2023 Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
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.
The Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking is one of many tools that Nursing Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 386 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region to see which 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.
Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region of the U.S.
Learn more about these popular schools below:
Our analysis found Excelsior University to be the most popular school for nursing students in the Middle Atlantic Region . Excelsior University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Albany, New York that handed out 4,461 degrees in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from Excelsior University accumulate an average of $20,049 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Excelsior University graduates make an average of $58,705 annually. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.
Out of the 386 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Drexel University landed the # 2 spot on the list. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 7,192 students in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from Drexel accumulate an average of $48,843 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 $753. During the early years of their career, Drexel graduates make an average of $60,176 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.
The programs at Jersey College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in the Middle Atlantic Region . Jersey College is a private for-profit institution located in Teterboro, New Jersey. The school has a small population, and it awarded 902 degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $20,578 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $134. Once they receive their degree, Jersey College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $57,914 during the early year of their career. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.
The programs at Thomas Jefferson University helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in the Middle Atlantic Region . Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 2,809 students in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from Thomas Jefferson University accumulate an average of $45,943 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 $571. During the early years of their career, Thomas Jefferson University graduates make an average of $59,708 annually. Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.
You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Maryland - Baltimore. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. UMB is a public institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,506 degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $87,021 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $260, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UMB graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $78,304 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.
New York University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students. It came in at #6 on the list. NYU is located in New York, New York and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 18,769 degrees to qualified students.
On average, students take out $66,383 in loans while pursuing 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. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #7, University of Pennsylvania did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 10,067 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from UPenn accumulate an average of $66,363 in student debt by the time they complete 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. Once they receive their degree, UPenn graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $81,207 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.
Stony Brook University ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. 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. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $227 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, SUNY Stony Brook graduates make an average of $53,237 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.
Wilmington University ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Located in New Castle, Delaware, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 3,732 degrees in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from Wilmington University accumulate an average of $28,753 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Wilmington University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $52,115 during the early years of their career. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.
LIU Post did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students. It came in at #10 on the 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.
On average, students take out $55,686 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $578 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.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. Of those students who received their degree, 76% were women.
With a ranking of #10, Adelphi University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working. Adelphi is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Garden City, New York. It awarded 2,450 degrees in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from Adelphi accumulate an average of $43,372 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 $651 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Adelphi, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,441 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 72% were women.
Rutgers University - New Brunswick came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. New Brunswick, New Jersey is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 13,105 students in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $35,025 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $310 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Rutgers New Brunswick, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,056 during the early years of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.
With a ranking of #13, Columbia University in the City of New York did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working. Columbia is a private not-for-profit institution located in New York, New York. The school has a large population, and it awarded 14,565 degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $71,027 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $730. During the early years of their career, Columbia graduates make an average of $70,610 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.
Mercy College ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Mercy College is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Dobbs Ferry, New York that handed out 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. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $276 if they 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. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.
George Washington University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. This large private not-for-profit school is located in Washington, District of Columbia, and it awarded 9,285 degrees in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from GWU accumulate an average of $53,898 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 $598 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, GWU graduates make an average of $65,148 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.
Molloy College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular nursing programs. Rockville Centre, New York is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,471 students in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,946 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $586. During the early years of their career, Molloy graduates make an average of $55,942 annually. Around 79% of those degree recipients were women.
Delaware Technical Community College - Terry landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular nursing programs. Dover, Delaware is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,999 students in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from Delaware Tech accumulate an average of $10,697 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Delaware Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,255 during the early years of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.
Harrisburg Area Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,107 students in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $18,840 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from HACC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,757 during the early years of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list. Lancaster, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 525 students in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from PA College accumulate an average of $19,020 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 $305 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, PA College graduates make an average of $61,106 annually. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.
Access Careers did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in Hempstead, New York, the very small private for-profit school handed out 467 degrees in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $6,211 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Access Careers graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $26,853 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.
With a ranking of #21, Johns Hopkins University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working. Baltimore, Maryland is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 11,331 students in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $48,497 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $670.After graduating from Johns Hopkins, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $68,344 during the early years of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.
Union County College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students. It came in at #22 on the list. Cranford, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,590 students in 2021-2022.
Degree recipients from Union County College accumulate an average of $12,327 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Union County College graduates make an average of $40,152 annually. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.
Helene Fuld College of Nursing landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular nursing programs. Located in New York, New York, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 363 degrees in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $21,642 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, HFCN graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $91,819 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.
Pace University - New York landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular nursing programs. New York, New York is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 3,829 students in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $44,362 in student loans. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.
With a ranking of #25, Duquesne University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 2,764 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.
On average, students take out $45,054 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $719 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Duquesne, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,645 during the early years of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.
Rest of the Top 50 Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region of the U.S.
Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:
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Rest of the Top 15% Most Popular Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region of the U.S.
To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
51 | Isabella Graham Hart School of Practical Nursing | Rochester, NY |
52 | Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD |
53 | Wilkes University | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
54 | School Removed | |
55 | Thomas Edison State University | Trenton, NJ |
56 | La Salle University | Philadelphia, PA |
57 | The Graduate Center, CUNY | New York, NY |
58 | West Chester University of Pennsylvania | West Chester, PA |
Honorable Mentions
These schools also performed well in our most popular nursing schools ranking:
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
59 | Felician University | Lodi, NJ |
60 | Chamberlain University - New Jersey | North Brunswick, NJ |
61 | St Paul’s School of Nursing - Staten Island | Staten Island, NY |
62 | School Removed | |
63 | AMG School of Licensed Practical Nursing | Brooklyn, NY |
64 | Wagner College | Staten Island, NY |
65 | Delaware County Community College | Media, PA |
65 | St Paul’s School of Nursing - Queens | Rego Park, NY |
67 | SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University | Brooklyn, NY |
68 | Dominican College of Blauvelt | Orangeburg, NY |
68 | University at Buffalo | Buffalo, NY |
70 | College of Staten Island CUNY | Staten Island, NY |
71 | Millersville University of Pennsylvania | Millersville, PA |
72 | University of Delaware | Newark, DE |
73 | New Age Training | New York, NY |
74 | Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ |
75 | New Jersey City University | Jersey City, NJ |
76 | Howard Community College | Columbia, MD |
77 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Moorestown | Moorestown, NJ |
78 | Montgomery College | Rockville, MD |
78 | DeSales University | Center Valley, PA |
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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