25–30 miles in Phoenix and Glendale.
What are the best nursing programs near Sun City for new RNs?
Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University offer popular BSN programs, while Glendale Community College and GateWay Community College provide affordable ADN options. Brookline College offers an accelerated BSN for students with prior college credits.
How do ADN and BSN programs near Sun City compare?
ADN programs at community colleges, such as Glendale and GateWay, usually take about two years and cost less. BSN programs at ASU, GCU, and Brookline take about three to four years, cost more, and can open more doors for leadership and advanced roles.
What NCLEX pass rates can you expect from these schools?
Most featured programs report first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates at or above 88 percent. Arizona State University and several Maricopa Community College programs, including Glendale and GateWay, often report pass rates above 90 percent.
What are typical admissions requirements for nursing programs near Sun City?
You should expect a minimum GPA between 2.75 and 3.5, completed science prerequisites, TEAS exam scores, a background check, and proof of immunizations. Many programs have application deadlines about six months before the start term.
What is the RN job outlook and salary near Sun City, Arizona?
Registered nurses in Arizona have strong job demand, supported by growth in the Phoenix metro area. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in Arizona earn an average salary above $85,000 per year, with many openings at nearby Banner, Mayo Clinic, and Dignity Health hospitals.
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