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New York is home to excellent nursing schools. Find the right nursing program in New York for your needs with this data-driven guide to the best nursing schools.
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NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Alexander Spatari | Moment | Getty Images
When 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.
#1 New York Nursing Schools and Programs
Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
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%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,650, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$16,980
Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
9,996
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 New York Nursing Schools and Programs
New York University
New York, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
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 program
Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 99%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $98,450, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$50,684
Out-of-state
$50,684
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
16%
Students Enrolled
52,885
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 New York Nursing Schools and Programs
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY
4 years
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.
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.
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 credit
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
Average Tuition
In-state
$55,040
Out-of-state
$55,040
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
30%
Students Enrolled
12,233
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
7%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 New York Nursing Schools and Programs
Binghamton University
Vestal, NY
4 years
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 cohorts
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $73,190, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,660
Retention Rate
90%
Admission Rate
41%
Students Enrolled
18,124
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 New York Nursing Schools and Programs
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
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).
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 year
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's or master's in nursing; a New York state RN licensure or eligibility; one year of RN experience
Minimum Time Commitment: Varies
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A
Average Tuition
In-state
$57,763
Out-of-state
$57,763
Retention Rate
99%
Admission Rate
5%
Students Enrolled
31,456
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 New York Nursing Schools and Programs
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
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 semesters
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,740
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
26,814
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
22%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#7 New York Nursing Schools and Programs
Saint John Fisher College
Rochester, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
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.
Program: MSN
Campus: Rochester
Type: Private
Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $1,239 per credit
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
Average Tuition
In-state
$34,340
Out-of-state
$34,340
Retention Rate
88%
Admission Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
3,618
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
13%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 New York Nursing Schools and Programs
CUNY Hunter College
New York, NY
4 years
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.
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 classes
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
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,930
Out-of-state
$14,880
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
35%
Students Enrolled
23,193
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
7%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 New York Nursing Schools and Programs
Nazareth College
Rochester, NY
4 years
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.
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 year
Admission Requirements: High school average of 85% or higher or a 3.0 GPA
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
Average Tuition
In-state
$33,836
Out-of-state
$33,836
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
2,979
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
22%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#10 New York Nursing Schools and Programs
Siena College
Loudonville, NY
4 years
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
Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A
Average Tuition
In-state
$38,055
Out-of-state
$38,055
Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
3,296
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Featured Online MSN Programs
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.
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.
Related Resources
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NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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