Find Nursing Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools

Find Schools Near

2023 Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools

885 Schools Ranked
$23,125 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$26,268 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which nursing program to enroll in when you have so many options available. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Also there are many trade schools and bpptcamp that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Nursing Degree Search has developed this Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking. This report analyzed 885 schools in the United States to see which ones offered the best bachelor's degree programs for nursing students. The factors used to develop this ranking include those related to how in-demand the school us, the overall quality of the school, and post-graduation wages, and more.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the United States

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

University of Providence

Great Falls, Montana
$26,662 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,640 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found University of Providence to be the best school for nursing students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the United States.

The average tuition and fees at University of Providence is $26,662. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from University of Providence accumulate an average of $21,640 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

University of Providence is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read More…

$14,040 Average Tuition & Fees
$30,181 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Linfield University - Online and Continuing Education is a great place for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

Linfield OCE does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $14,040. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Linfield OCE accumulate an average of $30,181 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Linfield OCE does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 95% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Linfield University - Online and Continuing Education

#3

Aspen University

Denver, Arizona
$5,170 Average Tuition & Fees
$36,338 Avg Student Debt

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Aspen University helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in the United States.

Aspen University does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $5,170. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $36,338 in student loans.

Since Aspen University is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Full Aspen University Report

#4

Ottawa University - Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona
$13,281 Average Tuition & Fees
$31,724 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 885 schools in the United States that were part of this year’s ranking, Ottawa University - Phoenix landed the # 4 spot on the list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $13,281 to cover tuition and fees at Ottawa University - Phoenix. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Ottawa University - Phoenix accumulate an average of $31,724 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, Ottawa University - Phoenix is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Read More…

#5

The Graduate Center, CUNY

New York, New York
$7,410 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,723 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend The Graduate Center, CUNY. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools list.

In-state students pay an average of $7,410 in tuition and fees if they attend The Graduate Center full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,360. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,723 in loans while pursuing their degree.

The Graduate Center is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full The Graduate Center, CUNY Report

$7,218 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,303 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Monterey Bay did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #6 on the list.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $7,218 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend CSUMB. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $19,098. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $16,303 in loans while pursuing their degree.

CSUMB is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read More…

#7

Ottawa University - Kansas City

Overland Park, Kansas
$12,869 Average Tuition & Fees
$31,724 Avg Student Debt

Ottawa University - Kansas City did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #7 on the list.

Ottawa University - Kansas City does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $12,869. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,724 in student loans.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out Ottawa University - Kansas City. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read full report on Ottawa University - Kansas City

#8

Bushnell University

Eugene, Oregon
$32,320 Average Tuition & Fees
$30,261 Avg Student Debt

Bushnell University ranked #8 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools list.

Bushnell University does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $32,320. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,261 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Bushnell University. In fact, around 64% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Bushnell University Report

#9

Molloy College

Rockville Centre, New York
$34,310 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,536 Avg Student Debt

Molloy College ranked #9 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools list.

Molloy does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $34,310. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Molloy accumulate an average of $27,536 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Molloy. In 2019-2020 about 95% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#10

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
$13,258 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,277 Avg Student Debt

University of California - Los Angeles landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs.

Students from California who attend UCLA full time pay an average of $13,258 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $43,012. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $16,277 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UCLA does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on University of California - Los Angeles

#11

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Madison, Wisconsin
$10,720 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,865 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Madison came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools ranking.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UW - Madison is $10,720. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $38,608. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UW - Madison accumulate an average of $20,865 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UW - Madison does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of Wisconsin - Madison Report

$7,060 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,973 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, California State University - Dominguez Hills did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at CSUDH is $7,060. Out-of-state students pay an average of $18,940. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $18,973 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out CSUDH. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since CSUDH does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#13

Texas A&M University - College Station

College Station, Texas
$12,204 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,847 Avg Student Debt

Texas A&M University - College Station landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs.

Full-time students from Texas pay an average of $12,204 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Texas A&M College Station. Out-of-state students pay an average of $38,855. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Texas A&M College Station accumulate an average of $19,847 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Texas A&M College Station does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 36% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Texas A&M University - College Station

#14

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Mahwah, New Jersey
$22,964 Avg Student Debt

Ramapo College of New Jersey ranked #14 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools list.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,964 in student loans.

Ramapo College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 97% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Ramapo College of New Jersey Report

#15

Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, California
$7,988 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,130 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Sonoma State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

Students from California who attend SSU full time pay an average of $7,988 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $19,868. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $19,130 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at SSU. During the 2019-2020 year, about 100% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Sonoma State University

#16

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, Utah
$7,452 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,218 Avg Student Debt

Western Governors University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #16 on the list.

The average tuition and fees at WGU is $7,452. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from WGU accumulate an average of $26,218 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

WGU is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read More…

#17

Wagner College

Staten Island, New York
$50,330 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,358 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Wagner College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

If you want to attend Wagner, expect to pay an average of $50,330 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $26,358 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Read More…

#18

New York University

New York, New York
$56,500 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,625 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, New York University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

The average tuition and fees at NYU is $56,500. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from NYU accumulate an average of $21,625 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since NYU does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on New York University

#19

Bay State College

Boston, Massachusetts
$29,500 Average Tuition & Fees
$36,728 Avg Student Debt

Bay State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #19 on the list.

The average tuition and fees at Bay State College is $29,500. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Bay State College accumulate an average of $36,728 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Bay State College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 54% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Bay State College Report

#20

California State University - Sacramento

Sacramento, California
$7,392 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,924 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, California State University - Sacramento did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

Students from California who attend Sac State full time pay an average of $7,392 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $19,272. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $19,924 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Sac State does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full California State University - Sacramento Report

#21

Ottawa University - Milwaukee

Brookfield, Wisconsin
$12,616 Average Tuition & Fees
$31,813 Avg Student Debt

Ottawa University - Milwaukee landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs.

The average tuition and fees at Ottawa University - Milwaukee is $12,616. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,813 in student loans.

Ottawa University - Milwaukee is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full Ottawa University - Milwaukee Report

#22

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, California
$53,472 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,881 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, University of San Francisco did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

If you want to attend USFCA, expect to pay an average of $53,472 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,881 in student loans.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out USFCA. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read full report on University of San Francisco

#23

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
$60,244 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,049 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Duke University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

Duke does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $60,244. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $29,049 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Duke. In fact, around 99% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

$30,560 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Flex landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $30,560 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out UWM Flexible Option. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Flex

#25

University of Portland

Portland, Oregon
$49,864 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,718 Avg Student Debt

University of Portland came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools ranking.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $49,864 to cover tuition and fees at University of Portland. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,718 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out University of Portland. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full University of Portland Report

Rest of the Top 50 Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the United States

Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#27

Georgetown University

Washington, District of Columbia
#28

Rider University

Lawrenceville, New Jersey
#29

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
#30

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
#31

Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, California
#32

Dominican University of California

San Rafael, California
#33

Rutgers University - Camden

Camden, New Jersey
#34

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, California
#35

College of Saint Benedict

Saint Joseph, Minnesota
#36

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia
#37

New England Institute of Technology

East Greenwich, Rhode Island
#38

Villanova University

Villanova, Pennsylvania
#39

Gonzaga University

Spokane, Washington
#40

National University

La Jolla, California
#42

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
#43

Wilmington University

New Castle, Delaware
#44

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
#45

The College of New Jersey

Ewing, New Jersey
#46

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville, Pennsylvania
#47

Webster University

Saint Louis, Missouri
#49

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, California

Rest of the Top 15% Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the United States

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Rank School Location
51 Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Slippery Rock, PA
52 California State University - San Marcos San Marcos, CA
53 Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL
54 San Jose State University San Jose, CA
55 Adelphi University Garden City, NY
56 Universidad del Turabo Gurabo, PR
57 Capella University Minneapolis, MN
58 Vanguard University of Southern California Costa Mesa, CA
59 University of Scranton Scranton, PA
60 Frostburg State University Frostburg, MD
61 San Diego State University San Diego, CA
62 Bemidji State University Bemidji, MN
63 Emory University Atlanta, GA
64 Illinois Wesleyan University Bloomington, IL
65 California State University - Chico Chico, CA
66 Purdue University Northwest Hammond, IN
67 Delaware Technical Community College - Terry Dover, DE
68 Immaculata University Immaculata, PA
69 Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, MN
70 Mayville State University Mayville, ND
71 Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies Fayette, MO
72 California State University - East Bay Hayward, CA
73 University of Washington - Bothell Campus Bothell, WA
74 The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX
75 Auburn University Auburn, AL
76 University of Delaware Newark, DE
77 Fairfield University Fairfield, CT
78 University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI
79 University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WA
80 Pacific Union College Angwin, CA
81 University of Kansas Lawrence, KS
82 University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI
82 College of Saint Elizabeth Morristown, NJ
84 Minnesota State University - Moorhead Moorhead, MN
85 Seattle University Seattle, WA
86 San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA
87 University of Wisconsin - Green Bay Green Bay, WI
87 Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, MN
89 University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, VA
90 George Fox University Newberg, OR
91 Farmingdale State College Farmingdale, NY
92 Simpson University Redding, CA
93 Walden University Minneapolis, MN
94 Cedar Crest College Allentown, PA
95 Creighton University Omaha, NE
96 Marquette University Milwaukee, WI
97 Excelsior College Albany, NY
98 Grantham University Lenexa, KS
99 California University of Pennsylvania California, PA
100 York College of Pennsylvania York, PA
101 St Olaf College Northfield, MN
102 Arizona State University - Skysong Scottsdale, AZ
103 James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA
104 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA
105 Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ
105 Sacred Heart University Fairfield, CT
107 Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ
108 University of South Florida - Main Campus Tampa, FL
109 The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, MN
110 California State University - Long Beach Long Beach, CA
111 Augsburg University Minneapolis, MN
112 Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame, IN
113 University of Rochester Rochester, NY
114 Fresno Pacific University Fresno, CA
115 The University of Tennessee - Knoxville Knoxville, TN
116 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC
117 Winona State University Winona, MN
118 Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX
119 California State University - Fullerton Fullerton, CA
120 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
121 California State University - Fresno Fresno, CA
122 Ohio Northern University Ada, OH
123 Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA
124 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC
125 St. Joseph’s College - New York Brooklyn, NY
126 Holy Family University Philadelphia, PA
127 Washington State University Pullman, WA
128 Augusta University Augusta, GA
129 College of Mount Saint Vincent Bronx, NY
130 University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI
131 Biola University La Mirada, CA
132 East Carolina University Greenville, NC
133 Kean University Union, NJ

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our best nursing schools ranking:

Rank School Location
134 Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PA
135 Warner Pacific University Portland, OR
136 Luther College Decorah, IA
137 Northwestern College Orange City, IA
138 Catholic University of America Washington, DC
139 University of California - Irvine Irvine, CA
140 King’s College Wilkes-Barre, PA
141 University of Phoenix - California Costa Mesa, CA
142 University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN
143 Minnesota State University - Mankato Mankato, MN
144 Drexel University Philadelphia, PA
145 Towson University Towson, MD
146 Ball State University Muncie, IN
147 Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH
148 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC
149 Stevenson University Stevenson, MD
150 Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, MN
151 California State University - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
152 Seattle Pacific University Seattle, WA
153 McKendree University Lebanon, IL
154 Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, WI
155 Hallmark University San Antonio, TX
156 University of Florida-Online Gainesville, FL
157 Hope College Holland, MI
158 Moravian College Bethlehem, PA
159 Lock Haven University Lock Haven, PA
160 West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester, PA
161 University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Stevens Point, WI
162 Augustana University Sioux Falls, SD
163 Pace University - New York New York, NY
164 Edgewood College Madison, WI
165 Illinois State University Normal, IL
166 University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA
167 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, CO
168 The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX
169 Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, IN
170 Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln, NE
171 Rowan University Glassboro, NJ
172 Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MO
173 Carroll University Waukesha, WI
174 Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX
175 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA
176 United States University San Diego, CA
177 Gwynedd Mercy University Gwynedd Valley, PA
178 Quinnipiac University Hamden, CT

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • 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 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).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Nursing Schools Near You

Our free matching tool for schools matches students with nursing schools across the U.S.