PROGRAMS
February 2, 2023
By: Nurse.org Staff
Expert review by: Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
The first step to becoming a registered nurse (RN) in New York is earning a degree from an accredited nursing program.
Being one of the largest states in the nation, New York is home to plenty of different nursing programs. On top of that, the high cost of living in New York also means a higher median wage, with New York nurses earning more on average than most other states.
To get a job as a nurse in New York, a good place to start is a New York nursing school. Not only do these schools prepare nurses for a career, but they also make it easier for nurses to land a position in the state of New York.
Methodology
This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors including,
Reputation
NCLEX pass rate
Tuition
Acceptance rate, when available
Nurse Panel
Our selection panel includes 4 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.
Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN
Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 New York nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.
>> Related: Highest Paying States For Registered Nurses in 2020
Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in New York
Annual Tuition: $36,030 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 89.2%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
Molloy University has several nursing program options available to prospective students. Beyond the traditional four-year BSN program there are also LPN to BSN programs and RN to BSN programs available. For students interested in advancing their education, there are also numerous Nurse Practitioner programs and Clinical Nurse Specialist programs available.
Annual Tuition: $60,438 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.3%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
The price might scare some nurses away, but New York University has established itself as one of the top nursing programs in the entire nation. The College of Nursing at NYU is one of the top schools for research funding, something graduate students will definitely be interested in, and they prepare nurses for a career in any part of the world. While prospective nurses can earn their BSN at NYU, the master's and doctoral programs are exceptionally famous for their rigor and for producing top-quality graduates.
Annual Tuition: $49,460 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 85.9%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
Wagner College’s BSN programs blend liberal arts with nursing studies, giving students a well-rounded education. This is ideal for students that are planning on continuing their education since it gives them a better basis. Wagner also has plenty of graduate-level programs, including a new DNP program. The Evelyn L. Spiro School of Nursing was named a 2012-16 Center of Excellence in Nursing Education in the category of "Creating Environments that Enhance Student Learning and Professional Development."
Annual Tuition: $60,550 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 84%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
The University of Rochester has countless options available to nursing school. Currently, college graduates can earn full tuition coverage for the accelerated nursing program with a three-year work commitment at specific UR Medicine hospitals. Students can expect to complete 49 credits over three full-time semesters and complete 700 clinical hours at the University of Rochester Medical Center and through immersive simulation experiences. If this doesn’t sound like something that would be a good fit, there are multiple other undergraduate and graduate-level nursing programs for students.
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,070 | Annual Out-of-State: $24,990 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 97%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
University of Buffalo has over 85 years of educating nursing students. It offers small classes but the resources of a large research-intensive university. In addition to the typical undergraduate and graduate degrees, UB also hosts a program that allows Buffalo public high school students the opportunity to explore different career opportunities in nursing. While the tuition isn’t cheap, most students to receive financial aid. Over $370 million in financial aid and scholarships is awarded annually.
Annual Tuition: $42,310| NCLEX Pass Rate: 66.9%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Started in the 1860s, Adelphi University has been educating nursing students in New York for decades. While the undergraduate nursing program is large and very successful. The graduate-level programs really stand out. For a fifth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Adelphi as a 2022–2023 Best College among national universities for the following: best undergraduate nursing program, best nursing master’s program, and best value school.
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,070 | Annual Out-of-State: $24,990 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 92%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Stony Brook University offers several BSN programs including a fast-paced 12-month accelerated nursing program as well as an RN to BSN program and an RN BSN to MSN program. There are ten graduate-level programs to choose from and even more certificate programs available to those wanting to advance their education. Additionally, there are numerous DNP programs.
Annual Tuition: $48,152 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 74.7%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Home to the Lienhard School of Nursing at the College of Health Professions, Pace University’s nursing program is one of the best in the country and often recognized as a top-level program. There are several undergraduate and graduate-level programs for applicants to choose from. Students in the accelerated nursing program can earn a BSN in only 11 months which is one of the quickest program completions in the country.
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,070 | Annual Out-of-State: $24,910 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 91.4%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Best for New York residents who enjoy working in rural communities, Binghamton University has an affordable, flexible nursing program. Students can continue working while pursuing a graduate degree here, and each graduate degree is designed to support the health of rural communities – something that people forget New York has plenty of. SUNY Binghamton also offers nursing students a forensic health minor which is especially useful for nurses interested in pursuing forensic nursing or even nurse law positions.
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,070 | Annual Out-of-State: $16,980 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 94.7%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Farmingdale State College only offers undergraduate level degrees, but they have great outcomes. They have over a 94% NCLEX-RN pass rate four years running, and all their BSN programs are accredited by the New Your State Board of Regents. If you’re looking for a BSN and want to work in New York, this could be the school for you.
Show Me New York Nursing Programs
Choosing the Right School
Choosing a school isn’t always as easy as picking the cheapest tuition or highest acceptance rate. Many schools offer a specialized education, giving nurses a leg-up when applying for positions.
Also, most schools offer specific programs that you can’t find in other institutions. One college may have a great psychiatric nurse practitioner program while another has an excellent program for pediatrics.
Before picking a school, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions to narrow down your options:
What are your professional goals as a nurse?
Are you studying toward a BSN? An MSN? If you’re already an RN, is there a program that saves you time and money to earn a degree?
Do you want to study at a school in or near the city of New York, or do you prefer to be in another part of the state?
Do you want to earn one degree, or are you looking for multiple degrees or even a certificate? Is there a school that offers all these options?
Which schools are within your price range, and how can you make the more expensive schools affordable?
4 Key Factors That Affect Nursing School Tuition
Keep in mind that colleges and universities reserve the right to change tuition rates at any time. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each student depending on various factors including,
Transfer credits
Completed competency exams
Amount of credits taken per year
Financial aid awards
Check with the specific school for current tuition rates.
New York Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),
Registered nurses in New York earn a mean annual salary of $93,320, as of 2021.
New York employs 188,300 RNs, or 21.72 RNs for every 1,000 workers.
Next Steps:
Spend some time researching different schools you might be interested in attending. There's no need to pick the perfect school right now, so keep an open mind about which New York colleges and universities might be a good fit.
Once you've picked a few schools you are interested in, follow these next steps:
Contact each school’s admissions offices. Get in touch with each school's admissions office to learn more about the admissions process, admission requirements, and what materials you need to submit when applying.
Check to see if you meet the nursing school requirements. Nursing schools usually have their own requirements for applicants, and these are tougher to meet than the college/university's admission requirements. Make sure you're on track to become nursing school eligible if you aren't already.
Submit your application(s). Once you've figured out all the materials you need to submit a strong application, the final step is to send them in!
Common application requirements include:
High school transcript (GPA)
ACT and/or SAT scores
College entrance essay(s)
Letter(s) of recommendation
Important considerations when comparing schools:
You'll begin to receive acceptance letters from colleges and universities, and that brings us to the next step in the process: comparing schools to pick the best option. Comparing schools is an excellent way to figure out which school aligns with your wants and needs the best.
Factors to consider include:
Annual tuition/nursing program cost
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
Cost of living on-campus or in the area
Distance from home
Public vs Private (public schools offer in-state tuition)
School and nursing program acceptance rate
Length and type of program (BSN or ADN)
Program outcomes (NCLEX pass rate and job placement)
School accreditation (regional and national)
Why You Should Care About a Nursing Program’s Accreditation
Accreditation is how schools and programs verify their academic quality. When applying to colleges in New York, make sure they're accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Also, do not apply to a nursing program unless it holds programmatic accreditation!
The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are
If you earn a degree from an unaccredited school, you may have trouble securing federal financial aid and finding work as a nurse after graduation. Furthermore, if you plan on attending a graduate or doctoral program, a prerequisite is a BSN from an accredited nursing program.
Getting a License in New York
According to the New York Board of Nursing, nursing students looking to become RNs have a pretty straightforward path to licensure. New York is not currently part of the Enhanced Nursing Compact License (eNLC), however, there is legislation pending to be a part of the eNLC.
To get a license in New York, you'll need to:
Study at a nursing school approved by the New York State Board of Nursing
Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
Pay an application fee and pass a criminal background check
Apply through the New York Board of Nursing
Conclusion
Different nursing schools have different benefits and drawbacks, especially when compared to similar institutions. One school might be more affordable, but another could offer a niche program that you’re interested in studying. Because of this, picking the perfect school can seem difficult.
Before committing to any school, consider the following:
How much money the program is going to cost from start to finish
How easy it is to get into the school and nursing program
The benefits/drawbacks this school has compared to others
(Video) Top 10 Nursing Programs Universities in New York New Ranking 2021
After you’ve thought it over, the last thing to do is to send out the application to the school (or schools) you picked!
FAQs
Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in New York? ›
1. University of Rochester, Rochester. About University of Rochester School of Nursing: The School of Nursing at the University of Rochester prepares students for health care leadership roles both in professional practice and in research.
What is the #1 nursing program in NYS? ›1. University of Rochester, Rochester. About University of Rochester School of Nursing: The School of Nursing at the University of Rochester prepares students for health care leadership roles both in professional practice and in research.
Which SUNY school has the best nursing program? ›University at Buffalo (SUNY)
SUNY Buffalo's School of Nursing, as a best nursing school in New York, offers a Baccalaureate degree o in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nurse Practitioner (DNP), and a nursing Ph. D.
Easiest nursing degree program to get into in New York
College of Mount Saint Vincent has an acceptance rate of 93%, with an SAT Range of 910-1090, making it the least exclusive college with a nursing program on our list.
Consequently, Duke University School of Medicine, located in the heart of Duke's Medical Campus, is currently ranked by the Nursing Schools Almanac as the #1 Best Nursing School in the United States. Duke University offers nursing students Master's, Ph. D., and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees.
How much does a 2 year nursing degree pay in New York? ›| Years of experience | Per hour |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | $61.10 |
| 1 to 2 years | $65.67 |
| 3 to 5 years | $68.93 |
| 6 to 9 years | $71.42 |
Tuition is $14,930 per semester for 12-17 credits for students in the traditional and the accelerated options. The fourth option is a 100% online RN to BSN program for current RNs with a diploma or associate degree in nursing. Cost for the RN to BSN program is $638 per credit.
Which SUNY school is the hardest to get into? ›The hardest SUNY school to get into is Cornell University. Situated at Ithaca, Tompkins County, it has only a 14% acceptance rate but a high graduation rate of 93%. It's regarded as an Ivy League school.
How long does it take to become a RN in NY? ›This two-year program prepares students to serve the health needs of individuals in a variety of health care settings. The program can be completed in either two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study.
What GPA do you need to get into NYU nursing school? ›Degree Requirements
DNP students are required to complete the degree within 7 years from the date of matriculation (indicated on each student's statement of requirements) for all entry options, with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
What is the hardest class in RN school? ›
Pharmacology. Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. "It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed," says Megan Lynch, RN and instructor at Pima Community College.
What is the best GPA to get into nursing school? ›However, due to the competitive nature of nursing programs, most schools prefer a 3.7 to 4.0 GPA.
What is the #3 nursing school in the US? ›Emory University
#3 Best Colleges for Nursing in America.
The BSN is the nursing degree that most employers prefer, and it provides graduates the best career opportunities straight out of school. The minimum requirement for many nursing positions these days is a BSN.
What is the GPA for nursing in USA? ›After acceptance into the nursing program, each student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for coursework in the nursing major to remain in the nursing program.
Who are the highest paid nurses? ›What is the highest-paid nurse? Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists! Earning $195,610 annually, CRNAs earn significantly more than any other type of nurse or nursing specialty.
Which state has highest RN salary? ›In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What GPA do you need for 2nd entry nursing York? ›To be eligible for this program, applicants must have completed a minimum of 60 credits at a recognized university prior to admission (equivalent to at least ten (10) university full courses), with a cumulative grade point average of at least a B (6.0 on the York Scale) and a B+ (7.0) average in the last 30 credits.
How do I become an RN fast in NYC? ›Through the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Felician University, students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree or at least 60 college credits can earn a BSN in as few as 16 months.
How long does RN license last in NY? ›After you qualify for a license as an RN, NYSED will issue you a license parchment and a registration certificate. Your license is valid for life, unless it is surrendered, revoked, annulled, or suspended by the New York State Board of Regents.
How long is nursing school NYC? ›
Among these are the standard four-year and accelerated Baccalaureate (BSN) programs, the Global Public Health/Nursing degree, the LEAD Honors program, and the RN to BSN program.
What GPA is needed for SUNY? ›Historically, our admissions criteria has been as follows:
Average GPA: 85-92 range (middle 50% of admitted students is an 88-94) SAT score: 1100-1290 range. ACT score: 23-27 range.
What Are the Easiest Colleges to Get Into in New York? The easiest colleges to get into in New York are the Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, Berkeley College, and SUNY Empire State College.
What is the richest high school in NYC? ›The private high school with the highest tuition in New York is THINK Global School, with a tuition of $94,050.
How much does a RN nursing earn in NY? ›Average Nurse Salary in New York
The registered nurse salary in New York is $96,170 per year. This means that nurses in New York earn an average of $46.24 per hour. On the other hand, the national average for registered nurses is $77,600 per year. This annual salary is approximately $37.31 per hour.
New York: Unlimited attempts. Canada: 3 attempts maximum.
What is the timeline of becoming an RN? ›Depending on the specific nursing program that you enroll in, it could take anywhere from 16 months to four years to become a registered nurse.
Is nursing school free at NYU? ›This year, we also began offering four years of full funding (free tuition and, for some, a stipend) to our full-time nursing PhD students. We've now caught up to our peer nursing schools, which offer similar amounts of funding, and therefore can help attract the top PhD nursing students to NYU Meyers.
What is the lowest GPA accepted to nursing school? ›While most nursing schools set their minimum GPA requirements at 3.0, there are accelerated nursing programs out there that accept students with 2.7 and 2.8 GPAs. Keep in mind that this doesn't mean you'd receive a lesser nursing education with these programs.
What is the pass rate for NYU nursing Nclex? ›A state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Learning Center. The NCLEX pass rate for the first quarter of 2019 was 99%--compared with a national and state-wide pass rate of 92%. Faculty who are nationally recognized as nursing scholars and leaders in a wide range of specialty areas.
Which is the toughest degree in the world? ›
- Chartered Accountancy.
- Astrophysics.
- Quantum Mechanics.
- Law.
- Aerospace/ Aeronautical Studies, Engineering.
- Biomedical Studies, Neurosciences, Biochemistry.
- Nursing.
- Dentistry, Medicine.
Preparing to take the NCLEX is enough to make just about anyone nervous. It's a difficult exam, and a major stepping stone in your career as a registered nurse. Remember that most people pass the NCLEX on the first try. However, preparation and confidence are key to passing.
Is it common to fail nursing class? ›Many nursing schools require a minimum grade of roughly 80% to actually pass, as well. By the time you realize you aren't doing well enough to be successful in the course, the choices can be pretty limited. Failure happens all the time. It happens every day...
How can I raise my GPA in nursing school? ›Retake courses you did poorly in the first time around, and/or take new courses you can ace (even general education courses like volleyball, nutrition, etc.) to bump your GPA back up to 3.0. Seek out nursing schools that look at GPA in different ways.
Can an average student become a nurse? ›To start nursing school, you don't need any prior nursing experience or healthcare education. All you need is a high school diploma or GED. Once you are accepted, your journey to RN begins! You can become an RN in 2 to 4 years by studying for an associate's degree (ASN) or bachelor's degree (BSN).
Can I be a nurse with bad grades? ›Yes, it is possible to get into a nursing program with a 2.5 GPA. Many programs accept students with a lower GPA. It may take some extra work from you, though, especially if you are applying to a school that typically requires a higher GPA.
What type of nurse is the least stressful? ›Institutional Nurses
These nurses administer more basic care and typically don't have to work long hours and overnight shifts, so this field of nursing tends to be low-stress. Even with less excitement, these nurses find fulfillment in providing basic and family care to those in need.
In general, nurses fall into three categories: non-degree, degree, and advanced degree. Non-degree nurses include certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), who complete nursing education programs that don't culminate in a degree.
How many levels of RN are there? ›There are five levels of nursing: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
What are the three types of RN? ›They are messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).
Where is the best place to study nursing? ›
- Finland. Studying in Finland means equality for all! ...
- The Netherlands. Because of its advanced healthcare and strong economy, the Netherlands is among the best country to study nursing. ...
- Sweden. Sweden is another best country to study nursing. ...
- Hungary. ...
- Cyprus. ...
- South Korea. ...
- Hongkong. ...
- Singapore.
For those who are interested in more behind-the-scenes work, or who want to explore their options in healthcare, health science is a great alternative major to nursing. A health science degree can lead to many different careers, from a healthcare administrator to medical biller and coder.
What is the fastest nursing degree? ›The fastest way to become an RN is through an RN diploma program, which can be completed in as little as a year. While completing this program does not lead to a degree, it does make the individual eligible to take the NCLEX and earn their RN license.
What is the most qualified nurse? ›Doctor Of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A Doctorate Of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest level of nursing education and expertise within the nursing profession. DNPs work in nursing administration or direct patient care as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
The national average salary for a Registered Nurse is $93,809 in United States. Filter by location to see Registered Nurse salaries in your area. Salary estimates are based on 1,51,733 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Registered Nurse employees. How accurate does $93,809 look to you?
Can I study nursing in USA for free? ›To combat the region's nursing shortage, the University of Rochester Medical Center and School of Nursing today announced an innovative program to provide a tuition-free nursing education for 33 students per year, with the first cohort expected to enroll in Fall 2023.
What is the passing rate for US nursing? ›As of the third quarter, the 2022 pass rate for the NCLEX-RN examination fell to its lowest point in a decade for both first-time NCLEX test-takers and all takers. The first-time rate fell to 79.9%, more than 10 percentage points below the 2012 rate of 90.3%. For all test-takers, the drop was even larger, almost 13%.
What is the best nursing program to get into? ›| School | Tuition | Bridge Options |
|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | $66,168 per year | No |
| New York University | $58,168 per year | No |
| University of Pennsylvania | $56,212 per year | No |
| University of Michigan | $16,404 per year (in-state) $55,002 per year (out-of-state) | No |
Florence in 1860 established nightingale nursing school as the first nursing school in the world (4). With the establishment of this school, she changed nursing to a respectful profession.
What is SUNY Downstate nursing ranked? ›SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University 2023-2024 Rankings
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is ranked No. 47 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Master's. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
How to pass level 1 nursing? ›
- Time Management. To be successful in nursing school, you must manage your time appropriately. ...
- Get Organized. ...
- Use Mnemonics. ...
- Study Everyday. ...
- Complete Practice Questions. ...
- Participate in a Study Group. ...
- Focus on course objectives when studying. ...
- Know your learning style.
GPA requirements depend on the type of nursing program you want to apply for, but most programs require at least a 3.0 GPA or higher. However, due to the competitive nature of nursing programs, most schools prefer a 3.7 to 4.0 GPA.
Is a 3.3 GPA good to get into nursing school? ›GPA requirements vary from school to school, and some early admission nursing programs require an even higher GPA of at least 3.8 or higher (weighted or unweighted). In general, you can expect that any highly competitive nursing program will have a high GPA requirement for applicants.
What is the highest GPA for nursing? ›After acceptance into the nursing program, each student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for coursework in the nursing major to remain in the nursing program.
What age should you start nursing school? ›The average age of ADN nursing students at community colleges is 26-40 years old. BSN programs have an average age of early-mid 20s. Students in RN-to-BSN programs are typically in their late 30s.
How hard is first year nursing? ›The first year of nursing school is hard because you're starting a new venture. Not only are you learning new information specific to your industry, but you'll also be putting that education into action. Learning facts is much different than practicing them, so stretching yourself in this new way can be demanding.
What is 1 year nursing course in us? ›LPN or LVN Programs
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) training programs are approximately one year long. An LPN/LVN works under the direction of a registered nurse. LPN/LVN programs are offered at many colleges throughout the United States.
This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are. The acceptance rate at SUNY Downstate Health Services University is 14%. For every 100 applicants, only 14 are admitted. This means the school is extremely selective.
How much does SUNY Downstate pay BSN? ›Average SUNY Downstate Medical Center Registered Nurse yearly pay in the United States is approximately $87,269, which is 29% above the national average.
What rank is NYU nursing? ›New York University (Meyers) 2023 Rankings
New York University (Meyers) is ranked No. 15 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Master's and No. 23 in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
What is the hardest course in nursing? ›
Pharmacology. Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. "It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed," says Megan Lynch, RN and instructor at Pima Community College.
What is a low GPA for nursing school? ›While most nursing schools set their minimum GPA requirements at 3.0, there are accelerated nursing programs out there that accept students with 2.7 and 2.8 GPAs. Keep in mind that this doesn't mean you'd receive a lesser nursing education with these programs.