Choosing the best nursing school can be one of the most important decisions future nurses make. Factors like admission requirements, financial aid, specialties, and geographical influence can play important roles in the decision. This guide focuses on providing insights into the top 10 nursing schools in the U.S. so that future nurses can make informed decisions on where they want to start their careers.
Table of Contents
Admission Requirements and Application Process
Admission requirements can vary, but in general, you’ll need to meet the following requirements to attend a top 10 nursing school in the United States:
- Academic achievement: Most programs require a high GPA (usually between 3.0 or higher), and competitive programs like Johns Hopkins or Penn will usually expect GPAs around 3.5 or higher.
- Prerequisites: Science courses like biology, anatomy, and chemistry are usually required, as well as humanities and statistics courses.
- Experience and recommendations: Some programs, like Duke University’s School of Nursing, value seeing things like volunteer or work experience in healthcare and require two to three letters of recommendation.
- Essays and Interviews: Most schools expect personal statements from applicants that highlight career goals and their reasoning for wanting to join the profession. Schools like the University of Washington also conduct interviews as part of the selection process.
Tips for success: To make your application stand out, highlight any unique healthcare experiences you have, like certifications or volunteer work, and include a strong personal statement that reflects your commitment to nursing.
Scholarship and Financial Aid Options
Financial aid and scholarships are important items to consider for nursing students. Here’s some general information about scholarships at some of the top nursing schools in the U.S.:
- University of Pennsylvania: Offers need-based scholarships, merit-based aid, and grants like the Benjamin Franklin Scholars program.
- Johns Hopkins University: Provides extensive aid through grants, loans, and scholarships like the Johns Hopkins Nursing Alumni Scholarship.
- University of Michigan: In-state students benefit from lower tuition, with scholarships available to students based on academic achievement and public health commitment, like the Michigan Competitive Scholarship.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Offers both need-based aid and departmental scholarships, especially for people who live in North Carolina like the North Carolina Nurse Scholarship.
- Columbia University: Provides a variety of merit-based scholarships for nursing students, including additional support for underrepresented groups in healthcare.
The financial aid opportunities can vary in availability and amounts offered. It’s best to double-check what the school has available before you make your final decision.
Program Specialties
- University of Washington is known for its Public Health Nursing specialty which offers students experience in community health and underserved areas.
- Johns Hopkins University offers specialties in pediatric nursing, critical care, and a strong emphasis on nurse anesthetist training.
- Rush University is one of the best in the country in adult gerontology and psychiatric mental health nursing programs. They blend their advanced research with clinical experience so nurses can learn information in different ways.
- The University of Pittsburgh offers a prestigious Nurse Anesthesia program alongside a strong family and adult-gerontology nurse practitioner program.
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is known for neonatal and family nurse practitioners (FNP) programs, UCSF integrates research with community practice.
Students can select from diverse specialties based on their career goals, whether you aim for roles in acute care, mental health, or primary care.
Top 10 Nursing Schools
| School | Location | Tuition (Approx.) | NCLEX Pass Rate | Notable Programs/Specialties |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | $53,000/year | 95% | Nurse Anesthesia, Family NP |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | $60,000/year | 96% | Geriatric NP, Pediatric NP |
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | $56,500/year | 97% | Pediatric, Nurse Midwifery |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | $25,000/year (in-state) | 96% | Global Health, Nursing Informatics |
| University of North Carolina | Chapel Hill, NC | $9,000/year (in-state) | 94% | Family NP, Acute Care NP |
| Rush University | Chicago, IL | $42,000/year | 97% | Adult-Gerontology, Psych-Mental Health |
| University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA | $20,000/year | 90% | CRNA, Adult-Gerontology NP |
| Emory University | Atlanta, GA | $52,000/year | 95% | Midwifery, Pediatric Acute Care |
| Columbia University | New York, NY | $65,000/year | 95% | Nursing Education, Psych-Mental Health |
| University of California, SF | San Francisco, CA | $13,000/year (in-state) | 93% | Family NP, Neonatal NP |
What is there to do near the colleges?
College towns usually have a lot happening in surrounding areas, here are some of the things that are unique to each campus region:
Duke University (Durham, NC)
Durham offers a blend of history, art, and food. Visit the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or catch a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center. History buffs will enjoy the American Tobacco Historic District, and foodies can explore award-winning restaurants downtown.
University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
Philadelphia is rich in history and culture. Explore the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, or wander through the Philadelphia Museum of Art (home of the Rocky Steps). The vibrant Reading Terminal Market is a must-visit if you’re a foodie.
Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
Baltimore has a lot of unique attractions like the Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, and Fort McHenry. Arts enthusiasts will love the Baltimore Museum of Art, while food lovers can enjoy Maryland’s famous crab cakes.
Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
Atlanta offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. Visit the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Garden, or take a stroll in Piedmont Park. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is a must-see for history enthusiasts.
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
San Francisco includes landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Spend a day exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, or visit the bustling streets of Chinatown. UCSF students can also enjoy nearby beaches and hiking trails.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
Chapel Hill offers a small-town charm with cultural richness. Stroll through Franklin Street for shops and dining, or visit the Ackland Art Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Coker Arboretum or nearby Jordan Lake.
Columbia University (New York, NY)
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Columbia offers access to iconic landmarks like Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Broadway shows. Students can also explore diverse neighborhoods like Harlem and the Upper West Side.
University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
Seattle’s highlights include the iconic Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Nature lovers can enjoy nearby Mount Rainier National Park or kayaking in Lake Washington.
University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
Ann Arbor is a vibrant college town with diverse attractions. Visit the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, or catch a game at Michigan Stadium. The city also boasts a thriving arts and food scene.
New York University (NYU) (New York, NY)
Situated in Greenwich Village, NYU students are steps away from Washington Square Park and iconic attractions like SoHo and Union Square. The surrounding area is full
of live music venues, art galleries, and world-class dining options.
Location Matters
Besides the obvious reasons location would matter like how close the school is to home, the location of the college you choose can influence the types of environments you’ll work in after school. For example:
- The University of Kansas graduates tend to stay in the Midwest where they help address healthcare shortages in rural and urban areas.
- The University of Michigan focuses on public health and Michigan nurses contribute to state and national healthcare.
Local connections provide students with clinical experience while encouraging them to remain in their respective regions, which strengthens healthcare in underserved areas.
