Future-Ready Nurses: Explore the Best Nursing Schools in the US

Is providing support and care to people in a good, reputed hospital what you dream about? The significance of a well-trained and skilled nurse cannot be overstated. To step into the realm of healthcare, a person needs to start their journey by learning from a well-renowned educational institution. With a multitude of options available, it can be hard to choose where to pursue your nursing. But, if the US tops your list, then we are here to take you through some of the best nursing schools in the US, known for their cutting-edge research and compassionate care. Let’s get started!

Aspiring Nurses Handbook: Best Schools in the US Edition

The US offers some of the best nursing schools in the US. The demand for exceptional healthcare professionals in the country is perennially high. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth rate for registered nurses through 2031 is 6%, as fast as the overall average for all occupations. And the estimated growth rate for nurse practitioners is 40%. The best nursing schools in the US are not only known for their excellent education but also their efforts to innovate, cultivate, and foster a holistic understanding of patient care. Let’s look at some of the nursing colleges in the US.

1. New York University

QS World University Ranking: #38
Location: 50 West 4th Street, New York, NY, 10012
Acceptance Rate: 59%
Course Fee: $1,392 per year

New York University (NYU) is the first university on our list of the best nursing colleges in the US. Established in 1932, NYU has been producing lifelong learners and excellent nurses over the years. It is the second-largest private university college of nursing in the US that offers innovative and exemplary healthcare education to its students. NYU’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing provides top nursing courses in US, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Students looking for a PhD can pursue the same at NYU, one of the top US nursing schools.

2. University of Illinois

QS World University Ranking: #323
Location: 1200 West Harrison St., Chicago, Illinois, 60607
Acceptance Rate: 78.8%
Course Fee: $10, 277 per year

The foundation of nursing education at the University of Illinois, one of the best nursing schools in the US, goes back to 1873. The early 1940s was the time when the university began to offer nursing courses. In 1949, the Affiliate Collegiate program was established between the University of Illinois and four hospital schools of nursing in central Illinois. Here, you will get hands-on learning from the country’s best nursing leaders.

3. UCLA

QS World University Ranking: #29
Location: Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Course Fee: $12,522 per year

Established in 1919, the University of California (UCLA) offers one of the best nursing programs in the US. The university’s School of Nursing has around 605 students, including 201 undergraduates, 404 graduates, and 36 faculty members. UCLA has been ranked #16 in the Nursing program by the U.S. News and World Report. Pursuing a nursing degree from UCLA, one of the top nursing schools in the US, will give you good exposure, practical learning, and a chance to connect with industry experts. If you’re aiming for UCLA, you can learn more about UCLA acceptance rate and tips to get in.

4. Cedarville University

QS World University Ranking: #501
Location: 251 N Main St, Cedarville, OH 45314, USA
Acceptance Rate: 62.2%
Course Fee: $27,880 per year

One of the best US nursing schools, Cedarville University, was founded in 1887. What started with just 255 students grew to more than 3,000 students in 2003. Cedarville got university status in 2002. The university has one of the best nursing programs in the US, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The nursing course offered here not only focuses on physical care but also tends to the patient’s spiritual care.

5. Auburn University

QS World University Ranking: #801
Location: Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Acceptance Rate: 44%
Course Fee: $1,338 per credit hour

Next on our list of one of the top US nursing schools is Auburn University, founded in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College. The university offers masters, postmasters, and doctoral degrees in nursing. What makes Auburn one of the best nursing schools in the US is its focus on advanced speciality practice, evidence-based knowledge, and developing innovative and practical healthcare solutions.

6. Ohio State University

QS World University Ranking: #151
Location: 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Course Fee: $122 per credit hour

Bringing together expertise, ideas, and resources for the betterment of communities locally and globally - that’s Ohio State University, one of the top rated nursing schools in US, for you. With six campuses across the state, the university is known for its excellent education. The university definitely offers one of the best nursing programs in the US. If you pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you will get a lot of learning opportunities to lead, innovate, execute, evidence-based and wellness-focused.

7. Duke University

QS World University Ranking: #57
Location: 2127 Campus Drive, Durham, NC 27708
Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
Course Fee: $14,525 per semester

Duke University is also one of the best US nursing schools, established in 1838. It was in 1851 when Duke was chartered as a teaching college named Normal College by the state of North Carolina. This best nursing university in USA provides world-class nursing education with a focus on enhancing practical skills and delivering exceptional patient care. If aiming for Duke, increase your chances of getting into it by learning more about its acceptance rate.

8. University of Pennsylvania

QS World University Ranking: #12
Location: 535 Market Street, Suite 850. Philadelphia, PA 19104
Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
Course Fee: $58,620 per year

Next on our list of the best nursing schools in the US is the University of Pennsylvania, which got its Training School for Nurses in 1886. Studying nursing at Penn University means you can join the ranks of experts and professionals in the nursing world. What else do you get by studying in this best nursing university in USA? You get access to a world-class curriculum that combines the scientific basis for healthcare with exceptional clinical experience. Pursuing nursing from Penn University, one of the best nursing schools in the US, will open doors of opportunities for you in the healthcare industry.

9. John Hopkins University

QS World University Ranking: #28
Location: Mason Hall / 3400 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21218
Acceptance Rate: 7.5%
Course Fee: $45,816 per year

A world leader in teaching and research, John Hopkins University is one of the best colleges for nursing in the US. John Hopkins has been bringing breakthrough discoveries to the world for the past 145 years. Why Study Nursing at John Hopkins? This best nursing university in USA churns out great nursing graduates every year who go on to make their mark in the healthcare realm. The institution is known for its world-class education, research, and hands-on healing.

10. University of North Carolina

QS World University Ranking: #132
Location: Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Acceptance Rate: 20.4%
Course Fee: $32,255 per year

Nestled in the beautiful town of Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina (UNC) is one of the best nursing schools in the US. The university first opened its doors in 1795, and ever since then, it has been preparing students to be great innovators, creators, and explorers. UNC offers one of the best nursing programs in the US, with a keen focus on innovation and scientific research.

11. Yale University

QS World University Ranking: #16
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
Acceptance Rate: 5.3%
Course Fee: $32,536 per year

Featuring beautiful research libraries, global art collections, and lab spaces, Yale University has one of the most mesmerizing urban campuses. The university has been attracting students from across the world since its inception in 1701. Being one of the top nursing schools in the US, pursuing your nursing from Yale would be the best decision you will make for yourself. Get access to a world-class curriculum with a focus on practical approaches and the study of high-quality clinical services.

12. Columbia University

QS World University Ranking: #23
Location: 630 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032
Acceptance Rate: 4.1%
Course Fee: #95,964

Situated in the bustling city of New York, Columbia University is also one of the best nursing schools in the US. Students studying at Columbia get a distinctive learning environment in all fields of study, including nursing. The Columbia Nursing School is focused on fostering real-world clinical practices, developing new knowledge, and bettering existing healthcare policies. If you’re thinking of pursuing nursing from the best nursing university in USA, then be prepared to become expert nurses and researchers who can go on to improve healthcare for individuals and communities alike.

13. Emory University

QS World University Ranking: #166
Location: 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Acceptance Rate: 13.1%
Course Fee: $29,960 per semester

One of the best schools for nursing in the US, Emory University is known for its breakthrough research and innovation. The university’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing offers its students a chance to experience real-world healthcare through its hands-on approach to studying nursing. Emory University will make you a leader in your domain, where you can make an actual difference for your patients every day.

14. Seattle University

QS World University Ranking: #1201
Location: 901 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
Acceptance Rate: 82.1%
Course Fee: $53,235 per year

Next on our list of one of the best nursing colleges in the US is Seattle University, established in 1891. Nestled in the heart of Seattle on a beautiful campus of over 50 acres, the university is home to more than 7,200 students from across the globe. What will you get at Seattle University nursing school? A rigorous curriculum and access to hands-on skills in the university’s clinical performance lab. You will get all the essential resources and tools to help you get the best of all that you are learning at one of the best nursing schools in the US.  

15. University of Washington

QS World University Ranking: #63
Location: 1410 NE Campus Pkwy, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Acceptance Rate: 53.5%
Course Fee: $13,999 per quarter

Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the best nursing colleges in the US. The university attracts over 60,000 students every year to pursue a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The university provides one of the best nursing programs in the US by collaborating the efforts of both students and faculty to deliver better healthcare locally and globally.