Are you passionate about healthcare and helping others? A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree could be the perfect starting point for a rewarding and lucrative career. A BSN not only opens doors to a stable job with a high salary but also paves the way for further education, like a Master’s degree. NurseJournal’s report has shown the financial advantage of a BSN, with PayScale reporting that as of May 2021, RNs with a BSN earned an average of $86,520 annually, compared to $70,700 for those with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN).
While salary is certainly a significant factor, the benefits of attending a top-tier nursing program go beyond just income potential. The best nursing schools provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to pass your licensing exams, forge professional connections, and deliver the highest quality care to their patients.
List of Top 25 Nursing Schools
In compiling our list of the 25 best nursing schools, we took a holistic approach. We have considered a range of factors to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. We examined the size of the nursing program with the overall school size, NCLEX pass rates, and median earnings three years post-graduation, the popularity of nursing at each school compared to other majors, the student-faculty ratio, and the nursing program’s reputation, both within the academic community and among healthcare professionals.
1. Boston College
Boston College’s Connell School of Nursing has an undergraduate enrollment of 9,900 and a 26% acceptance rate. It has been a leader in nursing education since its founding in 1947. Its BSN program is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum blending classroom instruction, clinical practice, and diverse academic disciplines.
Boston College also boasts a 41% representation of students from African, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American backgrounds. A testament to the program’s quality, 96.5% of its students passed the NCLEX on their first attempt in 2020. Students admitted typically have SAT scores ranging from 1460–1540 or ACT scores between 33–35.
2. Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with a unique approach to nursing education. With an undergraduate enrollment of 5,200 and a 30% acceptance rate, the program stands out by including students in nursing-specific studies and clinical placements from their first semester, the earliest start of any program nationwide.
This blend of theoretical coursework and hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings prepares students for successful careers, as reflected in their NCLEX pass rate exceeding the national average. The middle 50% SAT/ACT scores for admitted students range from 1420–1520 and 32–35, respectively.
3. Duke University
Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) is a global leader in nursing education, research, and clinical practice. It has an undergraduate enrollment of 6,600 and an acceptance rate of 8%. It is not only one of the nation’s top nursing schools but also a top recipient of National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) funding, receiving over $8.4 million in 2021, making it fifth in the nation.
The school’s commitment to diversity is evident in its 2021 Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity, the oldest and largest diversity magazine and website in higher education. Additionally, Duke is widely recognized as one of the top nursing schools for men. The middle 50% SAT/ACT range is 1480–1580/33–36.
4. Emory University
Emory University is a renowned institution with a global reputation for excellence in nursing education and leadership. With an undergraduate enrollment of 7,000 and a competitive acceptance rate of 19%, Emory attracts high-achieving students with a middle 50% SAT/ACT range of 1430–1530/32–34. Nursing students spend their first two years completing a liberal arts core curriculum at either the Oxford or Atlanta campuses.
As juniors, students transition to full-time study at the esteemed Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, where they benefit from Emory’s extensive network of over 500 clinical partners. These partnerships provide you with real-world experience, preparing you for successful careers in nursing. Emory takes pride in the exceptional outcomes of its nursing program, with 88% of graduates securing employment within three months of completing their studies.
5. Georgetown University
Georgetown University has an undergraduate enrollment of 7,400 and a 17% acceptance rate. It offers a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at its School of Nursing. The program is deeply rooted in the Jesuit values of “cura personalis” (care for the whole person) and service to the common good.
Students begin hands-on clinical experience in their first year, accumulating over 850 clinical hours by graduation, and further specialize through a senior nursing practicum. The program boasts an impressive first-time NCLEX pass rate, consistently between 96 and 100%. The middle 50% SAT/ACT scores for accepted students are 1380–1530 and 32–35, respectively.
6. New York University (NYU)
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing is a prestigious institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 26,700 and a 21% acceptance rate. Incoming students typically have a middle 50% SAT/ACT range of 1390–1510/31–34. This esteemed college boasts renowned faculty who are highly productive researchers and receive substantial funding from both private and public sources, with the university being a leading recipient of NIH funding.
The college offers a diverse range of programs, including a traditional four-year bachelor’s program and an accelerated 15-month program for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field. Graduates of Rory Meyers College of Nursing are known for achieving exceptional outcomes, as evidenced by the fact that undergraduate alumni have the highest median salaries at NYU, making it the second-largest private university college of nursing in the country.
7. Purdue University
Purdue University’s College of Health and Human Sciences offers a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that boasts a 67% acceptance rate and a middle 50% SAT/ACT range of 1190–1430/26–33. With an undergraduate enrollment of 33,700, this renowned program integrates three years of clinical placements and hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings.
Beyond the classroom, Purdue University fosters a vibrant learning environment with several student organizations catering to nursing students’ interests. Furthermore, the university offers an array of experiential learning opportunities, including study abroad programs like the Comparative Healthcare in Ireland program, enabling students to broaden their nursing perspective on a global scale.
8. Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University boasts an undergraduate enrollment of 5,900 students and maintains a 66% acceptance rate. At SHU’s Davis and Henley College of Nursing, students receive comprehensive training through advanced learning experiences. The college houses five nursing labs and high-fidelity simulation labs, including a 24-bed lab where students develop foundational nursing skills.
Emphasizing global education, SHU provides nursing students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings in countries such as Jamaica and Guatemala. In 2021, SHU nursing students achieved an impressive 95% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX exam.
9. Seattle University
Seattle University College of Nursing is an attractive option for undergraduate students interested in a nursing career, boasting an 83% acceptance rate and a current undergraduate enrollment of 4,600. With a middle 50% SAT/ACT range of 1120–1320/24–31, the college prepares professionals to serve the community through its BSN program, deeply rooted in the Jesuit tradition and emphasizing community outreach and service.
A standout feature for students is the 20,000-square-foot clinical lab equipped with realistic infant, child, and adult patient simulators, providing a safe environment to gain hands-on experience. Further setting the program apart is the unique Population Health Internship (PHI), a one-credit course where students partner with community-based health or social service organizations, completing 30 internship hours to bridge academic learning with real-world community health needs.
10. Simmons University
Simmons University School of Nurses has an undergraduate enrollment of 1,800 and an 83% acceptance rate. They train students to provide skilled, compassionate care through dedicated nurse educators. The school’s close relationships with renowned institutions like Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital offer students clinical rotations, educational talks, and research/employment opportunities.
Simmons’ unique five-year accelerated program allows students to earn both their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees. This provides a timely and advantageous career jumpstart.
11. Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University (TCU) boasts an undergraduate enrollment of 9,400 students and maintains a 48% acceptance rate, with a middle 50% SAT/ACT range of 1140–1345/26–31. TCU’s Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a BSN program designed to foster critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on patient care experiences.
The program’s partnerships with regional healthcare systems and a professional nursing residency during the final semester provide students with real-world experience. Recognizing the diverse needs of aspiring nurses, TCU offers two distinct program tracks: a traditional 29-month program and an accelerated 19-month program.
12. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA’s School of Nursing offers a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with a 14% acceptance rate and an undergraduate enrollment of 31,500 students. While the program primarily admits freshmen, some transfer students are accepted. Notably, UCLA has implemented test-free admissions, meaning SAT/ACT scores are not considered in the application process.
A unique feature of the BSN program is its UCLA-certified capstone major. This requires fourth-year students to design and execute a clinically-based scholarly project aimed at enhancing patient and family care. The School of Nursing boasts a diverse student population, with 34% identifying as Asian or Pacific Islander, 24% as Hispanic or Latin American, and 8% as African American or Black.
13. University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF) College of Nursing offers students a comprehensive education through educational and clinical experiences, expert faculty, and advanced resources. With an undergraduate enrollment of 35,400 and a 31% acceptance rate, UF maintains a competitive admissions process for prospective students, typically requiring a middle 50% SAT/ACT score range of 1310–1450/29–33.
The College of Nursing boasts advanced facilities, such as the recently renovated Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Innovation and Learning Laboratory, which promotes a safe environment for students to develop nursing skills. Through robust partnerships with UF Health and UF Health Jacksonville, students gain clinical experience, preparing them for successful careers in nursing, as evidenced by the consistently high NCLEX licensing exam scores of UF BSN graduates.
14. University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) offers a full-time, two-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that blends classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. With an undergraduate enrollment of 20,700 and an acceptance rate of 73%, UIC attracts a diverse student body. Prospective nursing students should note that admission to the BSN program requires the completion of 57 credit hours of college-level coursework, and applicants typically have a middle 50% SAT range of 1090–1300 or ACT range of 23–31.
One of the highlights of UIC’s nursing program is the M. Christine Schwartz Experiential Learning and Simulation Laboratory. It is a 15,000-square-foot facility that ranks among the largest of its kind in the nation, providing students with exceptional opportunities for immersive learning and skill development.
15. University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky (UK) College of Nursing offers aspiring nurses a comprehensive education with a 96% acceptance rate for its undergraduate program of 22,100 students. The middle 50% SAT/ACT scores range from 1080–1310 and 22–29, respectively. UK College of Nursing graduates are well-prepared for the workforce, boasting a 97% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX exam and a high job placement rate before graduation.
The college fosters a supportive learning environment with a maximum student-faculty ratio of 8:1 in undergraduate clinical groups and opportunities to engage in student organizations like NSNA and Sigma Theta Tau. Through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, and supervised clinical practice, students develop a strong foundation in nursing knowledge and skills.
16. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) boasts an undergraduate enrollment of 11,200 and an acceptance rate of 69%, with a middle 50% SAT/ACT range of 1220–1410/25–30. Although UMBC doesn’t offer a BSN directly, it’s renowned for its Pre-Nursing program, which allows students to complete two years of prerequisites, preparing them for a seamless transition to a two-year nursing program at another institution.
Additionally, UMBC’s strategic partnership with the University of Maryland School of Nursing opens doors for UMBC students with two distinct pathways: a two- or three-year pathway to a BSN or a four-year pathway to an MSN.
17. University of Miami
The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies (SONHS) stands out as a top nursing school in the U.S. for several reasons. With an undergraduate enrollment of 11,100 and a 33% acceptance rate, the school boasts a 97.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate, reflecting its rigorous academic standards.
SONHS also features S.H.A.R.E., a five-story simulation hospital providing on-site, virtual, and extended-reality simulation experiences in various clinical, research, and educational settings. Prospective students with a middle 50% SAT/ACT range of 1310–1450/30–33 can choose between a traditional four-year BSN program or an accelerated 12-month program designed for those with a non-nursing degree.
18. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan School of Nursing is a top choice for aspiring nurses. With an undergraduate enrollment of 30,300 and a competitive acceptance rate of 26%, the school attracts high-achieving students with a middle 50% SAT/ACT range of 1360–1530/31–35.
The program is dedicated to producing exceptional nurses who exceed the highest standards of patient care, offering hands-on experience through coursework and clinical placements. Students benefit from learning from internationally recognized faculty and building a network of like-minded peers. Upon graduation, they join an alumni network of 13,000 professionals, setting the stage for a rewarding career in nursing.
19. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota School of Nursing offers a blend of a small college environment with the vast resources of a large university. It boasts an undergraduate enrollment of 34,400 students and a 70% acceptance rate. The middle 50% SAT/ACT scores of admitted students range from 1320–1470 and 27–32, respectively. Renowned for its significant research contributions, the school ranks among the top 20 in NIH funding.
Faculty members actively engage students in interdisciplinary projects alongside community partners and clinical affairs while upholding the university’s commitment to equity and diversity, recognized by six consecutive Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Awards. The BSN program’s quality is further evidenced by the impressive 2019 NCLEX first-time pass rate of 97.5%, considerably surpassing the national average of 91.23%.
20. University of Missouri‚ Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Nursing and Health Studies (SoNHS) offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that cultivates critical thinking skills in responsible and accountable nurses. With an undergraduate enrollment of 11,300 and a 63% acceptance rate, UMKC caters to students with a middle 50% SAT/ACT range of 990–1260/20–28.
The BSN program provides two pathways: a traditional four- to five-year track for students without a prior bachelor’s degree and an accelerated track for those with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. UMKC boasts an impressive 94.7% pass rate on the NCLEX.
21. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill has an undergraduate enrollment of 19,100 and an acceptance rate of 25%. It is home to Carolina Nursing, a distinguished nursing school with a global reputation. Ranked 10th for nursing in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2024, Carolina Nursing prepares students for diverse nursing careers, including registered nurse, hospital administration, and nursing education. UNC nursing graduates have a remarkable 98% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX.
Additionally, Carolina Nursing offers a vast alumni network of over 10,000 individuals, providing career support and opportunities for students after graduation. To be considered for admission, applicants typically need a middle 50% SAT score range of 1330–1500 or an ACT score range of 29–33.
22. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has a total undergraduate enrollment of 11,800 students and a competitive acceptance rate of 9%. The middle 50% SAT/ACT scores range from 1480 to 1570 and 33–35, respectively. UPenn’s School of Nursing has been ranked the best in the world by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
As the only Ivy League institution offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the university has pioneered numerous nursing milestones, including producing the nation’s first operating room nurse, the first nurse recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship (“genius” award), and establishing the first nursing school to use interactive simulated patients, as well as the country’s first privately funded center for nursing research. Demonstrating the program’s success, an impressive 90% of Penn Nursing BSN graduates continue their education by pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
23. University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing offers a comprehensive BSN program with an undergraduate enrollment of 19,300 and an acceptance rate of 64%. Students with a middle 50% SAT/ACT range of 1250–1470/28–33 are well-positioned for admission. The program gives students the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful nursing career or further graduate school. Through diverse clinical experiences in settings like schools, hospitals, senior centers, and various care facilities, students gain hands-on practice.
The senior year features a dedicated clinical course focused on transitioning to professional practice. Recognizing the importance of the NCLEX, the school provides extensive support, including practice tests, diagnostic preparation, and a comprehensive three-day NCLEX review to ensure students are well-prepared for this crucial exam.
24. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has an undergraduate enrollment of 40,800 students. The university’s nursing program, with a competitive acceptance rate of 32%, attracts high-achieving students who typically score between 1230–1480 on the SAT and 29–34 on the ACT. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing graduates for diverse clinical settings and providing a solid foundation for those pursuing advanced nursing degrees.
UT Austin’s dedication to nursing education is evident in the over $25 million in extramural funding allocated to its nursing school annually. This highlights the institution’s commitment to advancing the field and producing exceptional nursing professionals.
25. University of Washington
The University of Washington has an undergraduate enrollment of 32,000 and an acceptance rate of 56%. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program renowned for preparing students for successful nursing careers. The two-year program boasts a remarkable graduation rate of over 98% and provides a comprehensive learning experience.
Students begin by developing essential skills in the safe environment of the university’s Learning Lab before transitioning to supervised clinical settings. Through over 700 clinical opportunities with esteemed partners like Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington Medical Center, students gain more than 1,000 hours of hands-on patient care experience. The middle 50% SAT/ACT scores of admitted students range from 1240–1450 and 29–34, respectively, indicating a competitive applicant pool.
From the Desk of Yocket
Nursing schools play one of the most important roles in shaping the future of healthcare. They provide the education and clinical training necessary to equip aspiring nurses with the skills and knowledge to deliver compassionate and competent care. However, the demanding nature of nursing programs is not without its challenges. You may face intense academic workloads, long hours in clinical settings, and the emotional toll of encountering real-life health crises.
Despite the difficulties, nursing schools foster an environment that cultivates resilience, empathy, and critical thinking. Through hands-on experiences, you develop the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to actual scenarios. This prepares you to understand and care for complex patient care units. By continuously adapting curriculum to reflect advancing healthcare, integrating advanced technology into training, and addressing the challenges of student burnout, nursing schools can further enhance the educational experience and empower future nurses to thrive in their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked nursing schools in the US?
Some of the consistently high-ranking nursing schools are Johns Hopkins University, the University of Pennsylvania, Emory University, Duke University, and the University of Washington.
What factors should I consider when choosing a nursing school?
You should consider factors like NCLEX pass rates (the national licensure exam), accreditation, faculty qualifications, clinical opportunities, student-to-faculty ratio, available specializations, career support, and overall cost of attendance.
What are the different types of nursing degrees available?
The main nursing degrees are the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Each degree offers different career paths and levels of responsibility.
What are the career prospects for nursing graduates?
Nursing is a growing field with a high demand for qualified professionals. Graduates can find jobs in hospitals, clinics, private practices, schools, research facilities, and various other settings. Specializations like nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, and nurse midwife offer even more career options and earning potential.
What is the difference between an ADN and a BSN degree?
An ADN is a two-year degree that prepares you for entry-level nursing positions. A BSN is a four-year degree that provides a more comprehensive education, including leadership and research components. BSN-prepared nurses often have more career advancement opportunities and may be preferred by employers.