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Most Popular Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southeast Region

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2023 Most Popular Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southeast Region

316 Colleges
$64,238 Avg Salary
$28,730 Avg Student Debt

Finding the Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree School for You

Nursing is the most popular major in the United States with 77,470 degrees and certificates handed out in 2020-2021.

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for nursing students. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Nursing Degree Search has created its Most Popular Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. This report analyzed 316 schools in the Southeast Region to see which ones were the most popular bachelor's degree programs for nursing students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from the Nursing program at each school on the list.

The following schools top our list of the Most Popular Nursing Bachelor's Degree Colleges.

Our 2023 rankings named University of North Carolina at Wilmington the most popular school in the Southeast Region for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in the midsize city of Wilmington, UNCW is a public school with a fairly large student population.

Women make up 90% of the nursing majors at the school.

While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at UNCW accumulate an average of around $23,602 in student debt. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $212.

Read full report on Nursing at University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Out of the 316 schools in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Central Florida landed the # 2 spot on the list. Located in the large suburb of Orlando, UCF is a public school with a very large student population.

About 88% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 12% are male.

While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at UCF accumulate an average of around $23,351 in student debt.

Full Nursing at University of Central Florida Report

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Galen College of Nursing - Louisville is a great place for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Galen College of Nursing - Louisville is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Louisville.

About 89% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 11% are male.

After completing their Bachelor's Degree, nursing graduates from Galen College of Nursing - Louisville carry an average student debt load of $43,752. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $123.

Read full report on Nursing at Galen College of Nursing - Louisville

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend East Tennessee State University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in the small city of Johnson City, ETSU is a public college with a large student population.

Of the 563 students majoring in nursing at ETSU, 15% are male and 85% are female.

Nursing majors at ETSU take out an average of $26,540 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $176, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Nursing at East Tennessee State University Report

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means University of South Florida - Main Campus is a great place for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. USF Tampa is a fairly large public school located in the city of Tampa.

About 87% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 13% are male.

The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at USF Tampa take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $27,078. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $181, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Nursing at University of South Florida - Main Campus

#6

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

The University of Alabama came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. UA is a very large public school located in the small city of Tuscaloosa.

About 90% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 10% are male.

The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at UA take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $24,732. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $646.

Full Nursing at The University of Alabama Report

#7

Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale is a large private not-for-profit school located in the medium-sized city of Fort Lauderdale.

About 82% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 18% are male.

Nursing majors at Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale take out an average of $42,165 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $163.

Full Nursing at Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale Report

University of Louisiana at Lafayette landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Located in the midsize city of Lafayette, UL Lafayette is a public school with a large student population.

About 88% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 12% are male.

While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at UL Lafayette accumulate an average of around $29,029 in student debt.

Read More…

The University of West Florida ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. UWF is a large public school located in the small city of Pensacola.

Women make up 84% of the nursing majors at the school.

While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at UWF accumulate an average of around $23,564 in student debt.

Full Nursing at The University of West Florida Report

Mississippi University for Women came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. MUW is a small public school located in the town of Columbus.

About 91% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 9% are male.

After completing their Bachelor's Degree, nursing graduates from MUW carry an average student debt load of $22,824.

Read More…

#11

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL

With a ranking of #11, Nova Southeastern University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in the large suburb of Fort Lauderdale, NUS Florida is a private not-for-profit college with a very large student population.

About 86% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 14% are male.

Nursing majors at NUS Florida take out an average of $33,123 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $334.

Read More…

#12

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Emory University ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. Emory is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Atlanta.

About 91% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 9% are male.

While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at Emory accumulate an average of around $25,656 in student debt. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $556, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Nursing at Emory University Report

#13

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

With a ranking of #13, Liberty University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly large student population.

About 90% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 10% are male.

While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at Liberty University accumulate an average of around $29,474 in student debt. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $554.

Read More…

University of Alabama at Birmingham landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Located in the midsize city of Birmingham, UAB is a public school with a very large student population.

About 88% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 12% are male.

The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at UAB take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $23,381. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $307, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Nursing at University of Alabama at Birmingham Report

Rasmussen University - Florida landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Located in the small city of Ocala, Rasmussen University - Florida is a private for-profit school with a moderately-sized student population.

About 87% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 13% are male.

Nursing majors at Rasmussen University - Florida take out an average of $39,885 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $146.

Full Nursing at Rasmussen University - Florida Report

University of South Alabama landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Located in the medium-sized city of Mobile, USA is a public school with a fairly large student population.

Women make up 86% of the nursing majors at the school.

On average, nursing graduates from USA take out $27,102 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $230, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Nursing at University of South Alabama

#17

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC

East Carolina University ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in the small city of Greenville, ECU is a public college with a very large student population.

Women make up 91% of the nursing majors at the school.

The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at ECU take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $24,172. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $261.

Read More…

Chamberlain University - Georgia came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in the city of Atlanta, Chamberlain - Georgia is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

Women make up 91% of the nursing majors at the school.

Nursing majors at Chamberlain - Georgia take out an average of $37,103 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $256, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Nursing at Chamberlain University - Georgia Report

#19

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, GA

With a ranking of #19, Georgia Southern University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in the distant town of Statesboro, GaSou is a public college with a fairly large student population.

Women make up 91% of the nursing majors at the school.

While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at GaSou accumulate an average of around $28,652 in student debt. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $121, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Nursing at Georgia Southern University Report

#20

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL

Jacksonville State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in the suburb of Jacksonville, Jacksonville State University is a public school with a medium-sized student population.

Women make up 90% of the nursing majors at the school.

Nursing majors at Jacksonville State University take out an average of $23,707 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree.

Read full report on Nursing at Jacksonville State University

#21

Chamberlain University - Florida

Jacksonville, FL

Chamberlain University - Florida came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in the city of Jacksonville, Chamberlain - Florida is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

Women make up 86% of the nursing majors at the school.

Nursing majors at Chamberlain - Florida take out an average of $37,103 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $256, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read More…

#22

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University of Memphis ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in the large city of Memphis, UofM is a public school with a very large student population.

About 91% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 9% are male.

The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at UofM take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $27,057. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $115.

Read full report on Nursing at University of Memphis

#23

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

University of Kentucky ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in the city of Lexington, UK is a public college with a very large student population.

Women make up 91% of the nursing majors at the school.

On average, nursing graduates from UK take out $27,393 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $363, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Nursing at University of Kentucky Report

#24

University of Mississippi

University, MS

University of Mississippi did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #24 on the list. Located in the remote town of University, Ole Miss is a public college with a very large student population.

Of the 292 students majoring in nursing at Ole Miss, 13% are male and 87% are female.

After completing their Bachelor's Degree, nursing graduates from Ole Miss carry an average student debt load of $23,728. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $286.

Read More…

#24

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

University of Arkansas landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Located in the city of Fayetteville, UARK is a public school with a very large student population.

Of the 292 students majoring in nursing at UARK, 11% are male and 89% are female.

After completing their Bachelor's Degree, nursing graduates from UARK carry an average student debt load of $26,161. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $410, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read More…

#27

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, FL
#28

University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL
#32

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY
#33

Winston - Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC
#36

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA
#36

South College

Knoxville, TN
#38

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL
#39

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY
#40

St Petersburg College

Clearwater, FL
#42

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA
#43

Clemson University

Clemson, SC
#44

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA
#45

Miami Dade College

Miami, FL
#46

Radford University

Radford, VA
#47

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, FL

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also popular but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Most Popular Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
48 University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, AL
49 Fayetteville State University Fayetteville, NC
50 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC
51 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV
52 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA
53 Auburn University Auburn, AL
54 Mercer University Macon, GA
55 University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR
55 University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS
57 Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL
58 Augusta University Augusta, GA
59 University of Florida Gainesville, FL
60 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC
61 Columbus State University Columbus, GA
62 South University’s online programs Savannah, GA
62 Stratford University Fairfax, VA

Best Nursing Colleges by State

Explore the best nursing schools for a specific state in the Southeast region.

State Degrees Awarded
Louisiana 3,502
Mississippi 2,838
Alabama 7,364
Kentucky 6,395
Tennessee 6,004
Florida 21,209
Arkansas 2,882
Georgia 7,112
North Carolina 7,425
West Virginia 1,771
South Carolina 3,296
Virginia 6,775

Nursing Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Registered Nursing 266,651
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing 16,104
Nursing Administration 9,838
Nursing Practice 7,992
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing 5,092
Nursing Science 4,600
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing 2,287
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing 2,021
Nurse Anesthetist 1,936
Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing 1,883
Critical Care Nursing 773
Geriatric Nurse/Nursing 563
School Nursing 553
Nurse Midwife/Nursing Midwifery 509
Clinical Nurse Leader 444
Clinical Nurse Specialist 419
Perioperative/Operating Room and Surgical Nurse/Nursing 331
Maternal/Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/Nursing 181
Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing 57
Emergency Room/Trauma Nursing 53
Palliative Care Nursing 14
Forensic Nursing 14

Related Major Annual Graduates
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants 84,274

Notes and References

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Credit for the banner image above goes to Aleksahgabrielle.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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