Choosing the right nursing program is an exciting step toward a rewarding and meaningful career. At Remitly, we know how valuable it is to have clear, trustworthy information to guide your educational journey and choices.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to popular colleges for nursing majors, featuring programs known for their quality, support, and affordability. Start your research and confidently pursue your nursing goals.
What to look for in a nursing program
Here’s some helpful information to guide you in finding nursing programs that fit your goals and support your success.
NCLEX pass rates
All aspiring registered nurses (RNs) must pass a standardized exam called the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) to become licensed as RNs. A program’s NCLEX pass rate is one of the strongest indicators of how well it prepares students for real-world nursing.
Strong programs consistently have NCLEX pass rates above 85-90%. Typically, these schools offer strong support services, tutoring, and NCLEX prep courses.
Accredited BSN or ADN programs
Quality nursing programs are accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Most nursing programs display their accreditation status and accreditor logo on their program pages.
Accreditation means the program’s curriculum meets national standards. It’s also generally required for federal financial aid, some licensure pathways, and many jobs.
Nursing programs offer either BSN or ADN programs:
- A BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) takes about four years and offers more leadership roles and graduate school opportunities.
- An ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) takes about two years and is usually more affordable and accessible. Many community colleges offer ADNs, and they’re ideal if you have time or financial limitations.
Access to clinical sites and hospitals
Hands-on experience is a critical nursing education component. It provides real-world experience in different healthcare settings and clinical rotations—hands-on, supervised work experience with patients in real scenarios. These rotations are a requirement for licensure.
Good programs partner with reputable hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. When looking into schools, it’s important to find out how early students begin clinical, the kinds of healthcare settings in rotations (e.g., pediatrics, mental health, ER, geriatrics), and whether it’s necessary to have your own reliable form of transport.
If you study part-time, see if programs have flexible or weekend clinical placements.
Financial aid and support for underrepresented students
Nursing programs can differ greatly in cost, but a quality program without a hefty price tag is possible.
Many schools offer:
- Federal financial aid (FAFSA)
- Scholarships
- Work-study options
- Grants or tuition discounts for first-gen, low-income, or minority students
- Mentorships
- Academic coaching
- Child care services
- Loan forgiveness or tuition reimbursement if you agree to work in high-need areas after graduation
Top US colleges for nursing majors
These colleges, ranked among the top in the US, combine cutting-edge research, rigorous academics, and diverse clinical placements to prepare future nurses for thriving careers in the rapidly evolving healthcare field. The quick facts, specifically tuition, NCLEX pass rate and acceptance rate, are accurate at the time of writing and may be subject to change.
University of Pennsylvania (School of Nursing)
As the #1 nursing school in the world, Penn boasts exceptional clinical placements at top-tier hospitals, near-perfect graduation and job placement rates, and robust academic and mental health support. It’s also #1 in NIH research funding among all US nursing schools, providing students with opportunities to engage in high-impact, real-world healthcare research. State-of-the-art simulation labs, international opportunities, and small class sizes round out the experience.
Quick facts:
- Location and campus: Philadelphia, PA—urban campus
- Tuition: $68,686 USD/year
- Program length: 4-year BSN
- NCLEX pass rate: 95%
- Acceptance rate: 9%
Duke University
Duke combines prestigious training—including specialty rotations and one of the most advanced simulation centers in the country—with a commitment to diversity and student support. Despite being a large research university, students have a tight-knit, high-touch academic environment, as well as study abroad and international fieldwork opportunities.
Quick facts:
- Location and campus: Durham, NC—8,500-acre campus
- Tuition: $69,000 USD/year
- Program length: 4-year BSN or 16-Month ABSN (accelerated BSN)
- NCLEX pass rate: 98%
- Acceptance rate: 8%
University of Washington
As one of the best public nursing schools in the US, UW offers strong clinical partnerships in Seattle—a major healthcare hub—as well as flexible and accessible pathways like the 12-month ABSM. Students are encouraged to engage in research and innovation projects, and have plenty of opportunities to work on focused topics, including health disparities and addiction.
Quick facts:
- Location and campus: Seattle, WA—urban campus
- Tuition: In-state $13,000 USD/year, out-of-state $43,000 USD/year
- Program length: 4-year BSN or 12-month ABSN
- NCLEX pass rate: 91%
- Acceptance rate: 10%
University of Michigan
As part of a massive public research university, nursing students benefit from a myriad of interdisciplinary opportunities and cutting-edge nursing research. They complete rotations at Michigan Medicine, one of the top hospital systems in the US, and clinics span a wide range of specialties. UMich’s vibrant campus culture offers a close-knit academic community, Division I sports, and more than 1,700 student organizations.
Quick facts:
- Location and campus: Ann Arbor, MI—3,200-acre campus
- Tuition: In-state $18,800 USD/year, out-of-state $63,000 USD/year
- Program length: 4-year BSN
- NCLEX pass rates: 99%
- Acceptance rate: 26%
Affordable and accessible nursing programs
For students balancing budget and ambition, these schools provide an affordable and high-quality nursing education for diverse student populations.
University of Florida
The top BSN program in Florida has a rigorous curriculum with early exposure to clinical settings and a supportive faculty. It has a high graduation rate thanks to strong student support, including mentorship programs, tutoring, and scholarships. UF Nursing is also engaged in significant research on subjects like rural health and aging.
Quick facts:
- Location and campus: Gainesville, FL—2,000-acre campus
- Tuition: In-state $6,300 USD/year, out-of-state $28,600 USD/year
- Program length: 2-year BSN after 2 years of prerequisite coursework or 15-month ABSN for students with a previous bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field of study
- NCLEX pass rates: 98%
- Acceptance rate: 39%
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M offers respected faculty and effective student support. Numerous scholarships and financial aid options target populations, including underrepresented and first-generation students. Over 400 partner hospitals and healthcare facilities across Texas offer clinical rotations.
Quick facts:
- Location and campus: College Station, TX—5,200-acre campus
- Tuition: In-state $12,400 USD/year, out-of-state $40,000 USD/year
- Program length: 2-year BSN after 2 years of prerequisite coursework or 15-month ABSN for students with a previous bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field of study (at Round Rock campus)
- NCLEX pass rates: 98%
- Acceptance rate: 63%
California State University, Long Beach
Thanks to its very affordable tuition and high-quality education, CSULB’s nursing program is one of the best-value nursing programs in the country, and also the most competitive nursing program in the CSU system. The program gives students access to clinical placements in world-class healthcare in Los Angeles County and a highly accessible faculty.
Quick facts:
- Location and campus: Long Beach, CA—urban campus
- Tuition: In-state $7,300 USD/year, out-of-state $18,300 USD/year
- Program length: 5-semester BSN after four semesters of prerequisite courses
- NCLEX pass rates: 99%
- Acceptance rate: 7%
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
For North Carolina residents, UNC Charlotte is one of the most affordable paths to nursing. Charlotte is a growing healthcare hub, offering multiple clinical placements and post-graduation job opportunities in hospitals, community clinics, and specialty practices. As part of a research-intensive university, nursing students have access to interdisciplinary research projects and public health initiatives.
Quick facts:
- Location and campus: Charlotte, NC—urban 1,000-acre campus
- Tuition: In-state $7,000 USD/year, out-of-state $22,300 USD/year
- Program length: 2-year BSN after 2 years of prerequisite coursework or 12-month ABSN for students with a previous bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field of study
- NCLEX pass rates: 94%
- Acceptance rate: 20%
Community college and transfer pathways
For students looking for stability, strong job prospects, and meaningful work, nursing can often be one of the most accessible and rewarding careers.
If you have limited resources or need a more flexible plan of study, there are paths that allow you to pursue your dreams of advanced qualifications and higher earning potential while still managing your other responsibilities.
These programs are ideal for:
- Adult students or career changers juggling work and/or family
- First-generation students looking for low-cost and low-risk entry points
- Students who prefer smaller class sizes and local support during the first two years of college
- Immigrant students navigating the US education system for the first time
They’re flexible, affordable, and widely respected, so you can smartly build a long-term career in nursing.
ADN to RN to BSN pathways
An ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) is a two- to three-year program offered at most community colleges that prepares students to become nurses.
After completing their ADN, students take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam, become licensed Registered Nurses (RNs), and begin working in healthcare settings.
Once they’re settled in their career, many RNs enroll in an RN-to-BSN bridge program, allowing students to earn a BSN while working. Most RN-to-BSN bridge programs offer flexible formats, including online, part-time, or hybrid classes, to accommodate working nurses. They typically last 12–18 months.
Some of the best online RN-to-BSN bridge programs in the US are offered at the following universities:
- University of Florida
- Ohio State University
- University of Texas at Arlington
- Penn State World Campus
- Indiana University
2+2 programs
A 2+2 program is a transfer pathway where students complete the first two years of their nursing education at a community college, either earning an ADN or completing a specific university’s prerequisite course requirements. They then transfer to a partnering four-year university to finish the last two years of their BSN degree.
These programs usually have articulation agreements that ensure credits transfer smoothly, meaning you’ll save money and time while earning your bachelor’s degree.
Some of the strongest 2+2 nursing programs can be found at the following universities:
- University of California, Los Angeles
- California State University, Long Beach
- Ohio State University
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Washington
While some 2+2 programs are only available to residents of that university’s state, some public universities accept out-of-state applicants. Still, these applicants may face higher tuition and more competitive admissions.
Final thoughts
Finding the nursing program that’s right for you is a crucial step toward a successful and fulfilling career in healthcare. Whether you’re starting at a community college or aiming for a top-ranked university, the options are plentiful and designed to fit diverse goals and lifestyles. With the right information, you can confidently take the next step toward becoming an RN.
FAQs
What’s the difference between an RN, a BSN, and an ADN?
An RN is a license you earn by passing the NCLEX exam after completing a nursing program. An ADN is a two or three-year associate degree, usually earned at a community college, while a BSN is a four-year degree offering more career options and leadership roles. Choose an ADN for faster workforce entry, or BSN if you have more time and want more advancement opportunities.
Can I work while I’m in nursing school?
It depends on what kind of program you’re in. Full-time nursing programs, particularly traditional and accelerated BSNs, can be demanding, making it hard to work even part-time. However, many ADN, RN-to-BSN, and online programs offer more flexible schedules for students who need to work.
Do I need a car for clinical placements?
Some clinical rotations are off-campus and may require reliable transportation, like a car. Urban programs are more likely to have clinical sites accessible on foot or by public transit, while rural or suburban schools might expect you to be able to drive. Check clinical site locations and transportation options when researching universities.
Will my credits transfer if I move or change schools?
Credit transfer depends on agreements between the two schools and their accreditations. Accredited programs with clear transfer pathways increase your chances of transfer viability. Consult your academic advisor early to understand transfer policies and avoid losing credits.