If you are here, you have probably already made one of the most complex decisions that will affect your life profoundly: choosing a career as a registered nurse (RN).
Nursing is a professional path with many sacrifices. However, it is a profession with one of the most rewarding feelings — the satisfaction of knowing that the effort you make is worth it and that you are changing the lives of your patients by helping them get better.
Now that you know that you want to become an RN, the next step is to choose where you want to study, whether you look for RN programs near you or explore new places. This article will help you decide which program is best for you.
What Do You Need to Consider Before Applying to an RN Program?
To become an RN, you first choose one of the most common entry-level programs: an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Associate degree programs may vary in title depending on the state in which the program is located. They may also be called Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). The following chart shows a typical comparison between an ADN and a BSN:
Common Nursing School Admission Requirements
The following chart shows some common requirements to apply to nursing schools:
These requirements may vary from one nursing college to another. However, having general guidelines may help you know what to expect. After completing the chosen program, you must take the NCLEX-RN exam and meet the state licensing requirements to become a registered nurse and work in the field.
Another factor to consider when looking for nursing degree programs is that the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) must have accredited the school and the program.
The accreditation ensures that you will receive an education that meets the required standards and quality so you can practice as a nurse safely. Furthermore, in order to take the NCLEX-RN, you must have completed a nursing school that was accredited by the appropriate body in your state of practice.
A Peek at Some of the Best RN Programs by State
Different rankings obtain their results from the analysis of officials and academics at nursing schools or departments. Based on our extensive research, the following RN programs are offered by some of the highest-ranked schools and programs in each state.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
This public institution, founded in 1969 in Alabama, offers a traditional four-year RN curriculum and distance-accessible RN-to-BSN bridge programs lasting three, four, or five semesters.
- In-state tuition and fees: $11,040
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $26,520
- Undergraduate enrollment: 13,032
- Acceptance rate: 87%
- SAT range: 1200–1410
- ACT range: 23–30
- High school GPA: 3.8
- Student/Faculty ratio: 19:1
University of Alaska, Anchorage
Established in 1954, the University of Alaska in Anchorage is a public institution with a four-year or 120-credit BSN program. In addition, it offers an RN-to-BSN program that can last from three to five semesters, depending on whether you choose full-time or part-time study.
- In-state tuition and fees: $8,376
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $25,356
- Undergraduate enrollment: 9,991
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- SAT range: 1030–1250
- ACT range: 18–25
- High school GPA: 3.4
- Student/Faculty ratio: 11:1
Arizona State University
Founded in 1885, Arizona State University is a public institution offering a BSN that can last 16 months on a year-round schedule or 24 months on an academic year schedule. The university also has an ABSN that lasts 12 months studying full-time and an online RN-to-BSN program that lasts between 14 and 24 months.
- In-state tuition and fees: $12,051
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $32,193
- Undergraduate enrollment: 65,492
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- SAT range: 1120–1370
- ACT range: 19–27
- High school GPA: 3.5
- Student/Faculty ratio: 19:1
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Established in 1879, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is a public institution that offers a four-year BSN, two years of which you can complete in an accredited college of your choice and the other two years at the UAMS College of Nursing. Moreover, the university offers an RN-to-BSN program that takes 10 months to complete. It also has an ABSN with some prerequisites to attend the program.
- In-state tuition and fees: $8,596
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $16,114
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,084
- Acceptance rate: N/A
- SAT range: N/A
- ACT range: N/A
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: N/A
University of California, Los Angeles
Founded in 1919, the University of California is a public institution that offers a traditional four-year BSN program, one of the best in Los Angeles.
- In-state tuition and fees: $13,752
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $46,326
- Undergraduate enrollment: 32,423
- Acceptance rate: 9%
- SAT range: N/A
- ACT range: N/A
- High school GPA: 3.9
- Student/Faculty ratio: 19:1
Duke University, North Carolina
Located in North Carolina and founded in 1838, this university offers an accelerated degree program that lasts around 16 months. It is one of the country's best RN programs.
- Tuition and fees: $66,172
- Undergraduate enrollment: 6,640
- Acceptance rate: 6%
- SAT range: 1490–1570
- ACT range: 34–35
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: 5:1
Medical University of South Carolina
Founded in 1824, The Medical University of South Carolina is a public institution with a 99 percent first-time pass rate on the NCLEX. It offers an accelerated BSN (ABSN) that lasts 16 months, including a summer semester. Besides the ABSN, the university offers online programs in two modalities:
- A full-time program for three semesters
- A part-time program for six semesters
Acceptance criteria
- In-state tuition and fees: $16,947
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $29,509
- Undergraduate enrollment: 334
- Acceptance rate: N/A
- SAT range: N/A
- ACT range: N/A
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: N/A
University of Colorado Denver
Founded in 1912, the University of Colorado Denver is a public institution. It offers a full-time BSN of 24 months and a full-time ABSN that lasts 12 months and requires a previous bachelor’s degree. In addition, the university has an online RN-to-BSN program that lasts four semesters.
- In-state tuition and fees: $12,366
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $35,106
- Undergraduate enrollment: 14,055
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- SAT range: 1030–1260
- ACT range: 21–27
- High school GPA: 3.5
- Student/Faculty ratio: 17:1
University of Connecticut
Founded in 1881, the University of Connecticut is a public institution with a four-year BSN program.
- In-state tuition and fees: $20,366
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $43,034
- Undergraduate enrollment: 18,983
- Acceptance rate: 55%
- SAT range: 1220–1440
- ACT range: 28–33
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: 16:1
University of North Dakota
Founded in 1883, the University of North Dakota is a public institution that offers a four-year BSN program. Furthermore, it offers an online RN-to-BSN program lasting one to two years.
- In-state tuition and fees: $10,951
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $15,570
- Undergraduate enrollment: 9,928
- Acceptance rate: 83%
- SAT range: 1090–1280
- ACT range: 20–26
- High school GPA: 3.6
- Student/Faculty ratio: 17:1
South Dakota State University
Founded in 1881, South Dakota State University is a public institution with a traditional BSN program that lasts four years and offers an ABSN program that lasts 12 months with some prerequisites. In addition, it offers a seven-week RN-to-BSN bridge program.
- In-state tuition and fees: $9,299
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $12,809
- Undergraduate enrollment: 9,921
- Acceptance rate: 86%
- SAT range: 1020–1240
- ACT range: 19–25
- High school GPA: 3.5
- Student/Faculty ratio: 18:1
University of Delaware
Founded in 1743, the University of Delaware is a public institution with a traditional four-year BSN program. Furthermore, it offers an ABSN program that requires 17 months of full-time studying. The university also has an online RN-to-BSN program of seven-week sessions.
- In-state tuition and fees: $16,080
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $39,720
- Undergraduate enrollment: 18,883
- Acceptance rate: 72%
- SAT range: 1190–1360
- ACT range: 26–31
- High school GPA: 3.9
- Student/Faculty ratio: 12:1
University of Florida
Founded in 1853, the University of Florida is a public institution that offers a four-semester BSN program, also an ABSN program with four continuous semesters for people who have a baccalaureate in another field and want to start working in nursing. Furthermore, it offers a primarily online RN-to-BSN program that you can complete in five semesters of part-time studying.
- In-state tuition and fees: $6,381
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $28,658
- Undergraduate enrollment: 34,552
- Acceptance rate: 23%
- SAT range: 1300–1490
- ACT range: 28–33
- High school GPA: 3.9
- Student/Faculty ratio: 16:1
Emory University, Georgia
Emory is a private institution in Atlanta, Georgia, founded in 1836. The university is one of many offering online RN programs with its distance-based Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (DABSN), which consists of three consecutive semesters; it also has a four-year BSN program.
- Tuition and fees: $60,774
- Undergraduate enrollment: 7,101
- Acceptance rate: 11%
- SAT range: 1430–1550
- ACT range: 32–34
- High school GPA: 3.8
- Student/Faculty ratio: 9:1
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Founded in 1907, the University of Hawaii at Manoa is a public institution with a four-year BSN program. In addition, it offers an online RN-to-BSN program that can last two semesters or more, depending on whether you choose to study full-time or part-time.
- In-state tuition and fees: $12,186
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $34,218
- Undergraduate enrollment: 14,198
- Acceptance rate: 73%
- SAT range: 1070–1290
- ACT range: 18–24
- High school GPA: 3.7
- Student/Faculty ratio: 14:1
Boise State University, Idaho
Founded in 1932, Boise State University, located in Idaho, is a public institution that offers a four-year bachelor of science in nursing. In addition, It offers an RN-to-BSN online bridge program that can last 12 months.
- In-state tuition and fees: $8,782
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $26,976
- Undergraduate enrollment: 22,962
- Acceptance rate: 84%
- SAT range: 950–1200
- ACT range: 20–27
- High school GPA: 3.5
- Student/Faculty ratio: 20:1
University of Illinois, Chicago
In 1965, the University of Illinois in Chicago, a public institution, developed one of the best BSN programs in the country. It offers a two-year BSN that requires the previous completion of 57 credits of college-level coursework. Equally important, the university also has a personalized online RN-to-BSN program that lasts 12 months.
- In-state tuition and fees: $17,811
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $32,833
- Undergraduate enrollment: 21,807
- Acceptance rate: 79%
- SAT range: 1110–1340
- ACT range: 24–30
- High school GPA: 3.5
- Student/Faculty ratio: 18:1
Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis
Founded in 1969, the Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis is a public institution that offers three ways to obtain your BSN:
- The first is a traditional four-year program where honor students can work closely with faculty mentors to develop critical research skills.
- The second one is an ABSN that lasts 16 months; it’s for people who already have bachelor’s degrees in other fields with 120 credit hours completed.
- The third way is through an online RN-to-BSN that lasts 12 to 24 months, depending on whether students can study full-time or part-time.
Acceptance criteria
- In-state tuition and fees: $10,449
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $33,717
- Undergraduate enrollment: 17,727
- Acceptance rate: 83%
- SAT range: 1050–1250
- ACT range: 21–27
- High school GPA: 3.5
- Student/Faculty ratio: 13:1
University of Iowa
Founded in 1847, this university is a public institution in Iowa. It has ranked among the best BSN programs nationwide. Depending on your admission program, it can last up to four and a half years.
If you are looking for online RN-to-BSN programs, the University of Iowa offers three plans of study:
- A three-semester full-time plan
- A four-semester part-time plan
- A five-semester part-time plan
Acceptance criteria
- In-state tuition and fees: $10,964
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $32,927
- Undergraduate enrollment: 21,973
- Acceptance rate: 86%
- SAT range: 1130–1340
- ACT range: 22–28
- High school GPA: 3.8
- Student/Faculty ratio: 16:1
University of Kansas
Founded in 1865, the University of Kansas is a public institution that offers a four-semester BSN program after completing some prerequisites. Likewise, it offers an RN-to-BSN bridge program that can last from one to five years, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.
- In-state tuition and fees: $11,167
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $28,035
- Undergraduate enrollment: 19,241
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- SAT range: 1090–1340
- ACT range: 21–28
- High school GPA: 3.7
- Student/Faculty ratio: 17:1
University of Kentucky
Founded in 1865, the University of Kentucky is a public institution that offers a four-year BSN with an average passing rate of 98 percent for the NCLEX-RN. Likewise, it offers an accelerated BSN program that lasts 16 months, including the summer term, combining online classes with face-to-face labs.
The institution also offers an online RN-to-BSN program, which students can complete part-time or full-time.
- In-state tuition and fees: $13,212
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $33,406
- Undergraduate enrollment: 22,735
- Acceptance rate: 95%
- SAT range: 1070–1290
- ACT range: 21–28
- High school GPA: 3.6
- Student/Faculty ratio: 17:1
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
Founded in 1931, Lousiana State University Health Sciences Center is a public institution with a BSN program that lasts three years and an RN-to-BSN program that lasts one year.
- In-state tuition and fees: $10,376
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $18,851
- Undergraduate enrollment: 893
- Acceptance rate: N/A
- SAT range: N/A
- ACT range: N/A
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: N/A
University of Maine
Founded in 1865, the University of Maine is a public institution that offers different pathways or programs to obtain a BSN; its BSN programs last four years.
- In-state tuition and fees: $12,606
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $35,346
- Undergraduate enrollment: 9,774
- Acceptance rate: 94%
- SAT range: 1060–1280
- ACT range: 22–30
- High school GPA: 3.4
- Student/Faculty ratio: 15:1
University of Maryland, Baltimore
The University of Maryland is a public institution founded in 1807; it offers a two-year BSN program. In addition, the university has an online two-semester RN-to-BSN program in full-time or part-time formats. Nevertheless, the institution requires some prerequisites to apply to this program.
- In-state tuition and fees: $12,692
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $42,654
- Undergraduate enrollment: 930
- Acceptance rate: N/A
- SAT range: N/A
- ACT range: N/A
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: N/A
Boston College, Massachusetts
This Massachusetts private institution, founded in 1863, maintains its Roman Catholic Jesuit affiliation. The college offers a four-year BSN program. According to The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, it is considered a university with a high level of research activity.
- Tuition and fees: $67,680
- Undergraduate enrollment: 9,484
- Acceptance rate: 17%
- SAT range: 1435–1540
- ACT range: 33–35
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: 11:1
University of Michigan in Ann Arbor
Founded in 1817, this public university has a college town considered one of the best in the United States. The University of Michigan offers a four-year BSN that exceeds the standards in healthcare.
- In-state tuition and fees: $17,786
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $57,273
- Undergraduate enrollment: 32,695
- Acceptance rate: 18%
- SAT range: 1350–1530
- ACT range: 31–34
- High school GPA: 3.9
- Student/Faculty ratio: 15:1
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
This Minnesota university, founded in 1851, is a public institution that offers a four-year BSN. According to the university, 92 percent of students complete the BSN program in three years.
- In-state tuition and fees: $16,488
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $36,402
- Undergraduate enrollment: 39,248
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- SAT range: 1290–1500
- ACT range: 27–32
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: 16:1
University of Mississippi
Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi is a public institution with a BSN program that lasts four years. The academic program of the first two years takes place in the College of Liberal Arts, and the last two years of the program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
- In-state tuition and fees: $9,412
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $26,980
- Undergraduate enrollment: 17,302
- Acceptance rate: 97%
- SAT range: 1030–1220
- ACT range: 22–29
- High school GPA: 3.6
- Student/Faculty ratio: 16:1
Saint Louis University, Missouri
Established in 1818, Saint Louis University, located in Missouri, is a private institution offering a four-year BSN program. It also has an ABSN that lasts three semesters and is for people with bachelor’s degrees in other fields. In addition, the university has an RN-to-BSN program that lasts two semesters after you complete the prerequisites.
- Tuition and fees: $53,244
- Undergraduate enrollment: 7,426
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- SAT range: 1210–1400
- ACT range: 26–31
- High school GPA: 3.9
- Student/Faculty ratio: 9:1
Montana State University
Founded in 1893, Montana State University is a public institution with an eight-semester BSN program. Furthermore, it has a one-year ABSN program.
- In-state tuition and fees: $7,727
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $27,990
- Undergraduate enrollment: 14,648
- Acceptance rate: 73%
- SAT range: 1070–1300
- ACT range: 20–27
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: 18:1
University of Nebraska Medical Center
The University of Nebraska Medical Center is a public institution founded in 1869 that offers a four-semester BSN. Still, it has some prerequisites that you must complete before attending this program.
The institution also has a full-time ABSN that lasts 12 months and is for people with bachelor’s degrees in other fields. In addition, the University of Nebraska Medical Center offers an RN-to-BSN program in a distance education format. It can last two to six semesters, depending on the number of courses you take by semester.
- In-state tuition and fees: $14,720
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $33,890
- Undergraduate enrollment: 936
- Acceptance rate: N/A
- SAT range: N/A
- ACT range: N/A
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: N/A
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Founded in 1957, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is a public institution offering a BSN program that lasts 16 months with some prerequisites to apply to the program. The institution also offers an RN-to-BSN program that lasts one year of full-time study and an Accelerated Second Degree, which is available online.
- In-state tuition and fees: $9,143
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $26,099
- Undergraduate enrollment: 25,365
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- SAT range: 1000–1220
- ACT range: 18–24
- High school GPA: 3.4
- Student/Faculty ratio: 18:1
Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey
Founded in 1766, Rutgers University is a public institution in New Jersey that offers a traditional four-year program. The university also offers a four-semester RN-to-BSN program.
- In-state tuition and fees: $17,239
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $36,001
- Undergraduate enrollment: 36,344
- Acceptance rate: 66%
- SAT range: 1270–1480
- ACT range: 28–33
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: 15:1
New York University
Founded in 1831, New York University is a private institution that ranks among the best universities in the US and offers a four-year BSN program. The NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing is an excellent option if you live in New York and are looking for RN programs near you. It also offers an accelerated program of 15 months, but you must complete some prerequisites to consider this option.
- Tuition and fees: $60,438
- Undergraduate enrollment: 29,401
- Acceptance rate: 12%
- SAT range: 1470–1570
- ACT range: 33–35
- High school GPA: 3.8
- Student/Faculty ratio: 8:1
University of New Hampshire
Established in 1866, the University of New Hampshire is a public institution that offers a four-year BSN program.
- In-state tuition and fees: $19,112
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $38,882
- Undergraduate enrollment: 11,480
- Acceptance rate: 87%
- SAT range: 1120–1320
- ACT range: 26–31
- High school GPA: 3.6
- Student/Faculty ratio: 16:1
University of New Mexico
Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico is a public institution that offers a BSN that lasts 20 continuous months, including summers. The university also offers an RN-to-BSN program that lasts eight weeks. In addition, it offers a 16-month ABSN.
- In-state tuition and fees: $10,092
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $26,452
- Undergraduate enrollment: 15,914
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- SAT range: N/A
- ACT range: 18–25
- High school GPA: 3.4
- Student/Faculty ratio: 13:1
The Ohio State University
A public institution founded in 1870, Ohio State University has ranked among the top BSN programs in the United States and tied for first place among public nursing colleges. The program lasts four years, including the prerequisite pre-nursing coursework of one year.
- In-state tuition and fees: $12,485
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $36,722
- Undergraduate enrollment: 46,123
- Acceptance rate: 53%
- SAT range: 1310–1480
- ACT range: 29–32
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: 17:1
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Founded in 1900 as a two-year pre-clinical school, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, a public institution, offers a BSN that requires 60 semester hours with some prerequisites to apply for the program. It also offers an ABSN program that you can complete in 14 months, and an RN-to-BSN program that can last two, three, or four semesters, depending on the chosen course load.
If you are a licensed practical nurse (LPN) looking for LPN-to-RN bridge programs, the University of Oklahoma offers a hybrid program. However, to apply for this program, you must complete some prerequisites.
- In-state tuition and fees: $7,966
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $24,731
- Undergraduate enrollment: 853
- Acceptance rate: N/A
- SAT range: N/A
- ACT range: N/A
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: N/A
Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU)
This public institution in Oregon offers different ways to obtain your BSN, including completing a BSN in three years for full-time students. However, it requires some prerequisites.
The OHSU also has an accelerated BSN for people with bachelors in other fields who want to pursue their dreams of becoming nurses. This program lasts 15 months. In addition, the OHSU offers an online RN-to-BSN program, which can last from nine months to five years, depending on whether you choose a full-time or a part-time modality.
- In-state tuition and fees: $27,600
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $43,575
- Undergraduate enrollment: 783
- Acceptance rate: N/A
- SAT range: N/A
- ACT range: N/A
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: N/A
University of Pennsylvania
Benjamin Franklin founded this university in Pennsylvania around 1740; it offers a four-year RN program for high school graduates.
- Tuition and fees: $66,104
- Undergraduate enrollment: 9,760
- Acceptance rate: 7%
- SAT range: 1500-1570
- ACT range: 34-35
- High school GPA: 3.9
- Student/Faculty ratio: 8:1
University of Rhode Island
Founded in 1892, the University of Rhode Island is a public institution with a four-year BSN. It also offers an online RN-to-BSN program that you can complete in 15 months. In addition, it has an on-campus RN-to-BSN program that requires 120 credits for graduation.
- In-state tuition and fees: $16,408
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $35,804
- Undergraduate enrollment: 13,927
- Acceptance rate: 76%
- SAT range: 1050–1270
- ACT range: 25–30
- High school GPA: 3.6
- Student/Faculty ratio: 17:1
University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center
The University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center is a public institution established in 1911. It offers a four-semester BSN program that requires the completion of some prerequisites. There is also a 12-month ABSN program for people with bachelor’s degrees in other fields who want to become nurses.
- In-state tuition and fees: $9,696
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $20,425
- Undergraduate enrollment: 264
- Acceptance rate: N/A
- SAT range: N/A
- ACT range: N/A
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: N/A
University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston is a public institution founded in 1972. It offers an accelerated BSN that lasts 15 months. However, you need to have completed 60 hours of undergraduate prerequisites to apply to this BSN program.
The university also offers an RN-to-BSN program with flexible enrollment options. You can complete the program in three, four, or five semesters, depending on the time you can dedicate to your studies.
- In-state tuition and fees: $12,693
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $37,872
- Undergraduate enrollment: 685
- Acceptance rate: N/A
- SAT range: N/A
- ACT range: N/A
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: N/A
University of Utah
Founded in 1850, the University of Utah is the first public university on the western side of the country, according to the Wall Street Journal. The institution has a BSN program that offers direct entry to eligible high school graduates and first-year college students with less than 30 credit hours.
The university also has a prelicensure program to earn your BSN in four semesters, and, last but not least, it offers an RN-to-BSN program that can last two, three, or four semesters, depending on the chosen course load.
- In-state tuition and fees: $10,287
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $33,045
- Undergraduate enrollment: 26,355
- Acceptance rate: 89%
- SAT range: 1190–1390
- ACT range: 22–29
- High school GPA: 3.7
- Student/Faculty ratio: 18:1
University of Vermont
Founded in 1971, the University of Vermont is a public institution that has a BSN program lasting approximately four years and requires the completion of a minimum of 123 credits.
- In-state tuition and fees: $18,890
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $43,890
- Undergraduate enrollment: 11,898
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- SAT range: 1260–1430
- ACT range: 28–32
- High school GPA: 3.8
- Student/Faculty ratio: 19:1
University of Virginia
Founded in 1819, the University of Virginia is a public institution with different four-year registered nurse BSN programs. In addition, it offers a hybrid 2-year online and on-campus RN-to-BSN program.
- In-state tuition and fees: $22,323
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $58,950
- Undergraduate enrollment: 17,496
- Acceptance rate: 19%
- SAT range: 1400–1540
- ACT range: 32–34
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: 15:1
West Virginia University
Established in 1867, West Virginia University is a public institution that offers a four-year BSN program. It also has a BS/BA-to-BSN accelerated program for college graduates who want to become RNs in 18 months. In addition, the university offers an RN-to-BSN program that you can complete in two to three semesters studying full-time.
- In-state tuition and fees: $9,360
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $26,568
- Undergraduate enrollment: 19,059
- Acceptance rate: 77%
- SAT range: 1000–1220
- ACT range: 20–26
- High school GPA: 3.7
- Student/Faculty ratio: 17:1
University of Washington
Founded in 1861 and located in downtown Seattle, Washington, this institution is one of the oldest public universities on the West Coast. The university offers a two-year BSN; prerequisites include completing some college courses.
- In-state tuition and fees: $12,643
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $41,997
- Undergraduate enrollment: 36,872
- Acceptance rate: 48%
- SAT range: 1300–1520
- ACT range: 29–34
- High school GPA: 3.8
- Student/Faculty ratio: 21:1
George Washington University
Founded in 1821, George Washington University is a private institution located in Washington, D.C. It offers an ABSN for people with bachelor’s degrees in other fields who want to become nurses. Some prerequisites are necessary for this program.
- Tuition and fees: $64,990
- Undergraduate enrollment: 11,482
- Acceptance rate: 49%
- SAT range: 1330–1490
- ACT range: 31–34
- High school GPA: N/A
- Student/Faculty ratio: 12:1
University of Wisconsin, Madison
The University of Wisconsin in Madison is a public institution founded in 1848, offering a BSN that lasts two years in pre-nursing prerequisites and two years in a nursing program. In addition, the institution offers an accelerated BSN that lasts 12 months.
The University of Wisconsin also offers an RN-to-BSN program that lasts one year to two and a half years.
- In-state tuition and fees: $11,205
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $40,603
- Undergraduate enrollment: 37,230
- Acceptance rate: 49%
- SAT range: 1315–1510
- ACT range: 28–33
- High school GPA: 3.8
- Student/Faculty ratio: 18:1
University of Wyoming
Founded in 1886, the University of Wyoming is a public institution offering an eight-week online BSN completion program for RNs with associate degrees or diplomas who want to continue their studies. Furthermore, the university offers a basic BSN program with three pre-clinical semesters and six semesters of clinical coursework. It also has an ABSN that lasts six to seven weeks, with four to five days on campus every other week.
- In-state tuition and fees: $6,938
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $22,718
- Undergraduate enrollment: 8,518
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- SAT range: 1030–1240
- ACT range: 20–27
- High school GPA: 3.5
- Student/Faculty ratio: 13:1
Set Yourself Up for Success After Nursing School
These are some of the best universities in the country by state. However, if you are also deciding where to work after completing your nursing program, here you can find the top 10 best-paying states for RNs to help guide you.
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