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15 Best Nursing Schools in the U.S. 2024

15 Best Nursing Schools in the U.S. 2024

Do you intend to study in the best Nursing Schools in the U.S. in other to fulfill a life-long educational dream? Are you looking for the best nursing programs in the U.S. to enhance your personal and professional growth? Whatever your reasons may be, a lot of students like you are applying to study in America for top nursing programs in the U.S. in record numbers.

Nurses are a critical part of our society, as patient-centered care requires the expertise of qualified nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the number of nursing jobs to grow faster by percentage from 2020-2030. The world has a pressing need for qualified nurses, and the Nursing profession needs you now more than ever, and there is no better place to become a registered nurse other than the best Nursing Colleges in the U.S.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the best schools for Nursing in the U.S. that offer the best BSN programs and other related Nursing programs, as well as their tuition fees.

Article Guide:

1.  Why Study in USA?

2. Table Showing 15 Best Nursing Schools in the U.S. and their Average Tuition Fees

3. 15 Best Nursing Schools in the U.S.

  • University of Pennsylvania

  • Duke University School of Nursing

  • University of Washington

  • Emory University

  • University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

  • University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

  • New York University

  • Oregon Health and Science University

  • University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

  • Case Western Reserve University

  • Ohio State University-Columbus

  • University of California-Los Angeles

  • University of Iowa

  • University of Maryland-Baltimore

  • University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

4. Conclusion

 

Come back and read: 19 Cheapest Countries for MBBS 2021-2024

 

Why Study in USA?

As you search for the best Nursing schools in America, have you stopped to think of reasons why lots of students from different countries go to the U.S. for their education?

We believe that there are 10 good reasons why USA has become one of the most popular study destination for students just like you.

  1. Academic excellence

USA is known to have some of the world's finest and best universities that consistently rank in the world university rankings. American universities are also known to have high academic standards, and they also follow rigorous practices to maintain quality in order to offer excellent education to its students.

  1. Graduates from American colleges are majorly sought after by employers

Having an American degree from the best nursing schools in the USA increases your chances of being hired in any health care organization.

  1. American degrees have an excellent international reputation

We all know that most universities in the U.S. are among the top ranked education institutions in the world. Partially this has to do with how well-funded and supported American universities are, but it also has to do with the high academic standards and demands they require from their students.

  1. Flexibility in your study programs

Higher Institutions in America offer loads of courses and programs to choose from, and you have the freedom to not only select the course content, but also the structure. This will help you to explore your subject interest.

  1. Career opportunities

Studying in the best universities in the U.S. will expose you to life-changing opportunities on an international basis. Therefore, there's no better place to start a career in Nursing other than an American university.

  1. Cultural diversity

The mixed society in USA will easily help you to integrate into the American lifestyle. Growing in the midst of diversity will provide you with strong personality traits and skills that will be valuable in the international market.

  1. A home for all

The diverse environment in the U.S. ensures that there is acceptance among all communities and there is no room for any sort of discrimination. You get to meet people from different countries and backgrounds when you study in America because it is a place that accommodates people from every corner of the world.

  1. Internships and career advancement

American Universities offer internship programs as a way to kick-start your professional career. Many students obtain internships during their college years to take advantage of hands-on experience and get access to better-paying jobs after graduation.

  1. Support for International Students

If you are part of a vast number of international students in an American higher institution, you will be lucky to receive support through various workshops, English-language practice courses, orientations, and trainings, foreign students are given plenty of help to get them ready for their classes.

  1.   American universities invest in optimized classroom experiences

By giving students more access to web-based classes, utilizing computer-based tests, and allowing students to use different labs and resources, American universities are able to give you the latest and most modern classroom experience that you can imagine.

 

Table Showing 15 Best Nursing Schools in the U.S. and their Average Tuition Fees

S/N

School

Average Tuition Fee

1

University of Pennsylvania

$53,166

2

Duke University School of Nursing

$23,241

3

University of Washington School of Nursing

$39,906

4

Emory University

$26,535

5

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

$28,317

6

University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

$40,394

7

New York University

$56,500

8

Oregon Health and Science University

$54,996

9

University of Pittsburgh

$33,770

10

The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing

$2,197 per credit

11

Ohio State University-Columbus

$17,022

12

University of California-Los Angeles

$46,299.69

13

University of Iowa

$1,966 per credit

14

University of Maryland-Baltimore

$38,882

15

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

$33,958

 

 

15 Best Nursing Schools in the U.S.

This section talks about 15 best Nursing schools in the U.S. 2021, as well as the best nurse practitioner programs in the U.S., their average tuition fees, and a direct application link.

Read on to find out which school suits you.

1. University of Pennsylvania

The University of  Pennsylvania School of Nursing, also referred to as Penn Nursing, is an undergraduate and graduate institution at the University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia.

Ranked as the best nursing school in the US, Penn Nursing advances the entire profession, from research & education to practice & policy.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the School of Nursing at Penn is among the top-ranked undergraduate and graduate nursing schools in the United States. Therefore, this nursing school offers the best BSN programs in the U.S. as well as the best MSN programs in the U.S.

Average Tuition Fee: $53,166

Admission requirements to apply to University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

  • Common Application or Coalition Application & Penn-specific Essay

  • $75 application fee

  • Official High School Transcript

  • School Report

  • Three Letters of Recommendation

Start Application Process

 

See this: 30 Best Universities in the World 2024

 

2. Duke University School of Nursing

Committed to achieving distinctions in research, education and patient care, Duke University School of Nursing, a place where students from around the world visit to study and grow into progressive nursing leaders, is located in Durham, North Carolina, and is affiliated with Duke University and Duke University Health System.

Recognized as one of the best research schools in the world, and part of the top ranked nursing schools in USA, Duke University offers some of the top nursing programs, which makes it part of the top 5 nursing schools in the U.S.

The School of Nursing at Duke only offers only one degree choice for undergraduate nurses: an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and then a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), and a Ph.D. Program. Thus, Duke is perhaps best known for its graduate programs, in turn offering sone of the best MSN programs in the U.S.

Average Tuition Fee: $23,241

Admission requirements to apply to Duke University School of Nursing

  • $50 application fee

  • Transcripts

  • Recommendation letter

  • Personal Statement

  • Resume/CV

  • English Language Proficiency: IELTS score of 7.0 or a minimum TOEFL score of 100

Start Application Process

 

3. University of Washington School of Nursing

With a mission to address the health care needs of communities in Washington and around the world through education, research, and service, the University of Washington, is one of the nursing schools that offer some of the top 10 nursing programs in the U.S. This school also has several unique benefits for nursing students.

First, all students get to complete clinicals at dozens of sites across the region, including top-ranked hospitals in USA. Second, nursing students can select innovative programs like the accelerated BSN with early DNP admission, best for non-nursing graduates who want to quickly earn their doctoral degree.

UW School of Nursing offers some of the top BSN programs in the U.S., which is a two-year professional program that prepares you for a career as a registered nurse. Students looking to kick-start their professional career in nursing should consider this school a good option.

Average Tuition Fee: $39,906

Admission Requirements to apply to University of Washington School of Nursing

  • Proof of English language proficiency

  • Transcripts

  • Recommendation letter

  • Write the online proctored essay

Start Application Process

 

4. Emory University

Home to one of the world's best healthcare systems, Emory University of Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the good Nursing schools in the U.S., and a great choice for nursing students at any level. Its nursing school is called the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing.

The renowned private school offer good nursing programs in the U.S. It has three options for undergraduate nurses: a direct-entry BSN for current high school students, a sophomore entry for current Emory or Oxford College students, and a transfer program for those with at least 60 credits.

Emory also has plenty of graduate-level options for current nurses and non-nursing students. The MSN-pre licensure degree leads to RN certification, though the program is still awaiting regional accreditation approval. The other MSN programs are accredited and are available for both full-time and part-time students, so nurses can continue working while earning their graduate degree.

Average Tuition Fee: $26,535 

Admission requirements to apply to Emory University School of Nursing

  • $50 application fee

  • Official transcripts from institutions outside of Emory University

  • Resume

  • Submit Undergraduate GER Verification Form

  • Emory and Oxford students must obtain a GPA of 3.0 cumulative and 2.8 science/math to receive automatic entry into the BSN

Start Application Process

 

Read also: 17 Free Universities For International Students 2024

 

5. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Located in the college town of Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan is one of the best undergraduate nursing schools in the U.S. The BSN degree builds off over 100 years of nursing education experience, and over 13,000 U-M nursing alumni work around the world.

Being part of the top 10 nursing schools in the U.S., U-M also offer some of the best MSN programs in the U.S., with its concentrations available in eight different areas. All eight specialties lead to a specific Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) position, and MSN graduates boast a near-perfect pass rate on every exam each year.

Average Tuition Fee: $28,317

Admission Requirements to apply to University of Michigan

  • Completed Common Application or Coalition Application with $75 application fee.

  • One academic teacher evaluation

  • Official high school transcript

Start Application Process

 

6. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina is one of the top undergraduate Nursing schools in the U.S. UNC Nursing’s BSN program offers three available options of study;

i. The Traditional BSN for students who have not yet received an undergraduate degree,

ii. The Accelerated BSN or ABSN, which is available to students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, and

iii. The Military Pathway for Armed Forces Veterans and Active Duty Service Members from any branch, including past service in the Reserves or National Guard.

Students looking to practice nursing in the Military or Navy should consider UNC a good option.

Average Tuition Fee: $40,394

Admission Requirements to apply to University of North Carolina School of Nursing

  • Applicants must hold a four-year undergraduate degree with a minimum grade point average equivalent to Canadian 70%

  • Work Experience: 2 years (minimum)

  • GMAT: 500

  • GRE: Accepted

  • English Language Scores: TOEFL - 80, IELTS - 6.5

 Start Application Process

 

7. New York University

Being part of the top rated nursing schools in the U.S., NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing which is based in New York City, New York University is a global university with students coming from 133 different countries and has campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. Students come from around the world to earn a top-ranked education.

This school provides nursing students plenty of undergraduate options with a traditional BSN degree, second-degree transfer BSN, RN-BSN, and accelerated 15-month BSN. All options have excellent outcomes with recent graduates enjoying a 99% NCLEX pass rate. Students looking for top best nursing programs in the U.S. bachelor’s degree should apply here with the several BSN options NYU offers.

Average Tuition fee: $56,500

Admission Requirements to apply to New York University

  • Non-refundable application fee of $80*

  • Personal information

  • Academic history

  • Personal statement (250-500 words)

  • Resume

  • Prerequisites (Meyers College of Nursing only)

  • Professional or academic letter of recommendation (optional for nursing)

Start Application Process

 

8. Oregon Health and Science University

OHSU is among the top ten nursing schools in the U.S. The school's faculty includes nationally and internationally renowned scholars, educators and clinicians dedicated to excellence in the pursuit of knowledge and discovery, and also offers some of the top ranked nursing programs in the U.S.

Its Bachelor's and master's degree programs focus on the development of critical thinking and judgment, understanding of health systems and economics, interdisciplinary care, public health and communications in a variety of health care settings. OHSU is a school to consider if you're looking to becoming a top professional in Public Health.

Average Tuition Fee: $54,996

Admission Requirements to apply to Oregon Health and Science University

The OHSU School of Nursing uses an independent organization that processes applications called the Nursing Centralized Application Service (NCAS).

  • Create your Nursing CAS account. Please note: all official transcripts from every institution ever attended must be sent directly to Nursing CAS either electronically or via the mail.

  • Potential BSN students must submit an essay, complete an online application and complete the required prerequisite coursework.

  • The cost to apply is $55.00 for an undergraduate program application and $75.00 for a graduate program application.

Start Application Process

 

9. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

The University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing is the nursing school of the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Being part of the top ranked Nursing school in the U.S., the Pitt School of Nursing is currently ranked tied for 8th in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing changes the face of nursing practice by preparing nurses to deliver the highest quality care, guided by research, intellect, and passion, making it one of the best Nursing schools in America.

Average Tuition Fee: $33,770

Admission requirements to apply to University of Pittsburgh

  • A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN (NLN), ACICS, or CCNE accredited program.

  • Current RN license in U.S. state/territory or locale where student will complete clinical requirements.

  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher in the undergraduate degree

  • A pre-admission interview

  • GRE Score of 3.5

  • Pre-requisite statistics course with a grade of B- or better.

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Personal statement

Start Application Process

 

10. The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing

The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing (FPB) at Case Western Reserve University is globally recognized for its leadership in nursing, education and research.

Being amongst the top Nursing colleges in the U.S., the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, which are part of the top 50 nursing programs in the U.S., and this school is known to produce national and international leaders in the health sector.

Students choose FPB's accredited nursing programs because this nursing school is top-ranked and includes unique nursing curriculum and a dedicated faculty. This, combined with their clinical partnerships, experiential learning and research opportunities, makes FPB second to none.

Average Tuition Fee: $2,197 per credit

Admission requirements to apply to The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing

  • Official Transcripts

  • Personal statement

  • Resume

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Interview

Start Application Process

 

11. Ohio State University-Columbus

Known to be among the good Nursing schools in the U.S., Ohio State University College of Nursing exists to transform healthcare and improve lives through top-tier teaching, research and innovation, grounded in evidence-based practice and a powerful belief in personal wellness.

This school is also one of the cheapest nursing schools in USA that offer academic programs including traditional nursing, healthcare and wellness innovation, as well as several professional certificates.

Ohio State University College of Nursing also rank in the America’s top 20 for NIH research funding and are recognized for leadership in evidence-based practice and commitment to diversity.

Average Tuition Fee: $17,022

Admission Requirements to apply to Ohio State University Nursing School

  • 3.2 cumulative college GPA

  • Submit the online application

  • Online video interview

  • Transcript

  • Completion of seven (7) prerequisite courses with a C+ or highercourses in Biology, Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, English Composition, Psychology, Sociology.

  • Completion of 30 credit hours

Start Application Process

 

Read also: 40 Cheapest Universities In The World For International Students 2021

 

12. University of California-Los Angeles

Known for producing high-caliber graduates who become leaders in their fields, the University of California Los Angeles is among the best schools for nursing in the U.S. UCLA offers some of the best BSN nursing programs in the U.S., as nursing courses in the university's BSN degree program lay the foundation to either enjoy a productive nursing career or to continue on and earn a master's degree.

UCLA's MSN options are arguably the best programs in the nursing school. In turn, making this school to be amongst the top Nursing schools that offer the best MSN programs in the U.S. Each MSN degree leads to an APRN specialty while emphasizing leadership. MSN students also have the option to choose a sub-specialty in their field.

UCLA also has a DNP that takes as little as two years to complete and comes in a hybrid format. This nursing is definitely a home for nurturing health care professionals.

Average Tuition Fee: $46,299.69

Admission Requirements to apply to University of California

  • Minimum GPA: 3.5

  • IGETC required; partial IGETC not accepted

  • Double-major possible: No

  • Supplemental application required: Yes

Start Application Process

 

13. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa College of Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the best undergraduate nursing schools in the U.S. With a national reputation for excellence, the University of Iowa College of Nursing is also one of the premier institutions in the country for nursing education.

The RN-BSN program is designed for associate degree and diploma-prepared licensed RNs who are ready to expand their nursing skills and professional potential by earning the BSN.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing, the college demonstrates exemplary leadership through innovative and impactful education, research, clinical scholarship, service, and professional practice.

University of Iowa College of Nursing's mission is to prepare nurse leaders to advocate and advance health care across the lifespan for the people of Iowa, America and across the world.

Average Tuition Fee: $1,966 per credit

Admission Requirements to apply to University of Iowa School of Nursing

  • Online application

  • $40 application fee

  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

  • No lower than a “C” (2.0) in prerequisites and General Education requirements

  • Transcripts

  • TOEFL score of 100 is required.

Start Application Process

 

14. University of Maryland-Baltimore

Located in Baltimore, the University of Maryland is a leader in innovation and research. Ranked amongst the top 50 nursing schools in the U.S., this school is location near Washington, D.C. and other major cities which makes it ideal for nursing students and future nurses.

UM's BSN which is a top nursing program in the U.S., emphasizes nursing leadership and uses state-of-the-art facilities to teach students. The program takes as little as two years to complete, though students first need to complete two years of introductory courses.

Nurses interested in becoming APRNs would enroll in one of UM's DNP programs. Each DNP comes with a specialty, with popular options including nurse anesthesia, neonatal nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nursing.

Average Tuition Fee: $38,882

Admission requirements to apply to University of Maryland-Baltimore Nursing School

  • An overall GPA of 3.0

  • A non-refundable $75 application fee

  • One recommendation letter

  • Resume

  • Personal statement

  • Official transcript

  • a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university; otherwise, you are required to take the TOEFL or IETLS to demonstrate English proficiency

Start Application Process

 

15. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota School of Nursing is the nursing school of the University of Minnesota that was founded in 1909. It is the nation's first and oldest continuously operated university-based school of nursing

With a mission to generate knowledge and educate leaders to shape the future of nursing and advance health care to improve the health and well-being of all, this school is one of the top BSN nursing schools in the U.S., as its BSN program is ranked 10th best by U.S. News & World Report.

Average Tuition Fee: $33,958

Admission Requirements to apply to University of Minnesota School of Nursing BSN Program

  • Fill in and submit your Golden Gopher Application or the Common Application

  • $55 non-refundable application fee

Start Application Process

 

If you are looking to attend the best nursing schools in USA, the compiled list of nursing schools in this article should prove helpful in narrowing down your search. Make your choice today and finally pursue your professional nursing career in order to make a change in the health care sector. The universe is waiting!

 

Read more related articles: 

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