New York Nursing Schools and Programs
Credit: Alexander Spatari | Moment | Getty ImagesWhen choosing a nursing program in New York, consider its academic quality, the curriculum, format options, cultural fit, and costs. This guide explores how to become a nurse in New York, what you can expect to earn as a nurse, and how to find the best nursing program for your needs.
Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in New York.
The Best Nursing Schools in New York
While the best school for you depends on your goals and background, this guide can help you choose between the many nursing schools in New York. Because proper nursing school accreditation is vital to your career success, we only offer accredited nursing program options.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in New York, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale, NY- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Farmingdale State College offers several nursing programs in New York. Learners can pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or an RN-to-BS degree-completion program. Students must maintain a "C" or better in their nursing classes to stay in the program. The 126-credit BSN program prepares students for nursing careers. Enrollees learn in the classroom, in labs, and in various clinical settings.
- Program: BSN
- Campus: Farmingdale
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $3,535 per semester for in-state learners; $8,490 per semester for out-of-state learners
- Admission Requirements: First-year students need a high school or GED diploma; students must complete prerequisite classes
- Minimum Time Commitment: Varies by program
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%Â
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,650, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- In-State$8,792
- Out-of-state$17,334
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled9,996
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
New York University runs Rory Meyers College of Nursing, one of the best nursing schools in New York. Learners can earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) in an accelerated 15-month format or complete the traditional four-year program. Eligible students can apply for an undergraduate fellowship dedicated to senior care.
The 128-credit program includes 44 credits of liberal arts classes and 20 credits of science and prerequisite classes. Enrollees also complete 64 credits of core nursing classes and clinical courses.
- Program: BSN
- Campus: New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $27,440 per semester
- Admission Requirements: Applicants with fewer than 32 college credits can apply to the four-year BSN programÂ
- Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 99%Â
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $98,450, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$50,684
- Out-of-state$50,684
- In-State$33,408
- Out-of-state$33,408
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled52,885
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
University of Rochester
- Rochester, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
The University of Rochester offers a post-master's certificate. The program appeals to nurses with a master's degree who want to specialize or work as nurse practitioners. Enrollees' curriculum depends on their prior coursework.Â
The program offers start dates in January, May, and September. An admissions review committee uses a holistic review process. Applicants must submit official transcripts and two recommendation letters.Â
- Program: Post-master's certificate program
- Campus: Rochester
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,640 per creditÂ
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited school; 3.0 minimum GPA; New York RN license; APRN New York state license, if applicable
- Minimum Time Commitment: Varies
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A
- In-State$55,040
- Out-of-state$55,040
- In-State$51,705
- Out-of-state$51,705
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate30%
- Students Enrolled12,233
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment7%
- AccreditationYes
Binghamton University
- Vestal, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
Binghamton University lets students complete a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) through the traditional four-year path or an accelerated track. Regardless of track, learners must complete 126 credits. The curriculum includes 52 credits of nursing classes and 74 credits of nursing prerequisites, general education courses, and electives.
Binghamton makes SAT or ACT scores optional.
- Program: BSN
- Campus: Binghamton
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $7,070 per semester for in-state learners; $24,910 per semester for out-of-state learners
- Admission Requirements: The program automatically admits incoming first-year cohortsÂ
- Minimum Time Commitment: VariesÂ
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $73,190, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$24,660
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled18,124
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
Columbia University in the City of New York
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Columbia University runs one of the best nursing schools in New York. RNs or APRNs who want to expand their scope of patient care can pursue the school's post-bachelor's doctor of nursing practice (DNP).Â
RNs with a bachelor's or master's in nursing may apply. APRNs with a master's may also apply. Enrollees can choose from specialties like family nurse practitioner, midwifery, and pediatric primary care nurse practitioner.
- Program: DNP
- Campus: New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $68,140 per yearÂ
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's or master's in nursing; a New York state RN licensure or eligibility; one year of RN experienceÂ
- Minimum Time Commitment: VariesÂ
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A
- In-State$57,763
- Out-of-state$57,763
- In-State$47,600
- Out-of-state$47,600
- Retention Rate99%
- Acceptance Rate5%
- Students Enrolled31,456
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Stony Brook University offers an advanced certificate in nursing education. One of the best nursing programs in New York, the program appeals to students who want to educate nurses.
Learners complete coursework online. However, the program includes onsite requirements. Students must complete at least 20 credits for the certificate. Advising faculty may suggest additional credits.
- Program: Advanced certificate in nursing education
- Campus: Stony Brook
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $471 per credit for in-state learners; $963 per credit for out-of-state learners
- Admission Requirements: Master's in nursing from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license; three recommendation letters
- Minimum Time Commitment: Two semestersÂ
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$24,740
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled26,814
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
Saint John Fisher College
- Rochester, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The graduate-level nursing program at Saint John Fisher College lets students earn both a master of science in nursing (MSN) and a postgraduate certificate in nursing. One of the top nursing programs in New  York, the program enrolls students with a bachelor's in nursing and a current New York RN license.
Once students complete the master's program, they can pursue a post-master's certificate in their chosen nursing discipline. The program offers classes on weekday evenings.Â
- Program: MSN
- Campus: Rochester
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,239 per creditÂ
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited institution; at least one year of current clinical experience; active RN license in the state where the student works; minimum 3.0 GPA; a "B" or higher in undergraduate health assessment, research, and statistics classes; two recommendation letters; and a current resume
- Minimum Time Commitment: Four semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A
- In-State$34,340
- Out-of-state$34,340
- In-State$17,550
- Out-of-state$17,550
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled3,618
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment13%
- AccreditationYes
CUNY Hunter College
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
One of the best nursing schools in New York, Hunter College offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) that combines liberal arts and sciences with professional nursing education. Students learn how to provide healthcare with a humanistic and comprehensive approach.
The program prepares learners for a master's or doctoral degree.Â
- Program: BSN
- Campus: New York
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $6,930 per year for in-state learners; $18,600 for out-of-state learners
- Admission Requirements: 3.2 minimum GPA; a "B" or higher in select prerequisite classesÂ
- Minimum Time Commitment: Four semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.9%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $100,640, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$6,930
- Out-of-state$14,880
- In-State$11,090
- Out-of-state$20,520
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate35%
- Students Enrolled23,193
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment7%
- AccreditationYes
Nazareth College
- Rochester, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
Nazareth College's bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program offers a hands-on approach. One of the best nursing programs in New York, the program appeals to students who want to complete their studies in a smaller classroom setting.Â
The program connects students with a faculty member to support them throughout the program.
- Program: BSN
- Campus: Rochester
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $35,890 per yearÂ
- Admission Requirements: High school average of 85% or higher or a 3.0 GPA Â
- Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $66,040, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$33,836
- Out-of-state$33,836
- In-State$17,244
- Out-of-state$17,244
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled2,979
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
Siena College
- Loudonville, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
Siena College offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) that lets learners earn their associate and bachelor's in nursing in four years.
One of the best nursing programs in New York, the program features small class sizes for a personalized, hands-on experience. Siena College partners with Ellis Medicine's Belanger School of Nursing and Maria College for the dual-degree nursing program.
- Program: BSN
- Campus: Loudonville
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $35,890 per year
- Admission Requirements: High school average of 85% or higher or a 3.0 GPA Â
- Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A
- In-State$38,055
- Out-of-state$38,055
- In-State$26,757
- Out-of-state$26,757
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled3,296
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
How to Choose a Nursing Program in New York
Factors to consider when exploring nursing schools in New York include the following:
- Cost and tuition (in-state or out-of-state eligibility)
- Academic quality and how well the curriculum matches your interests
- Graduation and National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rates which can indicate how well the program prepares you to become a nurse
- Class sizes
- Location
- Program format
Why Become a Nurse in New York
The demand for nurses continues to grow in New York. According to Projections Central, between 2018 and 2028, nursing jobs could grow by 24.6% in the state, compared to 9% nationally. New York RNs also earn a competitive salary at $89,760, the BLS reports.
In addition to the amenities New York City offers, New York state offers smaller, rural communities that may appeal to working nurses. While most nursing programs in New York take place at institutions in larger cities, many nursing schools in New York offer online options as well.
In April of 2022, New York became the 25th state to grant full practice authority to nurse practitioners (NPs). The move will allow NPs to provide a greater range of care with less oversight. Full practice authority may also result in better retention rates and pay for NPs.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in New York
Nursing salaries in New York are among the highest in the country, with the average RN salaryat $93,320, and the nurse practitioner salary at $126,440, according to the BLS. However, while the cost-of-living index in New York is higher than the national average at 143.7, New York City is still ranked as one of the best places to live in the world.
By 2030, New York is expected to experience a nursing shortage of 2,220 nurses. Earning a New York nursing license can help meet the demand and result in a good investment for your career.
New York’s overall cost of living is higher than the average U.S. cost of living. This explains a wider range of salaries for nurses in New York. The right city for you depends on salary, cost of living, and what ranks most important to your family and lifestyle.
| Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | Average Salary for RNs |
|---|---|
| New York — Newark — Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $94,920 |
| Kingston, NY | $81,660 |
| Buffalo — Cheektowaga — Niagara Falls, NY | $77,580 |
| Albany — Schenectady — Troy, NY | $73,160 |
| Watertown — Fort Drum, NY | $70,990 |
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in New York
Every state incorporates its own individual state RN licensing requirements. However, the general requirements remain similar, including a degree from an accredited and approved program, passing the NCLEX licensing exam, and completing a background check.
RN Requirements
To become an RN in New York, you must attend an approved nursing school and earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. You then have to pass an infection control and a child abuse reporting course, the NCLEX-RN examination, and a background check.
The licensing application fee is $143, with a renewal fee of $73. The state’s nursing board lists all requirements on its website.
APRN Requirements
New York requires that advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) graduate from a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program, get APRN board certification, take state-approved pharmacology coursework, pass a background check, and apply for a license to the state board of nursing. A nurse practitioner application costs $85, and a clinical nurse specialist license costs $80.
Other Top Nursing Programs in New York
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in New York
How do I become a nurse in NY?
To become an RN in New York, you must attend a state-approved nursing school in New York (or a state-approved school in another state), earn an ADN or a BSN degree, pass an infection control and a child abuse reporting course, take the NCLEX-RN examination, and get a background check.
Are nurses in demand in New York?
Nurses are in demand in New York. Between 2018 and 2028, nursing jobs are projected to grow by 24.6%. New York is home to some of the largest hospitals and health systems in the country, and as the population ages, demand for nurses will also grow.
What is a nurse’s salary in New York?
In New York City, the average RN’s salary is $94,920, according to the BLS. Across the state, the average RN salary is $89,760. In some parts of the state, the average salary is closer to $70,000. Local salaries depend on demand and cost of living, which is much higher in and near New York City.
Can a foreign nurse work in New York?
Yes, you can work in New York as a nurse with a foreign license as long as your education is equivalent to a nursing program in New York. The state board of nursing explains how to document your education and apply for your license. If you graduated from a nursing school in Canada (other than Quebec), the process is easier.
