What Are America's Best Colleges for Nursing?

Hello everyone! I'm planning to return to school to pursue a nursing degree. Can anyone recommend highly-ranked nursing programs and their costs? Looking for options at both private and public universities. Would really appreciate any insights! Thank you!

U.S. News rankings are very reputable and trusted. According to the 2024 U.S. News rankings, several prestigious institutions stand out for their exceptional nursing programs.

Emory University leads the pack for both BSN and Master's programs, offering a comprehensive curriculum in its suburban Atlanta campus. Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania share the second position for BSN programs, though their annual tuition exceeds $65,000, reflecting their elite status and extensive resources.

For students considering public institutions, several options offer excellent education at more affordable rates. Ohio State University, ranked fourth, charges $13,244 for in-state students and provides over 200 undergraduate majors. UNC Chapel Hill, also among the top programs, offers the most competitive in-state tuition at $9,003 annually. These public institutions maintain high academic standards while providing more accessible education options.

Top 10 Master's Nursing Programs 2025 (per U.S. News)

Emory University (tie)
$2,082 per credit

Johns Hopkins University (tie)
$1,881 per credit

Duke University
$2,075 per credit

Ohio State University (tie)
In-state: $973 per credit
Out-of-state: $2,636 per credit

University of Pennsylvania (tie)
$50,872 per year

Vanderbilt University (tie)
$1,939 per credit

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
In-state: $1,513 per credit
Out-of-state: $3,093 per credit

NYU (Meyers) (tie)
$41,544 per year

UNC Chapel Hill (tie)
In-state: $1,019 per credit
Out-of-state: $2,035 per credit

George Mason University (tie) In-state: $629 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,543 per credit

Top 10 BSN Programs 2024 (per U.S. News)

Emory University
$64,280 per year

Duke University (tie)
$69,140 per year

University of Pennsylvania (tie)
$68,686 per year

Ohio State University (tie)
In-state: $13,244 per year
Out-of-state: $40,022 per year

University of Iowa (tie)
In-state: $11,283 per year
Out-of-state: $33,371 per year

UNC Chapel Hill (tie)
In-state: $9,003 per year
Out-of-state: $41,211 per year

University of Pittsburgh (tie)
In-state: $21,926 per year
Out-of-state: $41,430 per year

University of Washington (tie)
In-state: $12,973 per year
Out-of-state: $43,209 per year

Boston College (tie)
$70,702 per year

Case Western Reserve (tie)
$66,605 per year

When selecting a nursing school, prospective students should consider factors beyond rankings. Acceptance rates vary significantly—UPenn accepts only 35.6% of applicants while Ohio State welcomes 88.8%. Additionally, location, clinical placement opportunities, and NCLEX pass rates should influence your decision. Programs like the University of Washington and University of Pittsburgh offer strong regional reputations and extensive clinical partnerships in their respective metropolitan areas.

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