The best nursing schools provide strong academics, financial aid, and overall value. The one that fits you best depends on your goals. This guide lists the best nursing schools in the U.S. by category – and explains how to find the one that’s best for you.
Inside This Article:
- Different paths to nursing
- Top nursing schools by academics
- Best nursing schools by program type
- Best nursing schools for merit aid
- Best-value nursing schools
- How to choose the best nursing schools for you
Academics and Affordability at Nursing Schools
Nursing programs combine challenging academics with hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for this demanding but rewarding field. The best schools stand out for their high-tech simulation labs, extensive clinical placements, and research opportunities.
Cost is often a major concern for students and families. While many nursing schools are expensive, financial aid through scholarships and grants can help lighten the load. Choosing an accredited program is essential for both licensure and long-term career success. Organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) evaluate programs to ensure they meet high-quality standards.
Graduates from top nursing schools often excel on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which is required to become a licensed nurse. These programs also help students secure competitive roles in healthcare and build a foundation for long-term career stability, making the investment worthwhile.
Different Paths to Nursing
Not every student takes the same road to becoming a nurse. Nursing schools offer a range of programs designed for beginners, experienced nurses, or even those switching careers. Below, we break down the most common options so you can find one that matches your background and plans.
Direct-Admission BSN Programs
Direct-admission schools enable high school students to secure a spot in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program upon admission.
- Ideal For: Students confident in their desire to pursue nursing right after high school.
- Purpose: Streamlined path to becoming an RN, often includes early exposure to clinical training.
Traditional BSN Programs
Traditional BSN programs offer 4-year degrees for first-time college students or transfer students.
- Ideal For: Students who want a full undergraduate nursing education.
- Purpose: Prepares students for the NCLEX and entry-level nursing roles.
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs offer a fast track for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
- Ideal For: Career changers aiming to enter the nursing field quickly.
- Purpose: Intensive curriculum, typically completed in 12-18 months.
RN-to-BSN Programs
These programs allow registered nurses (RNs) with an associate degree or nursing diploma to earn a BSN.
- Ideal For: Working RNs looking to advance their skills and careers.
- Purpose: Flexible online and part-time options.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
These graduate-level programs can lead to advanced practice or leadership roles.
- Ideal For: Nurses aiming for roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Leader, or Nurse Educator.
- Purpose: Often leads to specialized and higher-paying roles.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
DNP is the highest level of clinical nursing education.
- Ideal For: Nurses pursuing leadership, advanced practice, or policy-making roles.
- Highlights: Focuses on clinical practice rather than research.
Top Nursing Schools by Academics
When it comes to nursing, academic rigor and clinical preparation are non-negotiable. This section highlights schools with the best reputations, innovative programs, and a proven track record of producing top-tier nursing professionals. To create this list, we considered factors like NCLEX pass rates, program variety, and student outcomes. We include both undergraduate and graduate programs.
1. Johns Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore, MD
Type: Private
Available Programs: Direct-Admission BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, Global Health Nursing
Highlights: Top-notch clinical training and research, and access to world-class facilities and global health opportunities.
2. University of Pennsylvania (Penn Nursing)
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Type: Private
Available Programs: Direct-Admission BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, PhD
Specialties: Pediatric Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Midwifery
Highlights: Interdisciplinary education, hands-on clinicals, and partnerships with top hospitals.
3. Columbia University School of Nursing
Location: New York, NY
Type: Private
Available Programs: Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner, Public Health Nursing
Highlights: Leadership in simulation technology and innovative research, Columbia offers students access to premier clinical sites and one of the oldest nursing programs in the U.S.
4. Duke University
Location: Durham, NC
Type: Private
Available Programs: Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Cardiac Care, Gerontology, Leadership in Nursing
Highlights: Extensive clinical placements and leadership training, particularly in geriatric and cardiac care.
5. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Location: San Francisco, CA
Type: Public
Available Programs: Only graduate-level: MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health, Women’s Health
Highlights: A leader in public health nursing and extensive opportunities for community health and equity-focused care. UCSF focuses on graduate nursing programs like the MSN, DNP, and PhD, making it an excellent choice for advanced practice nurses but not suitable for undergraduate pathways
6. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Type: Public
Available Programs: Direct-Admission BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Critical Care, Community Health, Leadership in Nursing
Highlights: Cutting-edge research and leadership programs, and good clinical placements and career outcomes.
7. Rush University College of Nursing
Location: Chicago, IL
Type: Private
Available Programs: Only graduate-level: MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Adult-Gerontology, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Leadership
Highlights: Consistently ranked among the top in the nation for its DNP and MSN programs, Rush excels in evidence-based practice and offers exceptional clinical opportunities in the Chicago area.
8. Yale School of Nursing
Location: New Haven, CT
Type: Private
Available Programs: Only graduate-level: MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Nurse-Midwifery, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health
Highlights: A pioneer in advanced practice nursing, Yale emphasizes leadership and social justice while offering a strong mentoring culture and diverse clinical placements.
9. Vanderbilt University
Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Private
Available Programs: Only graduate-level: MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Leadership in Nursing
Highlights: Strong focus on advanced practice nursing, flexible scheduling for MSN programs, and partnerships with leading healthcare organizations.
10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Type: Public
Available Programs: Direct-Admission BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, PhD
Specialties: Community Health, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nursing
Highlights: Affordable in-state tuition, strong clinical placements, and focus on public health nursing.
11. Case Western Reserve University
Location: Cleveland, OH
Type: Private
Available Programs: Direct-Admission BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Acute Care, Nurse Anesthesia, Leadership in Nursing
Highlights: Early clinical exposure through partnerships with Cleveland’s renowned healthcare institutions and innovative simulation labs.
12. University of Rochester
Location: Rochester, NY
Type: Private
Available Programs: Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Family Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Leadership, Geriatric Nursing
Highlights: State-of-the-art simulation labs and a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare.
13. Emory University
Location: Atlanta, GA
Type: Private
Available Programs: Direct-Admission BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Public Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Oncology
Highlights: Strong clinical placements in one of the country’s largest healthcare hubs and a commitment to global health initiatives.
14. University of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA
Type: Public
Available Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Acute Care, Gerontology, Global Health Nursing
Highlights: High research funding and partnerships with leading hospitals in the Pacific Northwest.
15. Georgetown University
Location: Washington, DC
Type: Private
Available Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
Specialties: Family Nurse Practitioner, Midwifery, Nursing Leadership
Highlights: Offers personalized learning experiences with access to top clinical sites in the nation’s capital.
16. Ohio State University
Location: Columbus, OH
Type: Public
Available Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Leadership in Nursing, Critical Care, Community Health
Highlights: Affordable tuition for in-state students, strong support for working RNs, and diverse clinical rotation opportunities.
17. New York University (NYU) Rory Meyers College of Nursing
Location: New York, NY
Type: Private
Available Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Adult-Gerontology, Psychiatric-Mental Health, Leadership in Nursing
Highlights: Access to top hospitals in New York City and a strong reputation for producing nursing leaders.
18. University of Texas at Austin
Location: Austin, TX
Type: Public
Available Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
Specialties: Family Nurse Practitioner, Public Health Nursing, Pediatric Care
Highlights: Affordable tuition, high NCLEX pass rates, and excellent job placement rates for graduates.
19. University of Pittsburgh
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Type: Public
Available Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Specialties: Nurse Anesthesia, Critical Care, Leadership in Nursing
Highlights: Known for robust clinical training and a wide range of merit-based scholarships for nursing students.
20. Boston College
Location: Chestnut Hill, MA
Type: Private
Available Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
Specialties: Pediatric Nursing, Community Health, Leadership
Highlights: Known for its holistic approach to nursing education and excellent faculty mentorship.
Top Undergrad Nursing School Admission Stats, 2023-24
| School | State | SAT Avg | ACT Avg | Admit Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | MD | 7.56% | ||
| University of Pennsylvania | PA | 5.87% | ||
| Columbia University | NY | 1530 | 35 | 3.74% |
| Duke University | NC | 34 | 6.78% | |
| University of Michigan | MI | 17.94% | ||
| Rush University | IL | 37.44% | ||
| The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | NC | 1420 | 30 | 18.74% |
| Case Western Reserve University | OH | 1470 | 33 | 28.67% |
| University of Rochester | NY | 1440 | 33 | 35.85% |
| Emory University | GA | 1490 | 33 | 10.65% |
| University of Washington | WA | 42.53% | ||
| Georgetown University | DC | 13.08% | ||
| The Ohio State University at Columbus | OH | 1340 | 29 | 50.82% |
| New York University | NY | 9.41% | ||
| The University of Texas at Austin | TX | 1420 | 29.12% | |
| University of Pittsburgh | PA | 31 | ||
| Boston College | MA | 15.65% |
Best Nursing Schools by Program Type
Not all nursing programs are created equal — the best one for you depends on your goals. Here’s a breakdown of top nursing schools by program type to help you find your match.
Best Direct-Admission BSN Programs
Direct-admission programs guarantee students a spot in a nursing program straight out of high school.
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- University of Pennsylvania
- Columbia University
- Vanderbilt University
- Case Western Reserve University
Best Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs are ideal for individuals with a prior bachelor’s degree who want to transition into nursing.
- Columbia University
- Duke University
- University of Rochester
- Emory University
Best RN-to-BSN Programs
Designed for working nurses to advance their education and qualifications without leaving their jobs.
- Ohio State University
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of Florida
- Arizona State University
Best Schools for MSN and Advanced Practice Nursing
Master’s programs prepare nurses for specialized or leadership roles in areas such as clinical care, education, or administration.
- Johns Hopkins University
- Yale University
- Rush University
- University of Washington
- Vanderbilt University
Top Nursing Schools for Merit Aid
Merit aid can significantly reduce the cost of nursing school, especially for high-achieving students. These scholarships not only reward academic excellence but also recognize leadership and community service. The following are some top nursing schools offering good merit-based scholarship opportunities.
Most Generous Private Nursing Schools for Merit Aid
These private universities stand out for offering high average merit aid awards, making them excellent options for high-achieving students. Note that the average merit aid comes from the Common Data Set and covers the institutions as a whole, not just the nursing program.
- Duke University (NC)
Average Merit Aid: $77,643
Scholarship Highlight: Duke offers the Mary Trent Semans Nursing Scholarship, awarded to students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential in nursing. - New York University (NYU) (NY)
Average Merit Aid: $40,607
Scholarship Highlight: NYU provides the Rory Meyers College of Nursing Scholars Award, which supports high-performing nursing students committed to community health. - Johns Hopkins University (MD)
Average Merit Aid: $29,844
Scholarship Highlight: Hopkins offers the Dean’s Nursing Scholarship for students excelling in academics and leadership, particularly those pursuing advanced practice nursing. - Boston College (MA)
Average Merit Aid: $29,133
Scholarship Highlight: The Connell School of Nursing Scholarships provide merit-based awards to students with strong academic records and leadership qualities. - Case Western Reserve University (OH)
Average Merit Aid: $29,108
Scholarship Highlight: Case Western’s Nursing Excellence Scholarship is available for students who show exceptional academic achievement and a commitment to clinical excellence. - Emory University (GA)
Average Merit Aid: $25,536
Scholarship Highlight: Emory offers the Woodruff Nursing Scholarship, a competitive award for students demonstrating leadership potential in nursing.
Public Universities Offering Merit Aid
Public universities tend to offer less merit aid on average but remain strong options for in-state students or those seeking lower tuition.
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
Average Merit Aid: $9,684
Scholarship Highlight: Pitt Nursing Academic Merit Scholarships are awarded to incoming students based on academic performance and leadership potential. - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC)
Average Merit Aid: $7,689
Scholarship Highlight: UNC provides merit-based awards through the Carolina Nursing Scholars Program for students with outstanding academic achievements. - The Ohio State University at Columbus (OH)
Average Merit Aid: $6,789
Scholarship Highlight: The Buckeye Leadership Nursing Scholarship recognizes students demonstrating leadership potential in nursing and community service. - University of Michigan (MI)
Average Merit Aid: $4,387
Scholarship Highlight: The Michigan Nursing Scholars Award supports academically talented nursing students, particularly those pursuing public health nursing. - University of Washington (WA)
Average Merit Aid: $3,841
Scholarship Highlight: UW offers the Future Nurses Merit Scholarship to students committed to nursing innovation and community care. - The University of Texas at Austin (TX)
Average Merit Aid: $3,406
Scholarship Highlight: UT Austin’s Longhorn Nursing Scholarship is available to students excelling in academics and clinical placements.
Nursing School Aid and Costs, 2023-2024
| School | Avg Merit Aid Award | Avg Need-Based Award | Cost of Attendance (COA) In-State | COA Out-of-State | COA Private School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke University | $77,643 | $63,935 | $94,066 | ||
| New York University | $40,607 | $59,903 | $93,184 | ||
| Johns Hopkins University | $29,844 | $62,498 | $88,976 | ||
| Boston College | $29,133 | $50,976 | $89,930 | ||
| Case Western Reserve University | $29,108 | $55,429 | $87,986 | ||
| Emory University | $25,536 | $52,113 | $88,502 | ||
| University of Rochester | $14,800 | $57,871 | $89,326 | ||
| University of Pittsburgh | $9,684 | $17,069 | $34,290 | $52,656 | |
| The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $7,689 | $17,528 | $42,365 | $61,022 | |
| The Ohio State University at Columbus | $6,789 | $16,449 | $27,982 | $54,760 | |
| University of Michigan | $4,387 | $26,947 | $36,932 | $80,142 | |
| University of Washington | $3,841 | $17,794 | $35,305 | $65,541 | |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $3,406 | $19,550 | $31,616 | $59,544 | |
| University of Pennsylvania | $0 | $62,265 | $92,288 | ||
| Columbia University | $0 | $71,030 | $93,417 | ||
| Rush University | $0 | $0 | $29,828 | ||
| Georgetown University | $0 | $49,953 | $87,782 |
Best Value Nursing Schools
Value in nursing education isn’t just about affordability — it’s about the return on your investment. These schools deliver quality education, great clinical training, and strong job placement, all at a reasonable cost:
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Offers in-state tuition with high NCLEX pass rates.
- University of Texas at Austin: Affordable tuition paired with excellent clinical placements.
- Florida State University: Strong return on investment and robust job placement services.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: High NCLEX pass rates and affordable in-state tuition.
- University of Utah: Excellent financial aid packages and partnerships with top hospitals.
- Arizona State University: Combines affordability with state-of-the-art simulation labs.
- Clemson University: Competitive tuition rates and strong emphasis on leadership in nursing.
- Rush University: Exceptional DNP and MSN programs, offering a strong ROI despite higher tuition costs.
- Georgetown University: Combines strong academic reputation with excellent job placement rates and networking opportunities.
How to Choose the Right Nursing School for You
- Determine Your Nursing Interests
Decide on a specialty like pediatric care, psychiatric nursing, or public health. - Check Accreditation
Ensure the program is accredited by CCNE or ACEN, as this affects licensure. - Research Clinical Training
Look for schools offering diverse clinical placements in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. - Evaluate Financial Aid
Consider schools with scholarships, need-based aid, or tuition reimbursement programs. - Consider Location and Partnerships
Schools near major healthcare hubs often provide better internships and networking. - Look for Flexible Learning Options
Programs with online or hybrid models can be a great option for working students.
FAQ: Nursing Schools
What are the key factors in selecting a nursing school?
Start with accreditation — it’s essential for licensure. Also, consider program type, NCLEX pass rates, clinical opportunities, and financial aid. Finally, think about location and how the school matches your goals.
How important are NCLEX pass rates?
Very! High pass rates often reflect strong academics and excellent preparation. A program with consistent success in NCLEX results ensures you’ll be ready to earn your license.
Which schools offer the best scholarships for nursing students?
Schools like the University of Pittsburgh, University of Alabama, and Texas A&M University provide robust merit and need-based aid for nursing students.
What is the value of clinical rotations in diverse settings?
Diverse clinical placements expose you to a range of patient populations and healthcare environments, increasing your versatility and people skills.
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