Holy Name Medical Center-Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing

This is a no-frills, outcomes-driven nursing program with a documented history of strong NCLEX performance. The curriculum leans heavily on clinical rotations at Holy Name Medical Center, giving students direct access to a major healthcare provider. A 2026 partnership with Rowan University promises "an efficient and affordable pipeline" to BSN degrees, though specifics about credit transfers or dual enrollment remain undisclosed. Faculty emphasize hands-on training, with the program director Donna M. Penn—a DNP-holding nurse executive—embodying its clinical rigor.

With just 178-333 students (reports vary), this is an intimate cohort where everyone knows each other—and likely their instructors too. The Roman Catholic affiliation surfaces in ceremonial moments, like graduation blessings for new nurses' "dedication to a lifetime of healing." There’s no mention of Greek life, athletics, or traditional campus amenities; the focus is squarely on clinical prep. Most students likely commute, given the lack of on-campus housing mentions.

The numbers here are strikingly strong: a 75-100% graduation rate (sources disagree on timeframe) and a median salary of $87,408 a decade post-enrollment. That salary figure outpaces many four-year nursing programs, likely reflecting the program’s hospital-adjacent clinical training. Retention rates hit 100% in some reports—though with such small cohorts, each student’s performance disproportionately impacts metrics.

At $25,414 annually, tuition is steep for a two-year program—but the Rowan partnership may help curb costs for BSN seekers. The school offers limited scholarships and directs students to complete the FAFSA (school code: 006417). No data is available on average aid packages, leaving applicants to rely heavily on the net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator.

This program is a sleeper hit for clinical purists—no leafy quads or football games, just NCLEX prep with hospital-grade IV bags. The tiny size ensures personalized attention, and the Holy Name Medical Center affiliation means scrubs-on training from day one. The Rowan partnership could be a game-changer if it delivers on affordability, but the admissions freeze raises questions about future capacity. Ideal for students who want to bypass gen eds and dive straight into nursing’s trenches.