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Most Popular Nursing Schools in the New England Region

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2023 Most Popular Nursing Schools in the New England Region

131 Schools Ranked
$47,585 Average Earnings
$31,147 Avg Student Debt

With all the nursing programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. 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.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Nursing Degree Search has created the Most Popular Nursing Schools in the New England Region to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 131 schools in the New England Region to see which ones were the most popular programs 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

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire
29,238 Total Awards
$46,640 Average Earnings
$29,420 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Southern New Hampshire University to be the most popular school for nursing students in the New England Region . SNHU is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Manchester, New Hampshire. It awarded 29,238 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $29,420 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $403, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, SNHU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,640 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Full Southern New Hampshire University Report

#3

Regis College

Weston, Massachusetts
1,306 Total Awards
$53,227 Average Earnings
$26,680 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Regis College is a great place for nursing students. Regis College is located in Weston, Massachusetts and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,306 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,680 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $626, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Regis College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,227 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

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#4

Simmons University

Boston, Massachusetts
1,962 Total Awards
$55,531 Average Earnings
$56,133 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Simmons University is a great place for nursing students. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 1,962 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Simmons accumulate an average of $56,133 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 $555 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Simmons graduates make an average of $55,531 annually. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Simmons University

#5

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, Connecticut
2,886 Total Awards
$51,043 Average Earnings
$36,009 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Sacred Heart University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in the New England Region . Sacred Heart is located in Fairfield, Connecticut and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,886 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Sacred Heart accumulate an average of $36,009 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 $828. During the early years of their career, Sacred Heart graduates make an average of $51,043 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

Full Sacred Heart University Report

2,386 Total Awards
$69,235 Average Earnings
$70,655 Avg Student Debt

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the New England Region list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Boston, Massachusetts, and it awarded 2,386 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from MCPHS University accumulate an average of $70,655 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 $972. Once they receive their degree, MCPHS University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $69,235 during the early year of their career. Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

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#7

University of Massachusetts - Boston

Boston, Massachusetts
3,980 Total Awards
$48,855 Average Earnings
$28,558 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, University of Massachusetts - Boston did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working. UMass Boston is a fairly large public school situated in Boston, Massachusetts. It awarded 3,980 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,558 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $101 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UMass Boston, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,855 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

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#8

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, Rhode Island
4,664 Total Awards
$44,926 Average Earnings
$24,766 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, University of Rhode Island did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working. URI is a fairly large public school situated in Kingston, Rhode Island. It awarded 4,664 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from URI accumulate an average of $24,766 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 $381.After graduating from URI, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,926 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#9

Laboure College

Milton, Massachusetts
471 Total Awards
$60,887 Average Earnings
$20,007 Avg Student Debt

Laboure College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular nursing programs. Laboure College is located in Milton, Massachusetts and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 471 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,007 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $215 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Laboure College graduates make an average of $60,887 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 88% were women.

Full Laboure College Report

#10

Quinnipiac University

Hamden, Connecticut
3,108 Total Awards
$61,041 Average Earnings
$43,715 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Quinnipiac University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Hamden, Connecticut, and it awarded 3,108 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Quinnipiac accumulate an average of $43,715 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 $1,061.After graduating from Quinnipiac, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $61,041 during the early years of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Quinnipiac University Report

#11

University of Connecticut

Storrs, Connecticut
8,782 Total Awards
$51,207 Average Earnings
$35,111 Avg Student Debt

University of Connecticut came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Schools in the New England Region ranking. University of Connecticut is a large public school located in Storrs, Connecticut that handed out 8,782 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from UCONN accumulate an average of $35,111 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 $489.After graduating from UCONN, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,207 during the early years of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Connecticut Report

#12

Rivier University

Nashua, New Hampshire
677 Total Awards
$51,251 Average Earnings
$34,857 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Rivier University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working. Rivier is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Nashua, New Hampshire. It awarded 677 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $34,857 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $383.After graduating from Rivier, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,251 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

Read full report on Rivier University

#13

Vermont Technical College

Randolph, Vermont
558 Total Awards
$47,641 Average Earnings
$17,569 Avg Student Debt

Vermont Technical College ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the New England Region list. Located in Randolph, Vermont, the small public school handed out 558 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,569 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Vermont Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,641 during the early year of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Vermont Technical College Report

#14

Goodwin College

East Hartford, Connecticut
1,026 Total Awards
$45,599 Average Earnings
$25,487 Avg Student Debt

Goodwin College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students. It came in at #14 on the list. Goodwin is a private not-for-profit institution located in East Hartford, Connecticut. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,026 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,487 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Goodwin graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,599 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Full Goodwin College Report

#15

MGH Institute of Health Professions

Boston, Massachusetts
602 Total Awards
$79,494 Average Earnings
$107,006 Avg Student Debt

MGH Institute of Health Professions came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Schools in the New England Region ranking. MGH Institute of Health Professions is a small private not-for-profit school located in Boston, Massachusetts that handed out 602 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $107,006 in student loans.After graduating from MGH Institute of Health Professions, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $79,494 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

Read full report on MGH Institute of Health Professions

3,052 Total Awards
$63,021 Average Earnings
$39,782 Avg Student Debt

Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular nursing programs. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 3,052 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $39,782 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $468, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $63,021 during the early year of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

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#17

Community College of Rhode Island

Warwick, Rhode Island
2,161 Total Awards
$38,557 Average Earnings
$12,941 Avg Student Debt

Community College of Rhode Island landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular nursing programs. CCRI is a fairly large public school situated in Warwick, Rhode Island. It awarded 2,161 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,941 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, CCRI graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,557 during the early year of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Community College of Rhode Island

#18

Curry College

Milton, Massachusetts
661 Total Awards
$58,713 Average Earnings
$28,232 Avg Student Debt

Curry College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular nursing programs. Located in Milton, Massachusetts, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 661 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Curry accumulate an average of $28,232 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $825, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Curry graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $58,713 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Read full report on Curry College

#19

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts
9,752 Total Awards
$47,385 Average Earnings
$24,448 Avg Student Debt

University of Massachusetts Amherst ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the New England Region list. University of Massachusetts Amherst is a large public school located in Amherst, Massachusetts that handed out 9,752 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,448 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $322.After graduating from UMass Amherst, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,385 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Read full report on University of Massachusetts Amherst

#20

Fairfield University

Fairfield, Connecticut
1,793 Total Awards
$59,065 Average Earnings
$37,156 Avg Student Debt

Fairfield University ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the New England Region list. Fairfield U is a private not-for-profit institution located in Fairfield, Connecticut. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,793 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $37,156 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $670. During the early years of their career, Fairfield U graduates make an average of $59,065 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Fairfield University Report

#21

University of Southern Maine

Portland, Maine
1,918 Total Awards
$42,906 Average Earnings
$26,469 Avg Student Debt

University of Southern Maine landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular nursing programs. University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, Maine and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,918 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,469 in student loans.After graduating from University of Southern Maine, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,906 during the early years of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

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#22

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
5,067 Total Awards
$57,535 Average Earnings
$38,475 Avg Student Debt

Boston College ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Schools in the New England Region list. Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 5,067 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $38,475 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $843, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Boston College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $57,535 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Full Boston College Report

#23

Northeastern University

Boston, Massachusetts
9,235 Total Awards
$63,894 Average Earnings
$40,741 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Northeastern University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working. Northeastern is a private not-for-profit institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. The school has a large population, and it awarded 9,235 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $40,741 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $463 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Northeastern graduates make an average of $63,894 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

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#24

Rhode Island College

Providence, Rhode Island
1,614 Total Awards
$42,201 Average Earnings
$22,213 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Rhode Island College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working. Providence, Rhode Island is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,614 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,213 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $185 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, RIC graduates make an average of $42,201 annually. Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Rhode Island College Report

#25

Quinsigamond Community College

Worcester, Massachusetts
1,287 Total Awards
$38,219 Average Earnings
$17,241 Avg Student Debt

Quinsigamond Community College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular nursing programs. Quinsigamond Community College is a public institution located in Worcester, Massachusetts. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,287 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,241 in student loans.After graduating from Quinsigamond Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,219 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

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View Most Popular Nursing Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular nursing schools ranking:

Rank School Location
26 New England Institute of Technology East Greenwich, RI
27 Lincoln Technical Institute - Lincoln Lincoln, RI

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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