Nursing is at the heart of healthcare, combining compassion with clinical expertise to improve lives every day. For aspiring nurses, choosing the right school is a pivotal step toward building a meaningful and impactful career. The top nursing schools in the United States stand out for their rigorous academics, advanced clinical training, and commitment to research and patient care. Below is a curated list of the renowned Nursing Schools in the U.S., showcasing the institutions that continue to lead the profession.

Top 100 Nursing Schools In The US

1. Duke University

Duke University School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the nation’s best, known for its leadership in advanced practice, research, and global health. Located in Durham, North Carolina, it offers strong programs in nurse anesthesia, informatics, and family nurse practitioner training. Duke emphasizes innovation, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students benefit from access to Duke Health System and world-class faculty. Graduates are highly sought after for their clinical expertise and leadership, making Duke a premier destination for nursing education.

2. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is renowned for its excellence in research, clinical practice, and policy leadership. Located in Philadelphia, Penn Nursing offers top programs in pediatric, geriatric, and psychiatric nursing. Its faculty are leaders in healthcare innovation and public health. Students benefit from strong clinical partnerships and interdisciplinary opportunities across Penn’s schools. Graduates are recognized for their leadership in hospitals, academia, and government. With a tradition of excellence, Penn Nursing continues to shape the future of healthcare.

3. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is a global leader in nursing education, research, and practice. Based in Baltimore, it emphasizes community health, global health, and advanced practice nursing. Students gain hands-on experience through partnerships with Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of the world’s top medical centers. Faculty are pioneers in healthcare innovation and policy. Graduates excel in leadership roles across clinical, academic, and public health settings. Hopkins’ commitment to advancing nursing science ensures its continued impact on healthcare worldwide.

4. University of California–San Francisco (UCSF)

UCSF School of Nursing is dedicated exclusively to health sciences, offering world-class programs in advanced practice, research, and public health. Located in San Francisco, it emphasizes equity, diversity, and community engagement. UCSF excels in specialties like midwifery, psychiatric nursing, and gerontology. Students benefit from access to UCSF Medical Center and interdisciplinary collaboration. Graduates are leaders in clinical care, research, and policy. With a strong commitment to social justice and innovation, UCSF prepares nurses to transform healthcare locally and globally.

5. University of Washington

The University of Washington School of Nursing is recognized for its excellence in research, clinical training, and community health. Located in Seattle, it offers strong programs in primary care, gerontology, and global health. UW emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practice. Students gain experience through partnerships with UW Medicine and local health organizations. Graduates are leaders in clinical practice, academia, and public service. With a tradition of innovation and equity, UW Nursing continues to shape the future of healthcare.

6. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan School of Nursing is celebrated for its strong research programs, clinical training, and leadership development. Located in Ann Arbor, it offers specialties in midwifery, acute care, and psychiatric nursing. Michigan emphasizes innovation, patient-centered care, and interdisciplinary learning. Students benefit from access to Michigan Medicine and cutting-edge research facilities. Graduates excel in diverse fields, from clinical practice to policy leadership. With a tradition of excellence, Michigan Nursing prepares students to advance healthcare and improve patient outcomes.

7. Columbia University

Columbia University School of Nursing is distinguished by its rigorous academics, strong clinical partnerships, and leadership in advanced practice nursing. Located in New York City, it offers top programs in nurse practitioner training, informatics, and global health. Columbia emphasizes innovation, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students gain experience through partnerships with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and other leading institutions. Graduates are recognized for their leadership and impact in healthcare. Columbia’s tradition of excellence ensures its continued influence in nursing education and practice.

8. Emory University

Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is known for its excellence in clinical training, research, and global health. Located in Atlanta, it offers strong programs in family nurse practitioner, midwifery, and public health nursing. Emory emphasizes innovation, leadership, and community engagement. Students benefit from access to Emory Healthcare and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Graduates excel in diverse fields, from clinical practice to policy leadership. Emory Nursing prepares students to lead with compassion and expertise.

9. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill

UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing is recognized for its commitment to excellence in education, research, and service. Located in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, it offers strong programs in primary care, psychiatric nursing, and community health. UNC emphasizes innovation, equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students gain experience through partnerships with UNC Health and local organizations. Graduates are leaders in clinical practice, academia, and public service. With a tradition of excellence, UNC Nursing continues to advance healthcare and improve patient outcomes.

10. New York University (NYU)

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing is celebrated for its strong programs in gerontology, global health, and advanced practice nursing. Located in New York City, it provides students with access to diverse clinical settings and international opportunities. NYU emphasizes innovation, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Faculty are leaders in nursing research and policy. Graduates excel in clinical care, academia, and healthcare leadership. With a commitment to diversity and global engagement, NYU Nursing prepares students to make a lasting impact worldwide.

Top 100 Nursing Schools in the U.S. — Clean Full Table

Rank	School
1	Duke University
2	University of Pennsylvania
3	Johns Hopkins University
4	University of California–San Francisco (UCSF)
5	University of Washington
6	University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
7	Columbia University
8	Emory University
9	University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
10	New York University (NYU)
11	University of Pittsburgh
12	University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
13	University of Maryland–Baltimore
14	University of Illinois Chicago
15	University of Alabama–Birmingham
16	University of Florida
17	University of Rochester
18	Boston College
19	Case Western Reserve University
20	University of Colorado–Denver
21	University of Virginia
22	University of Iowa
23	Rush University
24	University of Texas–Austin
25	University of Wisconsin–Madison
26	University of Arizona
27	University of Utah
28	University of Missouri–Columbia
29	University of Connecticut
30	University of Kentucky
31	University of Kansas
32	University of Tennessee–Knoxville
33	University of Nebraska Medical Center
34	University of Massachusetts–Amherst
35	University of Delaware
36	University of South Carolina
37	University of Oklahoma
38	University of Arkansas
39	University of Mississippi Medical Center
40	University of Texas Health Science Center–Houston
41	University of Texas Health Science Center–San Antonio
42	University of Louisville
43	University of Nevada–Las Vegas
44	University of New Mexico
45	Oregon Health & Science University
46	University of Hawaii–Manoa
47	University of Vermont
48	University of Rhode Island
49	University of Maine
50	University of North Dakota
51	University at Buffalo–SUNY
52	Stony Brook University–SUNY
53	University of Central Florida
54	University of South Florida
55	University of Cincinnati
56	Ohio State University
57	University of Illinois–Springfield
58	University of Memphis
59	University of Nevada–Reno
60	University of Alabama–Huntsville
61	University of New Hampshire
62	University of Massachusetts–Lowell
63	University of Texas–Arlington
64	University of Houston
65	University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
66	University of South Dakota
67	University of Montana
68	University of Louisiana–Lafayette
69	University of Idaho
70	University of Wyoming
71	University of Toledo
72	University of Akron
73	University of North Texas
74	University of Tennessee–Chattanooga
75	University of Tennessee–Martin
76	University of Maine–Fort Kent
77	University of Arkansas–Little Rock
78	University of Northern Colorado
79	University of Colorado–Colorado Springs
80	University of Southern Mississippi
81	University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley
82	University of West Georgia
83	University of North Alabama
84	University of Louisiana–Monroe
85	University of Nebraska–Omaha
86	University of Kansas Medical Center
87	University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
88	University of Hawaii–Hilo
89	University of Massachusetts–Boston
90	University of Southern Indiana
91	University of North Carolina–Greensboro
92	University of Michigan–Flint
93	University of Tennessee Health Science Center
94	University of Texas–Tyler
95	University of North Carolina–Wilmington
96	University of Louisiana–Shreveport
97	University of Alaska Anchorage
98	University of Puerto Rico–Medical Sciences
99	University of the Pacific
100	University of Hartford

Closing

Whether your goal is to become a nurse practitioner, specialize in advanced clinical care, or contribute to groundbreaking research, the right nursing school can shape your future. The schools on this list represent the pinnacle of nursing education, offering unmatched resources, mentorship, and opportunities to serve communities. As you consider your options, remember that the best choice is not only about rankings but also about aligning with your values and aspirations. With the right fit, you’ll be prepared to make a lasting difference in healthcare.