Top Nursing Schools In The US for 2025

Choosing the right nursing school is one of the most important decisions in a nursing career. With the demand for nurses growing, it’s essential to pick a school that will provide quality education and hands-on training. 

In this blog, we’ll look at the top nursing schools in the US for 2025. We will rank these schools based on factors like academic reputation, NCLEX-RN pass rates, research, and more. 

Let's explore what makes these schools stand out and how they can help students succeed in their nursing careers.

Criteria for Ranking Nursing Schools

When ranking nursing schools, several factors are taken into account. These factors help to show how good the school is at preparing students for a successful nursing career:

• Academic Excellence: This includes the school’s reputation for its education and research.
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: This is the percentage of students who pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required to become a nurse.
• Clinical Experience Opportunities: Schools with great partnerships with hospitals provide students with more chances to practice in real-world settings.
• Faculty Qualifications and Research Contributions: The expertise of the teachers and their research in nursing can shape the learning experience.
• Graduate Employability and Alumni Success: This looks at how easily students find jobs after graduating.
• Location and Affordability: The school’s location, cost of living, and tuition fees are also important for many students.

These factors together provide a clear picture of what each school offers.

Top Undergraduate Nursing Schools in the US

Now let’s take a look at some of the best nursing schools for undergraduate students in the US. These schools offer great programs and training to help students become successful nurses.

1. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 99/100
• Research Output: 98/100
• Graduate Employability: 97/100
• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Highlights: Offers a top BSN program with early clinical experience.

The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing is one of the best in the country. It focuses on hands-on training from the start, giving students practical experience in healthcare. The school also has a strong research program, and its graduates are highly sought after by employers.

2. University of Michigan School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 97/100
• Research Output: 95/100
• Graduate Employability: 96/100
• Location: Ann Arbor, MI
• Highlights: Great simulation labs and strong clinical partnerships.

The University of Michigan School of Nursing offers a nursing program with state-of-the-art simulation labs that prepare students for real-world healthcare situations. The school also has excellent connections with hospitals, providing students with valuable clinical experiences.

3. Duke University School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 98/100
• Research Output: 96/100
• Graduate Employability: 98/100
• Location: Durham, NC
• Highlights: Focuses on leadership and evidence-based practice.

Duke University’s School of Nursing offers a strong focus on leadership and research. Its curriculum combines clinical practice with leadership training. Thus making it a great choice for students who want to take on leadership roles in the healthcare field.

4. New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 95/100
• Research Output: 93/100
• Graduate Employability: 95/100
• Location: New York, NY
• Highlights: Offers diverse clinical placements in an urban setting.

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing offers nursing students the chance to work in a variety of healthcare settings, thanks to its location in New York City. The program prepares students to work with different populations and gives them valuable experience in urban healthcare.

5. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 96/100
• Research Output: 94/100
• Graduate Employability: 96/100
• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Highlights: Focus on public health and advanced nursing.

UCLA’s School of Nursing has a strong focus on public health, offering students training to become experts in community health. The school’s programs are known for providing both advanced clinical education and leadership training

6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 94/100
• Research Output: 92/100
• Graduate Employability: 94/100
• Location: Chapel Hill, NC
• Highlights: Excellent NCLEX preparation and community involvement.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is known for its strong NCLEX-RN pass rates and its focus on community healthcare. Students have great opportunities for hands-on learning in local healthcare settings.

7. Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 95/100
• Research Output: 93/100
• Graduate Employability: 95/100
• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Highlights: Focuses on global health and leadership.

Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is known for its emphasis on global health and leadership. The program gives students the chance to get involved in international health projects and prepares them to become leaders in nursing.

8. Georgetown University School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 92/100
• Research Output: 90/100
• Graduate Employability: 93/100
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Highlights: Holistic nursing education and strong alumni network.

Georgetown University School of Nursing offers a nursing program that focuses on providing a well-rounded education. The school’s alumni network is strong, which can help students make valuable connections as they start their careers.

9. Ohio State University College of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 93/100
• Research Output: 91/100
• Graduate Employability: 92/100
• Location: Columbus, OH
• Highlights: Great BSN program and high NCLEX pass rates.

Ohio State University College of Nursing offers a comprehensive nursing program with excellent NCLEX results. The school’s focus on patient-centered care and evidence-based practice helps students become well-prepared for nursing challenges.

10. University of Florida College of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 91/100
• Research Output: 89/100
• Graduate Employability: 90/100
• Location: Gainesville, FL
• Highlights: Affordable tuition and community outreach.

University of Florida College of Nursing is not only affordable but also offers great clinical training. The school is well-known for its focus on community healthcare and its affordable tuition options.

Top Graduate Nursing Schools in the US

Graduate nursing programs are for those who want to advance their nursing careers with a master's or doctoral degree. These programs often focus on leadership, clinical expertise, research, and specialized nursing fields. Below are the top 10 graduate nursing schools in the U.S.:

1. Duke University School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 99/100
• Research Output: 98/100
• Graduate Employability: 99/100
• Location: Durham, NC
• Highlights: Strong leadership programs and excellent graduate outcomes.

Duke offers a Master’s and Doctoral nursing program with a focus on leadership and advanced clinical skills. The school is known for its outstanding research and graduate success, making it one of the best for nursing students looking to specialize.

2. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 98/100
• Research Output: 97/100
• Graduate Employability: 98/100
• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Highlights: Dual-degree options and a focus on innovative research.

UPenn offers a range of graduate nursing programs, including Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Leader tracks. The school is renowned for its research programs and preparing students for leadership roles in healthcare.

3. Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 96/100
• Research Output: 95/100
• Graduate Employability: 97/100
• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Highlights: Global health and policy-focused graduate programs.

Emory’s graduate nursing programs offer a strong emphasis on global health and healthcare policy. The school prepares nurses to work at the highest levels in clinical practice, education, and leadership.

4. University of Michigan School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 97/100
• Research Output: 96/100
• Graduate Employability: 96/100
• Location: Ann Arbor, MI
• Highlights: Research-driven, interdisciplinary programs.

The University of Michigan offers a wide range of graduate nursing programs, including nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery, and leadership tracks. The school has a focus on interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

5. New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 95/100
• Research Output: 94/100
• Graduate Employability: 95/100
• Location: New York, NY
• Highlights: Urban health specialization and clinical innovation.

NYU's graduate nursing programs focus on urban health issues, with students gaining real-world experience in New York's diverse healthcare settings. The programs offer specialization in several advanced nursing fields.

6. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 97/100
• Research Output: 98/100
• Graduate Employability: 96/100
• Location: San Francisco, CA
• Highlights: Pioneer in nursing research and clinical education.

UCSF is one of the top schools for nursing research and cutting-edge advanced practice. The graduate programs emphasize innovation, leadership, and clinical expertise, preparing students for high-level roles in healthcare.

7. Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 98/100
• Research Output: 97/100
• Graduate Employability: 98/100
• Location: Baltimore, MD
• Highlights: Globally recognized for excellence in graduate education.

Johns Hopkins offers one of the best graduate nursing programs in the country, with a focus on research, leadership, and clinical excellence. Graduates are highly sought after for leadership positions in healthcare.

8. Yale University School of Nursing 

• Academic Reputation: 96/100
• Research Output: 95/100
• Graduate Employability: 97/100
• Location: New Haven, CT
• Highlights: Research-focused nurse practitioner programs.

Yale’s graduate nursing programs are designed for students who want to focus on research and advanced clinical practice. The school offers a variety of specialized tracks, including Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator programs.

9. Columbia University School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 95/100
• Research Output: 93/100
• Graduate Employability: 95/100
• Location: New York, NY
• Highlights: DNP and PhD programs with extensive clinical options.

Columbia offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in nursing, combining clinical experience with leadership and research training. Students benefit from extensive clinical placements in New York City.

10. University of Washington School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 94/100
• Research Output: 92/100
• Graduate Employability: 94/100
• Location: Seattle, WA
• Highlights: Leadership training and strong clinical partnerships.

The University of Washington’s graduate nursing program offers students extensive leadership training and clinical partnerships with healthcare systems in the Pacific Northwest. It prepares students for both clinical practice and leadership roles.

Top Accelerated Nursing Schools in the US

Accelerated nursing programs are for people who already have a degree in another field and want to become nurses quickly. These programs are shorter than regular nursing degrees, usually lasting 12 to 18 months. Here are some of the top schools in the US that offer accelerated nursing programs:

1. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 97/100
• Research Output: 98/100
• Graduate Employability: 96/100
• Location: San Francisco, CA
• Highlights: Known for strong research and clinical training.

UCSF’s accelerated nursing program is one of the best. It focuses on both research and hands-on practice. Students gain experience at top hospitals in San Francisco. This program helps students become skilled nurses quickly.

2. Columbia University School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 95/100
• Research Output: 93/100
• Graduate Employability: 95/100
• Location: New York, NY
• Highlights: Offers a 15-month program with leadership training.

Columbia’s accelerated nursing program is fast-paced and lasts just 15 months. It combines academic learning with real-world clinical practice in New York’s best hospitals. This program helps students develop leadership skills for their nursing careers.

3. Duke University School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 98/100
• Research Output: 96/100
• Graduate Employability: 98/100
• Location: Durham, NC
• Highlights: Focuses on leadership and clinical skills.

Duke’s program lasts 16 months and focuses on developing leadership and clinical skills. Students get hands-on experience in healthcare settings, preparing them to work in leadership roles after graduation.

4. University of Michigan School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 97/100
• Research Output: 96/100
• Graduate Employability: 96/100
• Location: Ann Arbor, MI
• Highlights: Strong clinical practice and research focus.

The University of Michigan offers a 12-month to 18-month program that gives students strong clinical practice and research experience. The program is known for preparing students for a wide range of nursing jobs.

5. New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 95/100
• Research Output: 94/100
• Graduate Employability: 95/100
• Location: New York, NY
• Highlights: Focus on urban health with diverse clinical placements.

NYU offers a 15-month accelerated nursing program that focuses on urban health. Students gain experience working in different healthcare settings in New York, making them well-prepared for nursing jobs.

6. Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 95/100
• Research Output: 93/100
• Graduate Employability: 95/100
• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Highlights: Global health opportunities and fast-paced program.

Emory’s accelerated nursing program takes just 12 months to complete. The program focuses on global health and provides real-world clinical training, giving students a well-rounded nursing education.

7. Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 94/100
• Research Output: 92/100
• Graduate Employability: 94/100
• Location: Chestnut Hill, MA
• Highlights: High NCLEX pass rates and clinical training.

Boston College offers a 16-month accelerated nursing program. It’s known for its high NCLEX pass rates and strong clinical training. Students get practical experience in hospitals and healthcare centers.

8. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 98/100
• Research Output: 97/100
• Graduate Employability: 98/100
• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Highlights: Rigorous curriculum with a focus on clinical experience.

The University of Pennsylvania offers an 18-month program. Students get a mix of intense academic learning and practical clinical training. Penn is known for its research and leadership programs.

9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing

• Academic Reputation: 94/100
• Research Output: 92/100
• Graduate Employability: 94/100
• Location: Chapel Hill, NC
• Highlights: Focus on NCLEX preparation and diverse clinical rotations.

UNC-Chapel Hill’s accelerated nursing program lasts 12 to 16 months. It’s known for strong NCLEX preparation and providing clinical experience in a variety of settings. The program also has a community-based focus.

10. University of Southern California (USC)

• Academic Reputation: 94/100
• Research Output: 93/100
• Graduate Employability: 94/100
• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Highlights: Fast-track BSN program with access to top hospitals.

USC’s accelerated nursing program lasts 16 months and prepares students for nursing careers through hands-on practice in Los Angeles’ top healthcare facilities. The program provides excellent clinical experience and job opportunities.

These schools offer fast and focused nursing programs that help students become registered nurses quickly. They provide high-quality education and clinical experience, making them ideal for those looking to enter the nursing field in a short time.

How to Choose a Good Nursing School

When choosing a nursing school, here are a few important things to think about:

• Program Accreditation: Make sure the school is accredited. This means the school meets high standards and that you can take licensing exams after graduation.
• Tuition Costs and Financial Aid: Nursing programs can be expensive, so check the cost of tuition. Many schools offer financial aid to help with costs.
• Location and Clinical Rotations: Think about where the school is located. A good location can offer more chances for hands-on training in hospitals and clinics.
• Class Sizes and Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Smaller classes are better for getting attention from teachers and building relationships with them.
• Opportunities for Specialization: Some schools offer programs in special areas like pediatrics or mental health nursing. Make sure the school offers what you are most interested in.
• Alumni Network and Career Placement: A strong alumni network and good career services can help you find a job after graduation.

So there you have it!

Choosing the right nursing school is very important for your future. The schools listed here offer great programs and plenty of chances for hands-on experience. Make sure you choose a school that fits your goals. Take the time to research, visit campuses, and talk to current students.

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