Best Nursing Schools in the US – Overview
If you want to become a registered nurse (RN), then the school or college you choose plays a significant role in your career. There are numerous nursing options to choose from, but you need to pick the best nursing school. To help you find the best nursing school, we have checked and evaluated several contenders and created our list of the best nursing schools in the US in 2024.
Top Nursing Schools in the U.S.
States with the Best Nursing Schools are Colored in Green
Here is the Video for the Best Nursing Schools in the United States
Best Nursing Schools in the US
1 – Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tennessee)
Vanderbilt University is the top nursing school in the United States for aspiring nurses to earn their credentials. It is a large, private, not-for-profit university located in Nashville. According to Best Colleges, Vanderbilt University ranks 21st out of 2,241 colleges nationwide.
The university helped over 420 nursing students graduate with a degree, and these nursing professionals earn around USD 42,510 more than graduates from other nursing schools.
To find more details about admission criteria, the enrollment process, and more, visit Vanderbilt University’s official website at https://nursing.vanderbilt.edu/.
2 – Duke University (Durham, North Carolina)
Duke University’s School of Nursing is 2nd on our list of the best nursing schools in the US. It is a private, not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.
According to the Best Colleges ranking, Duke University is ranked third out of 2,241 nursing schools nationwide, making it an incredibly popular choice for aspiring nurses seeking education and training in the field.
In the past year, over 570 students successfully acquired their nursing degrees from Duke University. According to reports, nursing students who graduate from Duke University are likely to earn around USD 27,298 more than the national annual average salary for nurses.
To know more about admission criteria and other details, you can visit Duke University’s official website at https://nursing.duke.edu/.
3 – Mayo Clinic School of Medicine (Rochester, Minnesota)
The Mayo Clinic School of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks 3rd on our list of the best nursing schools in the US. It is also a private, not-for-profit college and is one of the most prominent places in the state to get comprehensive training and credentials in the nursing and healthcare industry.
In the past year, over 45 students successfully received their nursing degrees from the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine. Those who graduated with a nursing degree from the school are expected to earn around USD 109,590 more than graduates from other nursing schools in the country.
To learn more details, such as admission and enrollment criteria, feel free to check the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine’s official website at https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/nursing/resources-for-nurses/gnc-20461712.
4 – University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is another top choice for completing a nursing degree in the US. It is a private, not-for-profit educational institute with an immense student population. According to Best Colleges, the nursing school at the University of Pennsylvania ranks 4th out of over 2,240 colleges evaluated across the United States.
More than 600 nursing students successfully graduated from UPenn last year, making it one of the country’s most comprehensive nursing education centers. According to reports, nursing graduates from the University of Pennsylvania are likely to earn around USD 30,000 more than graduates from other nursing schools.
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To find more details about admission, enrollment and others, you can check out the University of Pennsylvania’s official website at https://www.nursing.upenn.edu/.
5 – Samuel Merritt University (Oakland, California)
Samuel Merritt University is located in Oakland, California, and ranks 5th on our list of the best nursing schools in the US. It is a private, not-for-profit university but hosts an immense student population. The university offers aspiring nurses a wide variety of nursing degrees and diplomas.
In the past year, more than 730 students successfully graduated and earned their nursing degrees from Samuel Merritt University’s School of Nursing. According to reports, these nursing graduates are expected to earn around USD 41,700 more than a nursing graduate from another college.
Visit Samuel Merritt University’s official website at https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/college-nursing to learn more about admission, enrollment, and financial aid.
6 – Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, Maryland)
Johns Hopkins University is another excellent choice for pursuing a degree in nursing and ranks 6th on the list of the best nursing schools in the US. It is a popular private, not-for-profit university and ranks no. 9 on the Best Colleges annual college ranking nationwide.
In the past year, Johns Hopkins University helped more than 440 students to complete their nursing qualification with a degree in nursing and start a fruitful career as healthcare nurses. According to reports, nursing graduates from the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing are likely to earn around USD 35,900 more than the average nursing graduate from other schools and universities.
To learn more about the nursing course at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, you can visit its official website at https://nursing.jhu.edu/.
7 – New York University (New York)
New York University’s Rory Meyers School of Nursing is another prestigious institution for aspiring nurses to hone their skills and earn their nursing degrees. It is located in New York and is renowned as the largest private, not-for-profit university with a vast and diverse student population. Regarding education quality, the university ranks third out of 134 schools for nursing education in New York.
Over 660 students successfully earned their nursing degree from New York University in the past year and have found engaging employment at esteemed healthcare providers. According to reports, nursing graduates from New York University earn around USD 43,800 more than nursing graduates from other colleges and schools.
To learn more about the admission criteria to the New York University School of Nursing, the enrollment process, and such, you can check out the university’s official website at https://nursing.nyu.edu/.
8 – Columbia University (New York)
Columbia University in New York City also ranks on our list of the best nursing schools in the US. It is a vast private, not-for-profit university that helps hundreds of students graduate with various degrees, including nursing and medical. Best Colleges ranks Columbia University 14th out of 2,240 nursing schools nationwide.
According to reports, more than 500 students completed their nursing degree from Columbia University last year. These graduates are likely to earn around USD 42,480 more than nursing graduates from other nursing colleges and schools in the US.
To find more details about the nursing courses offered, admission criteria, and enrollment, you can visit Columbia University’s official website at https://www.nursing.columbia.edu/.
9 – Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia)
Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, is ranked 9th among the top nursing schools in the US. It is one of Georgia’s most prestigious medical and nursing schools and a large private, not-for-profit educational institute. According to surveys, Emory University ranks 2nd out of 69 nursing schools in the state in terms of quality of education and training.
Last year, more than 570 students graduated from Emory University’s School of Nursing with nursing degrees and have found employment at some of the most prestigious healthcare centers nationwide.
According to reports, nursing graduates from Emory University are likely to earn around USD 26,790 more than nursing graduates from other schools and colleges in the country.
If you want more details about the admission and enrolment process at Emory University’s School of Nursing, you can visit its official website at https://apply.emory.edu/majors/nursing.html.
10 – University of Southern California (Los Angeles, California)
The University of Southern California, situated in Los Angeles, is another of the best nursing schools in the US. According to Best Colleges, it is a large private, not-for-profit university and ranks at no. 18 out of 2,240 colleges across the US.
USC helped around 100 students graduate with a degree in nursing in the past year, making it one of the state’s most prestigious nursing education institutes. According to reports, nursing graduates from the University of Southern California are expected to earn around USD 96,300 more than graduates from other nursing schools and colleges.
To learn more details about the USC School of Nursing’s admission and enrolment criteria, you can simply check out its official website at https://nursing.usc.edu/.
11. Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Harvard University is the best educational institution in the US. Established in 1636 in Cambridge City, Massachusetts, it aims to provide excellent education through learning, teaching, and research. The university is a non-profit institution that provides grants for underprivileged students and those with financial assistance.
The university offers hundreds of courses for all types of communities. Yes, it is the most recommended name for the Nursing Course. Students can reshape their lives by simply adopting this university’s culture.
Nursing graduates from Harvard University can work in any medical platform globally. The degree is accepted across the entire globe. Those who have graduated from this university are pursuing their career passionately.
To learn more about the university’s background, the types of courses offered, the fee structure for the nursing course, the application procedure, and more, visit their official website!
12. Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA)
Boston College is one of the most prestigious nursing universities in the US. It is a reputed name in nursing education and leadership. Nursing students spend the first two years of their education in the liberal arts core.
The university has multiple clinical partners who work with the students and provide proper guidelines and other things that may be required throughout their educational journey. The employment ratio of this university is also very high.
It is the best choice for foreign students from different countries to pursue a Bachelor of Science Nursing Program. 88% of students who have graduated from Boston University have achieved their dream jobs within three months of their degree completion.
For more information about the Nursing Course at Boston University, visit their official website now!
13. University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
The University of Michigan offers a unique nursing course for aspirant candidates who want to join the advanced healthcare system. The university is known for its exceptional practical education. Students who graduate from the university have prior experience caring for patients and helping them fulfill their requirements.
Moreover, the University offers top-notch education through internationally recognized scientists and practitioners in various fields of the healthcare system. It is a huge network of over 13000 alumni.
If you want to learn more about the University of Michigan, don’t forget to visit its official website. The website describes everything in brief with the required knowledge.
14. University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
The University of Washington offers a two-year Bachelor of Science Learning program to provide professional nursing education to passionate students.
Throughout their academic years, students will develop various nursing and other life skills. They will also get over 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with real patients, which will help them develop self-confidence and teach them the basics of their duties in real life.
With a 98% graduation rate, the University of Washington is America’s top-notch nursing program. For more information about the University, the application procedure, the eligibility, the fee structure, etc., visit their official website now!
15. University of Illinois (Chicago, IL)
The University of Illinois offers a full-time Bachelor of Science Nursing program to aspirant students. It is one of the most trusted names in the specific nursing course, where students will develop many career skills.
It’s a two-year, full-time program with hands-on practical learning, face-to-face instructions, real-patient visits, and more. The students who graduate from this university have prior experience in the healthcare industry as they learn the basics of nursing with practical knowledge at the university.
For more information about their academics and other admission-related information, visit their official website!
16. Georgetown University (Washington, D.C)
Georgetown University offers a full four-year Bachelor of Science Nursing program. Unlike other university courses, this traditional four-year course provides in-depth knowledge about patient care. Internationally recognized scientists and faculty teach students full-body care.
Students develop many healthcare skills to look after patients with different conditions. Students gain clinical trials of more than 850 hours throughout their academics. After graduation, they can directly opt for a job at a clinic or hospital.
Make sure to visit their official website to learn more about their background, the other types of courses, and more.
17. University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL)
The University of Miami School of Nursing & Health Students is one of the most trusted names in America for those who want to pursue a nursing course and become a registered nurse. The university has over 97% of NCLEX first-time pass rate, making it a trusted name in this field.
The University of Miami is a priority for students because of its five-story hospital, S.H.A.R.E., where students learn different nursing skills, which can help them pursue their careers with the best experience.
For more information about the University of Miami, don’t forget to visit its official website!
18. Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, TX)
The Texas Christian University’s Harris School of Nursing & Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science Nursing program to develop various nursing-related skills. The university is known for its exceptional practical knowledge that teaches students to look after their patients.
The students gain thousands of hours of experience caring for patients suffering from various conditions. They also teach about how to take care of patients at home. Students graduate with knowledge and multiple skills that make them highly skillful.
The university has two nursing programs: a standard 29-month program and a 19-month one. For more information about the nursing program, visit their website now!
19. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
The University of Florida is yet another trusted name in the nursing field. Students develop various nursing and life-care skills at the University of Florida throughout their academic years. Moreover, students get hands-on experience in looking after patients.
They offer multiple technological resources to help you learn more about the field. They also have a team of highly experienced, internationally recognized faculty and scientists.
The university has partnered with multiple clinics to teach students about real-life nursing activities. Visit their official website to learn more about how the university works and more related to the Nursing program.
20. University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY)
The University of Kentucky offers in-depth knowledge about nursing with world-class faculties. The university has various stages where nursing students gain clinical experiences and develop real-life patient care skills.
Moreover, the university has partnered with student organizations that provide more opportunities to students. The student-faculty ratio at the University of Kentucky is one to eight, ensuring each student’s best personal care and education.
The university has gained 97% of NCLEX’s first-time-pass ratings, which is indeed good. Visit their official website for more information about the admission procedure, the application procedure, the fee structure, and the background of the University.
21. Indiana University School of Nursing
Indiana University School of Nursing, founded in 1914, is one of the largest nursing schools in the United States. It offers BSN and doctorate programs.
They offer experiential learning opportunities and highly skilled faculty members. Their primary mission is to prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the nursing profession and healthcare industry.
Outstanding nurses are trained here to become clinicians, leaders, educators, innovators, and scientists.
22. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the top-ranked public schools of nursing in the US. They are committed to improving the entire healthcare industry and the community.
The UNC School of Nursing promotes active and visionary thinking, unrestrained scientific inquiry, and a fearless advancement of innovation through creativity.
These are the areas in which the UNC School of Nursing excels –
- Chronic Conditions
- Aging and Elderly Care
- Maternal, Child, and Family Health
- Health Disparities and Equity
- Patient Safety and Quality of Care
- Mental and Behavioral Health
- Acute Care and Severe Illnesses
- Public and Global Health
23. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has accredited the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO).
The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center’s primary mission is to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees to eligible students. Its goal is to improve global health by pioneering nursing innovation and quality.
Over the last ten years, the institution’s prelicensure BSN students have passed the NCLEX on average 97% of the time. However, the pass percentage has continuously topped 95% every single year.
24. Rush University (Chicago, Illinois)
The Rush University Medical Center offers a rich environment for its students. Their primary mission is to teach the students in an interdisciplinary manner. They offer learning about the dynamic settings of nursing, medicine, and allied health sciences.
Rush University College of Nursing aims to integrate nursing practice, education, and scholarship in diverse communities and promote health equality throughout the continuum of care.
Over the previous ten years, Rush University College of Nursing’s direct-entry MSN students have passed the NCLEX exam at an impressive rate of 97%.
25. University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania)
The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is committed to providing students with the academic foundations for conducting evidence-based practice, engaging in scholarly activities, and translating knowledge to improve the healthcare system.
The school promotes critical-thinking abilities, comprehensive clinical practice knowledge, and the capacity to incorporate research into patient care.
Over the past ten years, 90% of its BSN students have passed the NCLEX exam on their first attempt, and 98% of its full-time faculty members have doctorate degrees.
Best Nursing Schools in the United States (by State)
Conclusion
This is our list of the best nursing schools in the US. We selected these schools based on their quality of education and training, ease of access to education, and placement ratio.
It is recommended to contact the nursing school of your choice directly and find more details of admission criteria, enrolment process, etc., before applying for a spot in their nursing course.
See Also
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Nursing School Interview Questions
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