Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in the U.S.

An aspiring nurse has a promising outlook for career advancement. That's because with over one hundred nursing specialties to choose from and an overwhelming demand for nurses throughout the U.S., a new registered nurse (RN) is blessed with opportunity.

At the same time, studying to become a nurse takes several years of dedication and clinical practice. RN nursing programs can take anywhere from less than 2 years to four years. However, remember that many healthcare employers want to see a bachelor's degree with a related major in science. That's why many nurses pursue a four-year degree and receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Furthermore, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse.

Highly Regarded Colleges with Nursing Programs

You already have an idea of how long nursing school is and what some requirements are for practicing as an RN. So, what are the best options for ambitious students looking to get a jumpstart in their nursing careers? While there are a variety of highly regarded colleges and schools for nurses, the following are among the top nursing programs in the country.

1. Duke University

What makes this college stand out: Nursing students have maintained a 98 percent first-attempt NCLEX pass rate over the past decade.

Fast Facts about Duke University for Nursing Students

Ranking and reputation: Based on the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Schools Rankings, the Duke University School of Nursing ranks #3 in the Best Nursing Schools in the U.S. for Master's Programs, #3 in the Best Nursing Schools for Doctor of Nursing Practice, and #1 in Best Nursing Schools for DNP Leadership.
Accreditation: The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs at the Duke University School of Nursing. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Program accredits the Nurse Anesthesia Program.
Tuition: MSN tuition rates for the 2024-2025 academic year are $2,166 per credit hour or $15,162 per semester for average fully enrolled tuition. The tuition rate for the Accelerated BSN is $26,369 per semester. The average part-time tuition per semester for the DNP program is $15,162. The average full-time tuition per semester for the Nurse Anesthesia Program is $32,490.

Duke University School of Nursing is located in Durham, North Carolina. Durham residents are a mix of young and diverse professionals and families. This city has plenty to offer for recreation, including restaurants, parks, and outdoor activities. Moreover, Durham is sometimes called the "City of Medicine" and provides ample opportunities to healthcare professionals.

Duke University offers nursing students Master's, PhD, and DNP degrees. Furthermore, Duke University School of Nursing offers accelerated nursing programs to students with bachelor's degrees. Duke School of Nursing also boasts an extremely high graduation rate for nursing students, and students have maintained a 98 percent first-attempt NCLEX pass rate over the past decade. It's clear why Duke University School of Nursing stands out from the rest as one of the top nursing programs in the U.S.

2. The Ohio State University

What makes this college stand out: U.S. News & World Report ranked it as one of the top online Master's in Nursing Programs.

Fast Facts about The Ohio State University for Nursing Students

Ranking and reputation: The Ohio State University College of Nursing's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program tied for #1 in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of public nursing colleges and #4 overall in nursing programs in the United States.
Accreditation: The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits The Ohio State University College of Nursing's BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) certificate programs.
Tuition: The Columbus campus tuition for Ohio residents, including instructional and general fees, is $13,244 annually. For non-residents, the cost is $40,022 per year. Housing and food costs $14,738 at the Columbus campus for both residents and non-residents.

The Ohio State University is an ideal option if you are a nursing student looking for a fast-track nursing program online. That's because Ohio State University is a renowned public institution that offers nursing students (typically graduate level) online core classes that are recorded and archived so students can study on their own schedule. What's more, Ohio State also offers a BSN option for registered nurses who have only received their associate's degree in nursing or a nursing diploma. Lastly, if you decide to study on campus, this Ohio university offers clinical rotations at some of the most prestigious hospitals and medical facilities in the metropolitan Columbus region. Top-ranked academics and a highly regarded online nursing program make Ohio State University a top school for aspiring nurses.

3. The University of Alabama

What makes this college stand out: It offers academic excellence lower tuition than other major public universities.

Fast Facts about The University of Alabama for Nursing Students

Ranking and reputation: The University of Alabama at Birmingham tied at #10 in Best Nursing Schools in the U.S. for Master's and tied at #11 in Best Nursing Schools for Doctor of Nursing Practice in the U.S. News & World Report's ranking.
Accreditation: The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing's BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs accredits the Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia. The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education pre-accredits the Nurse-Midwifery Pathway.
Tuition: The estimated total direct cost for undergraduate programs is $24,870 per year for in-state tuition and $41,160 per year for out-of-state tuition. For graduate courses, in-state tuition is $595 for each semester hour of coursework, and out-of-state tuition is $1,461 for each semester hour of coursework.

Birmingham—a city with good old southern charm, where local restaurants serve biscuits that are always warm, light, and fluffy—happens to be the home to one of the oldest and largest public universities in Alabama. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is considered a world-class medical research university and a highly regarded college for nurses. UAB offers a competitive education at lower tuition than other universities across the U.S. To sum it up, UAB is an ideal choice for a nursing student seeking an exceptional education in healthcare, surrounded by the genuine hospitality of the South and plenty of cultural activities.

4. New York University

What makes this college stand out: NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing graduates more than 400 students each year who have successfully passed the NCLEX on the first try.

Fast Facts about New York University for Nursing Students

Ranking and reputation: According to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate School rankings, NYU Meyers ranks #8 in the list of Best Nursing Schools in the U.S. for Master's Programs and #1 in New York. The university also ranked #15 in Best Nursing Schools for Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs.
Accreditation: The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits NYU Meyers' BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificates. The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education fully accredits the Nurse-Midwifery master's program. Finally, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits NYU.
Tuition: The estimated cost of attendance for undergraduate students for the 2024-2025 period is $90,222 for on/off-campus students and $72,332 for commuters. The estimated cost for graduate students is approximately $90,000.

What distinguishes NYU Meyers from the rest? Nursing students have been passing the NCLEX on their first try at 87 percent for the past decade. What's more, the college is located in the heart of NYC and offers a variety of prestigious nursing programs tailored to every aspiring nursing professional's interests and needs. Ultimately, NYU Meyers ranks high for its academic excellence in nursing and for giving nurses a solid foundation to excel in their chosen specialty.

5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What makes this college stand out: It offers accelerated nursing programs, including a four-semester option for students who already have a bachelor's degree and need to obtain their professional nursing degree fast.

Fast Facts about UNC-Chapel Hill for Nursing Students

Ranking and reputation: UNC-Chapel Hill ranked #4 among the top-rated nursing schools in the U.S., according to the American Health Council. It ranked #6 among great nursing schools worldwide in the 2022 Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects. It ranked #8 in the 2022 QS Top Universities World Rankings of Colleges of Nursing. Additionally, in the U.S. News and World Report for 2024, it tied at #4 for the Best Undergraduate Nursing Program and tied at #8 for the Best MSN Program.
Accreditation: The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits this school's BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs. The School of Nursing is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the North Carolina Board of Nursing, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Tuition: The estimated in-state cost of attendance for undergraduate students living on/off campus is $27,036 for the 2024-2025 period. The estimated out-of-state cost for the same demographic is $60,040 per year. For graduate students, estimated in-state costs are $42,364 per year, and out-of-state costs are approximately $61,022.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is set in a diverse southern town and routinely ranks as one of the country's best college towns and places to live. The university is praised for its high NCLEX pass rate for nursing students, with 96 percent passing on their first try over the past 10 years. Nursing students looking for an outstanding nursing education, tradition, and culture should consider UNC at Chapel Hill's RN nursing programs.

6. Emory University

What makes this college stand out: The employment rate for nursing students after graduation is 82 percent, and students have landed jobs in over 500 clinical settings nationwide.

Fast Facts about Emory University for Nursing Students

Ranking and reputation: The Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing tied with Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing as the #1 Best Graduate School according to the U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, it ranked #6 in the list of Best Nursing Schools in the U.S. for Doctor of Nursing Practice
Accreditation: The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits Emory's BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs accredits the DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program, and the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education accredits the nurse-midwifery program. Furthermore, Emory University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: A traditional BSN costs $29,960 per semester or $2,497 per hour. The cost of a distance ABSN is $1,706 per hour. The Master's in Nursing (MN) Pathway to MSN costs $24,198 per semester or $2,017 per hour. The pre-licensure Master of Nursing costs $24,198 per semester or $2,017 per hour. The Master of Science in Nursing costs $24,986 per semester or $2,082 per hour. Post Masters Certificates cost $1,970 per hour. The Doctorate of Nursing Practice costs $21,272 per semester or $1,773 per hour. The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Program costs $25,662 per semester or $2,138 per hour.

Emory University is a private nonprofit university in the suburban neighborhood of Druid Hills, located just outside Atlanta, Georgia. It is the second oldest institution of higher education in Georgia. It is also an elite medical school, ranked by U.S. News & World Report as #22 in Best Medical Schools for Research. Moreover, Emory University is a leading institution that maintains high education, research, and patient care standards. It offers BSN, ABSN, MSN, PhD, and DNP degrees. Emory University is an excellent choice for aspiring nurses looking for a strong education and ample opportunities in the healthcare sector.

7. Boston College

What makes this college stand out: In 2020, 100 percent of students passed the NCLEX-RN on their first try.

Fast Facts about Boston College for Nursing Students

Ranking and reputation: Boston College ranked #1 among the best MSN programs in Massachusetts, according to the U.S. News & World Report, and #10 for the Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs in the country.
Accreditation: The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the BSN and MSN programs at the Connell School of Nursing at Boston College. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing also approves it.
Tuition: The tuition rate for undergraduate students is $34,700 per semester for the 2024-2025 period. The cost of graduate tuition is $1,804 per credit.

Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing (CSON) has consistently ranked among the best nursing programs in the country, according to U.S. News. Its prestigious ranking is due to its competitive liberal arts education and the fact that it offers a dynamic range of nursing specialty certifications. Additionally, BSN nursing students at CSON have maintained a 94 percent first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past several years. Regarded overall as a top-notch college for a rigorous and exceptional nursing educational experience, Boston College prepares nursing students to excel as compassionate leaders in the future of healthcare.

8. Union University

What makes this college stand out: It offers some of the best pediatric nursing programs at a small not-for-profit private institution.

Fast Facts about Union University for Nursing Students

Ranking and reputation: Based on Niche rankings for 2024, Union University ranked #7 for the Best College Dorms in America, #10 for the Best Christian Colleges in America, and #20 for the Best Colleges for Nursing in America.
Accreditation: The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits Union University's BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs accredits the Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia Program. Furthermore, the College of Nursing is fully approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing, and the university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition: Undergraduate tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 period total $26,065 per semester. Union University offers many graduate programs. For example, the total direct cost of attendance for MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner Students is $26,145 (Based on 35 credits over fall, spring, and summer).

Located in the small city of Jackson, TN, Union University is among the top 10 percent of the good nursing schools in the U.S. and sits in the top three in Tennessee, according to College Factual. Union University's variety of advanced certifications and specialty degrees distinguishes it from other nursing programs. With over 27 educational tracks, including BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees, Union University is a diverse and highly regarded college for aspiring nurses to pursue a nursing degree.

9. Vanderbilt University

What makes this college stand out: It offers a Master's of Imaging Science (MIS) that prepares healthcare professionals to address the increasing demand for imaging science and the need for clinical care in biomedical research.

Fast Facts about Vanderbilt University for Nursing Students

Ranking and reputation: Based on U.S. News & World Report's 2024 rankings, Vanderbilt University tied at #4 in Best Nursing Schools in the U.S. for Master's and tied at #15 in Best Nursing Schools for Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Accreditation: The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits Vanderbilt University's MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate programs. The Master of Nursing program is currently undergoing initial accreditation. The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education fully accredits the nurse-midwifery program. Furthermore, Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the Tennessee Board of Nursing approves the university's MN, MSN, and DNP programs.
Tuition: The tuition rate per credit hour is $1,997 for MSN, MN, DNP, and post-master's programs.

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing prepares graduate nursing students by offering direct-entry MSN programs, post-master certificates for advanced study for registered nurses, and two doctoral degrees (PhD and DNP). The School provides nursing students with the skills, confidence, and advanced educational level to become leaders in their field.

10. Johns Hopkins University

What makes this college stand out: It is esteemed for its Master's and DNP programs.

Fast Facts about Johns Hopkins University for Nursing Students

Ranking and reputation: Based on U.S. News & World Report's 2024 rankings, Johns Hopkins University tied at #1 in Best Nursing Schools in the U.S. for Master's programs and ranked #1 in Best Nursing Schools for Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Accreditation: The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits Johns Hopkins' MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate programs. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs accredits the Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia Track. Finally, Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: Johns Hopkins University offers numerous nursing programs, each with a particular cost. Here are some examples: The total cost of attendance for the Spring 2024 semester of the MSN (Entry into Nursing) Program was $42,263, and the total cost of attendance for the Spring 2024 semester of the MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership Program was $35,187.

Johns Hopkins University may be last on this list; however, it is one of the most highly esteemed universities for nursing programs in the U.S. Coincidentally, Johns Hopkins University has been ranked consistently over the years as one of the best colleges for nursing. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins is a private research university that offers nursing students MSN, DNP, PhD, and online nursing programs. Additionally, graduates of Johns Hopkins University have a high employment rate. To sum it up, Johns Hopkins University provides one of the most respectable nursing degrees in the nation to aspiring nurses. It is set in a city that bears plenty of opportunities for jobs in healthcare.

Choosing a Nursing Program to Start Your Career

Choosing a nursing program that fits your needs will ultimately depend on your desired nursing specialty, time commitment, and lifestyle. It will also be essential to consider your budget and decide whether you need financial aid. Additionally, you may not be willing to move out of state. In that case, you may want to search for "nursing schools with RN programs near me." After narrowing down your choices and being accepted into a nursing program, all left to do is put your best foot forward and get ready to focus.

Oh, and congratulations! You are one step closer to becoming a leader in healthcare.

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