America’s Best Nursing Schools 2019 + Online Programs

Our mission at NurseJournal.org is to create a social community for nurses around the world in which to educate, inform and share. As part of that mission, we set out to find the best nursing schools in each region of the United States and share that information with you, our community.

To determine our rankings, we evaluated 1,189 schools and selected 20 metrics, sorting them into five categories: quality, affordability, convenience, satisfaction, and value. Click here to see a breakdown of our methodology for calculating the scores. See our Disclosure below.

Here are NurseJournal.org’s Best Nursing Schools® in the Eastern Region.

NurseJournal.org Rank	School/Location	Type	Quality Score	Affordability Score	Convenience Score	Satisfaction Score	Value Score	Overall Score
1	Augusta University Augusta, GA	4-year+ school	25.26	30.09	20.00	14.23	20.00	109.59
2	Fayetteville State University Fayetteville, NC	4-year+ school	26.60	29.86	25.00	13.97	13.99	109.42
3	Pearl River Community College Poplarville, MS	Community/Jr College	22.96	31.64	20.00	13.10	20.00	107.69
4	University of Florida Gainesville, FL	4-year+ school	28.39	28.46	25.00	17.73	8.04	107.62
5	University of South Florida-Main Campus Tampa, FL	4-year+ school	27.83	27.50	25.00	16.82	7.53	104.67
6	Mississippi University for Women Columbus, MS	4-year+ school	26.85	28.46	25.00	15.79	8.47	104.57
7	University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC	4-year+ school	26.70	27.74	25.00	15.67	9.03	104.14
8	Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem, NC	4-year+ school	25.70	28.67	25.00	14.65	9.92	103.94
9	Arkansas State University-Main Campus Jonesboro, AR	4-year+ school	25.73	28.49	25.00	15.16	9.21	103.59
10	CUNY Lehman College Bronx, NY	4-year+ school	24.08	29.42	20.00	15.50	14.40	103.40
11	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC	4-year+ school	29.00	27.69	25.00	14.10	6.95	102.74
12	Arkansas Tech University Russellville, AR	4-year+ school	25.13	29.51	25.00	14.58	8.47	102.70
13	North Carolina Central University Durham, NC	4-year+ school	26.00	28.76	25.00	14.24	8.59	102.59
14	Essex County College Newark, NY	Community/Jr College	19.70	30.05	20.00	12.83	20.00	102.58
15	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN	4-year+ school	26.40	27.63	25.00	14.45	8.88	102.36
16	University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, MS	4-year+ school	24.68	24.50	25.00	7.53	20.00	101.72
17	University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, LA	4-year+ school	26.31	28.92	20.00	14.46	11.55	101.24
18	University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LA	4-year+ school	26.94	28.39	20.00	15.13	10.45	100.90
19	Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing Richmond, VA	4-year+ school	23.00	29.89	15.00	12.81	20.00	100.70
20	Nicholls State University Thibodaux, LA	4-year+ school	25.25	28.08	25.00	14.45	7.79	100.57
21	Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee, FL	4-year+ school	23.45	28.60	25.00	16.00	7.30	100.35
22	College of Staten Island CUNY Staten Island, NY	4-year+ school	21.81	28.66	25.00	15.10	9.69	100.26
23	West Virginia University Morgantown, WV	4-year+ school	27.85	28.27	20.00	15.63	8.42	100.17
24	University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS	4-year+ school	26.58	26.54	25.00	14.97	6.86	99.94
25	Florida International University Miami, FL	4-year+ school	25.81	25.69	25.00	16.10	7.29	99.90
26	Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL	4-year+ school	25.95	27.64	25.00	15.21	6.08	99.88
27	University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR	4-year+ school	25.25	27.15	25.00	14.01	8.45	99.85
28	The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL	4-year+ school	27.77	25.75	25.00	16.97	4.34	99.83
29	Appalachian State University Boone, NC	4-year+ school	27.25	27.48	20.00	16.66	8.11	99.50
30	Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KY	4-year+ school	25.70	25.36	25.00	14.28	9.15	99.49
31	The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, TN	4-year+ school	26.30	29.28	20.00	14.60	9.16	99.34
32	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN	4-year+ school	25.00	28.81	25.00	14.19	6.28	99.28
33	Wayne Community College Goldsboro, NC	Community/Jr College	22.20	32.45	20.00	12.25	12.35	99.24
34	Fairmont State University Fairmont, WV	4-year+ school	23.79	29.06	25.00	13.31	7.95	99.11
35	University of Memphis Memphis, TN	4-year+ school	26.05	25.99	25.00	15.21	6.86	99.11
36	Troy University Troy, AL	4-year+ school	26.43	24.46	25.00	15.09	8.04	99.02
37	Dalton State College Dalton, GA	4-year+ school	13.70	30.67	20.00	14.46	20.00	98.83
38	The University of West Florida Pensacola, FL	4-year+ school	25.31	26.81	25.00	14.55	6.97	98.63
39	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA	4-year+ school	26.59	25.05	25.00	15.23	6.56	98.43
40	University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, NC	4-year+ school	28.15	26.76	20.00	16.51	6.84	98.26
41	University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC	4-year+ school	26.45	28.09	20.00	15.07	8.64	98.25
42	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA	4-year+ school	25.94	26.13	25.00	15.86	5.24	98.18
43	Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL	4-year+ school	26.77	24.38	25.00	15.50	6.22	97.87
44	University of South Alabama Mobile, AL	4-year+ school	24.71	26.16	25.00	14.51	7.45	97.83
45	Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, LA	4-year+ school	25.98	28.54	20.00	13.98	9.31	97.81
46	Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA	4-year+ school	26.12	24.51	25.00	15.49	6.62	97.74
47	East Carolina University Greenville, NC	4-year+ school	27.40	27.16	20.00	16.07	7.02	97.65
48	Coppin State University Baltimore, MD	4-year+ school	22.41	28.77	25.00	12.82	8.56	97.56
49	Armstrong State University Savannah, GA	4-year+ school	24.96	27.67	25.00	14.04	5.88	97.54
50	Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC	4-year+ school	27.55	27.47	20.00	15.55	6.91	97.48
51	University of Central Arkansas Conway, AR	4-year+ school	25.13	28.75	20.00	14.75	8.85	97.48
52	Albany Technical College Albany, GA	Community/Jr College	19.05	32.69	20.00	5.50	20.00	97.24
53	Gordon State College Barnesville, GA	4-year+ school	23.21	29.44	20.00	17.63	6.91	97.19
54	Clemson University Clemson, SC	4-year+ school	28.44	26.09	20.00	17.19	5.41	97.13
55	University of Delaware Newark, DE	4-year+ school	27.66	26.38	20.00	17.03	6.01	97.08
56	University of Maryland-Baltimore Baltimore, MD	4-year+ school	23.93	25.99	20.00	7.11	20.00	97.04
57	Yale University New Haven, CT	4-year+ school	29.30	22.67	20.00	18.03	6.96	96.96
58	Erie Community College Buffalo, NY	Community/Jr College	22.75	29.85	20.00	12.89	11.11	96.60
59	Albany State University Albany, GA	4-year+ school	24.85	27.02	25.00	14.28	5.44	96.59
60	Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA	4-year+ school	25.19	26.36	25.00	14.36	5.61	96.53
61	South Georgia Technical College Americus, GA	Community/Jr College	17.42	32.71	20.00	14.36	12.01	96.51
62	Clayton State University Morrow, GA	4-year+ school	23.56	27.00	25.00	14.50	6.17	96.23
63	Walters State Community College Morristown, TN	Community/Jr College	21.05	30.80	20.00	13.15	11.19	96.19
64	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD	4-year+ school	28.75	18.31	25.00	17.52	6.61	96.19
65	Indian River State College Fort Pierce, FL	4-year+ school	23.51	30.05	15.00	7.54	20.00	96.11
66	Southwest Tennessee Community College Memphis, TN	Community/Jr College	21.40	31.86	20.00	12.10	10.74	96.10
67	Sentara College of Health Sciences Chesapeake, VA	4-year+ school	26.22	28.02	15.00	6.81	20.00	96.05
68	University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock, AR	4-year+ school	24.47	24.76	20.00	6.79	20.00	96.02
69	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, GA	4-year+ school	24.97	28.53	20.00	15.63	6.87	95.99
70	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR	4-year+ school	26.32	26.64	20.00	16.16	6.86	95.98
71	County College of Morris Randolph, NJ	Community/Jr College	21.28	29.19	20.00	14.55	10.95	95.97
72	Rutgers University-Newark Newark, NJ	4-year+ school	27.05	24.35	20.00	14.74	9.82	95.96
73	Snead State Community College Boaz, AL	Community/Jr College	21.76	31.71	20.00	13.45	8.82	95.73
74	Jefferson Community College Watertown, NY	Community/Jr College	23.25	29.98	20.00	12.96	9.52	95.71
75	Northwest Mississippi Community College Senatobia, MS	Community/Jr College	22.30	31.39	20.00	12.75	9.26	95.70
76	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN	4-year+ school	26.45	27.45	20.00	14.51	7.15	95.56
77	University of North Alabama Florence, AL	4-year+ school	23.78	25.17	25.00	14.93	6.65	95.53
78	Raritan Valley Community College Branchburg, NJ	Community/Jr College	21.02	28.63	20.00	15.15	10.73	95.52
79	Harford Community College Bel Air, MD	Community/Jr College	21.40	29.63	20.00	14.14	10.32	95.49
80	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA	4-year+ school	27.35	22.07	25.00	16.71	4.33	95.45
81	CUNY Queensborough Community College Bayside, NY	Community/Jr College	22.04	29.45	20.00	14.46	9.32	95.27
82	Henderson State University Arkadelphia, AR	4-year+ school	24.89	29.87	20.00	12.60	7.79	95.14
83	Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Salisbury, NC	Community/Jr College	22.90	31.68	20.00	12.26	8.23	95.07
84	University of Central Florida Orlando, FL	4-year+ school	28.14	24.68	20.00	16.53	5.63	94.98
85	Carroll Community College Westminster, MD	Community/Jr College	21.95	29.65	20.00	14.63	8.75	94.97
86	James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA	4-year+ school	28.45	22.93	20.00	17.51	6.02	94.91
87	Mountain Empire Community College Big Stone Gap, VA	Community/Jr College	21.61	31.62	20.00	13.44	8.20	94.86
88	Mississippi College Clinton, MS	4-year+ school	26.99	23.21	25.00	14.38	5.27	94.85
89	Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA	4-year+ school	26.93	21.61	25.00	16.36	4.94	94.83
90	George C Wallace State Community College-Dothan Dothan, AL	Community/Jr College	21.03	31.45	10.00	13.39	18.94	94.81
91	University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Durham, NH	4-year+ school	27.67	21.13	25.00	16.48	4.50	94.78
92	Tallahassee Community College Tallahassee, FL	Community/Jr College	22.67	30.04	20.00	13.61	8.41	94.73
93	Georgia State University Atlanta, GA	4-year+ school	27.07	24.34	20.00	15.73	7.53	94.67
94	Auburn University Auburn University, AL	4-year+ school	27.02	25.07	20.00	17.19	5.38	94.67
95	University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA	4-year+ school	28.10	18.68	25.00	17.76	5.10	94.64
96	University of Louisville Louisville, KY	4-year+ school	26.55	25.85	20.00	15.56	6.64	94.59
97	University of Kentucky Lexington, KY	4-year+ school	27.90	24.96	20.00	16.07	5.61	94.54
98	University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY	4-year+ school	26.60	25.16	20.00	16.42	6.28	94.46
99	Worcester State University Worcester, MA	4-year+ school	26.25	22.40	25.00	15.10	5.49	94.24
100	Morgan State University Baltimore, MD	4-year+ school	20.89	27.92	25.00	14.16	6.22	94.18

There are other things to consider when choosing a nursing school, of course things that can’t be measured and ranked. You might want to attend school close to home, for example or far, far away. If you will be attending classes on-campus, a visit ahead of time is an absolute must. Consider these rankings a jumping-off point and combine them with your own requirements to determine which nursing school will be best for you.

Methodology

Our mission at NurseJournal.org is to create a social community for nurses around the world in which to educate, inform and share. There is no question that the field of nursing is one of the most exciting, rewarding, and in demand professions in America today. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment for all registered nursing will grow over 30% in the next decade, which is faster than average when compared to other occupations.

We set out to find the all-around best nursing schools in each region of the United States. To do this, we sat down with our community members to talk about what we think makes a good nursing school. We took 19 metrics and put them into five categories that we felt were both quantifiable (at least to a degree) and important: quality, affordability, convenience, satisfaction, and value.

Here is what went into determining our scores for each of these areas:

Quality (30 total points)

NCLEX Pass Rate (10 points): It’s extremely important that nursing program graduates are prepared to pass the test that will allow them to be licensed, so we gave NCLEX pass rates double the weight of any other metric in the quality category.
Institutional Accreditation (5 points): Most institutions are accredited, but there are a few that aren’t. Institutional accreditation is a long-accepted indicator of quality among institutions of higher learning.
Nursing Program Accreditation (5 points): We awarded extra points if the nursing program itself was accredited.
Highest Award (5 points): Generally, a school that offers high-level degrees is a better quality school. We awarded points based on the highest award level offered at each school as follows: 1 point for certificate, 2 points for Associate’s, 3 points for Bachelor’s, 4 points for Master’s, and 5 points for Doctorate.
Graduation Rate (5 points): We used the percentage of full-time, first-time students who graduated or transferred to another school within 150% of the normal time for completing their programs.
Quality Penalty: The Board of Nursing in each state publishes a list of schools that are on conditional status for failure to meet the minimum standards set by the Board. Because we consider this to be a very serious issue, we have applied a quality penalty to any school with this status.

Affordability (35 total points)

Tuition and Fees (5 points): The cost of tuition and fees ranges from less than $1000 to well over $20,000 per year. This is a huge consideration for many students.

Financial Aid Percent (5 points): We awarded more points to schools where a higher percentage of students receive financial aid.

Percent of Tuition and Fees Received as Aid (10 points): It is much more helpful to receive $5,000 in aid when your tuition bill is $6,000 than when it is $20,000, so we calculated the percentage of tuition that was covered by the average financial aid award (not including loans) and assigned points based on that percentage.

Student Loans (5 points): Too many students are graduating from college with too much student loan debt. We think it would be better for everyone to have a clean slate financially when they get out of school, so we gave more points to schools with lower average student loans.

Net price (10 points): This figure takes cost of living into account as well as tuition, fees, and financial aid. We gave more points to schools with a lower net price.

Convenience (25 total points)

Distance education options undergraduate (5 points): Since many students work while attending school, distance learning options make it more convenient for them to get the education they need. We awarded 5 points to schools that have online options for undergraduates.

Distance education options graduate (5 points): We awarded 5 points to schools that have online options for graduates.

Weekend/evening classes available (5 points): We awarded 5 points to schools that offer evening or weekend classes.

Online or hybrid nursing program? (10 points): We awarded 10 points to schools that offer an online or hybrid nursing program.

Satisfaction (20 total points)

1st- to 2nd-year Retention Rate (10 points): Since unhappy students are more likely to transfer to another school after the first year, we awarded up to 10 points based on the 1st- to 2nd-year retention rate.

RateMyProfessor, Overall (5 points): We awarded up to 5 points for the overall rating on RateMyProfessor.com.

RateMyProfessor, Professor Average (5 points): We also awarded up to 5 points for the average professor rating.

Value (20 total points)

Salary vs. Cost (20 points): To determine which schools provide the best value, we compared the highest salary for each school to the net price and awarded up to 10 points for schools with a higher payoff for the cost. Where salary information was not available, we used the median weekly earnings in the US for the highest degree level offered at the school.

Total: 130 points

Most of the data used to determine our rankings came from the Institute of Education Sciences. We also gathered data from Rate My Professors, PayScale, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state Boards of Nursing, and individual school websites.

Of course, there is only so much you can determine from facts and figures alone. Once you have narrowed down your options, ask around and try to talk to a few people who have attended each of the schools you are considering. Then schedule a campus visit to get a feel for what it’s really like.

Disclosure:

We strive to provide information on this website that is accurate, complete and timely, but we make no guarantees about the information, the selection of schools, school accreditation status, the availability of or eligibility for financial aid, employment opportunities or education or salary outcomes.

Our mission at NurseJournal.org is to create a social community for nurses around the world in which to educate, inform and share. We set out to find the all-around top nursing schools in each region of the United States. To do this, we sat down with our community members to talk about what we think makes a top nursing school.

So what makes a good nursing school? Good teachers? Low tuition rates? Flexible class schedules? We believe that a good nursing school provides a quality education at a reasonable cost and offers educational options that make it easier for today’s busy students to attend.

To determine our rankings, we evaluated 509 online nursing schools and selected 20 metrics, sorting them into five categories: quality, affordability, convenience, satisfaction, and value. Click here to see a breakdown of our methodology for calculating the scores. See our Disclosure below.

Here are NurseJournal.org’s Best Nursing Schools® Online.

RANK	STATE	ONLINE NURSING SCHOOL	TYPE	QUALITY	AFFORD	CONV	SATIS	VALUE	TOTAL
1	CA	California State University-Dominguez Hills	4-year+	22.12	32.13	25.00	15.47	17.61	112.33
2	CA	California State University-Fresno	4-year+	25.59	30.29	25.00	15.83	13.52	110.23
3	MS	Mississippi University for Women	4-year+	27.05	28.15	20.00	14.39	20.00	109.59
4	CA	San Jose State University	4-year+	25.06	28.41	25.00	16.14	13.60	108.21
5	FL	University of Florida	4-year+	28.39	28.46	25.00	17.73	8.04	107.62
6	AK	University of Alaska Anchorage	4-year+	25.25	30.56	25.00	14.01	11.68	106.50
7	NY	CUNY School of Professional Studies	4-year+	25.87	28.33	25.00	15.58	11.00	105.78
8	WV	West Virginia University	4-year+	27.85	28.27	25.00	15.63	8.42	105.17
9	CA	California State University-Stanislaus	4-year+	27.02	30.66	20.00	16.11	11.24	105.03
10	CA	California State University-Chico	4-year+	25.96	28.11	25.00	16.52	9.41	105.00
11	TX	University of Texas-El Paso	4-year+	25.80	27.90	25.00	14.27	11.88	104.85
12	ID	Brigham Young University-Idaho	4-year+	28.56	27.60	20.00	16.96	11.35	104.47
13	NC	Fayetteville State University	4-year+	26.60	29.86	20.00	13.97	13.99	104.42
14	NC	University of North Carolina at Charlotte	4-year+	26.70	27.74	25.00	15.67	9.03	104.14
15	NC	Winston-Salem State University	4-year+	25.70	28.67	25.00	14.65	9.92	103.94
16	AR	Arkansas State University	4-year+	25.73	28.49	25.00	15.16	9.21	103.59
17	NY	CUNY Lehman College	4-year+	24.08	29.42	20.00	15.50	14.40	103.40
18	NV	University of Nevada at Las Vegas	4-year+	26.47	27.09	25.00	15.12	9.63	103.31
19	NC	University of North Carolina at Wilmington	4-year+	28.15	26.76	25.00	16.51	6.84	103.26
20	NC	University of North Carolina at Greensboro	4-year+	26.45	28.09	25.00	15.07	8.64	103.25
21	NE	University of Nebraska Medical Center	4-year+	28.80	27.85	25.00	15.01	6.07	102.73
22	MT	Montana State University-Bozeman	4-year+	26.56	26.90	25.00	15.11	9.15	102.72
23	NV	University of Nevada - Reno	4-year+	27.02	26.16	25.00	15.88	8.49	102.55
24	TX	University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley	4-year+	18.25	28.90	25.00	15.15	15.13	102.43
25	DE	University of Delaware	4-year+	27.66	26.38	25.00	17.03	6.01	102.08
26	MD	University of Maryland-Baltimore	4-year+	23.93	25.99	25.00	7.11	20.00	102.03
27	UT	University of Utah	4-year+	26.83	28.09	20.00	16.47	10.59	101.98
28	IA	University of Iowa	4-year+	28.20	28.20	25.00	16.23	4.30	101.93
29	MS	University of Southern Mississippi	4-year+	27.10	28.00	25.00	14.97	6.86	101.93
30	VA	University of Virginia	4-year+	29.30	25.84	20.00	17.92	8.69	101.75
31	IL	University of Illinois at Chicago	4-year+	24.65	30.25	25.00	15.35	6.47	101.72
32	LA	Southeastern Louisiana University	4-year+	26.10	27.06	25.00	14.08	9.31	101.55
33	MO	University of Missouri at St. Louis	4-year+	25.45	28.72	25.00	14.96	7.38	101.51
34	NC	North Carolina A&T State University	4-year+	24.15	29.20	20.00	15.64	12.5	101.49
35	AL	University of Alabama-Huntsville	4-year+	25.85	27.75	25.00	15.33	7.52	101.45
36	ID	Boise State University	4-year+	26.25	28.01	25.00	14.46	7.65	101.37
37	KY	Northern Kentucky University	4-year+	26.20	26.59	25.00	14.38	9.15	101.32
38	ID	Idaho State University	4-year+	25.36	26.97	25.00	13.91	10.07	101.31
39	CO	University of Northern Colorado	4-year+	26.64	27.56	25.00	13.92	8.17	101.29
40	CO	University of Colorado Denver	4-year+	26.39	26.59	25.00	14.52	8.77	101.27
41	OH	Ohio State University	4-year+	28.40	27.90	25.00	17.43	2.39	101.12
42	AR	University of Arkansas	4-year+	26.32	26.64	25.00	16.16	6.86	100.98
43	MI	Michigan State University	4-year+	27.00	25.96	25.00	17.01	5.99	100.96
44	KY	Morehead State University	4-year+	25.70	27.50	25.00	14.38	8.18	100.76
45	KY	Western Kentucky University	4-year+	26.85	26.02	25.00	14.92	7.81	100.6
46	LA	Northwestern State Univ of Louisiana	4-year+	24.30	27.80	25.00	14.79	8.67	100.56
47	AL	University of Alabama- Tuscaloosa	4-year+	27.85	26.50	25.00	16.77	4.34	100.46
48	WY	University of Wyoming	4-year+	24.64	29.94	20.00	15.08	10.80	100.46
49	LA	University of Louisiana-Monroe	4-year+	25.35	28.94	20.00	14.56	11.55	100.40
50	MT	Montana Tech	4-year+	26.45	28.58	20.00	14.25	11.12	100.40
51	AL	University of Alabama-Birmingham	4-year+	27.45	26.05	25.00	15.37	6.40	100.27
52	TN	University of Memphis	4-year+	24.75	28.35	25.00	15.31	6.86	100.27
53	CT	University of Connecticut	4-year+	28.65	24.16	25.00	16.94	5.43	100.18
54	FL	University of Central Florida	4-year+	28.14	24.68	25.00	16.53	5.63	99.98
55	FL	Florida International University	4-year+	25.81	25.69	25.00	16.10	7.29	99.89
56	CO	Univ of Colorado Colorado Springs	4-year+	26.59	25.24	25.00	14.35	8.66	99.84
57	HI	University of Hawaii at Manoa	4-year+	25.90	25.12	25.00	14.93	8.89	99.84
58	TX	University of Houston Sugar Land	4-year+	26.55	26.90	25.00	15.90	5.43	99.78
59	FL	University of South Florida	4-year+	27.83	27.50	20.00	16.82	7.53	99.68
60	LA	University of Louisiana-Lafayette	4-year+	26.95	26.75	20.00	15.13	10.45	99.28
61	CA	California State University-San Marcos	4-year+	25.98	29.03	20.00	15.78	8.46	99.25
62	AL	University of South Alabama	4-year+	25.30	26.55	25.00	14.91	7.45	99.21
63	GA	Columbus State University	4-year+	25.22	27.46	25.00	13.79	7.70	99.17
64	AL	Jacksonville State University	4-year+	25.65	26.65	25.00	14.99	6.88	99.17
65	FL	Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University	4-year+	23.45	28.60	25.00	16.00	6.08	99.13
66	FL	Florida State University	4-year+	26.85	24.45	25.00	17.40	5.43	99.13
67	TX	Sam Houston State University	4-year+	24.45	27.55	25.00	15.60	6.44	99.04
68	AL	University of North Alabama	4-year+	24.40	27.50	25.00	15.43	6.65	98.98
69	TX	University of Texas Medical Branch	4-year+	29.05	25.50	25.00	11.70	7.64	98.89
70	GA	Dalton State College	4-year+	13.70	30.67	20.00	14.46	20.00	98.83
71	TN	Austin Peay State University	4-year+	25.00	28.07	25.00	14.39	6.28	98.74
72	CO	Regis University	4-year+	27.22	20.56	25.00	15.86	10.00	98.64
73	FL	University of West Florida	4-year+	25.31	26.81	25.00	14.55	6.97	98.64
74	MI	University of Michigan-Flint	4-year+	25.95	25.25	25.00	14.22	8.22	98.64
75	MO	University of Missouri	4-year+	27.85	25.77	25.00	16.23	3.60	98.45
76	GA	Kennesaw State University	4-year+	26.59	25.05	25.00	15.23	6.56	98.43
77	UT	Utah Valley University	4-year+	24.65	29.62	20.00	13.94	10.19	98.40
78	GA	Middle Georgia State University	4-year+	23.26	29.17	25.00	14.19	6.68	98.30
79	GA	Georgia Southern University	4-year+	25.94	26.13	25.00	15.86	5.24	98.17
80	AZ	Northern Arizona University	4-year+	26.65	28.50	25.00	15.11	2.90	98.16
81	MI	Northwestern Michigan College	2-year	15.35	29.95	20.00	16.80	16.00	98.10
82	SC	University of South Carolina-Columbia	4-year+	27.91	23.65	25.00	16.66	4.80	98.02
83	GA	Georgia College & State University	4-year+	27.30	24.48	25.00	16.16	5.02	97.96
84	TX	University of Texas-Arlington	4-year+	25.20	28.28	25.00	13.24	6.08	97.80
85	VA	Old Dominion University	4-year+	26.12	24.51	25.00	15.49	6.62	97.74
86	GA	University of West Georgia	4-year+	25.11	26.60	25.00	14.45	6.54	97.70
87	AR	Arkansas Tech University	4-year+	25.13	29.51	20.00	14.58	8.47	97.69
88	NC	East Carolina University	4-year+	27.40	27.16	20.00	16.07	7.02	97.65
89	NC	North Carolina Central University	4-year+	26.00	28.76	20.00	14.24	8.59	97.59
90	TN	East Tennessee State University	4-year+	25.95	27.01	25.00	14.18	5.43	97.57
91	TN	University of Tennessee-Martin	4-year+	25.30	28.40	20.00	14.70	9.16	97.56
92	AR	University of Central Arkansas	4-year+	25.13	28.75	20.00	14.75	8.85	97.48
93	NC	Western Carolina University	4-year+	27.55	27.47	20.00	15.55	6.91	97.48
94	WI	University of Wisconsin-Madison	4-year+	28.15	21.79	25.00	17.80	4.64	97.38
95	GA	Gordon State College	4-year+	23.21	29.44	20.00	17.63	6.91	97.19
96	SC	Clemson University	4-year+	28.44	26.09	20.00	17.19	5.41	97.13
97	NM	University of New Mexico	4-year+	27.00	27.05	25.00	14.98	2.98	97.01
98	GA	Georgia Southwestern State University	4-year+	24.44	28.00	25.00	13.71	5.86	97.01
99	NJ	Thomas Edison State University	4-year+	24.00	20.81	25.00	7.07	20.00	96.88
100	MI	Western Michigan University	4-year+	25.75	23.62	25.00	15.55	6.92	96.84

There are other things to consider when choosing a nursing school, of course things that can’t be measured and ranked. You might want to attend school close to home, for example or far, far away. If you will be attending classes on-campus, a visit ahead of time is an absolute must. Consider these rankings a jumping-off point and combine them with your own requirements to determine which nursing school will be best for you.

Methodology

Our mission at NurseJournal.org is to create a social community for nurses around the world in which to educate, inform and share. There is no question that the field of nursing is one of the most exciting, rewarding, and in demand professions in America today. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment for all registered nursing will grow over 30% in the next decade, which is faster than average when compared to other occupations.

We set out to find the all-around best nursing schools in each region of the United States. To do this, we sat down with our community members to talk about what we think makes a good nursing school. We used 20 metrics and put them into five categories that we felt were both quantifiable (at least to a degree) and important: quality, affordability, convenience, satisfaction, and value.

Here is what went into determining our scores for each of these areas:

Quality (30 total points)

NCLEX Pass Rate (10 points): It’s extremely important that nursing program graduates are prepared to pass the test that will allow them to be licensed, so we gave NCLEX pass rates double the weight of any other metric in the quality category.

Institutional Accreditation (5 points): Most institutions are accredited, but there are a few that aren’t. Institutional accreditation is a long-accepted indicator of quality among institutions of higher learning.

Nursing Program Accreditation (5 points): We awarded extra points if the nursing program itself was accredited.

Highest Award (5 points): Generally, a school that offers high-level degrees is a better quality school. We awarded points based on the highest award level offered at each school as follows: 1 point for certificate, 2 points for Associate’s, 3 points for Bachelor’s, 4 points for Master’s, and 5 points for Doctorate.

Graduation Rate (5 points): We used the percentage of full-time, first-time students who graduated or transferred to another school within 150% of the normal time for completing their programs.

Affordability (35 total points)

Tuition and Fees (5 points): The cost of tuition and fees ranges from less than $1000 to well over $20,000 per year. This is a huge consideration for many students.

Financial Aid Percent (5 points): We awarded more points to schools where a higher percentage of students receive financial aid.

Percent of Tuition and Fees Received as Aid (10 points): It is much more helpful to receive $5,000 in aid when your tuition bill is $6,000 than when it is $20,000, so we calculated the percentage of tuition that was covered by the average financial aid award (not including loans) and assigned points based on that percentage.

Student Loans (5 points): Too many students are graduating from college with too much student loan debt. We think it would be better for everyone to have a clean slate financially when they get out of school, so we gave more points to schools with lower average student loans.

Net price (10 points): This figure takes cost of living into account as well as tuition, fees, and financial aid. We gave more points to schools with a lower net price.

Convenience (25 total points)

Distance education options undergraduate (5 points): Since many students work while attending school, distance learning options make it more convenient for them to get the education they need. We awarded 5 points to schools that have online options for undergraduates.

Distance education options graduate (5 points): We awarded 5 points to schools that have online options for graduates.

Weekend/evening classes available (5 points): We awarded 5 points to schools that offer evening or weekend classes.

Online or hybrid nursing program? (10 points): We awarded 10 points to schools that offer an online or hybrid nursing program.

Satisfaction (20 total points)

1st- to 2nd-year Retention Rate (10 points): Since unhappy students are more likely to transfer to another school after the first year, we awarded up to 10 points based on the 1st- to 2nd-year retention rate.

RateMyProfessor, Overall (5 points): We awarded up to 5 points for the overall rating on RateMyProfessor.com.

RateMyProfessor, Professor Average (5 points): We also awarded up to 5 points for the average professor rating.

Value (20 total points)

Early-Career Salary (5 points): It’s nice to get a quick return on your educational investment, so we awarded up to 5 points for early-career salary.

Mid-Career Salary (5 points): We also awarded up to 5 points for mid-career salary.

Salary vs. Cost (10 points): And to put it all into perspective, we compared the highest salary for each school to the net price and awarded up to 10 points for schools with a higher payoff for the cost.

Total: 130 points

Most of the data used to determine our rankings came from the Institute of Education Sciences. We also gathered data from Rate My Professors, PayScale, state Boards of Nursing, and individual school websites.

Of course, there is only so much you can determine from facts and figures alone. Once you have narrowed down your options, ask around and try to talk to a few people who have attended each of the schools you are considering. Then schedule a campus visit to get a feel for what it’s really like.

Disclosure

We strive to provide information on this website that is accurate, complete and timely, but we make no guarantees about the information, the selection of schools, school accreditation status, the availability of or eligibility for financial aid, employment opportunities or education or salary outcomes.

Our mission at NurseJournal.org is to create a social community for nurses around the world in which to educate, inform and share. We set out to find the all-around top nursing schools in each region of the United States. To do this, we sat down with our community members to talk about what we think makes a top nursing school.

So what makes a good nursing school? Good teachers? Low tuition rates? Flexible class schedules? We believe that a good nursing school provides a quality education at a reasonable cost and offers educational options that make it easier for today’s busy students to attend.

To determine our rankings, we evaluated 496 nursing schools and selected 20 metrics, sorting them into five categories: quality, affordability, convenience, satisfaction, and value. Click here to see a breakdown of our methodology for calculating the scores. See our Disclosure below.

Here are NurseJournal.org’s Best Nursing Schools® in the Western Region.

RANK	SCHOOL/LOCATION	TYPE	QUALITY	AFFORD	CONV	SATIS	VALUE	OVERALL
1	California State University-Dominguez Hills, School of Nursing, Carson, CA	4-year+	22.12	32.13	15.00	15.47	17.61	112.33
2	Eastern Arizona College, Thatcher, AZ	2-year+	23.50	31.65	20.00	13.49	20.00	108.64
3	University of Utah, College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT	4-year+	26.83	28.09	25.00	16.47	10.59	106.98
4	Arizona Western College, Yuma, AZ	2-year+	22.35	28.30	20.00	14.09	20.00	104.74
5	University of New Mexico, Taos, Ranchos de Taos, NM	2-year+	22.65	28.05	20.00	13.20	20.00	103.90
6	University of New Mexico, Valencia County, Los Lunas, NM	2-year+	21.25	28.10	20.00	14.01	20.00	103.36
7	New Mexico State University, Carlsbad, NM	2-year+	22.65	27.55	20.00	13.11	20.00	103.31
8	Coconino Community College, Flagstaff, AZ	2-year+	21.60	28.74	20.00	12.80	20.00	103.14
9	Eastern New Mexico University, Roswell, NM	2-year+	22.80	27.95	20.00	12.06	20.00	102.81
10	University of Alaska Anchorage, School of Nursing, Anchorage, AK	4-year+	25.25	30.56	20.00	14.01	11.68	101.50
11	Cochise College, Sierra Vista, AZ	2-year+	23.15	29.80	15.00	13.47	20.00	101.42
12	Boise State University, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Boise, ID	4-year+	26.25	28.01	25.00	14.46	7.65	101.37
13	Idaho State University, Pocatello, Pocatello, ID	4-year+	25.36	26.97	25.00	13.91	10.07	101.32
14	University of Colorado-Denver, College of Nursing, Aurora, CO	4-year+	26.39	26.59	25.00	14.52	8.77	101.27
15	University of New Mexico-Gallup, Gallup, NM	2-year+	20.10	28.00	20.00	12.70	20.00	100.80
16	University of Washington-Seattle, School of Nursing, Seattle, WA	4-year+	28.20	28.00	15.00	17.29	12.02	100.51
17	Central New Mexico College, Albuquerque, NM	2-year+	22.50	29.35	15.00	13.66	20.00	100.51
18	University of Wyoming Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing, Laramie, WY	4-year+	24.64	29.94	20.00	15.08	10.80	100.46
19	Cerritos College, Norwalk, CA	2-year+	21.51	31.98	20.00	15.18	11.61	100.29
20	Central Arizona College, Coolidge, AZ	2-year+	23.00	28.55	20.00	8.55	20.00	100.10
21	California State University-Chico, Chico School of Nursing, Chico, CA	4-year+	25.96	28.11	20.00	16.52	9.41	100.00
22	Metropolitan State University of Denver, Department of Nursing, Denver, CO	4-year+	24.65	27.38	25.00	13.81	9.09	99.92
23	University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Colorado Springs, CO	4-year+	26.59	25.24	25.00	14.35	8.66	99.84
24	Glendale Community College, Glendale, AZ	2-year+	22.85	27.35	15.00	14.09	20.00	99.29
25	California State University-San Marcos, College of Education, Health & Human Services, School of Nursing, San Marcos, CA	4-year+	25.98	29.03	20.00	15.78	8.46	99.26
26	Regis University, Loretto Heights School of Nursing, Denver, CO	4-year+	27.22	20.56	25.00	15.86	10.00	98.64
27	University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV	4-year+	26.47	27.09	20.00	15.12	9.63	98.31
28	Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ	4-year+	26.65	28.50	25.00	15.11	2.90	98.16
29	Mohave Community College, Kingman, AZ	2-year+	22.80	27.60	15.00	12.50	20.00	97.90
30	Montana State University, College of Nursing, Bozeman, MT	4-year+	26.56	26.90	20.00	15.11	9.15	97.72
31	University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV	4-year+	27.02	26.16	20.00	15.88	8.49	97.55
32	California State University-Los Angeles, College of Health and Human Services, School of Nursing, Los Angeles, CA	4-year+	25.48	31.45	10.00	15.54	15.05	97.52
33	Western Governors University, College of Health Professions, Salt Lake City, UT	4-year+	25.20	28.24	20.00	13.68	10.09	97.21
34	University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM	4-year+	27.00	27.05	25.00	14.98	2.98	97.01
35	University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA	4-year+	27.10	28.59	10.00	17.14	14.15	96.98
36	California State University-Fullerton, College of Health and Human Development, School of Nursing, Fullerton, CA	4-year+	26.60	29.83	10.00	16.46	13.98	96.86
37	University of California-Los Angeles, School of Nursing, Los Angeles, CA	4-year+	27.25	27.17	10.00	17.83	14.50	96.75
38	Clovis Community College, Clovis, NM	2-year+	23.75	28.45	10.00	14.08	20.00	96.28
39	New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM	4-year+	25.15	28.10	25.00	14.53	3.39	96.17
40	California State University-Long Beach, School of Nursing, Long Beach, CA	4-year+	26.94	29.77	10.00	16.74	12.71	96.16
41	New Mexico Junior College, Hobbs, NM	2-year+	21.90	29.90	10.00	14.31	20.00	96.11
42	California State University-Fresno, College of Health and Human Services, School of Nursing, Fresno, CA	4-year+	25.59	30.79	10.00	15.83	13.52	95.73
43	Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA	2-year+	22.20	29.94	20.00	14.91	8.53	95.59
44	San Juan College, Farmington, NM	2-year+	22.35	29.10	10.00	13.82	20.00	95.27
45	California State University-Stanislaus, College of Science, School of Nursing, Turlock, CA	4-year+	27.02	30.66	10.00	16.11	11.24	95.03
46	Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM	4-year+	24.95	28.65	25.00	12.72	3.61	94.93
47	University of Hawai`i at Manoa, School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene, Honolulu, HI	4-year+	25.90	25.12	20.00	14.93	8.89	94.83
48	California State University-San Bernadino, College of Natural Sciences, San Bernadino, CA	4-year+	25.22	30.96	10.00	16.69	11.81	94.68
49	Phoenix College, Phoenix, AZ	2-year+	22.75	27.80	10.00	14.03	20.00	94.58
50	Estrella Mountain Comm Coll, Avondale, AZ	2-year+	21.80	27.75	10.00	14.93	20.00	94.48
51	San Diego State University, School of Nursing, San Diego, CA	4-year+	27.40	28.76	10.00	16.68	11.48	94.32
52	Yavapai College, Prescott, AZ	2-year+	22.45	27.70	10.00	13.88	20.00	94.03
53	University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ	4-year+	27.30	25.61	25.00	13.40	2.60	93.91
54	Mesa Community College, Mesa,AZ	2-year+	22.75	27.20	10.00	13.77	20.00	93.72
55	University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions, San Francisco, CA	4-year+	26.92	15.69	25.00	16.25	9.68	93.54
56	California State University-Sacramento, College of Health and Human Services, School of Nursing, Sacramento, CA	4-year+	26.89	29.90	10.00	15.66	11.06	93.51
57	Brigham Young University-Idaho, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Rexburg, ID	4-year+	24.32	26.44	15.00	15.01	12.66	93.43
58	Utah Valley University, Orem, UT	4-year+	24.65	29.62	15.00	13.94	10.19	93.40
59	Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA	4-year+	26.17	28.51	15.00	14.94	8.74	93.36
60	Pima Community College, Tucson, AZ	2-year+	22.25	27.25	10.00	13.80	20.00	93.30
61	San Jose State University, The Valley Foundation School of Nursing, San Jose, CA	4-year+	25.06	28.41	10.00	16.14	13.60	93.21
62	Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA	4-year+	26.70	27.85	10.00	15.94	12.65	93.14
63	Concordia University-Irvine, Irvine, CA	4-year+	26.59	18.91	25.00	15.22	7.00	92.72
64	Chandler-Gilbert Comm Coll, Mesa, AZ	2-year+	22.65	25.65	10.00	14.34	20.00	92.64
65	California State University-Northridge, College of Health and Human Development, Northridge, CA	4-year+	26.47	29.43	10.00	15.49	10.71	92.09
66	Mount St. Mary's College, Los Angeles, CA	4-year+	24.73	19.84	25.00	14.90	7.50	91.97
67	Grossmont College, El Cajon, CA	2-year+	22.99	31.47	10.00	14.40	12.82	91.68
68	Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ	4-year+	24.15	28.60	20.00	16.01	2.90	91.66
69	California State University-East BayHayward, CA	4-year+	25.73	29.12	10.00	15.07	11.70	91.62
70	Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, CO	4-year+	24.86	20.21	25.00	14.43	6.68	91.18
71	Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ	4-year+	24.55	23.63	25.00	13.77	4.19	91.14
72	Weber State University, Dumke College of Health Professiosn, Ogden, UT	4-year+	23.67	28.62	15.00	14.35	9.31	90.95
73	Gonzaga University, School of Nursing, Spokane, WA	4-year+	28.08	17.39	20.00	17.05	8.28	90.81
74	Montana Tech of the University of Montana, Butte, MT	4-year+	26.45	28.58	10.00	14.25	11.12	90.40
75	Southern Utah University, College of Science & Engineering, Cedar City, UT	4-year+	26.06	27.13	15.00	14.23	7.51	89.93
76	Great Basin College, Elko, Elko, NV	4-year+	25.70	29.42	20.00	14.77	0.00	89.89
77	Brigham Young University-Provo, College of Nursing, Provo, UT	4-year+	28.56	27.60	5.00	16.96	11.35	89.46
78	Montana State University-Northern, Havre, MT	4-year+	22.90	28.46	25.00	12.99	0.00	89.35
79	Colorado State University-Pueblo, Pueblo, CO	4-year+	24.42	27.70	15.00	13.37	8.79	89.28
80	Tacoma Community College, Tacoma, WA	2-year+	20.09	30.28	15.00	13.73	10.15	89.24
81	San Francisco State University School of Nursing, San Francisco, CA	4-year+	24.95	28.80	10.00	15.52	9.88	89.14
82	Northwest Nazarene University Department of Nursing, Nampa, ID	4-year+	26.54	22.10	25.00	15.46	0.00	89.10
83	Dona Ana Community College, Las Cruces, NM	2-year+	22.65	28.30	5.00	13.08	20.00	89.03
84	Paradise Valley Comm College, Phoenix, AZ	2-year+	22.40	26.95	5.00	14.58	20.00	88.93
85	The University of Montana, Missoula, MT	4-year+	26.82	29.07	10.00	15.09	7.93	88.91
86	Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, CO	4-year+	24.82	24.92	25.00	14.06	0.00	88.80
87	Scottsdale Comm College, Scottsdale, AZ	2-year+	23.20	26.55	5.00	14.05	20.00	88.80
88	Utah State University, Logan, UT	4-year+	20.05	29.45	15.00	14.51	9.72	88.73
89	Long Beach City College, School of Health, Science and Mathematics, Long Beach, CA	2-year+	22.13	31.42	20.00	15.08	0.00	88.63
90	San Diego City College, San Diego, CA	2-year+	21.93	31.94	10.00	14.32	10.25	88.45
91	Cypress College, Cypress, CA	2-year+	22.72	31.40	10.00	15.25	8.91	88.28
92	Northland Pioneer College, Show Low, AZ	2-year+	22.45	31.00	5.00	9.80	20.00	88.25
93	University of Hawaii at Hilo School of Nursing, Hilo, HI	4-year+	25.08	28.49	20.00	14.26	0.00	87.82
94	Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM	2-year+	17.90	26.90	10.00	12.59	20.00	87.39
95	Grand Canyon University, Albuquerque, NM	4-year+	25.75	23.63	20.00	13.77	4.19	87.34
96	University of Phoenix, Tempe, AZ	4-year+	22.70	22.85	25.00	9.41	7.37	87.33
97	Washington State University, College of Nursing, Spokane, WA	4-year+	26.27	26.37	10.00	14.96	9.46	87.06
98	University of Washington-Tacoma, Tacoma, WA	4-year+	16.55	29.59	15.00	15.29	10.58	87.01
99	Santa Ana College, Santa Ana, CA	2-year+	20.40	31.65	10.00	14.23	10.69	86.96
100	MiraCosta College, Oceanside, CA	2-year+	18.12	30.00	15.00	14.69	8.97	86.78

There are other things to consider when choosing a nursing school, of course things that can’t be measured and ranked. You might want to attend school close to home, for example or far, far away. If you will be attending classes on-campus, a visit ahead of time is an absolute must. Consider these rankings a jumping-off point and combine them with your own requirements to determine which nursing school will be best for you.

Methodology

Our mission at NurseJournal.org is to create a social community for nurses around the world in which to educate, inform and share. There is no question that the field of nursing is one of the most exciting, rewarding, and in demand professions in America today. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment for all registered nursing will grow over 30% in the next decade, which is faster than average when compared to other occupations.

We set out to find the all-around best nursing schools in each region of the United States. To do this, we sat down with our community members to talk about what we think makes a good nursing school. We used 20 metrics and put them into five categories that we felt were both quantifiable (at least to a degree) and important: quality, affordability, convenience, satisfaction, and value.

Here is what went into determining our scores for each of these areas:

Quality (30 total points)

NCLEX Pass Rate (10 points): It’s extremely important that nursing program graduates are prepared to pass the test that will allow them to be licensed, so we gave NCLEX pass rates double the weight of any other metric in the quality category.

Institutional Accreditation (5 points): Most institutions are accredited, but there are a few that aren’t. Institutional accreditation is a long-accepted indicator of quality among institutions of higher learning.

Nursing Program Accreditation (5 points): We awarded extra points if the nursing program itself was accredited.

Highest Award (5 points): Generally, a school that offers high-level degrees is a better quality school. We awarded points based on the highest award level offered at each school as follows: 1 point for certificate, 2 points for Associate’s, 3 points for Bachelor’s, 4 points for Master’s, and 5 points for Doctorate.

Graduation Rate (5 points): We used the percentage of full-time, first-time students who graduated or transferred to another school within 150% of the normal time for completing their programs.

Affordability (35 total points)

Tuition and Fees (5 points): The cost of tuition and fees ranges from less than $1000 to well over $20,000 per year. This is a huge consideration for many students.

Financial Aid Percent (5 points): We awarded more points to schools where a higher percentage of students receive financial aid.

Percent of Tuition and Fees Received as Aid (10 points): It is much more helpful to receive $5,000 in aid when your tuition bill is $6,000 than when it is $20,000, so we calculated the percentage of tuition that was covered by the average financial aid award (not including loans) and assigned points based on that percentage.

Student Loans (5 points): Too many students are graduating from college with too much student loan debt. We think it would be better for everyone to have a clean slate financially when they get out of school, so we gave more points to schools with lower average student loans.

Net price (10 points): This figure takes cost of living into account as well as tuition, fees, and financial aid. We gave more points to schools with a lower net price.

Convenience (25 total points)

Distance education options undergraduate (5 points): Since many students work while attending school, distance learning options make it more convenient for them to get the education they need. We awarded 5 points to schools that have online options for undergraduates.

Distance education options graduate (5 points): We awarded 5 points to schools that have online options for graduates.

Weekend/evening classes available (5 points): We awarded 5 points to schools that offer evening or weekend classes.

Online or hybrid nursing program? (10 points): We awarded 10 points to schools that offer an online or hybrid nursing program.

Satisfaction (20 total points)

1st- to 2nd-year Retention Rate (10 points): Since unhappy students are more likely to transfer to another school after the first year, we awarded up to 10 points based on the 1st- to 2nd-year retention rate.

RateMyProfessor, Overall (5 points): We awarded up to 5 points for the overall rating on RateMyProfessor.com.

RateMyProfessor, Professor Average (5 points): We also awarded up to 5 points for the average professor rating.

Value (20 total points)

Early-Career Salary (5 points): It’s nice to get a quick return on your educational investment, so we awarded up to 5 points for early-career salary.

Mid-Career Salary (5 points): We also awarded up to 5 points for mid-career salary.

Salary vs. Cost (10 points): And to put it all into perspective, we compared the highest salary for each school to the net price and awarded up to 10 points for schools with a higher payoff for the cost.

Total: 130 points

Most of the data used to determine our rankings came from the Institute of Education Sciences. We also gathered data from Rate My Professors, PayScale, state Boards of Nursing, and individual school websites.

Of course, there is only so much you can determine from facts and figures alone. Once you have narrowed down your options, ask around and try to talk to a few people who have attended each of the schools you are considering. Then schedule a campus visit to get a feel for what it’s really like.

Disclosure

We strive to provide information on this website that is accurate, complete and timely, but we make no guarantees about the information, the selection of schools, school accreditation status, the availability of or eligibility for financial aid, employment opportunities or education or salary outcomes.