Community college is an affordable, accessible pathway to nursing. Complete your prerequisites and earn your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at a fraction of university costs, then bridge to a BSN if desired.
Community College Advantage
Community colleges offer affordable ADN programs with accessible prerequisites. Tuition costs 50-70% less than universities, and many community colleges have point-based admission systems that reward strong grades and test scores. After earning your ADN, you can bridge to a BSN through ADN-to-BSN programs.
Why Community College for Nursing
Community colleges attract nursing students for compelling reasons:
- Affordable tuition - 50-70% lower costs than universities
- Accessible prerequisites - Flexible scheduling and support services
- Smaller class sizes - More personalized instruction
- Supportive environment - Focus on student success
- Diverse student body - Classmates from varied backgrounds
- Career-focused programs - Emphasis on job readiness
- ADN-to-BSN pathways - Clear routes to bachelor's degrees
Community College Nursing Prerequisites
Core Prerequisite Courses
Most community college ADN programs require:
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II - With lab components
- Microbiology - With lab, typically required
- Chemistry - General or introductory level
- English Composition - Grade of C or better
- Psychology - General or developmental
- Math/Statistics - College-level mathematics
GPA Requirements
Community college ADN programs typically require:
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5-3.0
- Minimum prerequisite GPA: 2.5-3.0
- Minimum grade in prerequisites: C or better
- Competitive GPA: 3.2+ for selective programs
Community colleges are generally more accessible than universities, which often require 3.0+ GPAs and B grades in prerequisites.
Entrance Exam Requirements
Most community college ADN programs require the ATI TEAS exam:
- Minimum score: 65-67%
- Competitive score: 70%+
- Preparation time: 4-6 weeks of focused study
Community College ADN Programs
What is an ADN?
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year nursing degree from a community college or junior college. ADN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and practice as registered nurses.
ADN Program Structure
Typical ADN programs include:
- Prerequisite completion - Usually completed before or during first year
- Nursing coursework - Sequenced courses building nursing knowledge
- Clinical rotations - Hands-on practice in healthcare settings
- Skills labs - Practice of nursing procedures and techniques
- Capstone project - Final comprehensive project
ADN vs. BSN
Key differences between ADN and BSN programs:
- Duration: ADN is 2 years; BSN is 4 years
- Cost: ADN costs significantly less
- Degree: ADN is associate degree; BSN is bachelor's degree
- Licensure: Both are eligible for NCLEX-RN
- Career advancement: BSN opens more leadership and specialty roles
Cost Advantages of Community College
Tuition Comparison
Community college ADN programs cost significantly less than university BSN programs:
- Community college ADN: $10,000-$20,000 total
- Public university BSN: $30,000-$60,000 total
- Private university BSN: $80,000-$150,000 total
Financial Aid Options
Community college students access:
- Federal financial aid - Grants and loans
- State grants - Many states offer community college aid
- Scholarships - Nursing-specific and general scholarships
- Payment plans - Spread costs across semesters
ADN-to-BSN Pathway
Why Pursue a BSN After ADN?
Many ADN graduates pursue a BSN for:
- Career advancement - Access to leadership and specialty roles
- Higher salary potential - BSN graduates earn more on average
- Employer preference - Many hospitals prefer or require BSN
- Graduate school eligibility - Required for advanced degrees (MSN, DNP)
- Professional development - Broader knowledge and skills
ADN-to-BSN Programs
ADN-to-BSN programs allow RNs to earn a bachelor's degree:
- Duration: 1-2 years of additional study
- Format: Often online or part-time for working RNs
- Cost: $15,000-$40,000 depending on institution
- Flexibility: Many programs designed for working nurses
Community College Prerequisites Timeline
Sample Community College to RN Timeline
Months 1-6: Complete prerequisite courses (anatomy, chemistry, psychology, etc.)
Month 7: Take ATI TEAS exam, submit ADN application
Months 8-9: Receive acceptance, prepare for program start
Months 10-33: Complete 2-year ADN program
Month 34: Graduate with ADN, prepare for NCLEX-RN
Month 35+: Work as RN, optionally pursue ADN-to-BSN
Strategies for Community College Students
1. Complete Prerequisites Strategically
Plan your prerequisite completion:
- Take challenging courses when you have energy and focus
- Balance difficult courses with easier ones
- Use tutoring and academic support services
- Maintain strong grades (aim for 3.5+ GPA)
2. Prepare Thoroughly for ATI TEAS
The TEAS exam is critical for admission:
- Allocate 4-6 weeks for focused preparation
- Take practice exams to identify weak areas
- Focus on science and reading comprehension
- Aim for 70%+ to be competitive
3. Build Healthcare Experience
Strengthen your application with healthcare experience:
- Obtain CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification
- Work as a patient care technician or medical assistant
- Volunteer in healthcare settings
- Shadow nurses and healthcare professionals
4. Utilize Community College Support Services
Take advantage of available resources:
- Tutoring services - Free or low-cost academic support
- Writing centers - Help with essays and academic writing
- Study groups - Peer learning and support
- Academic advising - Guidance on course selection and planning
- Career services - Job placement and interview preparation
5. Plan for ADN-to-BSN
If you plan to pursue a BSN eventually:
- Research ADN-to-BSN programs early
- Choose community colleges with strong transfer agreements
- Maintain strong grades for BSN admission
- Plan financially for future BSN pursuit
Advantages of Community College Nursing
Affordability
Community college ADN programs cost 50-70% less than university BSN programs, making nursing education accessible to more students.
Accessibility
Community colleges offer:
- Flexible scheduling (evening, weekend, online options)
- Open admission policies with supportive prerequisites
- Smaller class sizes and personalized attention
- Supportive environment focused on student success
Career Readiness
Community college ADN programs emphasize practical skills and job readiness, preparing graduates for immediate employment as RNs.
Pathway to Bachelor's Degree
ADN-to-BSN programs allow you to earn your bachelor's degree while working as an RN, spreading costs and time over several years.
Moving Forward as a Community College Student
Community college is an excellent pathway to nursing. You'll complete affordable prerequisites, earn your ADN in two years, and be eligible for NCLEX-RN licensure. If you choose to pursue a BSN later, ADN-to-BSN programs make this accessible while you work as an RN.
Your community college education is valued by employers and nursing programs. The skills and knowledge you gain are equivalent to university-based programs, at a fraction of the cost.
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References
- Central Carolina Community College. (2025). "Nursing Programs Information."
- Southwestern Community College. (2025). "Nursing Program."
- Stanly Community College. (2025). "Associate Degree Nursing Admissions."
- University of North Carolina Charlotte. (2025). "BSN Program."
- Central Piedmont Community College. (2025). "Nursing Program."
- Cuyahoga Community College. (2025). "Associate Degree Nursing."
- Mitchell Community College. (2025). "Associate Degree Nursing."
- Davidson-Davie Community College. (2025). "Associate Degree Nursing."