Top 10 Universities for Nursing

Direct Answer

The Best Overall university for nursing is the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Nursing), where the #1-ranked graduate nursing program in the country pairs Ivy League research with a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in recent cohorts and graduate starting salaries that routinely clear $80,000.

The Best Value pick is the University of Washington, a top-tier public whose resident tuition near $40,000/yr delivers research-one nursing training and near-perfect licensure outcomes at a fraction of private-school cost — the best outcomes-per-dollar on this list. This guide is built for students and families comparing the nation's strongest nursing programs, weighing reputation, NCLEX pass rates, clinical placement, faculty, cost, and post-graduation employment.

Every pick below uses real, publicly reported data from U.S. News, the schools' own outcome dashboards, and federal sources.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each program against what nursing applicants and their families actually tell counselors they care about. We drew on published figures from U.S. News & World Report, NCES College Navigator, the AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing), state boards of nursing NCLEX reports, and each university's outcomes page.

The weighting:

• Academic performance and program reputation — 25%
• Post-graduation outcomes (NCLEX pass, employment, salary) — 20%
• Value and cost — 15%
• Faculty, research, and clinical resources — 15%
• Clinical environment and hospital partnerships — 15%
• Fit, support, and selectivity — 10%

A school that carries a famous name but posts weak licensure numbers, or charges luxury tuition for average placement, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. University of Pennsylvania 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Private (Ivy League) | Tuition: $63,000/yr | Best for: Students chasing the top-ranked program and research-driven careers

Penn Nursing, in Philadelphia, is the most complete nursing school in the country and holds the #1 U.S. News ranking for its master's and DNP programs. With roughly 2,400 students across undergraduate, master's, and doctoral tracks, it combines a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in recent BSN cohorts with deep clinical access through the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, a top-15 U.S.

Hospital. Its faculty includes nationally recognized researchers in geriatrics, health policy, and nurse-led care models, and graduates report 96%+ job placement within six months at salaries frequently above $80,000. Admission is highly selective, with an undergraduate acceptance rate near 6%.

Pros:

• #1-ranked graduate nursing program in the U.S.
• 100% recent NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Elite clinical placements at a top-15 teaching hospital
• Strong research funding and faculty reputation

Cons:

• Among the most expensive options at $63,000/yr
• Acceptance near 6% makes admission extremely competitive

Verdict: Penn wins on every axis — reputation, licensure, clinical access, and outcomes — with cost the only caveat.

2. Johns Hopkins University

Type: Private | Tuition: $58,000/yr (program-based) | Best for: Students who want research-intensive nursing tied to a world-famous hospital

The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Baltimore is perennially ranked #1 or #2 by U.S. News and is the research powerhouse of American nursing. Roughly 1,400 students train alongside Johns Hopkins Hospital, repeatedly named among the best hospitals in the nation.

Hopkins posts NCLEX-RN pass rates above 95%, channels enormous NIH research funding, and emphasizes public health and global nursing. Graduates move into leadership, advanced-practice, and research roles, with placement near 95% and competitive starting pay. The accelerated entry options draw career-changers with prior degrees.

Pros:

• Consistently top-2 ranked nursing school
• Direct training at Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Leading NIH-funded nursing research
• Strong accelerated paths for career-changers

Cons:

• High tuition with limited need-based aid for some tracks
• Research intensity may exceed what bedside-focused students want

Verdict: The research gold standard — ideal for students aiming at advanced practice, policy, or doctoral work.

3. Duke University

Type: Private | Tuition: $60,000/yr (program-based) | Best for: Students seeking elite graduate and advanced-practice training

Duke University School of Nursing in Durham, North Carolina, ranks among the top 3 nationally for its master's and DNP programs and is especially strong in nurse anesthesia and advanced-practice specialties. With about 1,200 students, Duke pairs rigorous academics with placements across Duke University Health System.

NCLEX and certification pass rates sit above 95%, and the school's nurse anesthesia and nurse practitioner tracks are nationally celebrated. Graduates command strong salaries, with CRNA-track alumni among the highest-paid advanced-practice nurses in the country.

Pros:

• Top-3 graduate and DNP rankings
• Nationally elite nurse anesthesia program
• Strong Duke Health clinical system
• Excellent advanced-practice salary outcomes

Cons:

• Most strength is at the graduate, not undergraduate, level
• Private tuition runs high

Verdict: A premier graduate destination — the place to be for CRNA and nurse-practitioner ambitions.

4. University of Michigan

Type: Public | Tuition: $17,000/yr resident, $54,000 non-resident | Best for: Students wanting a top public research program

The University of Michigan School of Nursing in Ann Arbor blends a top-10 national ranking with the scale and resources of a flagship public research university. Around 1,000 students train through Michigan Medicine, one of the country's leading academic health systems.

NCLEX-RN pass rates hover near or above 95%, and the school is a major recipient of federal nursing research grants. In-state tuition near $17,000 makes Michigan an outstanding value for residents, while the Big Ten alumni network supports strong placement across the Midwest and beyond.

Pros:

• Top-10 program at public-university cost for residents
• Training through Michigan Medicine academic health system
• Substantial federal research funding
• Powerful nationwide alumni network

Cons:

• Non-resident tuition climbs above $54,000
• Large program means students must self-advocate for resources

Verdict: A flagship-public standout — exceptional for in-state residents and research-minded students.

5. University of Washington 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Public | Tuition: $40,000/yr (program-based, resident discount applies) | Best for: Students who want top-tier research nursing at the best price

The University of Washington School of Nursing in Seattle is frequently ranked the #1 public nursing school and lands in the national top 5 overall, making it the value champion of this list. With strong resident tuition well below private peers and outcomes that rival them, UW delivers research-one training through UW Medicine and Harborview Medical Center.

NCLEX-RN pass rates run above 95%, and the school leads in population health, informatics, and global nursing research. Graduates enjoy excellent placement across the Pacific Northwest's robust health systems at salaries that reward a far smaller tuition bill.

Pros:

• Best outcomes-per-dollar on this list
• Frequently the #1-ranked public nursing school
• Research training through UW Medicine and Harborview
• NCLEX pass rates above 95% with strong placement

Cons:

• Non-resident applicants lose much of the cost advantage
• Highly competitive admission for in-state seats

Verdict: The clear Best Value — top-5 national quality at a public-school price for residents.

6. Emory University

Type: Private | Tuition: $56,000/yr (program-based) | Best for: Students who want a top-ranked program with strong clinical immersion

Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in Atlanta ranks in the national top 5 for graduate nursing and is known for intensive clinical preparation. About 1,300 students train alongside Emory Healthcare, Georgia's largest health system, and at the CDC for public-health work.

Emory posts NCLEX-RN pass rates above 95%, offers a well-regarded accelerated BSN, and emphasizes simulation and hands-on practice. Graduates report strong placement across the Southeast and nationally, with competitive starting salaries.

Pros:

• Top-5 graduate nursing ranking
• Clinical immersion through Emory Healthcare and CDC proximity
• Well-regarded accelerated BSN pathway
• Strong simulation and clinical-skills focus

Cons:

• Private tuition is steep
• Atlanta cost of living adds to the budget

Verdict: A clinically rich top-5 program — superb for students who learn best in hands-on settings.

7. University of Pittsburgh

Type: Public | Tuition: $22,000/yr resident, $36,000 non-resident | Best for: Students wanting research depth at a reasonable public price

The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is a top-10 nationally ranked program and a research leader, particularly in acute and critical care. With roughly 1,500 students, Pitt trains through UPMC, one of the nation's largest integrated health systems, giving students enormous clinical variety.

NCLEX-RN pass rates sit above 93%, and the school draws heavy federal research funding. Resident tuition near $22,000 keeps Pitt affordable for Pennsylvanians while still delivering research-one credentials and strong regional placement.

Pros:

• Top-10 ranking with deep research funding
• Vast clinical access through the UPMC system
• Reasonable resident tuition near $22,000
• Recognized strength in acute and critical care

Cons:

• Pittsburgh winters and commute can be a factor
• Large program requires proactive students

Verdict: A research-strong value — excellent for students who want UPMC's clinical breadth without private-school cost.

8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Type: Public | Tuition: $9,000/yr resident, $37,000 non-resident | Best for: In-state students seeking elite quality at unbeatable cost

The UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing ranks among the national top 10 and offers one of the lowest in-state tuitions of any elite program at roughly $9,000/yr for residents. About 700 students train through UNC Health and partner hospitals across the Research Triangle.

NCLEX-RN pass rates run above 95%, and the school is strong in research and population health. For North Carolina residents, UNC delivers near-Ivy outcomes at a fraction of the price, with excellent statewide and regional placement.

Pros:

• Top-10 program with rock-bottom in-state tuition
• NCLEX-RN pass rates above 95%
• Strong UNC Health clinical partnerships
• Excellent regional placement and alumni base

Cons:

• In-state seats are intensely competitive
• Non-resident tuition erodes the value advantage

Verdict: The in-state bargain of the elite tier — almost unbeatable for North Carolina residents.

9. New York University

Type: Private | Tuition: $58,000/yr (program-based) | Best for: Students who want urban clinical variety and a global program

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing in Manhattan ranks in the national top 10 and offers unmatched access to one of the densest hospital markets in the world. With about 2,000 students, NYU partners with NYU Langone Health and numerous New York City systems, giving students exposure to high-acuity, diverse patient populations.

NCLEX-RN pass rates sit above 90%, and the school is known for its accelerated 15-month BSN and global health initiatives. Graduates place strongly across New York's large, well-paid nursing market.

Pros:

• Top-10 program in a world-leading hospital market
• Fast 15-month accelerated BSN option
• Diverse, high-acuity NYC clinical exposure
• Strong placement in a high-paying market

Cons:

• New York City cost of living is among the highest anywhere
• Large urban program can feel impersonal

Verdict: The big-city clinical powerhouse — ideal for students who want maximum hospital variety and pace.

10. University of California, Los Angeles

Type: Public | Tuition: $13,000/yr resident, $44,000 non-resident | Best for: West Coast students wanting a top public program

The UCLA School of Nursing rounds out the list as a top-15 nationally ranked public program with a strong research profile and excellent clinical resources through UCLA Health, a nationally top-ranked hospital system. With a smaller, selective enrollment, UCLA emphasizes research, advanced practice, and population health.

NCLEX-RN pass rates run above 93%, and California's large, high-paying health-care market rewards graduates with strong placement. Resident tuition near $13,000 keeps it accessible for Californians.

Pros:

• Top-15 program with strong research focus
• Clinical training through top-ranked UCLA Health
• Affordable resident tuition near $13,000
• Access to California's high-paying nursing market

Cons:

• Small, selective enrollment limits seats
• Non-resident tuition rises sharply

Verdict: A West Coast public standout — strong for California residents who want research and a great health system.

Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Nursing Program

• NCLEX-RN pass rate — The single most important outcome. Top programs post rates above 90%, and many exceed 95%. A low pass rate signals weak preparation no matter how famous the name.
• Clinical placements and hospital partnerships — Confirm the program trains at a strong academic health system; hands-on hours at high-acuity hospitals shape your skills more than lectures.
• Accreditation — Verify CCNE or ACEN accreditation; it is required for licensure eligibility and graduate study. This is non-negotiable.
• Cost vs. Outcomes — A strong public like UW or UNC can match private outcomes for a fraction of the price. Weigh tuition against starting salary and placement, not prestige alone.
• Program fit and track — Match the school to your goal: bedside BSN, accelerated entry, or advanced practice such as CRNA or nurse practitioner.
• Job placement and salary data — Ask for six-month placement rates and median starting pay, reported by the school's own outcomes office.

What matters less than marketing implies: glossy campus tours, the broad university ranking, and dorm amenities. Licensure pass rates, accreditation, clinical access, and total cost affect your career and wallet far more than the brochure.

FAQ

Which university has the best nursing program? The University of Pennsylvania (Penn Nursing) earns our top spot, holding the #1 U.S. News graduate ranking, a 100% recent NCLEX-RN pass rate, and elite clinical placements at a top-15 teaching hospital.

What is the best value nursing school? The University of Washington is our Best Value — frequently the #1-ranked public nursing school, it delivers top-5 national outcomes at resident tuition far below private peers, the best outcomes-per-dollar here.

Which nursing school is best for becoming a nurse anesthetist (CRNA)? Duke University is nationally celebrated for its nurse anesthesia program, and CRNA-track graduates are among the highest-paid advanced-practice nurses in the country.

Do I need to attend a top-10 school to become a nurse? No. Accreditation and a strong NCLEX pass rate matter more than rank. Many excellent, affordable programs prepare nurses well; the elite schools mainly help with research careers and advanced practice.

Which nursing schools are most affordable for the quality? Public flagships lead on value: UNC-Chapel Hill (about $9,000/yr in-state), UCLA (about $13,000/yr in-state), and Michigan (about $17,000/yr in-state) deliver elite outcomes at low resident cost.

How important is the NCLEX pass rate? It is the most important single metric. Passing the NCLEX-RN is required to practice, so a program's pass rate directly predicts your odds of becoming licensed and employed.

Bottom Line

For aspiring nurses, the University of Pennsylvania is our Best Overall — the #1-ranked program with a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate and elite clinical training, with high tuition the only caveat. The University of Washington is our Best Value, delivering top-5 national quality at a public-school price and the best outcomes-per-dollar on the list.

If your priority is CRNA training, in-state affordability, or big-city clinical variety, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Duke, UNC, Michigan, UCLA, NYU, or Emory. Choose on NCLEX pass rate, accreditation, clinical access, and total cost — not prestige alone — and you will start your career on solid ground.

Sources

• U.S. News — Best Nursing Schools rankings
• AACN — American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• NCES College Navigator
• Penn Nursing — outcomes and programs
• Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
• Duke University School of Nursing
• University of Washington School of Nursing
• UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing
• NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
• NCSBN — NCLEX pass-rate reports

*Nursing program review — best nursing schools, rankings, ratings, NCLEX pass rates, and a review of the top university nursing picks for students and families.*