Chaunie Brusie, BSN, RN, was in control of the Nursing medical review.
When pursuing a career as a registered nurse (RN), the nursing school and degree program that you choose will have an impact on your future professional life. What is the best way to choose the best nursing school when there are so many options? Throughout this guide, we’ll cover everything from the best nursing schools in the United States to the best ways to research nursing schools, how to identify the qualities that are most important to you, and how to choose programs that meet your goals and needs.
The top ten best nursing schools in the United States for the year 2022
Picking the best of the best among nearly 1,000 baccalaureate programs and a plethora of ADN programs is no easy task. The following considerations were taken into account when deciding on the top ten nursing programs in the United States.
Outcomes of the program
NCLEX pass rate (percentage of candidates who pass)
Accreditation of the quality of the tuition program (all ranked schools have ACEN or CCNE accreditation)
According to this methodology, the following are the top ten nursing programs in the country:
1.) Duke University \sAnnual Tuition: $48,294 (there are 4 semesters total in the program)| NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.39 percent
Yes, it is traditional.
No, there isn’t an online version.
Yes, it is possible to accelerate the process.
No, there isn’t a bridge.
Duke University, widely regarded as one of the world’s best research institutions, is home to some of the world’s most prestigious nursing programs. When it comes to undergraduate nursing programs, the School of Nursing at Duke University offers only one option: an accelerated BSN.
Applicants to this program must first earn a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. However, the program takes only 16 months to complete and requires only 58 credits, with students gaining 800 hours of clinical experience before graduating. The program’s outcomes have also been extremely positive.
Duke University is perhaps best known for its graduate programs, which include a number of MSN and doctoral programs among others. The fact that Duke University has one of the nation’s top programs for nurse anesthesia would be of particular interest to nurses who are interested in pursuing a career as a nurse anesthetist.
2.) Georgetown University: annual tuition is $61,872 dollars, and the university’s NCLEX pass rate is 100 percent.
Yes, it is traditional.
Online courses are available for graduate students, but not for BSN students.
No, it will not be accelerated.
No, there isn’t a bridge.
Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., one of the nation’s oldest private institutions, has a long-standing and well-respected nursing program that attracts students from across the country.
When it comes to the BSN program, Georgetown uses direct entry, which means that current high school students find out whether or not they have been accepted into the program before enrolling at Georgetown. By the time they graduate, BSN students will have accumulated more than 882 hours of clinical experience at sites throughout Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area. Students pursuing a BSN degree at Georgetown can also participate in an honors program.
Georgetown University offers a wide variety of nursing programs for graduate students. The university offers an excellent MSN program in nurse-midwifery/health women’s nurse practitioner that can be completed in a little more than two years. With the BSN-DNP program, you can skip a master’s degree if you want to become a doctor of nursing practice.
3.) Johns Hopkins University: Annual Tuition: $70,794 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.31 percent | Johns Hopkins University Annual Tuition: $70,794 |
No, according to tradition.
Yes, it is possible to shop online.
No, there will be no acceleration.
No, there is no bridge.
John Hopkins University is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading research institutions, and its graduate nursing programs often require extensive research. The highly regarded institution does not offer any undergraduate nursing programs, though it does offer an MSN program for those who are not majoring in nursing.
Participants in the MSN program must hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, and graduates perform exceptionally well on the NCLEX-RN certification examination.
Many nurses choose to continue their education at John Hopkins University after completing their MSN and gaining some professional experience in clinical settings. There are 13 different DNP options available at the university, each of which leads to a specific career path.
4.) New York University : The annual tuition at New York University is $56,500 for full-time undergraduate students. 90.8 percent of those who take the NCLEX pass.
Yes, it is customary.
No access to the internet
Yes, it is possible to work more quickly.
No, there isn’t any bridge.
A truly global university, New York University is based in New York City and has campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, as well as students from 133 different countries and faculty from all over the world. For a top-ranked education, students travel from all over the world to attend.
Traditional BSN, second degree transfer BSN, RN-to-BSN, and 15-month accelerated 15-month options are all available to nursing students at New York University. Recent graduates have a 99% success rate on the NCLEX exam, proving that all of the options have excellent outcomes.
In addition to offering excellent graduate programs, a top-ranked institution also has an excellent faculty. RNs can choose between two master’s programs: a DNP or a Ph.D. in nursing. A student’s graduate education can also be tailored to their interests.
5.) University of Pennsylvania Annual Tuition: $53,166 for undergrads | NCLEX Pass Rate: 94.83 percent | NCLEX Pass Rate for Graduate Students
Yes, in the traditional sense.
Yes, it is possible to shop online.
Yes, it is accelerated.
No, there is no bridge.
The University of Pennsylvania, which was founded in 1740, is one of the nation’s oldest institutions of higher learning. In order to provide each student with the attention they deserve, the school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1.
Students in Penn’s BSN program learn in a state-of-the-art simulation lab, and they participate in a mentorship program to improve their hands-on experience. For undergraduate students, Penn even offers a number of study abroad opportunities.
Other popular concentrations at Penn include nurse-midwifery, nurse anesthesia, and two routes in pediatric care. There are also post-graduate certificate programs for MSN-prepared nurses, as well as administrative graduate degrees.
6.) University of Michigan: is $17,800 for upper division undergrad classes, with a 98.95 percent pass rate on the NCLEX.
Yes, it is traditional.
Yes, you can do it online.
No, it will not be accelerated.
No, there isn’t a bridge.
It is one of the best places in the country to pursue a bachelor’s degree, with its campus located in the college town of Ann Arbor. The BSN degree builds on more than 100 years of nursing education experience at the University of Michigan, and more than 13,000 U-M nursing alumni are employed all over the world.
The school offers two different entry options: direct entry for first-year students and a sophomore transfer program for second-year students.
The MSN program at the University of Michigan is one of the best available, with concentrations available in eight different areas. Every one of the eight specialties leads to a specific APRN position, and MSN graduates have a near-perfect pass rate on every exam they sit for every year they graduate.
The MSN combines learning in the University of Michigan’s Clinical Learning Center with clinical experiences at various clinical sites throughout the region. The same subjects can be studied at the doctoral level if students wish to continue their education after graduation.
7.) University of California Los Angeles: Annual In-State Tuition: $16,545.69| Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $31,026| NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.73 percent at the University of California, Los Angeles
Yes, it is traditional.
Hybrid DNP is available online.
No, it will not be accelerated.
No, there isn’t a bridge.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is widely regarded as one of the best institutions of higher learning in the United States, producing high-caliber graduates who go on to become leaders in their fields.
Nursing courses in the university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program lay the groundwork for either a rewarding nursing career or further education to earn a master’s degree in nursing.
The MSN programs offered by UCLA’s nursing school are widely considered to be among the best in the country. With each MSN degree, nurses can specialize in an APRN field while also developing their leadership skills, which is an excellent combination for nurses looking to advance in their careers. Following the selection of a population specialty, MSN students then select a subspecialty within that field.
UCLA also offers a DNP program that can be completed in as little as two years and is offered in a hybrid format.
8.) University of Washington: is $16,104; annual Out-of-State Tuition is $53,208; and the NCLEX pass rate is 94.04 percent.
Yes, it is traditional.
No, there isn’t an online version.
Yes, it is possible to accelerate the process.
No, there isn’t a bridge.
The University of Washington, which is located in Seattle, offers several advantages to nursing students that are not available anywhere else.
First and foremost, all students have the opportunity to participate in clinicals at dozens of locations throughout the region, including top-ranked hospitals such as Seattle Children’s Hospital. For the second time, nursing students have the option to enroll in innovative programs such as the accelerated BSN with early DNP admission, which is ideal for non-nursing graduates who want to earn their doctorate degree as quickly as possible.
As a result, UW only offers a traditional BSN degree; however, the university offers 11 DNP degrees that lead to APRN positions in fields like pediatric clinical nurse specialist, nursing midwifery, and acute care for the elderly.
The majority of DNP programs last three years or longer, and students who complete them are well-prepared to sit for their respective certification examinations.
9.) Emory University: $53,070 for full-time undergrads and 96.26 percent for NCLEX-RN candidates.
Yes, it is customary.
No access to the internet
Yes, it is possible to work more quickly.
No, there isn’t any bridge.
Emory University of Atlanta, Georgia, is a great choice for nursing students at any level because it is home to one of the world’s best healthcare systems.
There are three options for undergraduate nurses at the prestigious private school: a direct-entry BSN program for current high school students, a sophomore entry program for current Emory or Oxford College students, and a transfer program for those who have completed at least 60 credits at another institution.
Non-nursing students and current nurses alike can take advantage of Emory’s wide range of graduate-level courses and programs. The MSN-pre licensure degree leads to RN certification, though the program is still awaiting approval from the regional accreditation commission..
A total of nine different APRN roles are available through the other MSN programs that are accredited. Full-time and part-time options are available for all MSN tracks, allowing nurses to continue working while pursuing their graduate degree.
10.) University of Maryland annual in-state tuition: $9,446 for undergrad BSN in-state | annual out-of-state tuition: $38,882 | NCLEX pass rate: 86.67 percent
Yes, it is traditional.
Yes, you can do it online.
No, it will not be accelerated.
No, there isn’t a bridge.
The University of Maryland, with its headquarters in Baltimore, is a global leader in innovation and research.
The university’s proximity to Washington, D.C. and other major cities makes it an excellent choice for nursing students and future nurses. It educates over 41,000 students each year.
Nursing leadership is emphasized in UM’s BSN program, which utilizes the most up-to-date facilities to educate students. The program can be completed in as little as two years, though students must first complete two years of introductory courses before they can begin.
Students interested in becoming advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) would enroll in one of the University of Michigan’s DNP programs. Each DNP comes with a specialty, with popular options such as nurse anesthesia, neonatal nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nursing among the many to choose from.
There are a variety of other graduate-level nursing degrees available at the university, which are ideal for nurses interested in positions of leadership, research, or administration.
The Following 10 are honorable mentions, as determined by our methodology.
In light of the fact that there are nearly 1,000 baccalaureate nursing programs in the United States, selecting only ten means that we have discussed only the top one percent of the nation’s nursing schools.
The following ten schools did not make our top ten list, but they were very close:
- The University of Illinois in Chicago is a public research university.
- The University of North Carolina (at Chapel Hill)
- The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Texas)
- Yale University (New Haven, Connecticut)
- Boston College university (Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts)
- Case Western University (Cleveland, Ohio)
- Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana)
- The University (Gainesville, Florida)
- Ohio State (Columbus, Ohio)
- The University of Pittsburgh
The location in which you complete your RN program can have an impact on your future career in nursing and other health-related fields. It is also possible that your undergraduate degree will have an impact on which advanced practice degrees you choose to pursue later on.
Before you can enroll in a nursing program, you must first decide whether you want to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Employers are increasingly requiring new nurses to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), though many will hire ADNs who agree to complete their BSNs within the next couple of years.
Additionally, you’ll want to think about the financial aspects of each degree–in some cases, it may be more affordable to get your ADN so you can start working as a nurse, then enroll in an online BSN program and qualify for employer tuition assistance; in other cases, it may be faster and more affordable to go straight for your BSN if that’s your ultimate goal.
The following article is related: ADN vs BSN: Which Nursing Degree Should You Pursue?
Next, decide whether to enroll in a large or small nursing school, whether to pursue an accelerated or four-year degree, and a variety of other options. Each factor has the potential to influence your professional life.
Any given program may not be effective for some students, but it may be ideal for you and your needs. Nursing schools are intentionally different in order to provide the best education possible to specific students.
Of course, where you begin is important as well as where you end up. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, you’ll have a leg up on the general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and you’ll be able to enroll in an accelerated bachelor’s degree in nursing program. If you are currently employed as a licensed practical nurse, you may be able to enroll in special accelerated programs to earn your RN degree.
Your choices will also be influenced by the demands of your current situation. Especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more prestigious universities are offering online nursing degree programs.
It is likely that finding the best program for you will be more important to many prospective students than finding the best-rated schools in the country, as measured by guides such as ours or other similar organizations.
Before you begin your search for nursing schools, ask yourself the following questions:
So, before applying for degrees, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want to go to a large or a small school to study?
- Is it better for me to study in a large city or a smaller town?
- Is it my intention to begin my nursing career in the same city or town as the college or university where I am currently enrolled?
- Because nursing licenses are issued by individual states, is there a specific state in which I would like to begin my nursing career?
- Is it better for me to pursue a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN? or pursuing a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP), master’s degree in nursing (MSN), or doctorate in nursing (Ph.D.) in order to advance my nursing career even further in my field of specialty?
- Having worked in the healthcare field for a few years, do I want to further my education and become a nurse educator?
- Is it necessary for me to use an online or hybrid option?
- How long does it take for the program to be completed?
- What are the various options for financial degrees?
- Is the program fully accredited by the appropriate bodies?
- What is the pass rate for the NCLEX?
- What is the graduation rate in your school?
- What is the percentage of people who get hd?
In what ways are clinical trials different from other types of trials?
Despite the fact that a large portion of a nursing degree is spent in classrooms or online courses, nurses must gain hands-on experience before they can save lives.
Clinician-assisted learning (also known as clinicals) provides nurses with the hands-on experience they need to start their own nursing care business. Clinicals are handled differently by each school.
Some schools, for example, may allow students to rotate through clinical settings in the evenings or on weekends, while others may limit student exposure to the typical 9-5 workday. School clinicals are also organized through relationships with local hospitals and healthcare facilities, resulting in some students learning in some of the best hospitals in the country.
When comparing nursing program clinicals, here are some questions to consider:
My program collaborates with a number of hospitals.
- How many different types of clinical units am I allowed to work in?
- Can you tell me how far clinical are away from the university’s main campus?
Each program necessitates a different amount of total clinical time. - The clinics are held on what days of the week?
- Will being a part-time student allow me to complete my clinical rotation hours?
- Are there any restrictions on my ability to work while I’m completing clinical hours?
- After missing a day of clinical, what is the make-up assignment?
The Nursing Program’s Fees are taken into consideration
An additional consideration for students is the price of their degree. In addition to school size, institution type, and degree program, tuition rates vary by school. In some cases, in-state tuition is available at public schools, and ADN programs are less expensive than BSN programs.
Nurses students must factor in additional expenses aside from tuition, including:
- Fees for classes and labs
- Expenses incurred by reading materials
- Uniforms and clinical supplies are examples of additional course materials.
- On-campus room and board expenses, as well as other living expenses
- The Cost of Attending Nursing College
When compared to other types of students, nursing students pay significantly less on average because of financial aid.
For nursing students, there are several types of financial assistance available.
- Grants
- scholarships for students
- Student Loan Forgiveness
- Student Loans
It is always possible for students who are concerned about the cost of programs to start with an ADN. Students can earn their Associate of Science in Nursing degrees at community colleges, which typically charge significantly lower tuition rates than four-year colleges and universities. Students can save thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars if they follow these recommendations.
Programs in nursing, on the other hand, are generally more expensive and take twice as long to complete as ADN programs. BSN programs, on the other hand, assist nurses in securing higher-paying jobs. Students who receive sufficient financial aid would have a difficult time justifying the choice of an ADN program over a BSN program in most cases.
Which option is the more cost-effective option in terms of finances? That is dependent on the individual student’s circumstances. To make the best decision, consult with a financial advisor and notify the financial aid offices of each school that you are seeking assistance with the costs of your nursing degree.
If you are unable to afford to continue your education for four years, you may be able to obtain an ADN and then complete your BSN after beginning your patient-care career.
There are numerous companies that will provide tuition assistance to ADN nurses pursuing BSN degrees. If your employer agrees to assist you with tuition costs, he or she may require you to commit to working for the company for a period of time.
What is the NCLEX?
You’ll consider taking the NCLEX-RN exam from around time of your graduation if you apply in an ADN or BSN program. No state or hospital will license or hire a nurse who has not managed to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). (However, it should be noted that most hospitals have new grad hire programs that will hire you before you have even taken the exam on the condition that you will pass it). Because all accredited nursing programs meet the requirements for taking the NCLEX and should plan you to pass the tests on your first attempt, you should have no difficulty passing the exam.
The good news is that you aren’t alone. Colleges and universities are concerned about the outcomes of their students and want to see as many students as possible pass the NCLEX. Schools do everything they can to prepare you to take and pass the NCLEX by combining coursework, laboratory courses, and clinical experiences. When it comes to nursing schools, some are better than others, and this is something to keep in mind when selecting a school.
Is it necessary to evaluate nursing schools? First, ask yourself these four questions.
Once you’ve decided on the type of program you want to pursue (BSN or ADN), the next step is to begin evaluating nursing schools. There are four questions you should ask yourself when deciding on a nursing school for your future.
1.) What part of the world would you like to study, live, and work in?
As previously stated, nurses are required to obtain a license in the state in which they completed their training program. If you have a specific state, county, or city in mind for where you want to work, look into finding a school in that area. When in doubt, you can always apply for a multi-state license after completing the program and proving your eligibility.
2.) What kind of living situation are you looking for?
If you are studying in a remote area, housing may end up being a significant financial burden. The location of your home will be important if you choose to study away from home for your degree. You are fortunate in that you have a few options.
University housing, such as dorms or apartments, allows you to live in a convenient location near your classes. University housing, on the other hand, is frequently more expensive than off-campus housing.
It’s possible to live wherever you want off-campus. Although you may be further away from campus, you may be closer to clinicals as a result of this.
If you choose to live off-campus, you’ll need to consider which neighborhood is the best fit for your needs. Living in a bustling city like New York, Philadelphia, or Los Angeles can be prohibitively expensive, and living in the suburbs may be the most cost-effective option.
The most options for off-campus student housing tend to be found in college towns such as Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
3) For admission into nursing school, what do I need?
To get into a nursing program, you have to get into a college or university and a nursing school. Nursing schools frequently have more stringent admissions requirements.
4.) Is the nursing program in which I’m interested a good fit for me?
Some schools may offer nursing degrees, but that doesn’t guarantee the degree is of high quality.
First and foremost, make certain that every school and nursing program you are considering is accredited. Any nursing program to which you apply should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing and Education (CCNE), whichever is applicable (CCNE). If you do not enroll in an accredited nursing program, you will be unable to sit for the NCLEX and obtain an RN license in your state. After graduation, you will most likely have difficulty finding a nursing position.
Second, look at the outcomes of students. An accredited nursing school may have a low tuition rate and a high pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). In 2021, the United States will have an 85.3 percent first-time pass rate on the NCLEX. In this case, the pass rate would be lower than the national average. When comparing BSN-prepared nurses to ADN-prepared nurses (82.47 percent) and diploma nurses (81 percent), the BSN-prepared nurses scored higher on the NCLEX with an 88.97 percent pass rate.
How to Select the Most Appropriate Nursing School for You
While we believe these are the best nursing schools for 2022, it is possible that the best nursing school for you is not on this list. Invest some time in researching different nursing schools to ensure that you are making the best decision possible for your particular situation.
Create a list of potential schools and, using the criteria outlined on this page, rank your list of schools to determine which is the best fit for your child.
In the case of a specific career path, such as public health or informatics, make certain that the schools you are considering can meet your requirements.
And, of course, you should look for a school that is flexible enough to accommodate your current circumstances. Getting into a Duke, Emory, or Georgetown may require you to relocate across the country from your current residence.
Chances are good that you can find a fantastic program in your area that has caring faculty and provides excellent clinical experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Schools
1) What is the number one nursing school in the United States?
Currently, Duke University is ranked as the top nursing school in the United States.
2) What is the best nursing school in the world, according to you?
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing) is currently ranked as the best nursing school in the world, according to the Times Higher Education ranking.
3) What is the most straightforward college to get into for nursing studies?
Community colleges are generally considered to be more accessible than university nursing programs in terms of admissions.
4) What is the difficulty level of RN schooling?
RN programs can be extremely demanding, requiring a minimum grade point average.
How long does it take to become a registered nurse (RN)?
In as little as 2-3 years, you can complete an associate’s degree program (ADN) and become a registered nurse.
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