The nursing field is constantly growing and evolving, requiring a lot of education and training. Choosing the right nursing school is essential to get the best education possible.
Many factors shape the decision to select a college. Some of the most important include a strong curriculum, experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive environment.
Regarding the best nursing schools in the US, a few stand out above the rest. These schools have a reputation for producing top-notch nurses well-prepared for their careers.
Whether you’re just starting your nursing career or looking to advance to the next level, our selection of the top nursing schools is a great place to start.
Overview of 13 Best Nursing Schools
University of Pennsylvania
| Students Enrolled | 580 |
| Lowest Required GPA | 2.0 |
| Graduation Rate | 52% |
| Student To Faculty Ratio | 17 to 1 |
| Tuition Cost | $48,784 |
| Acceptance Rate | 25% |
The University of Pennsylvania is bright for anyone seeking a nursing degree. UPenn is a private, non-profit institution with a sizable student body in Philadelphia.
The nursing school has a modern simulation lab where students can practice their skills and get hands-on experience. The lab provides a safe and controlled environment for students to learn and hone their skills.
Johns Hopkins University
| Students Enrolled | 1,124 |
| Lowest Required GPA | 3.0 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% |
| Student To Faculty Ratio | 7 to 1 |
| Tuition Cost | $43,824 |
| Acceptance Rate | 25% |
Johns Hopkins University is a top choice for those looking to study nursing. Located in Baltimore, it’s well-known for its academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and supportive community.
One of the reasons to consider Johns Hopkins University for nursing is its world-renowned reputation. JHU’s nursing program ranks as one of the best in the country. It is known for generating nurses with high training and expertise
Yale University
| Students Enrolled | 392 |
| Lowest Required GPA | 3.5 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.92% |
| Student To Faculty Ratio | 6 to 1 |
| Tuition Cost | $48,056 |
| Acceptance Rate | 36.70% |
Located in Connecticut, Yale University is an excellent choice for those looking to study nursing. Its nursing program is highly regarded in the field and provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for a successful career in nursing.
One reason to consider Yale University for nursing is its focus on research and innovation. The nursing school at Yale is known for its strong commitment to advancing the field through research. It provides students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge projects and studies. These opportunities enhance their education and prepare them for leadership roles in the field.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| Students Enrolled | 299 |
| Lowest Required GPA | 2.8 |
| Graduation Rate | 90% |
| Student To Faculty Ratio | 13 to 1 |
| Tuition Cost | $17,998 |
| Acceptance Rate | 25% |
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is a public research university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It was chartered in 1789 and is one of the oldest public universities in the United States.
The university offers some well-rounded nursing programs that can help you start your career in the field of healthcare.
University of California, San Francisco
| Students Enrolled | 488 |
| Lowest Required GPA | 3.3 |
| Graduation Rate | 94% |
| Student To Faculty Ratio | 13 to 1 |
| Tuition Cost | $12,795 |
| Acceptance Rate | 21.04% |
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a public research university in San Francisco, California. It is a leading institution in the field of health sciences, with a focus on the education and training of healthcare professionals.
The School of Nursing at UCSF is widely recognized as one of the top nursing schools in the country, offering a range of programs in areas such as nursing, midwifery, and advanced practice nursing.
Columbia University
| Students Enrolled | 697 |
| Lowest Required GPA | 2.75 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% |
| Student To Faculty Ratio | 6 to 1 |
| Tuition Cost | $30,670 |
| Acceptance Rate | 35% |
Columbia University is a highly respected institution, and its School of Nursing ranks as one of the top nursing schools in the country, leading to greater opportunities for students after graduation.
Experienced and qualified instructors who are committed to the success of their students teach nursing programs. In addition, Columbia’s nursing programs at the university are designed to be cutting-edge and innovative, including the latest research and technological advancements in the nursing industry.
New York University (NYU)
| Students Enrolled | 378 |
| Lowest Required GPA | 3.0 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% |
| Student To Faculty Ratio | 9 to 1 |
| Tuition Cost | $60,438 |
| Acceptance Rate | 27% |
New York University (NYU) offers Bachelor and Masters of Science in Nursing (BSN and MSN) programs to individuals interested in pursuing a career in nursing.
NYU prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient-centered care and to become licensed registered nurses.
The curriculums cover various topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing. The program also provides students with clinical experience across multiple healthcare settings to help them develop hands-on nursing skills.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
| Students Enrolled | 359 |
| Lowest Required GPA | 3.0 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% |
| Student To Faculty Ratio | 15 to 1 |
| Tuition Cost | $32,182 |
| Acceptance Rate | 23% |
Employers highly value a nursing degree from the University of Michigan and can provide a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, the demand for nurses with a baccalaureate degree is growing as the healthcare industry shifts toward a more highly educated workforce resulting in higher salaries, better job opportunities, and greater job security.
Ultimately, the value of a nursing degree from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor will depend on the individual’s career goals, experiences, and personal and professional development.
Duke University
| Students Enrolled | 812 |
| Lowest Required GPA | 3.0 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% |
| Student To Faculty Ratio | 6 to 1 |
| Tuition Cost | $24,147 |
| Acceptance Rate | 8% |
Duke University is another excellent option for those pursuing a career in nursing. It is a Durham-based institution with a long history of producing excellent nurses, and its nursing program is well-regarded in the industry.
Duke’s nursing program strongly emphasizes clinical practice, providing students with hands-on experience in various settings, from hospitals to community clinics helping students develop the skills to provide compassionate, effective patient care
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
| Students Enrolled | 812 |
| Lowest Required GPA | 3.0 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% |
| Student To Faculty Ratio | 6 to 1 |
| Tuition Cost | $24,147 |
| Acceptance Rate | 8% |
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the best nursing schools in the US, as it prepares students for a career in nursing by providing a solid foundation in the biological, physical, and social sciences, as well as in nursing theory and practice.
Various degree programs at UCLA emphasize patient-centered care and cultural sensitivity, and it prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed registered nurse
University of Pittsburgh
| Students Enrolled | 230 |
| Lowest Required GPA | 3.5 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% |
| Student To Faculty Ratio | 8 to 1 |
| Tuition Cost | $29,266 |
| Acceptance Rate | 18% |
The University of Pittsburgh is a well-respected institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The School of Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh is an educational leader in healthcare, which trains nurses to provide effective healthcare to the community.
The University of Pittsburgh offers nursing students a comprehensive education, training, and opportunities to gain experience in the healthcare arena.
Emory University
| Students Enrolled | 965 |
| Lowest Required GPA | 3.0 |
| Graduation Rate | 83% |
| Student To Faculty Ratio | 8 to 1 |
| Tuition Cost | $28,560 |
| Acceptance Rate | 13% |
Emory University is a highly regarded institution located in Atlanta, Georgia. The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University is considered one of the country’s top nursing schools.
Emory University is known for its strong commitment to research and evidence-based practices in nursing. Additionally, Emory’s location in Atlanta provides students access to a diverse range of healthcare facilities and organizations, offering practical experience and networking opportunities.
University of Rochester
| Students Enrolled | 386 |
| Lowest Required GPA | 2.8 |
| Graduation Rate | 88% |
| Student To Faculty Ratio | 9 to 1 |
| Tuition Cost | $25,720 |
| Acceptance Rate | 66% |
The University of Rochester has a highly regarded School of Nursing and is considered one of the top nursing schools in the United States.
The university is known for its strong emphasis on research and commitment to evidence-based practices in nursing, providing students with excellent opportunities for professional growth.
Conclusion
Choosing the right nursing school can make all the difference in your education and future career if you want to be a nurse.
Our pick of the 13 best nursing schools in the US offers a range of programs, facilities, and support systems that will help you succeed as a nurse. No matter which of these schools you choose, you can be sure that you’ll receive a top-notch education that prepares you for the challenges of nursing.
So take the time to research each of these schools, talk to current students and alums, and find the one that’s right for you. With the proper education, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling career in nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), until 2031, the US population is projected to need 203,200 more registered nurses (RNs), which means a rising demand for professionals with a nursing degree.
University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, and Yale University have some of the best nursing programs, ranking them high on our best nursing schools list.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a part of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and the ACEN, a National League for Nursing division, are the two most well-known organizations that accredit nursing programs.
