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Most Popular Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

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2023 Most Popular Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

81 Schools Ranked
$50,036 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which nursing program to enroll in when you have so many options available. 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 and bootcamps 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 Graduate Certificate Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 81 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region to see which graduate certificate programs were the most popular for nursing students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

1,119 Total Awards
$54,627 Average Tuition & Fees
$127,040 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Columbia University in the City of New York to be the most popular school for nursing students who want to pursue a graduate certificate in the Middle Atlantic Region . Located in New York, New York, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 1,119 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $127,040 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at Columbia. In 2020-2021 about 28% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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#2

Drexel University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
286 Total Awards
$37,074 Average Tuition & Fees
$52,506 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Drexel University is a great place for nursing students working on their graduate certificate. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 286 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $52,506 in student loans. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Drexel does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 64% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Drexel University Report

#3

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland
1,039 Total Awards
$62,962 Average Tuition & Fees
$41,701 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Johns Hopkins University is a great place for nursing students working on their graduate certificate. Johns Hopkins is located in Baltimore, Maryland and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,039 graduate certificates to qualified students.

On average, graduate certificate students take out $41,701 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.

Johns Hopkins does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 81% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

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#4

George Washington University

Washington, District of Columbia
585 Total Awards
$33,984 Average Tuition & Fees
$53,579 Avg Student Debt

The excellent graduate certificate programs at George Washington University helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in the Middle Atlantic Region . Washington, District of Columbia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out graduate certificates to 585 students in 2021-2022.

Graduate Certificate recipients from GWU accumulate an average of $53,579 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at GWU. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 40% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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#5

Molloy College

Rockville Centre, New York
104 Total Awards
$25,030 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,947 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Molloy College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Rockville Centre, New York, and it awarded 104 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Graduate Certificate recipients from Molloy accumulate an average of $25,947 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Molloy does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 88% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Molloy College Report

#6

Pace University - New York

New York, New York
52 Total Awards
$26,682 Average Tuition & Fees

Pace University - New York did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #6 on the list. Located in New York, New York, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 52 graduate certificate awards in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at Pace University. During the 2020-2021 year, about 53% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

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#7

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
170 Total Awards
$23,103 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,478 Avg Student Debt

Thomas Jefferson University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate nursing programs. Thomas Jefferson University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that handed out 170 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

On average, graduate certificate students take out $17,478 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at Thomas Jefferson University. In 2020-2021 about 65% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#8

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, New York
354 Total Awards
$13,943 Average Tuition & Fees
$107,588 Avg Student Debt

Stony Brook University ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Located in Stony Brook, New York, the large public school handed out 354 graduate certificate awards in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $107,588 in student loans. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at SUNY Stony Brook. During the 2020-2021 year, about 47% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

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#9

Lehman College

Bronx, New York
103 Total Awards
$11,570 Average Tuition & Fees
$32,474 Avg Student Debt

Lehman College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #9 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Bronx, New York, and it awarded 103 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

On average, graduate certificate students take out $32,474 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at Lehman. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 91% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Lehman College

#9

Hofstra University

Hempstead, New York
92 Total Awards
$29,280 Average Tuition & Fees
$54,836 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Hofstra University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their graduate certificate. Hofstra is a private not-for-profit institution located in Hempstead, New York. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 92 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

On average, graduate certificate students take out $54,836 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

Hofstra does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 26% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Hofstra University Report

#11

University of Maryland - Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland
130 Total Awards
$17,453 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #11, University of Maryland - Baltimore did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their graduate certificate. UMB is a public institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 130 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.

UMB does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 43% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of Maryland - Baltimore Report

46 Total Awards
$15,843 Average Tuition & Fees

William Paterson University of New Jersey came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. William Paterson University is a public institution located in Wayne, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 46 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

William Paterson University does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 61% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

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#11

Russell Sage College

Troy, New York
38 Total Awards
$29,481 Avg Student Debt

Russell Sage College ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Troy, New York is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out graduate certificates to 38 students in 2021-2022.

On average, graduate certificate students take out $29,481 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Russel Sage does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In fact, around 67% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#14

Waynesburg University

Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
12 Total Awards

Waynesburg University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Waynesburg University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania that handed out 12 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

Since the graduate programs at Waynesburg are primarily online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Full Waynesburg University Report

#14

New York University

New York, New York
226 Total Awards
$39,592 Average Tuition & Fees

New York University ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. New York University is a large private not-for-profit school located in New York, New York that handed out 226 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

NYU does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 49% took at least some of their classes online.

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#16

Gannon University

Erie, Pennsylvania
33 Total Awards
$21,410 Average Tuition & Fees

Gannon University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #16 on the list. Gannon is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Erie, Pennsylvania. It awarded 33 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Gannon does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 30% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Gannon University Report

#17

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
372 Total Awards
$26,142 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #17, University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their graduate certificate. Pitt is a large public school situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It awarded 372 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Pitt does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 19% of graduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Report

#17

Monmouth University

West Long Branch, New Jersey
31 Total Awards
$33,064 Average Tuition & Fees
$65,821 Avg Student Debt

Monmouth University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #17 on the list. Monmouth is a private not-for-profit institution located in West Long Branch, New Jersey. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 31 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $65,821 in student loans. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Monmouth does offer online graduate classes in some areas. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 34% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Monmouth University

#17

DeSales University

Center Valley, Pennsylvania

With a ranking of #17, DeSales University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their graduate certificate.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at DeSales. In 2020-2021 about 59% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on DeSales University

#17

University of Rochester

Rochester, New York
346 Total Awards
$42,668 Average Tuition & Fees
$36,314 Avg Student Debt

University of Rochester landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate nursing programs. Rochester, New York is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out graduate certificates to 346 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $36,314 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at University of Rochester. In 2020-2021 about 20% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full University of Rochester Report

#21

D'Youville College

Buffalo, New York
17 Total Awards
$21,026 Average Tuition & Fees

D’Youville College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate nursing programs. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Buffalo, New York, and it awarded 17 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at D’Youville College. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 71% took at least some of their classes online.

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23 Total Awards
$11,973 Average Tuition & Fees

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #22 on the list. SUNY Downstate is located in Brooklyn, New York and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 23 graduate certificates to qualified students.

Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since SUNY Downstate does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. In 2020-2021 about 35% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Report

#22

Adelphi University

Garden City, New York
186 Total Awards
$45,925 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #22, Adelphi University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their graduate certificate. Located in Garden City, New York, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 186 diplomas to qualifed graduate certificate students in 2021-2022.

Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at Adelphi. In fact, around 78% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Adelphi University

#24

Keuka College

Keuka Park, New York
3 Total Awards
$21,458 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,413 Avg Student Debt

Keuka College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a graduate certificate. It came in at #24 on the list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Keuka Park, New York, and it awarded 3 graduate certificates in 2021-2022.

Graduate Certificate recipients from Keuka College accumulate an average of $27,413 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 100% of those degree recipients were women.

Keuka College does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2020-2021 about 33% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Keuka College

#24

Cedar Crest College

Allentown, Pennsylvania
51 Total Awards
$14,811 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,710 Avg Student Debt

Cedar Crest College landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular graduate certificate nursing programs. Cedar Crest is located in Allentown, Pennsylvania and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 51 graduate certificates to qualified students.

By the time they get their graduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,710 in student loans. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Cedar Crest does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 69% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Cedar Crest College Report

View Most Popular Nursing Graduate Certificate Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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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