2026 Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Nursing bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 7944 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Nursing Degree Search evaluated 4630 schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Our analysis found University Of Great Falls to be the best Nursing school in the United States. Set in Great Falls, MT, University Of Great Falls is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 21% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,448. Graduates carry a median of $23,847 in student loans. More on University Of Great Falls
Request InformationYou'll be in good company at Linfield College Adult Degree Program, which ranked #2 this year. Linfield College Adult Degree Program Nursing students take on a median of $28,250 in debt. Read more about Linfield College Adult Degree Program
Request Information
You'll be in good company at Aspen University, which ranked #3 this year. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. Aspen University posts a six-year graduation rate of 27%. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,870. Graduates carry a median of $36,946 in student loans. Read more about Aspen University
Request InformationOttawa University Phoenix came in at #4 on this year's Nursing ranking in the United States. Graduates carry a median of $30,758 in student loans. Get the full Ottawa University Phoenix report
Request Information
The strong Nursing programs at Cuny Graduate School And University Center earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. The median Nursing program debt is $17,921. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Request Information
California State University Monterey Bay landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. Located in Seaside, CA, California State University Monterey Bay is a public institution. About 59% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,779, while out-of-state students pay about $20,379. Students borrow a median of $14,622 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full California State University Monterey Bay profile
Request Information
Ottawa University Kansas City ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Based in Overland Park, KS, Ottawa University Kansas City is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,296 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,758 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about Ottawa University Kansas City
Request Information
Northwest Christian University did well this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Eugene, OR, Northwest Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,800. Students borrow a median of $25,735 to complete their Nursing program here. More on Northwest Christian University
Request Information
Molloy College came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Based in Rockville Centre, NY, Molloy College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,790. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,420. Get the full Molloy College report
Request Information
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Request Information
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #11 in this year's ranking. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical Nursing student debt is $21,813. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Request Information
California State University Dominguez Hills did well this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Carson, CA, California State University Dominguez Hills is a public institution. California State University Dominguez Hills graduates 43% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,454, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. Students borrow a median of $15,886 to complete their Nursing program here. More on California State University Dominguez Hills
Request Information
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This public school is set in College Station, TX. Texas A And M University College Station posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Request Information
Ramapo College Of New Jersey came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Based in Mahwah, NJ, Ramapo College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Ramapo College Of New Jersey posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. Students from in state pay about $16,777 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,708. Graduates carry a median of $24,014 in student loans. Get the full Ramapo College Of New Jersey report
Request Information
Sonoma State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Set in Rohnert Park, CA, Sonoma State University is a public institution. About 58% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,624, with out-of-state students paying around $21,224. Students borrow a median of $18,031 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full Sonoma State University profile
Request Information
Western Governors University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,658. Western Governors University Nursing students take on a median of $23,277 in debt. See the full Western Governors University profile
Request Information
Wagner College did well this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Staten Island, NY, Wagner College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $53,200 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $26,997. Read the full report on Wagner College
Request Information
New York University placed #18 among Nursing schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. New York University posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Students borrow a median of $21,897 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full New York University report
Request InformationBay State College did well this year, earning the #19 position. Students borrow a median of $33,374 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full Bay State College profile
Request Information
California State University Sacramento ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. About 56% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,492 in student loans. See the full California State University Sacramento profile
Request Information
Ottawa University Milwaukee ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Set in Brookfield, WI, Ottawa University Milwaukee is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,296 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $31,484 to complete their Nursing program here. More on Ottawa University Milwaukee
Request Information
University Of San Francisco came in at #22 in this year's ranking. Based in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of San Francisco graduates 70% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,522. University Of San Francisco Nursing students take on a median of $23,935 in debt. Read more about University Of San Francisco
Request Information
Duke University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 97% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. The median Nursing program debt is $13,296. More on Duke University
Request Information
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,750. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex Nursing students take on a median of $23,820 in debt. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex report
Request Information
University Of Portland landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. Located in Portland, OR, University Of Portland is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Portland graduates 80% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,100. Graduates carry a median of $23,169 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Portland
Request InformationRest of the Top 50 Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
California State University Stanislaus placed #26 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Turlock, CA, California State University Stanislaus is a public institution. California State University Stanislaus posts a six-year graduation rate of 53%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,242, with out-of-state students paying around $20,842. Graduates carry a median of $14,813 in student loans. More on California State University Stanislaus
Request Information
Georgetown University did well this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Georgetown University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,089. Typical Nursing student debt is $16,483. More on Georgetown University
Request Information
Rider University placed #28 among Nursing schools in the United States. Set in Lawrenceville, NJ, Rider University is a private not-for-profit institution. Rider University posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,120. The median Nursing program debt is $26,241. Read more about Rider University
Request Information
Thomas Jefferson University did well this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Thomas Jefferson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Thomas Jefferson University graduates 69% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $47,355. Thomas Jefferson University Nursing students take on a median of $32,256 in debt. More on Thomas Jefferson University
Request Information
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
Request Information
Mount St Marys College did well this year, earning the #31 position. Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. About 48% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,564. Students borrow a median of $27,555 to complete their Nursing program here. See the full Mount St Marys College profile
Request Information
Dominican University Of California placed #32 among Nursing schools in the United States. Based in San Rafael, CA, Dominican University Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. Dominican University Of California graduates 78% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,161. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Read more about Dominican University Of California
Request Information
Rutgers University Camden came in at #33 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Camden, NJ. About 67% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,764, while out-of-state students pay about $37,276. Graduates carry a median of $24,577 in student loans. Get the full Rutgers University Camden report
Request Information
Azusa Pacific University placed #34 among Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Azusa, CA. Azusa Pacific University posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,458. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,709. Get the full Azusa Pacific University report
Request Information
College Of Saint Benedict ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Located in Saint Joseph, MN, College Of Saint Benedict is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $55,756. College Of Saint Benedict Nursing students take on a median of $26,619 in debt. See the full College Of Saint Benedict profile
Request Information
University Of Virginia Main Campus did well this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
Request Information
New England Institute Of Technology did well this year, earning the #37 position. Located in East Greenwich, RI, New England Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,275. Students borrow a median of $24,586 to complete their Nursing program here. More on New England Institute Of Technology
Request Information
Villanova University did well this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Villanova University graduates 92% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $26,184. Read the full report on Villanova University
Request Information
Gonzaga University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Set in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Gonzaga University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Gonzaga University Nursing students take on a median of $25,188 in debt. Read more about Gonzaga University
Request Information
National University did well this year, earning the #40 position. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. National University posts a six-year graduation rate of 50%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Typical Nursing student debt is $30,426. Read more about National University
Request Information
California State University Channel Islands did well this year, earning the #41 position. California State University Channel Islands is a public school based in Camarillo, CA. California State University Channel Islands posts a six-year graduation rate of 51%. Students from in state pay about $7,159 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,759. The median Nursing program debt is $16,997. More on California State University Channel Islands
Request Information
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #42 among Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire graduates 65% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Students borrow a median of $22,574 to complete their Nursing program here. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire report
Request Information
Wilmington University came in at #43 in this year's ranking. Set in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Wilmington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 22%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,630. Students borrow a median of $26,054 to complete their Nursing program here. Read more about Wilmington University
Request Information
University Of Florida landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. About 91% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $17,669. Read more about University Of Florida
Request Information
The College Of New Jersey ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. This public school is set in Ewing, NJ. The College Of New Jersey posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $24,429. Read more about The College Of New Jersey
Request Information
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Located in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $26,486. More on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
Request Information
Webster University placed #47 among Nursing schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. About 64% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. Graduates carry a median of $25,939 in student loans. See the full Webster University profile
Request Information
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. Based in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 63%. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,168, compared with $43,404 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $16,151. Read the full report on University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Request Information
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Point Loma Nazarene University graduates 77% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,250. Point Loma Nazarene University Nursing students take on a median of $22,542 in debt. Read more about Point Loma Nazarene University
Request Information
Texas A And M University Central Texas ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Nursing schools. Based in Killeen, TX, Texas A And M University Central Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,363, compared with $17,155 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University Central Texas Nursing students take on a median of $23,160 in debt. Get the full Texas A And M University Central Texas report
Request InformationRelated Nursing Rankings
Compare rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Nursing Schools (All Levels)
- Best Nursing Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation · 4630 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
NursingDegreeSearch.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© NursingDegreeSearch.com – All Rights Reserved.