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Compare Nursing Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Nursing Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

With their depth of medical knowledge and wide range of healthcare skills, nurses provide a vital service to their patients. Whether they hold a nursing license or advanced nursing degree, these critical members of the medical community assist doctors with various medical procedures — and, in many cases, practice these procedures themselves.

Nurses are in demand, with nearly 200,000 nursing positions projected to open in the next ten years. In 2023, registered nurses earned a median wage of $86,070. After earning a master’s degree in nursing, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists earned a median annual pay of $129,480.

In 2023, the average cost of tuition and fees for an associate degree in nursing was $3,885, while a bachelor’s degree in nursing cost an average of $29,033 with room and board. A master’s or other postgraduate degree in nursing cost an average of $20,513.

Why Trust Us

The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.

  • Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
  • 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
  • Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
  • Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources

Our Methodology

Our list features the best Nursing degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:

Academic Quality:

  • Admission rate versus enrollment rate
  • Retention rate of students who return after year one
  • Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
  • Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions

Graduation Rate

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
  • Student-to-faculty ratio

Cost and ROI

  • In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
  • Required credits to graduate
  • Earning potential after graduation
  • Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options

Student Resources

  • Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
  • On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries

Read more about our ranking methodology.

Best 50 Accredited Nursing Degree Programs

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#1
Columbus, OH | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

The Ohio State University College of Nursing

Intelligent Score: 99.81
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $10,615

Out-of-state: $32,599

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $11,560

Out-of-state: $11,560

Test scores

SAT: 1210-1430

ACT: 26-32

Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
68%
On-campus students
6%
Graduation Rate
87%
Students enrolled
61,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$42k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $369 - $492

Non-Resident: $797 - $1,062

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

121

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 614-292-4041

#2
Durham, NC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Duke University School of Nursing

Intelligent Score: 99.64
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $55,880

Out-of-state: $55,880

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $57,900

Out-of-state: $57,900

Test scores

SAT: 1470-1570

ACT: 34-35

Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
8%
On-campus students
58%
Graduation Rate
96%
Students enrolled
16,000
Student to faculty ratio
6:01
Average Salary
$93k
Average Student Debt
$13k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$864

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

122

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 877-415-3853

#3
Philadelphia, PA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

Intelligent Score: 99.61
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $53,166

Out-of-state: $53,166

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $37,678

Out-of-state: $37,678

Test scores

SAT: 1460-1570

ACT: 33-35

Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
9%
On-campus students
15%
Graduation Rate
96%
Students enrolled
27,000
Student to faculty ratio
6:01
Average Salary
$91k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,954

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 215-898-4271

#4
Seattle, WA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Washington School of Nursing

Intelligent Score: 98.36
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $10,629

Out-of-state: $37,998

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $16,278

Out-of-state: $16,278

Test scores

SAT: 1200-1453

ACT: 27-33

Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
56%
On-campus students
89%
Graduation Rate
82%
Students enrolled
48,000
Student to faculty ratio
20:01
Average Salary
$50k
Average Student Debt
$15k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$374

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 206-543-8736

#5
Chapel Hill, NC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Intelligent Score: 97.78
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,019

Out-of-state: $34,198

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,552

Out-of-state: $10,552

Test scores

SAT: 1280-1490

ACT: 28-33

Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
25%
On-campus students
9%
Graduation Rate
91%
Students enrolled
30,000
Student to faculty ratio
13:01
Average Salary
$50k
Average Student Debt
$15k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $299 - $382

Out-of-State: $998 - $1,363

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 919-966-4260

#6
Atlanta, GA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Emory University

Intelligent Score: 96.74
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $53,070

Out-of-state: $53,070

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $43,800

Out-of-state: $43,800

Test scores

SAT: 1380-1530

ACT: 31-34

Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
19%
On-campus students
13%
Graduation Rate
90%
Students enrolled
14,000
Student to faculty ratio
9:01
Average Salary
$66k
Average Student Debt
$17k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,497

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 404-727-7980

#7
Iowa City, IA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Iowa

Intelligent Score: 96.52
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $8,073

Out-of-state: $30,036

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,079

Out-of-state: $10,079

Test scores

SAT: 1110-1310

ACT: 22-29

Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
84%
On-campus students
48%
Graduation Rate
72%
Students enrolled
30,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$48k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$518

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

128

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 319-335-8216

#8
Ann Arbor, MI | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Michigan

Intelligent Score: 96.46
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $16,520

Out-of-state: $53,669

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $24,344

Out-of-state: $24,344

Test scores

SAT: 1340-1520

ACT: 31-34

Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
26%
On-campus students
9%
Graduation Rate
93%
Students enrolled
48,000
Student to faculty ratio
11:01
Average Salary
$56k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $869 - $959

Non-Resident: $2,571 - $2,741

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

128

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 734-763-5985

#9
Tuscaloosa, AL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Intelligent Score: 96.01
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $10,780

Out-of-state: $30,250

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,780

Out-of-state: $10,780

Test scores

SAT: 1070-1330

ACT: 23-31

Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
80%
On-campus students
10%
Graduation Rate
72%
Students enrolled
38,000
Student to faculty ratio
20:01
Average Salary
$42k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $434

Non-Resident: $1,076

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

125-126

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 205-934-8221

#10
Berkeley, CA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

UCLA School of Nursing

Intelligent Score: 95.16
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $11,442

Out-of-state: $41,196

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $11,442

Out-of-state: $11,442

Test scores

SAT: 1310-1530

ACT: 30-35

Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
17%
On-campus students
3%
Graduation Rate
92%
Students enrolled
42,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$58k
Average Student Debt
$13k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $505

Non-Resident: $1,645

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 310-825-3109

#11
Chestnut Hill, MA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Boston College

Intelligent Score: 94.70
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $59,050

Out-of-state: $59,050

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $31,824

Out-of-state: $31,824

Test scores

SAT: 1330-1500

ACT: 31-34

Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
26%
On-campus students
15%
Graduation Rate
92%
Students enrolled
15,000
Student to faculty ratio
14:01
Average Salary
$65k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,214

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

117

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 617-552-3100

#12
Cleveland, OH | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Case Western Reserve University

Intelligent Score: 92.74
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $52,448

Out-of-state: $52,448

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $47,920

Out-of-state: $47,920

Test scores

SAT: 1340-1520

ACT: 31-34

Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
30%
On-campus students
91%
Graduation Rate
85%
Students enrolled
11,000
Student to faculty ratio
11:01
Average Salary
$70k
Average Student Debt
$24k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,752

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 216-368-2529

#13
New York, NY | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

NYU College of Nursing

Intelligent Score: 92.72
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $52,204

Out-of-state: $52,204

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $34,704

Out-of-state: $34,704

Test scores

SAT: 1370-1540

ACT: 31-34

Retention Rate
90%
Admission Rate
21%
On-campus students
11%
Graduation Rate
88%
Students enrolled
53,000
Student to faculty ratio
8:01
Average Salary
$56k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,844

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

128

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 212-998-5317

#14
Portland, OR | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Oregon Health and Science University

Intelligent Score: 91.80
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $54,594

Out-of-state: $80,296

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $55,344

Out-of-state: $55,344

Test scores

SAT: Not Applicable

ACT: Not Applicable

Retention Rate
N/A
Admission Rate
10%
On-campus students
82%
Graduation Rate
87%
Students enrolled
752
Student to faculty ratio
10-to-1
Average Salary
97,826
Average Student Debt
16,625

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $426

Non-Resident: $781

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 503-494-7725

#15
College Park, MD | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Maryland School of Nursing

Intelligent Score: 90.5
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $8,824

Out-of-state: $34,936

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $13,158

Out-of-state: $13,158

Test scores

SAT: 1270-1480

ACT: 30-34

Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
51%
On-campus students
7%
Graduation Rate
87%
Students enrolled
41,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$50k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $425

Non-Resident: $1,444

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 410-706-0501

#16
Pittsburgh, PA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Pittsburgh

Intelligent Score: 89.98
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $18,628

Out-of-state: $32,656

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $23,530

Out-of-state: $23,530

Test scores

SAT: 1243-1420

ACT: 28-32

Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
64%
On-campus students
77%
Graduation Rate
84%
Students enrolled
32,000
Student to faculty ratio
14:01
Average Salary
$44k
Average Student Debt
$25k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $1,057

Non-Resident: $2,040

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

124-126

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 412-624-4586

#17
Chicago, IL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

UIC Nursing

Intelligent Score: 89.52
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $35,872

Out-of-state: $50,480

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $39,068

Out-of-state: $39,068

Test scores

SAT: 1080-1310

ACT: 23-31

Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
79%
On-campus students
8%
Graduation Rate
62%
Students enrolled
22,011
Student to faculty ratio
19-to-1
Average Salary
54,300
Average Student Debt
17,000

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $372

Out-of-State: $890

DELIVERY FORMAT

Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 312-996-7800

#18
Minneapolis, MN | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Minnesota

Intelligent Score: 89.11
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $13,318

Out-of-state: $31,616

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $17,580

Out-of-state: $17,580

Test scores

SAT: 1240-1460

ACT: 25-31

Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
70%
On-campus students
17%
Graduation Rate
84%
Students enrolled
52,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$46k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $557

Non-Resident: $1,323

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

120

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 612-625-7980

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How to Choose a Nursing Degree Program

Choose your area of study

Choosing a nursing certification or degree depends on your career goals and nursing experience. Nurses with advanced degrees and certifications can perform more complex procedures in higher-earning, competitive careers.

These programs include:

  • Associate degree in nursing (ADN): A two-year associate degree program provides students with an understanding of universal nursing topics.
  • Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN): A BSN is a four-year degree program that expands on nursing theory and clinical practice.
  • Master of Science in nursing (MSN): This two to three-year advanced degree program prepares nurses for leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings.
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): A DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses for leadership roles in healthcare systems and takes two to three years to complete.

Some levels of nursing require a certification or licensing program only, such as:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): This one to four-month program prepares students to assist nurses in medical settings.
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): This one-year program trains students in basic patient care.
  • Registered Nurse (RN): A two-year RN program trains nurses to administer medication, perform health assessments and procedures, and provide medical education to patients.

Additionally, many schools offer transitional programs for licensed nurses to advance their education and careers. For example, an LPN can earn a BSN degree in four years; an RN can earn the degree in two. A BSN degree holder can secure an MSN in two years en route to a career as a nurse practitioner.

Nurses can also choose to specialize in particular fields of medicine. They can earn these certifications and credentials to work closely with specific populations, including pediatrics, geriatrics, chronic pain, or mental health services.

Research schools and programs

Begin the application process by researching accredited nursing schools and programs. Agencies like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) recognize institutions based on their academic rigor and adherence to educational standards, while programmatic agencies like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) regularly assess nursing programs to ensure that graduates are ready to join the professional nursing world.

After determining that your chosen schools are accredited, tour your prospective campuses. Research housing options and schedule requirements, and consider whether these schools meet your educational and personal needs.

Prepare for tests and applications

In addition to standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, you’ll need to take a few general education entrance tests before applying to a nursing program. Check your program’s website to see if they require the Test of Essential Academic Skills Exam (TEAS) or the Health Education Systems, Inc. A2 Test (HESI) for nursing applicants. These exams assess students’ knowledge in core subjects, including English and math, and scientific subjects they’ll need for nursing coursework.

Many BSN and MSN programs also require nursing entrance tests, such as the Nursing Entrance Test (NET) and the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (PAX). Enroll in study classes or obtain study materials before taking these exams.

Most nursing programs also require a high school diploma or equivalent, transcripts of previous courses, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. MSN programs may require undergraduate prerequisite courses and clinical hours for admission.

Select your program

Research the school of nursing at your prospective university or college. Talk to teachers and graduates from the program, especially nurses who have gone on to gain additional degrees and certifications after graduating. Consider your housing needs, as some schools only offer room and board options to full-time students.

If possible, tour the schools you’re interested in and talk to representatives from the nursing program. They can help you make the right school and program choice and answer additional questions you may have about the application process.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in determining how much financial aid you can put toward your nursing degree. Once you know more about your financial situation, contact the financial aid office at your school for information about assistance programs like employer tuition assistance, especially if you’re already working in the medical field. Research nursing scholarships if you have additional costs you’ll need to match during your education.

What Can You Expect From a Nursing Degree Program?

Nursing degrees combine lectures, group discussions, cohort projects, and clinicals to give students a well-rounded education. Depending on your current license and career goals, you may need to complete between 500 and 1,500 clinical hours alongside your classwork. You’ll also take licensure exams throughout your nursing program to ensure you meet the professional standards required in the nursing industry.

Potential courses you’ll take in a nursing degree program

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology. Students learn about the body’s systems and processes and how they affect one another. They apply the fundamentals of biology and chemistry to the human body in academic and laboratory settings.
  • Foundations of Nursing. This foundational course takes students through the history of nursing, as well as healthcare law, health policy, and medical ethics in the workplace. They discuss a nurse’s role in a clinical setting, particularly how it relates to patient care and other medical personnel.
  • Nursing for Specific Patients. Students take several classes on nursing for different populations, including the mental health field, mothers and babies, elderly care, and pediatrics. Nurses may go on to specialize in one of these fields, though a fundamental understanding of each is necessary in a nursing program.
  • Clinical Practice. Students work through rotations in different healthcare fields to gain experience from nurses in the workplace. Duties during clinical shifts can include preparing hospital rooms, dressing wounds, cleaning patient rooms, and taking patient histories, all under the supervision of licensed RNs or nurse practitioners.

Nursing Degree Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to a nursing degree program?

A nursing degree program website contains all necessary application information, including deadlines, application materials, minimum test scores and GPAs, prerequisites, links to study materials, and frequently asked questions.

Contact your school’s admissions office for more information about applying to a nursing program. They can answer any questions and provide tips for applying on time — or, in some cases, for early admission.

How much does a nursing degree cost?

In 2023, the average tuition and fees for an associate degree in nursing were $3,885. A bachelor’s degree costs about $17,709 to $29,033 with room and board included, and a master’s degree in nursing averages $20,513.

How long does it take to earn a nursing degree?

The time to complete your nursing program depends on the license or degree and the program itself. Full-time students can expect the following timeframes:

  • CNA: One to four months
  • LPN: One year
  • RN: Two years
  • BSN: Four years
  • MSN: Two to three years
  • LPN to BSN: Four years
  • RN to BSN: Two years
  • BSN to MSN: Two years

Part-time students may take longer to complete their program, especially if they need to schedule clinical rotations around their current jobs or nursing careers. Accelerated programs require less time to complete, but they can include a more demanding schedule and coursework load.

Other Nursing Degrees