Best Nursing Colleges

The field of nursing is an essential part of the healthcare industry. Nurses are responsible for providing care, administering medication, and monitoring patients’ well-being. To become a nurse, one must attend a nursing school or program that provides the necessary education and training. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which nursing school is the best fit for you.

Higher education institutions across the United States offer nursing programs, ranging from associate’s degrees to doctoral programs. Universities and colleges with nursing programs are ranked based on various factors, including academic reputation, faculty resources, and student success rates. These rankings can help prospective students identify the best nursing schools that meet their needs and goals.

This article will explore the top nursing schools in the United States based on rankings from reputable sources. We will provide an overview of each school’s nursing program, including admission requirements, curriculum, and clinical experience opportunities. Whether you are a high school student considering a career in nursing or a registered nurse looking to advance your education, this article will provide valuable information to help you make an informed decision about the best nursing school.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing is consistently ranked as the best nursing school in the world. The school offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including accelerated programs, master’s programs, and doctoral programs. The faculty at Penn Nursing are leaders in nursing research, education, and practice, and the school is committed to advancing the nursing profession through practice, policy, and education.

Cost

The cost of attending the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing varies depending on the program and degree level. As of 2023, undergraduate students’ average tuition and fees are $59,940 per year, while graduate students can expect to pay around $45,000 per year. However, the school offers a range of financial aid and student loan options to help students finance their education.

Enrollment

The School of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania enrolls approximately 600 undergraduate students and 800 graduate students each year. The school has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 10%. Students must meet academic requirements and demonstrate a commitment to nursing and patient care to be admitted to the program.

SAT Range

The SAT range for students admitted to the School of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania varies depending on the program and degree level. However, most undergraduate students admitted to the program have SAT scores in the range of 1440-1570. Students must also submit additional application materials, such as essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

The School of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania is known for its leadership in nursing education, research, and practice. The school offers a wide range of degree programs, including advanced practice programs for nurse anesthetists and nurse specialists and acute and pediatric care programs. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Penn Nursing is one of the most highly regarded in the country and prepares students for leadership roles in nursing.

In addition to its academic programs, the School of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania offers a range of student organizations and opportunities for students to get involved in nursing research and patient care. The school is committed to providing its students with the skills and knowledge they need to become leaders in nursing and positively impact patient care and healthcare policy.

New York University

New York University (NYU) is a private research university in New York City. The university offers a range of nursing degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. NYU’s nursing programs are nationally recognized for their leadership in nursing education, research, and patient care.

Cost

The cost of attending NYU’s nursing program varies depending on the degree program and the student’s residency status. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for a full-time undergraduate nursing student is $78,654, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses. Graduate nursing students can expect to pay between $1,932 and $2,100 per credit, depending on the program.

Enrollment

NYU’s nursing program is highly competitive, with limited spots available each year. The undergraduate nursing program admits approximately 200 students each year, while the graduate nursing program admits around 100 students. Admission to NYU’s nursing program is based on a variety of factors, including academic performance, standardized test scores, and previous healthcare experience.

SAT Range

While NYU does not require SAT scores for admission to its nursing program, the university does consider standardized test scores as part of the application process. The middle 50% of admitted students in the undergraduate nursing program had SAT scores between 1370 and 1510.

NYU’s nursing programs are designed to prepare students for careers in nursing leadership, management, and advanced practice. The university offers a range of specialty tracks, including nurse anesthetist, nurse specialist, and acute and pediatric care. NYU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice roles in patient care, leadership, and management.

Students in NYU’s nursing program have access to a variety of student loan options and financial aid programs to help finance their education. The university also offers a range of student organizations and extracurricular activities to help students connect with their peers and build professional networks within the nursing community.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a top-ranked public university that offers excellent nursing programs. The School of Nursing at the University of Michigan is ranked No. 8 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Master’s and No. 7 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice by U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 rankings.

Cost

The cost of attending the University of Michigan School of Nursing varies depending on the program and the student’s residency status. In-state students can expect to pay around $20,000 per year for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $50,000 annually. However, the school offers several financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and student loans to help students finance their education.

Enrollment

The University of Michigan School of Nursing has an enrollment of approximately 1,200 students. The school offers a variety of degree programs, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Ph.D. in Nursing. The student-to-faculty ratio is 7:1, which allows for personalized attention and support from faculty members.

SAT Range

The University of Michigan School of Nursing does not require SAT scores for admission to its nursing programs. However, students who wish to apply to the University of Michigan must submit their SAT scores as part of the application process. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1460 out of 1600.

The University of Michigan School of Nursing is known for its strong emphasis on research and evidence-based practice. The school offers a variety of programs that prepare students for advanced practice, leadership, and management roles in healthcare organizations. The programs also allow students to specialize in areas such as acute care, pediatric care, and nurse anesthesia.

The school’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed for registered nurses who wish to advance their skills and knowledge in patient care. The program allows students to specialize in areas such as nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, and executive leadership.

The University of Michigan School of Nursing offers several student organizations with opportunities for networking, professional development, and community service. The school also offers student loan options to help students finance their education.

In summary, the University of Michigan School of Nursing is an excellent choice for students who wish to pursue a nursing degree program. The school offers a variety of degree programs, a strong emphasis on research and evidence-based practice, and several student organizations. The school also provides student loan options to help finance their education.

Duke University

Duke University is a private research institution located in Durham, North Carolina. The Duke University School of Nursing offers several undergraduate and graduate nursing programs that prepare students for leadership and advanced practice roles in patient care, education, and research.

Cost

The cost of attending Duke University varies depending on the program and degree level. According to the university’s website, the estimated cost of attendance for the 2023-2024 academic year for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is $84,000. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program has an estimated cost of attendance of $94,000. Duke University offers a range of student loan options and financial aid packages to help students finance their education.

Enrollment

Duke University’s School of Nursing has an enrollment of approximately 900 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1. The school offers several degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), several MSN programs, a DNP program, and a PhD program.

SAT Range

Duke University does not require SAT scores for admission to its nursing programs. However, undergraduate applicants are required to submit either SAT or ACT scores as part of their application to the university.

Programs

Duke University’s School of Nursing offers a range of nursing programs, including undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The BSN program prepares students for entry-level positions in nursing, while the ABSN program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. The MSN program offers several areas of specialization, including acute care, pediatric care, and nurse anesthesia. The DNP program prepares students for advanced practice roles in nursing, while the Ph.D. program is designed for students interested in research and leadership positions.

Nurse Anesthetist

Duke University’s School of Nursing offers one of the top nurse anesthesia programs in the nation. The program is designed to prepare registered nurses to become certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and provides students with extensive clinical experience in anesthesia practice.

Leadership and Management

The nursing programs at Duke University are designed to prepare students for leadership and management roles in patient care, education, and research. The DNP program, in particular, emphasizes leadership and management skills and prepares students to become advanced practice nurses who can lead change and improve patient outcomes.

Patient Care

Duke University’s School of Nursing is committed to providing high-quality patient care and preparing students to become leaders in patient care. The school’s nursing programs emphasize evidence-based practice and provide students with extensive clinical experience in a variety of settings.

Student Organizations

Duke University offers several student organizations for nursing students, including the Student Nurses Association and the Duke Graduate Nurses Club. These organizations allow students to network with other nursing students, participate in community service projects, and attend professional development events.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a well-known institution that offers a variety of nursing programs to students. The university is ranked as the second-best nursing school for master’s programs and the best nursing school for doctor of nursing practice programs by U.S. News. The School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University offers a wide range of nursing programs to meet the needs of different students.

Cost

The cost of attending Johns Hopkins University varies depending on the program. The annual tuition for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is around $66,168, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is around $39,000 per year. Students can apply for financial aid, scholarships, and student loan options to help cover the cost of tuition.

Enrollment

The School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, which allows for more personalized attention and support from faculty. The school enrolls around 1,200 students each year across all degree programs, including the MSN, DNP, and PhD programs.

SAT Range

Johns Hopkins University does not require SAT scores for nursing programs. However, students applying to the university’s undergraduate program must submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.

Programs

The School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University offers a variety of nursing programs, including pre-licensure options, MSN programs, entry into nursing programs, DNP programs, and PhD programs. The university also offers online options and post-degree opportunities for students.

Research

Johns Hopkins University is known for its research programs, and the School of Nursing is no exception. The school has earned three consecutive NLN Center of Excellence designations for enhancing student learning and professional development. The university is also a leader in nursing research, and its faculty members are involved in a variety of research projects focused on improving patient care.

Leadership and Management

The School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University offers programs focusing on leadership and management in nursing. The MSN program offers a concentration in health systems management, while the DNP program offers a concentration in executive nurse leadership.

Advanced Practice

Johns Hopkins University offers several advanced practice nursing programs, including programs for nurse anesthetists and nurse specialists. The university also offers programs focused on acute care and pediatric care.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Johns Hopkins University is designed for registered nurses who want to advance their careers. The program focuses on leadership, patient care, and clinical practice. Students in the program can choose from several specializations, including nurse-midwifery, acute care, and pediatric care.

Clinical Experience

The School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University provides students ample clinical experience opportunities. The university has partnerships with several healthcare organizations, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings.

Student Organizations

Johns Hopkins University offers several student organizations for nursing students, including the Student Nurses Association and the Doctoral Student Organization. These organizations provide students with opportunities to network, gain leadership experience, and participate in community service projects.

Career Advancement

Graduates of nursing programs at Johns Hopkins University are well-prepared to advance their careers in the nursing profession. The university’s programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a variety of healthcare settings.

In conclusion, Johns Hopkins University is a top-ranked institution that offers a variety of nursing programs to meet the needs of different students. The university’s programs are designed to provide students with ample opportunities for clinical experience, leadership development, and career advancement.

Emory University

Emory University is consistently ranked as one of the best nursing schools in the United States. Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing was named the best nursing school in the U.S. for 2023 by U.S. News and World Report. The university provides a top education to nursing students and is ranked as the #2 undergraduate nursing school in the U.S. 2022-2023 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News and World Report.

Cost

The cost of attending Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing varies depending on the program and degree level. The 2023-2024 academic year tuition and fees for the Master of Science in Nursing program is $50,400. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program’s tuition and fees are $52,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Enrollment

Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing has an enrollment of around 1,000 students. The school offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in nursing. The school of nursing has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, which allows for personalized attention and support.

SAT Range

Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing does not require SAT scores for admission to their nursing programs. However, Emory University’s undergraduate program has an average SAT range of 1440-1560.

The nursing programs at Emory University provide students with a strong foundation in patient care, acute care, and pediatric care. The programs also offer opportunities for advanced practice in nursing, including becoming a nurse anesthetist, nurse specialist, or nurse practitioner.

Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is known for its leadership and management programs, which prepare students for leadership roles in healthcare organizations. The school also offers student loan options and financial aid to help students finance their education.

The school of nursing has a variety of student organizations, including the Emory Nursing Student Association and the Student Nurses Association. These organizations allow students to network with other nursing students and professionals in the field.

Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing has a high NCLEX pass rate, with 96.5% of students passing the exam on their first attempt in 2021. The school of nursing also has a strong research program with a focus on advancing health equity through nursing.

Overall, Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is a top-ranked nursing school that provides students with a strong foundation in nursing and prepares them for leadership roles in healthcare organizations.

Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a globally recognized nursing school located in Cleveland, Ohio. The university offers innovative undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, and it is ranked among the best nursing schools in the country. CWRU produces dynamic healthcare thinkers through its leadership in nursing education and research.

Cost

The cost of attending CWRU for nursing programs varies depending on the degree program. According to the university’s website, the estimated annual cost for undergraduate students is around $74,000, including tuition, room and board, and other fees. Graduate students can expect to pay around $50,000 per year for tuition and fees.

Enrollment

CWRU has a total enrollment of approximately 11,500 students, with over 1,500 students enrolled in nursing programs. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 90 countries.

SAT Range

CWRU has a highly competitive admissions process, and the average SAT scores for admitted students are between 1380 and 1520. However, the university takes a holistic approach to admissions and considers many factors beyond test scores, including extracurricular activities, leadership, and community involvement.

CWRU offers a range of degree programs in nursing, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhD in Nursing. The university’s nursing programs are designed to prepare students for leadership roles in nursing and advanced practice.

CWRU’s nursing programs are known for their focus on patient care, acute care, and pediatric care. The university strongly emphasizes research and offers many opportunities for students to participate in research projects and gain hands-on experience.

In addition to its academic programs, CWRU offers a range of student organizations and resources to support nursing students. The university also offers student loan options and financial aid to help students finance their education.

Overall, CWRU is an excellent choice for students looking for a top-ranked nursing program focusing on leadership, management, and advanced practice. With its innovative programs and commitment to research, CWRU is a leader in nursing education and a great place to start a career in nursing.

UCLA

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. The UCLA School of Nursing is known for its high-quality nursing programs, outstanding research, and excellent faculty.

Cost

The cost of attending UCLA School of Nursing varies depending on the program. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program tuition for in-state students is approximately $13,240 annually, while out-of-state students pay around $42,994 annually. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program tuition for in-state students is approximately $16,000 annually, while out-of-state students pay around $31,000 annually. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program tuition for in-state students is approximately $16,000 annually, while out-of-state students pay around $31,000 annually.

Enrollment

The UCLA School of Nursing has a total graduate nursing enrollment of 390. The BSN program has an enrollment of approximately 200 students, while the MSN program has about 150 students. The DNP program has an enrollment of around 40 students.

SAT Range

The UCLA School of Nursing does not require SAT scores for admission. However, applicants must complete the following prerequisite courses for the BSN program with a minimum grade of C: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Statistics.

Programs

The UCLA School of Nursing offers various nursing programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The BSN program prepares students to become registered nurses (RNs) and provides a foundation for graduate study. The MSN program offers several advanced practice specialties, including nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse anesthetist. The DNP program prepares nurses for patient care, management, and advanced practice leadership roles.

Research

The UCLA School of Nursing is a leader in nursing research, with a focus on improving patient care in acute and pediatric care settings. The school’s faculty members are involved in a wide range of research projects, including studies on pain management, patient safety, and health disparities.

Student Loan Options

UCLA School of Nursing students may be eligible for federal student loans, private loans, or scholarships. The school offers a variety of financial aid options, including need-based grants and merit-based scholarships.

Student Organizations

The UCLA School of Nursing has several student organizations, including the Student Nurses Association and the Graduate Nurses Association. These organizations allow students to network, participate in community service projects, and attend professional development events.

In conclusion, the UCLA School of Nursing is a top-ranked nursing school with excellent programs, faculty, and research. The school offers a variety of degree programs, including the BSN, MSN, and DNP. Students have access to a range of financial aid options and student organizations.

Columbia University

Columbia University is a private institution located in New York City. It is consistently ranked as one of the world’s leading nursing schools, offering a range of specialized graduate degree programs.

Cost

Columbia University is known for its high tuition costs. According to the university’s website, the estimated cost of attendance for the 2022-2023 academic year is $79,752. This includes tuition, fees, and room and board. However, the university offers financial aid to eligible students, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid to help offset the cost of attendance.

Enrollment

As of fall 2020, Columbia University had a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,148 students. The university also has a graduate student body of over 20,000 students, including those in nursing programs.

SAT Range

Columbia University is a highly selective school, with an acceptance rate of just 5.4%. According to the university’s website, the middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1460 and 1560 on the SAT. However, the university takes a holistic approach to admissions and considers factors beyond test scores, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Overall, Columbia University is a highly respected institution with a strong reputation in nursing. While it may be expensive and selective, the university’s commitment to academic excellence and social justice makes it a top choice for many students pursuing a career in nursing.

Best Nursing Colleges by State