Top 25 Bachelors of Science in Nursing Schools (2023)

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is a traditional, on-campus program designed as an interdisciplinary, fully rounded education in nursing science. U of M’s program is not for the uncommitted; students are expected to be highly motivated and high achieving, benefitting from current faculty research and a low student:faculty ratio intended for close mentorship. Students in the BSN program can also minor in Population Health in a Global Context, as well as taking opportunities for international travel and study.

The University of Michigan began in 1817, established by the territorial legislature to provide educational opportunity for the region’s settlers. Two centuries later, U of M is a cultural and intellectual center of the Midwest, located in one of the most loved college towns in America. UM’s School of Nursing is widely ranked as one of the top nursing schools in the nation – U.S. News & World Report top 10, in fact.

• Degree: BSN, Minor in Global Public Health
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

University of Washington

University of Washington’s BSN program prepares students to be registered nurses with a two year program building upon skills taught in the Learning Lab. Students interact in scenarios that provides practice in a controlled environment before attempting them in a clinical setting. Students benefit from over 1000 hours of hands on training in local community partner sites. The Accelerated BSN allows those with a Bachelor’s Degree to achieve a second degree in nursing. The program is a compressed and competitive schedule to allow students to complete the program in about half the time. These students also benefit from the Learning Lab.

Located in Seattle, WA, UW is a international leader when it comes to Nursing Schools. The nursing school has been in existence since 1918 and have been providing outstanding education ever since. UW believes in impacting their community in a profound way, such as Husky graduates collaborating to improve healthcare quality, access, and cost.

• Degree: BSN and Accelerated BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

University of Wisconsin, Madison

University of Wisconsin’s traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Accelerated BSN, and Online RN to BSN, are some of the strongest nursing programs in the Midwest. The traditional BSN allows students to learn skills in combination with clinical experience and interactive simulations to transition into employment. Students are able to take the exam for RN license upon graduation. The Accelerated BSN allows students who have a Bachelor’s Degree to earn a BSN in about one year. The Online RN to BSN program allows students who are currently RNs to get a BSN by completing a program that is mostly online. This works well for students who aren’t able to move to UW Madison campus.

The University of Wisconsin – located in Madison, one of the most beloved college towns in America – is central to professional life and work in Wisconsin. The School of Nursing has been part of the community since 1924. University of Wisconsin is a leading research institution and part of the state’s health care system. The school grounds their research in practical application, which immediately has a positive influence on the community’s hospitals and schools.

• Degree: BSN, Accelerated BSN, Online RN to BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

Purdue University

Purdue University’s BSN degree program teaches students to support improvement of health across the global and encourages research that will enhance the current nursing theory. Students will learn how to best advocate for enhancements to the healthcare system and work to change current policy as needed. The program at Purdue aims to ready graduates for professional nursing in varied setting and specializations. Upon completion of the coursework, students are ready to apply their Registered Nursing licensing.

One of the most esteemed public research universities in the Midwest, Purdue University is Indiana’s land-grant institution and plays a critical role in STEM and medicine. The Purdue University School of Nursing philosophy reflects the schools beliefs about the role and the education of the professional nurse. The graduates of this program influence the delivery of health care around the community and in the world. Their mission is to serve not only the citizens of Indiana, but the citizens of the world by preparing students to be leaders and advocates for their clients.

• Degree: BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Austin’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BSN) empowers students to thrive in both theory and practice. They work in numerous clinical settings for a wide range of experience to help them gain employment upon graduation. The program focuses on clinical judgment, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care. Students also study nursing leadership in a variety of clinical settings. Students are able to take the exam for RN license upon graduation.

From Austin, TX, the University of Texas is the Lone Star State’s flagship and one of the most influential public institutions in the nation. As one of the leading nursing schools in the nation, UT Austin School of Nursing is known for their academics and service. In the past, they have been ranked 17th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, as well as 15th in research funding by the NIH. The Longhorns are known to be a diverse group focused on servicing the community. The UT Austin School of Nursing hopes to build a solid group of graduates that not only thrive in employment, but also continue nursing research.

• Degree: BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

Texas A&M University

The Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is offered in three different ways formats. They have the traditional BSN, Second Degree BSN, and the RN to BSN. The traditional BSN uses face to face teaching with simulation, clinical exposure, and lectures via video conference. The Second Degree BSN is compressed program allowing a student who already has a Bachelor’s Degree in another field to receive a BSN in about 15 months. The RN to BSN program is for those students who are currently an RN, with an Associate’s Degree. This an online only program to allows students to balance work, family and education.

A highly regarded STEM and healthcare-focused research university, Texas A&M recognizes the shortage of nurses across the State of Texas and is actively working towards providing graduates who are ready to excel in nursing. They are committed to creating an technologically advanced environment in which students can learn. The College of Nursing is dedicated to fostering the concept of social and global responsibility that nurses need.

• Degree: BSN, Second Degree BSN, RN to BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

University of Florida

The University of Florida’s bachelor’s in nursing degree programs ensure students will be able to enter employment in a variety of care settings with clients across diverse populations. The Traditional BSN program is 4 semesters, while the Accelerated BSN is a compressed version of that. The coursework include classroom and lab activities with supervised clinical practice. Students will analyze a variety of issues in professional nursing practice and health care. Students gain a basic understanding of how evidence is developed in the research process. Students learn to respect variations and the increased complexity of caring for patients.

One of Florida’s two flagship institutions, the University of Florida allows students access to educational and clinical experiences while in the UF College of Nursing. UF believes students should explore nursing research and science, have clinical experiences with a diverse group of patients, and be involved in the school and community. In a state with one of the highest rates of demand for nurses, UF is critical to the healthcare system and the well-being of the Sunshine State.

• Degree: BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

University of Iowa

The University of Iowa’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and RN to BSN programs ready students for licensure and entry into employment. The RN to BSN program is designed for those with a RN who would like to earn a BSN. UI has a Nursing Clinical Education Center, (UI) located in Iowa City, IA, which allows students to practice complex nursing in a clinical environment. It is located in the General Hospital in University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. It provides a learning environment for students to enrich their educational experience and help improve patient care. The 24 hour, 7 days a week Center focuses on patient simulation, general pediatrics, adult medical surgery and pediatric and adult ambulatory care, among other areas.

Founded in 1847, the University of Iowa is one of the nation’s top public research universities. It is the Iowa’s oldest University and is located alongside the picturesque Iowa River in Iowa City. The University of Iowa College of Nursing is known for excellence.

• Degree: BSN, RN to BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

Indiana University, Bloomington

Indiana University, Bloomington’s bachelor of science in nursing program, from the School of Nursing, offers a three different ways to earn a BSN degree. They offer a traditional BSN, an Accelerated Second Degree, and RN to BSN. The Indiana University School of Nursing has a 94 percent first time passing rate on the licensing exam. They have a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates. A BSN prepares students for a professional nursing career providing care to individuals and communities in areas such as hospitals and schools.

In the UI School of Nursing, all students gain an understanding of health care policy and the impact on communities, as well as financial and regulatory constraints on health care delivery. Students learn the value in critical thinking and its application to reasoning and decision making. Students become culturally sensitive and socially aware members of their community and provide holistic and patient centered care. Students learn to become leaders and apply checks and balances to patient care and safety.

• Degree: BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

University of Connecticut

University of Connecticut Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) course study which includes a foundation in the arts, humanities, and the sciences. UConn adheres to a strict set of requirements for Nursing students. These core five areas are motor, sensory, communication, behavior, and critical thinking skills. UConn believes these areas highlight a reasonable expectation of performance by nursing students. Students will learn how to navigate unique challenges in clinical setting while understanding the responsibility of caring for patients across a diverse landscape.

UConn, located in Storrs, CT, is a leader among public research universities. UConn encourages the pursuit of knowledge through innovation. They are proud of their diverse culture and its impact on the community. In a region dominated by elite Ivy League and small liberal arts college, UConn is one of the most important forces for higher education, providing affordable education for Connecticut’s young people and working professionals. That includes world-class health sciences programs like the BSN.

• Degree: BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

Rutgers University

Rutgers University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Second Degree BSN, and RN to BSN, represent the best nursing education opportunities in New Jersey. Students can take concentrations in nursing leadership, clinical leadership, and Informatics. The School of Nursing is part of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS), which is New Jersey’s most in demand college for nursing.

Students build skills and knowledge to help create a better healthcare system. This program is fluid and changes with educational and social, political trends. The School of Nursing uses innovative teaching strategies and promotes an understanding of how health care needs change across populations, age and the community. This course encourages students to become leaders and participate in collaborative and professional environments.

• Degree: BSN, Second Degree BSN, RN to BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

University of Utah

The University of Utah’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program is in line with the mission of the school. University of Utah believes in promoting healthy behaviors and community based intervention. Located in Salt Lake City, Utah and the College of Nursing has a world renowned nursing and research faculty. The Nursing School students have a above average rate for passing the licensing exam on the first attempt.

Students of the University of Utah College of Nursing will learn to deliver safe and effective patient based care. They learn the best way to advocate for the needs of patients, while leading professionally. University of Utah offers their students the ability to study in a state of the art simulation learning center, which provides a safe environment to put their learning into practice. Students are taught the nursing that holds the highest standards of morals and ethics. Students are taught to recognize nursing extends into social, economic and political environments.

• Degree: BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

Florida State University

Florida State University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) traditional program and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) prepare students to take the exam for RN license upon graduation. The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program allows students to learn the principles of liberal studies, biological and behavioral sciences, and nursing theory. FSU’s BSN program is a two year program. The program uses patient simulators, research tools and labs to ensure students are ready for employment upon graduation. The ABSN program allows students who already have a Bachelor’s Degree to complete a BSN in one year. The compressed schedule requires a full time commitment.

located in Tallahassee, Florida, College of Nursing has been an accredited program since 1952. FSU College of Nursing is committed to teaching students how to enhance the quality of life for all people. They are proud of their legacy of readying nurses for practice and research across a diverse community. This diverse base in combination with the nursing process provides students competency in diverse settings.

• Degree: BSN, Accelerated BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program qualifies graduates to immediately sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). In addition, BSN graduates have the opportunity to earn their public health nurse certification as well. A recent trend in the nursing field reveals that employers prefer to hire registered nurses with four-year degrees. The School of Nursing celebrates its 110th year of nursing education. Degree candidates are prepared to enter the nursing field as leaders ready to move the field forward.

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities was established in 1851 as a land grant university. U of M is the oldest, largest and the flagship school within the University of Minnesota System. The University of Minnesota is home to more than 51,000 students; making it the 6th largest main campus in the country. Crucial to professional education, especially in the health sciences, UMTC has earned its reputation as one of the greatest public research institutions in the world.

• Degree: BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

University of Illinois at Chicago

The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers two separate paths: the Traditional BSN path and the RN to BSN path. UIC’s Traditional BSN program is completed with face-to-face and real-world experience. Traditional BSN candidates must possess 57 credit hours to be accepted. The RN to BSN path is designed for licensed registered nurses ready further their education to include a baccalaureate degree. The RN to BSN path is delivered through their flexible distance-learning platform.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is a public university established in 1859. The main campus runs adjacent to the famous Chicago Loop. The University of Illinois at Chicago School of Nursing baccalaureate degree programs are spread among three of the UIC’s six campuses: Chicago, Springfield and Urbana. UIC’s School of Nursing seeks to be the premier educational leader in advancing the field of nursing.

• Degree: BSN, RN to BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

Stony Brook University (SUNY)

Stony Brook University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program, an Accelerated BSN program, and an RN to BSN program come from the renowned Stony Brook School of Nursing. Nursing students follow SUNY Stony Brook’s values of Integrity, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Creativity, Honesty, Unity and Perseverance. SUNY Stony Brook’s nursing programs focus on patient care through the applied principles of science, and humanity.

The State University of NY at Stony Brook was established in 1957 as a public space-grant and sea-grant university. It was originally located in Oyster Bay, Long Island, but moved to a 1,300+-acre campus further east on Long Island as demand for higher education in a area grew. The School of Nursing is one of SUNY’s Stony Brook’s six Health Science schools. SUNY Stony Brook graduates are qualified to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

• Degree: BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

Louisiana State University and A&M College

The Louisiana State University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a comprehensive professional degree with two separate education pathways: the Traditional BSN pathway (a three year study program) and the RN to BSN (a one year program of study) education pathway. The Traditional BSN program class sizes are quite limited. Graduates of the Traditional BSN program are qualified to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students interested in the RN to BSN path must possess an unencumbered RN license in Louisiana.

The Louisiana State University and the A&M College was established in 1860 and is currently the most comprehensive, flagship school in the state of Louisiana. LSU began its formal nursing programs in 1929. In 2017, the School of Nursing at LSU earned the Stellar School Award issues by the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA). LSU’s incorporates nine core values for nursing students and faculty. These include Caring, Respect, Stewardship, Integrity, Citizenship, Excellence, Professionalism, Nursing Innovations, and Diversity.

• Degree: BSN, RN to BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma’s bachelor’s in nursing programs include the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to BSN program and a Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN program. The Earl Ziegler College of Nursing is nationally recognized through its extensive research initiatives that reach the local, regional and international health communities. The University of Oklahoma’s College of Nursing has received its accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The University of Oklahoma was established in 1890 and currently holds the distinction as Oklahoma’s flagship, space grant school of higher learning. The US News & World Report has ranked the University of Oklahoma’s RN to BSN program first in the country. The School of Nursing strives to educate nurses who will seek to advance the nursing field through well-developed nursing skills and leadership qualities. The faculty at the School of Nursing has been chosen to participate as an item writer for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

• Degree: BSN, Accelerated BSN, LPN to BSN, RN to BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

West Virginia University

West Virginia University’s bachelor’s in nursing programs include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, a Second degree BSN (BS/BA to BSN) program, and an RN to BSN in Nursing degree program. The traditional BSN program is recognized by health care agencies for its excellence. One hundred percent of WVU’s BS/BA nursing graduates passed the NCLEX in 2016. West Virginia University’s RN to BSN can be completed through their online educational platform. The online platform’s tuition rates remain the same for all students, independent of their residency.

West Virginia University was founded in 1867 and is currently considered an intensive research, space grant, and land grant university. West Virginia University’s School of Nursing receives nearly $2 million in research grants and a central to nursing education for the state’s healthcare system. Their job placement rate is almost 100%. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits West Virginia’s nursing programs.

• Degree: BSN, Second Degree BSN, RN to BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

Arizona State University

Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) teaches students high-quality professional nursing care using a curriculum centered upon evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, innovation, interprofessional communication and information technology. The BSN is offered through the College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Students can pursue one of two prelicensure tracks, the online RN to BSN program or participation through the concurrent enrollment program offered through participating community colleges.

In addition to the BSN, the College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers additional undergraduate and graduate degrees that prepare students for the challenges of health care. The campus, one of four at Arizona State University, is location in downtown Phoenix, Arizona’s state capital. This professional, fast-paced downtown is also a transit network hub that includes light rail and connections to other ASU campuses and points of interest throughout metropolitan Phoenix.

• Degree Options: BSN - 2 tracks, Online RN to BSN, or Concurrent Enrollment Program
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

Northeastern University

Northeastern University’s Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) programs include a tradition BSN degree program, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program, and their online RN to BSN program. The traditional BSN program is a mandatory full-time program that includes an internship in a variety of clinical settings. The 16-month ABSN program is available on Northeastern University’s Boston campus and on a satellite campus in Charlotte, NC. It is open to those who have already attained a baccalaureate degree. The RN to BSN program is offered as online coursework that can be completed full-time or part-time.

Northeastern University was established in 1898. Students receive an experience-driven education. US News & World Report has ranked Northeastern University among the top 50 universities in the country for the past six consecutive years. Other NU campuses include Burlington & Nahant, MA, the San Francisco Bay area, Seattle, Toronto and Charlotte, NC. NU’s Bouve College of Health Sciences is one of the most renowned programs of its kind in New England.

• Degree: BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming’s Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) program, from the Fay W, Whitney School of Nursing, is a traditional 4-year, on-campus degree. UW also offers the BRAND degree (Bachelors Reach for Accelerated Nursing Degree), a great option for students who already hold a baccalaureate degree. This 15-month program is designed to deliver services to Wyoming’s rural areas. The University of Wyoming’s online only BSN Completion program is a flexible coursework program completed in 8-week terms.

The University of Wyoming was established in 1886 as a land grant university for the Wyoming Territory. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits every nursing program offered by the University of Wyoming. The University of Wyoming Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing provides an intimate education experience within its cutting-edge labs and Clinical Simulation Center. The University of Wyoming is home to several public collections such as the Art Museum, the Geological Museum, and the American Heritage Center, among others.

• Degree: BSN, BRAND, BSN Completion
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

San Diego State University

San Diego State University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) traditional degree program comes from the School of Nursing, as does their RN to BSN degree program. SDSU’s traditional BSN program prepares nursing graduates to become critical thinkers with adept decision-making skills. It is available for first-year college students or for transfer students from community colleges or four-year universities. The 12-15 month RN to BSN degree program is available to those who currently possess an Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) or a Nursing Diploma from another nursing program.

San Diego State University was founded in 1897 as a teacher training school. One of the most diverse universities in the nation, SDSU is a leader in helping minority students graduate and enter professional careers, especially in healthcare. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits San Diego State University’s undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. SDSU’s NCLEX-RN exam passing rates exceeded 98% for in 2017-18.

• Degree: BSN, RN to BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

Texas Tech University

The School of Nursing offers Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s bachelor’s in nursing degree programs. The traditional Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) is a great fit for students who hold no nursing accreditations. Texas Tech’s RN to BSN in Nursing program is available to students who already have a Registered Nurse license and have completed an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). Texas Tech also offers two accelerated BSN nursing programs. The Second Degree BSN program works for those who already have earned another bachelor’s degree. The second Accelerated BSN program is designed for veterans who have medical training from their time in the service.

Texas Tech University was founded in 1923 and is considered the flagship school of the Texas Tech University System. The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is an independent part of the Texas Tech system and a crucial part of healthcare in West Texas, serving 100 counties in the region. The College of Nursing began teaching nursing courses in 1979. The National League for Nursing (NLN) has recognized Texas Tech as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education from 2014-2018.

• Degree: BSN, RN to BSN, Second Degree BSN, Veteran BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$

University at Buffalo (SUNY)

The School of Nursing at the University at Buffalo’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers three education paths for new and experienced nurses. The Traditional BSN program is a comprehensive program that prepares graduates to work professionally in a variety of clinical settings. The RN to BSN program is completed entirely online. It builds upon the knowledge students possess who hold a license for a Registered Nurse or have already earned an associate’s degree. The Accelerated 12-month BSN program (ABSN) program is an educational option for students who have already have a baccalaureate degree in another discipline.

The University at Buffalo is the flagship school of the State University of New York (SUNY). SUNY Buffalo dates back to a private medical college founded in 1846, but since becoming a member school of the SUNY system in 1962, the university has become the state’s public higher education leader. Today, SUNY Buffalo is New York State’s largest public university with a student enrollment that exceeds 30,000.

• Degree: BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN
• Annual Tuition: $$$$$