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2023 Best Nursing Schools in New York

85 Schools Ranked
$44,901 Average Earnings
$30,959 Avg Student Debt

With all the nursing programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. 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 assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Nursing Degree Search has created its Best Nursing Schools in New York ranking. This report analyzed 85 schools in New York to see which ones offered the best programs for nursing students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Schools in New York

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Excelsior University

Albany, New York
4,461 Total Awards
$58,705 Average Earnings
$20,049 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Excelsior University the best school in New York for nursing students working on their degree. Excelsior University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Albany, New York. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 4,461 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,049 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Excelsior University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $58,705 during the early year of their career.

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#2

The Graduate Center, CUNY

New York, New York
2,945 Total Awards
$61,344 Average Earnings
$27,546 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend The Graduate Center, CUNY. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Nursing Schools in New York list. The Graduate Center is a medium-sized public school situated in New York, New York. It awarded 2,945 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,546 in student loans.After graduating from The Graduate Center, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $61,344 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on The Graduate Center, CUNY

#3

Wagner College

Staten Island, New York
554 Total Awards
$62,835 Average Earnings
$33,656 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Wagner College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in New York list. Wagner College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Staten Island, New York that handed out 554 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Wagner accumulate an average of $33,656 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $686, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Wagner graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $62,835 during the early year of their career.

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#4

New York University

New York, New York
18,769 Total Awards
$59,064 Average Earnings
$66,383 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at New York University helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in New York. Located in New York, New York, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 18,769 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from NYU accumulate an average of $66,383 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $1,023.After graduating from NYU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $59,064 during the early years of their career.

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#5

Molloy College

Rockville Centre, New York
1,471 Total Awards
$55,942 Average Earnings
$32,946 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Molloy College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Nursing Schools in New York list. Molloy is a private not-for-profit institution located in Rockville Centre, New York. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,471 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Molloy accumulate an average of $32,946 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $586 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Molloy graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $55,942 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Molloy College

#6

Adelphi University

Garden City, New York
2,450 Total Awards
$46,441 Average Earnings
$43,372 Avg Student Debt

Adelphi University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Located in Garden City, New York, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 2,450 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $43,372 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $651.After graduating from Adelphi, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,441 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Adelphi University

#7

Bronx Community College

Bronx, New York
1,160 Total Awards
$33,005 Average Earnings
$11,352 Avg Student Debt

Bronx Community College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Bronx, New York, and it awarded 1,160 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,352 in student loans.After graduating from BCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $33,005 during the early years of their career.

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#8

Farmingdale State College

Farmingdale, New York
2,094 Total Awards
$46,547 Average Earnings
$16,210 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Farmingdale State College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. SUNY College of Technology at Farmingdale is a public institution located in Farmingdale, New York. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,094 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,210 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $107, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, SUNY College of Technology at Farmingdale graduates make an average of $46,547 annually.

Full Farmingdale State College Report

14,565 Total Awards
$70,610 Average Earnings
$71,027 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Columbia University in the City of New York did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Located in New York, New York, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 14,565 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Columbia accumulate an average of $71,027 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $730 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Columbia, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $70,610 during the early years of their career.

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#10

University of Rochester

Rochester, New York
4,141 Total Awards
$54,478 Average Earnings
$46,330 Avg Student Debt

University of Rochester landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. University of Rochester is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Rochester, New York. It awarded 4,141 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $46,330 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $457. During the early years of their career, University of Rochester graduates make an average of $54,478 annually.

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2,030 Total Awards
$62,754 Average Earnings
$77,501 Avg Student Debt

Teachers College at Columbia University landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Located in New York, New York, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 2,030 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $77,501 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Teachers College graduates make an average of $62,754 annually.

Full Teachers College at Columbia University Report

#12

College of Mount Saint Vincent

Bronx, New York
1,050 Total Awards
$50,011 Average Earnings
$25,346 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, College of Mount Saint Vincent did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Mount Saint Vincent is located in Bronx, New York and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,050 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,346 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $407, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Mount Saint Vincent graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,011 during the early year of their career.

Full College of Mount Saint Vincent Report

#13

St. Joseph's College - New York

Brooklyn, New York
1,418 Total Awards
$46,294 Average Earnings
$25,375 Avg Student Debt

St. Joseph’s College - New York landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. SJC is a private not-for-profit institution located in Brooklyn, New York. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,418 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $25,375 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $285. During the early years of their career, SJC graduates make an average of $46,294 annually.

Full St. Joseph’s College - New York Report

#14

Pace University - New York

New York, New York
3,829 Total Awards
$54,517 Average Earnings
$44,362 Avg Student Debt

Pace University - New York came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in New York ranking. Pace University - New York is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in New York, New York that handed out 3,829 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Pace University accumulate an average of $44,362 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $687, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Pace University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $54,517 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Pace University - New York

#15

St. John Fisher College

Rochester, New York
993 Total Awards
$48,505 Average Earnings
$41,018 Avg Student Debt

St. John Fisher College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in New York ranking. Located in Rochester, New York, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 993 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $41,018 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $529, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Fisher graduates make an average of $48,505 annually.

Full St. John Fisher College Report

#16

Suffolk County Community College

Selden, New York
3,063 Total Awards
$32,999 Average Earnings
$9,363 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Suffolk County Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. This large public school is located in Selden, New York, and it awarded 3,063 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $9,363 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Suffolk County Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,999 during the early years of their career.

Full Suffolk County Community College Report

#17

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, New York
8,368 Total Awards
$53,237 Average Earnings
$37,118 Avg Student Debt

Stony Brook University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in New York ranking. This large public school is located in Stony Brook, New York, and it awarded 8,368 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $37,118 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $227, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, SUNY Stony Brook graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,237 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Stony Brook University

#18

Nassau Community College

Garden City, New York
2,334 Total Awards
$33,894 Average Earnings
$11,890 Avg Student Debt

Nassau Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in New York ranking. Located in Garden City, New York, the fairly large public school awarded 2,334 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,890 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Nassau Community College graduates make an average of $33,894 annually.

Read full report on Nassau Community College

#19

LIU Post

Brookville, New York
3,247 Total Awards
$53,354 Average Earnings
$55,686 Avg Student Debt

LIU Post ranked #19 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in New York list. LIU Post is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Brookville, New York that handed out 3,247 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $55,686 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $578.After graduating from LIU Post, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,354 during the early years of their career.

Full LIU Post Report

#20

College of Staten Island CUNY

Staten Island, New York
2,641 Total Awards
$46,706 Average Earnings
$19,496 Avg Student Debt

College of Staten Island CUNY landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. CSI is located in Staten Island, New York and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,641 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $19,496 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, CSI graduates make an average of $46,706 annually.

Read full report on College of Staten Island CUNY

#21

New York Institute of Technology

Old Westbury, New York
1,739 Total Awards
$55,767 Average Earnings
$51,125 Avg Student Debt

New York Institute of Technology did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #21 on the list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Old Westbury, New York, and it awarded 1,739 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from NYIT accumulate an average of $51,125 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $557, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from NYIT, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $55,767 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on New York Institute of Technology

#22

Mercy College

Dobbs Ferry, New York
2,401 Total Awards
$54,203 Average Earnings
$38,176 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Mercy College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and it awarded 2,401 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Mercy accumulate an average of $38,176 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $276, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Mercy, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $54,203 during the early years of their career.

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#23

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York
9,530 Total Awards
$45,148 Average Earnings
$35,706 Avg Student Debt

University at Buffalo landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. University at Buffalo is a large public school situated in Buffalo, New York. It awarded 9,530 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $35,706 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $239 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, University at Buffalo graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,148 during the early year of their career.

Full University at Buffalo Report

#24

Binghamton University

Vestal, New York
5,273 Total Awards
$46,303 Average Earnings
$21,946 Avg Student Debt

Binghamton University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Located in Vestal, New York, the fairly large public school handed out 5,273 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Binghamton University accumulate an average of $21,946 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $371, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Binghamton University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,303 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Binghamton University

#25

Hunter College

New York, New York
5,792 Total Awards
$47,839 Average Earnings
$21,656 Avg Student Debt

Hunter College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in New York ranking. Hunter is located in New York, New York and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 5,792 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $21,656 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Hunter graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,839 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Hunter College

Best Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

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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.

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