#63: Illinois State University | Normal, ILMennonite College of Nursing (MCN) offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. This helps for any form of networking. The School of Nursing also provides graduate programs at the master’s, post-master’s certificate, and doctoral levels, including both DNP and PhD options. Based on our Ranking Methodology, out of 153 New York State Board of Nursing approved schools, we have ranked the best schools to pursue an associate degree program in nursing. The professors and the courses can be challenging, but we are provided all resources and office hours necessary to help us all succeed, that is what I love about Clemson. Lastly, UF is constantly working to better the community and atmosphere of campus to better benefit its inhabitants. Graduate nursing students can pursue an MSN degree with a nurse educator or nursing administration focus, a post-master’s certificate in either field, or a DNP degree with a family nurse practitioner or nursing leadership focus. Over the past decade, 92% of students in the accelerated BSN program have passed the NCLEX licensure exam on their first try. Enter a major before choosing whether you want to study online or on campus. SLU’s BSN graduates have maintained a strong NCLEX-RN exam pass rate of 90% over the past decade, well above both state and national averages. From the time I toured the campus, I just knew it was where I belong and I can easily say that I still have that feeling today. The university offers a wide range of classes with many hidden gems like spending nights in the planetarium, looking at the effects of video games on education, or finding answers to resource sustainability. While less concentrated and less research oriented than more particular fields of medical study, nursing programs provide a broad range of instruction spanning the gamut of emergency medical care, conventional medical testing, assisted medication and post-operation procedure. I loved attending the University of Pittsburgh for my undergraduate education. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree. Their Master’s in Nursing Leadership program has also been recognized for its excellence by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. But I've heard many times that our mental health services (CAPS) is extremely lacking. The school has earned an NLN Center of Excellence designation and ranks among the top twenty public universities in the United States. Besides the academics, the leisures, amenities, and the get-togethers including football provided on campus, gives us all an opportunity to come together after days and weeks of studying to socialize and meet new people all around campus! I study at the College of Arts and Sciences as a student on track for pre-med and I absolutely love the diversity and resources available to me. #10: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NCThe UNC School of Nursing was the first in the state to offer a four-year BSN, an MSN degree, a nurse practitioner program, and a doctor of philosophy in nursing. MSN students may prepare for careers as a case manager, certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or family nurse practitioner. Moreover, its Homer D. Babbidge Library is considered among the nation’s thirty best research resources, housing over 2.5 million volumes in its ever-expanding database. The Best Colleges for Nursing ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. The campus itself is beautiful, with the tree-filled quad, the nature trail, and the new student center. BSN students have maintained a strong 93% NCLEX pass rate over the past decade, while direct entry MSN students scored a perfect 100% pass rate in eight of the past ten years. The quality of education is great overall, and challenging for most. The one critique that I have about the school is that it is expensive which puts pressure on the students, which can at times take focus away from just simply doing well in class. At the graduate level, nurses can pursue a number of MSN specializations including administration, education, and seven distinct nurse practitioner roles. It has boasted a phenomenal 98.5% NCLEX pass rate over the past decade, with most cohorts scoring a perfect 100% pass rate. The bar scene on-campus is fun as well. Case Western students benefit from their proximity to University Circle, a 550-acre scientific hub with numerous premier healthcare organizations. The student union has tons of helpful staff, as well as entertainment options. #24: Indiana University School of Nursing | Indianapolis, INIndiana University School of Nursing (IUSON) was the first college in the history of the NLN to hold two simultaneous designations as a Center of Excellence. The school produces 120-140 BSN and 60-65 MSN prelicensure graduates annually. Precisely because it's small, you build deep and intimate connections with those around you. The School of Nursing provides bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. The institution’s academic prestige and perceived value, The breadth and depth of nursing programs offered, Student success, particularly on the NCLEX licensure examination. The center was recognized in 2010 as a Laerdal Center of Educational Excellence. #46: Fairfield University | Fairfield, CTFairfield University’s MSN and DNP programs are consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school consistently ranks among the best in the nation in U.S. News & World Report’s top MSN and DNP programs. Going to BYU provides you with a safe, comfortable place to study what you love at an advanced level. In 2005, the college became one of the first seven schools in the nation to launch the new DNP program. The College of Nursing has received over $7.4 million in grants to enhance its nursing infrastructure. Allen College produces 100-125 prelicensure BSN graduates annually, and these students have passed the NCLEX exam at a stellar 94% rate over the past decade. At the undergraduate level, the college produces approximately 130 BSN candidates annually. Approximately 600 nursing students are enrolled across the university’s BSN, MSN, and PhD programs. The school is well taken care of and very clean especially with the COVID rules. The one critique that I have about the school is that it is expensive which puts pressure on the students, which can at times take focus away from just simply doing well in class. The School of Nursing at the University of Washington is one of the best BSN nursing schools in Seattle, WA area. #14: University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MIThe University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) offers the #8 MSN program and the #14 DNP program in the country according to U.S. News & World Report. The food and campus living environment are both superb, and the city of Durham is nearby and nice as well. #72: University of San Diego | San Diego, CAU.S. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the bachelor's degree in nursing. #18: Yale University | New Haven, CTOne of the first university schools to prepare nurses under an educational rather than apprenticeship program, Yale School of Nursing has educated health professionals since 1923. It is no surprise, then, that their direct entry MSN program has boasted an exceptional NCLEX pass rate of 96% over the past decade. Classes can be difficult to find at first, but again, the community is very helpful with finding your way around grounds. Many of the professors have great advice on getting jobs in the future or getting to a higher level of education. A Best Colleges rank of 34 out of 1,715 schools nationwide means Emory is a great school overall. #55: Simmons University | Boston, MASimmons’s low student-to-faculty ratio allows it to concentrate on strong, clinically based baccalaureate, master’s, post-master’s, and doctoral programs in nursing. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) recently recognized Jefferson for its quality patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in professional nursing. Undergraduate nursing programs prepare students for professional roles as nurse practitioners. Online categories are primarily based on the number of majors that can be completed online. Find out how the best nursing schools in the US stack up against each other. The CARE BSN is designed for individuals who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Following are the 10 Best Accredited Nursing Schools in Georgia for 2021. Everything about the campus is perfect. There are many campus resources that have helped me with classes, mental health, employment and so much more. The ECU College of Nursing offers traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN-to-BSN pathways, plus the innovative Eastern North Carolina Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses program. So too are five of its nurse practitioner specialty tracks in their respective categories. From the rich diversity on campus to the array of extracurricular activities available to students, I felt both challenged and at home on campus. Students may take single academic courses abroad or enroll in a short- or long-term study abroad experience. Attending nursing colleges online is emerging as a more popular way to receive training and earn a nursing degree. Overall, I recommend this school to anyone who wants to end with a good career/college experience.Read 963 Reviews, Freshman: The very first thing that I loved the most about BYU, was the beautiful campus! #92: North Dakota State University | Fargo, NDThe School of Nursing at North Dakota State University offers several degree programs, both for students with no prior healthcare experience and for licensed nurses looking to enhance their careers. The college also offers graduate certificate programs in four nurse practitioner specialties, clinical nurse specialist, and populations and organizational systems leadership. Over 80% of the college’s fulltime and parttime faculty hold doctoral degrees. The school graduates approximately 150 prelicensure BSN students annually, who consistently achieve solid NCLEX pass rates of 85-93% each year. The university offers three BSN pathways (traditional, accelerated, RN completion), five MSN concentrations, and both doctoral nursing degrees (DNP and PhD). And needless to say, the D.C. location makes it that much better. The university also offers an online master of science in healthcare administration and interprofessional leadership (MS-HAIL), a doctor of nursing practice degree, and PhD tracks in both nursing and sociology. I love UCM, It has all the aspects of college you could want, without going to a massive school. #60: MGH Institute of Health Professions | Boston, MAThe MGH Institute of Health Professions is always innovating. The school’s online MSN program recently ranked among the top three in Florida and the top 50 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. One thing UF could work on is accommodating the large number of students on campus. Career support is excellent and new athletic center opening soon is a big plus. #80: University of New Hampshire | Durham, NHThe Department of Nursing at UNH’s College of Health and Human Services offers several nursing pathways including a traditional four-year BSN degree, a direct-entry MSN program, an MSN degree with three tracks, and an online DNP program. If Greek life isn't your style, there are still plenty of other ways to make friends and have fun. The Top 100 nursing schools for 2021 rankings below represent those nursing schools in … Athletics are not its strong suit but there are many opportunities for D1 athletes. It was the first nursing school in the nation to offer DNP programs in certified registered nurse anesthetist, nursing informatics, and health innovation and leadership. Since 2009, these students have passed the NCLEX exam at an 88% rate on their first effort. If you are able to go to a sunnier place during Spring Break, take the opportunity to do so. Today, the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing offers undergraduate (BSN), master’s (MSN), and doctoral (DNP and PhD) nursing programs. The College of Nursing also educates approximately 300 graduate nursing students, providing BSN and MSN entry points to both its DNP and PhD programs. As a member of the Ivy League, it connects its study body to similar-minded students in a culture of alma matter pride, playful rivalry, and inter-school dependent programming. It has beautiful and comforting housing, staff members, and the school buildings are modern and easy to get to. The college offers a four-year BSN program as well as traditional and non-nurse immersion pathways to a DNP degree. A critical mass of the student body falls within the specified group, low and middle income students pay a reasonable net price, the school participates in tuition relief programs for veterans, and the school's overall Niche Grade is above a B-. The University of Minnesota also offers highly regarded BSN and MSN programs. YSN maintains a consistently stellar NCLEX pass rate of 94-98% in its entry-level MSN program, and the school’s MSN and DNP offerings are both highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report. But I've heard many times that our mental health services (CAPS) is extremely lacking. Attending nursing colleges online is growing into a more in demand way to obtain instruction and earn a nursing degree. This initiative dually admits students to ECU and one of six local community colleges that partner with the university. There is also a thriving international community that is inviting. I would generally recommend the school, despite it not having a 'community' feeling. The college is also sixth nationally in NIH nursing research funds awarded over the past decade, and NYU Meyers has twice earned a Center of Excellence designation from the National League for Nursing. UP offers an MSN degree with clinical nurse leader and nurse educator tracks, as well as a DNP program with a family nurse practitioner population focus. The school also offers four nurse practitioner tracks in its MSN program, including adult-gerontology acute care, adult-gerontology primary care, family practice, and family psychiatric mental health. Prelicensure BSN graduates have enjoyed an excellent 91% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN examination over the past eight years. I study at the College of Arts and Sciences as a student on track for pre-med and I absolutely love the diversity and resources available to me. MGH Institute students perform very well on licensure and certification exams. I was able to participate in various programs through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Campus Ministry, the Center for Peace and Justice Education, etc. The college has also been recognized as a Laerdal Center of Educational Excellence. There are countless resources available to the students, whether you need tutoring for certain classes, finding a job, community service opportunities, etc. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list. Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. If you want to teach at the university level, work in nursing research, or take on executive-level roles, a doctoral degree might be your best bet. More than 40% of graduates land positions at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. OHSU offers graduate specialties in nurse anesthesia, nurse midwifery, and four nurse practitioner roles: family, adult-gerontology acute care, psychiatric-mental health, and pediatric. The University of Utah’s distance PhD program has both BSN-to-PhD and MSN-to-PhD tracks, and the College of Nursing consistently ranks among the top 25 nursing schools nationwide in NIH research funding. In addition, the students and professors are very friendly and helpful! If Greek life isn't your style, there are still plenty of other ways to make friends and have fun. I find that the intellectual and pre-professional culture are two key factors that make Georgetown students superb professionals and leaders. #33: University of Connecticut | Storrs, CTFounded in 1942, UConn’s School of Nursing is the only research-focused nursing university in New England. I look forward to where my education at Saint Louis University takes me in the future.Read 2,023 Reviews, Sophomore: Great student body and professors that really seem to care about you (for the most part). Another 300 students are enrolled across Villanova’s MSN, DNP, and PhD programs. Explore the top ranked colleges and universities for nursing majors. The school is well taken care of and very clean especially with the COVID rules. Home to more than 1,000 nursing students across its BSN, MSN, post-graduate certificate, DNP, and PhD programs, SDSU has posted an enviable job placement rate as high as 100% for some recent graduating classes. Approximately 400 BSN graduates sit for the National Council Licensure Examination annually, and they have passed this test at a 90% first-try rate over the past decade. The university offers traditional and direct-entry MSN programs, eleven distinct post-master’s certificates for aspiring advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and two doctoral options (DNP and PhD). The food and campus living environment are both superb, and the city of Durham is nearby and nice as well. Over the last decade, UK’s 160-200 annual BSN graduates have enjoyed an astonishing 97% NCLEX pass rate, including four consecutive years of 99% or higher. The student body is incredibly smart, while also being down-to-earth, laidback, and cooperative rather than competitive. In the fall, I joined a dance team called Kamikazi. It stands out as the only publicly funded nursing school in the commonwealth with a sole focus on graduate education. Graduate students can choose from several nurse practitioner specializations, nurse midwifery, or advanced community public health nursing. For the SAT, please choose the sum of your Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores. Vanderbilt’s APRN specialties run the gamut from family nurse practitioner to nurse-midwifery to nursing informatics. UVA’s direct-entry clinical nurse leader students have performed even better on the licensure exam, with a 94% NCLEX pass rate over the past decade. #97: Saint Mary’s College | Notre Dame, INThe Department of Nursing Science at Saint Mary’s College offers three distinct nursing programs: traditional BSN, DNP with BSN entry, and DNP with MSN entry. There is a food hall as a part of my dorm that offers so many different selections (and also caters to your dietary needs like vegan food). You also get to meet a lot of people though! Today, the College of Nursing enrolls approximately 1,000 students across a wide breadth of nursing degree and certificate programs. #93: Widener University | Chester, PAFormerly the Crozer College of Nursing, Widener’s School of Nursing opened in 1966 and marked the first time women were admitted as students. Samford’s graduate nursing curriculum includes specialty programs for family nursing practice, health systems and administration, nursing anesthesia, and nurse education. Saint Louis University offers great education and a variety of opportunities to succeed. The college graduates between 150 and 200 BSN students annually, and they have achieved a 92% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade. Recommended by Our Experts 4.9 stars/81 votes. The baccalaureate program incorporates study abroad experiences in countries like Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Tanzania. The school graduates approximately 200 students annually from its flagship prelicensure BSN program. UAB offers two BSN entry points (traditional, ADN) and two MSN entry points (BSN, second degree), as well as DNP and PhD programs. Master's programs include Women's Healthcare, Leadership, Nurse Anesthesia, or Nurse Education. The university recently transitioned from a prelicensure BSN program to a direct entry MSN program. In fact, the school received a three-year grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration in 2014 towards this effort. The university’s 400 nursing students interact with over 100 faculty members and 1,000+ preceptors focused solely on graduate nursing education. Weekends are always a good time at Madison. Every day when I attend class I feel like I'm in a movie. Traditional BSN graduates have averaged a strong 91% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX licensure exam over the past decade. The classes can be time-consuming and difficult depending on your major of study. #70: George Mason University | Fairfax, VAGeorge Mason’s College of Health and Human Services houses the forty-year-old School of Nursing. The following are the top nursing schools in Georgia that offer degree programs that include a BSN. These graduates have enjoyed a stellar NCLEX exam pass rate of 94% over the past decade. Would recommend!Read 3,465 Reviews, Senior: I love it here at Clemson, it's like one big family and friendly community. Simmons students can also take advantage of Boston’s Longwood Medical Area, which features 21 renowned medical and academic institutions in their immediate backyard. The undergraduate BSN program offers four education pathways, including a traditional four-year degree, standard and accelerated versions of the second-degree program, and a unique Veterans’ BSN. NYU Meyers also offers an MSN program with nine concentration options, post-master’s advanced certificates in eleven fields, a DNP degree with three entry paths, and a PhD in nursing research and theory development. #34: University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, MNThe University of Minnesota School of Nursing is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools in the region. Prelicensure BSN graduates have passed the NCLEX exam at approximately a 90% first-try rate over the past decade. JMU offers a broad range of nursing programs, from traditional BSN and RN-to-BSN pathways to MSN and DNP degrees. I love the campus, the community, and the many different opportunities for students as well!Read 909 Reviews, Sophomore: TCU is a picture-perfect campus! The school offers programs at five campuses in Spokane, the Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Walla Walla, and Yakima. It's a positive and great environment to learn and grow!Read 7,989 Reviews, Alum: I loved attending the University of Pittsburgh for my undergraduate education. #96: University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NCThe UNCG School of Nursing has earned four consecutive NLN Center of Excellence designations for promoting the pedagogical expertise of faculty. Recent years have also witnessed a perfect 100% pass rate for APRN graduates seeking certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center. There are various amenities across campus that are included in tuition, and at least one thing bound to interest every person there. If you are independent, this is a great school for you. USA Today has named Quinnipiac one of the top ten places to earn a nursing degree in the country. In addition to a wide range of nursing courses, the school provides innovative opportunities like its Global Health Concentration. Both of my undergraduate professors were attentive, understanding, challenging, and willing to engage with me as a student. The professors and school administration are very supportive of students. All of these scores far exceeded the respective national averages. We ranked the top 25 undergraduate nursing schools in California by net monthly earnings one year after college for students who graduate with a BSN. There are many campus resources that have helped me with classes, mental health, employment and so much more. #45: Ohio State University | Columbus, OHTwice designated a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing, Ohio State’s College of Nursing has educated over 12,000 nurses since its inception. These students have averaged an impressive first-time pass rate of 94% over the past decade. Fund their research, it provides once in a lifetime opportunities with access to remarkable faculty, an international reach, and trail blazing peers. The pressure of needing to do well for financial purposes led to me not getting the results that I expect from myself. UNCG graduates more than 100 prelicensure BSN students annually, who have averaged a 92% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade. Bradley’s traditional MSN program is complemented by its extensive online curriculum, including an RN-to-MSN bridge, two MSN concentrations (nursing administration, FNP), and two DNP concentrations (leadership, FNP). The school provides several unique opportunities for veterans, Peace Corps volunteers, and nurse practitioner students who plan to provide primary care in one of Alabama’s rural counties upon graduation. The school also receives over $2.5 million annually in NIH funding for its nursing research. Also new STEM/engineering center coming soon!Read 1,488 Reviews, Sophomore: UVA has been an amazing experience. It is also one of few private research universities to offer both a traditional four-year BSN degree and a direct-entry MSN pathway. Other than that, great university!Read 7,512 Reviews, Freshman: UW-Madison is a great college! And needless to say, the D.C. location makes it that much better. Classes are extremely personal. Enrollment: 2,336. The stress can tend to add up when you're sitting inside all day because it's too cold out and haven't seen sunlight for some time. CGN’s direct-entry MSN students have passed the NCLEX exam at a strong 90% rate over the past decade, including a 100% pass rate during the 2012-13 academic year. When it comes to choosing the best undergraduate nursing schools, many potential nurses look at job placement for new graduate nurses. In addition, the students and professors are very friendly and helpful! In addition to direct entry, the MSN program offers a bridge option for RNs with an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). USC produces the largest number of prelicensure BSN graduates in the state with approximately 200 annually, or roughly 10% of the statewide total. From our initial list of selective schools, we sorted them by net price, defined on College Navigator as a value “generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional grant or scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. The entry-level MSN program is select, admitting just 20-30 candidates each year, and its students have maintained an exceptional 96% NCLEX exam pass rate over the past decade. UT Austin enrolls approximately 800 students across a wealth of nursing programs, including traditional BSN, ADN-to-BSN, traditional and alternate-entry MSN, traditional and alternate-entry PhD, and DNP options.