Last Updated: October 15, 2024
Best Nursing Schools in New York
Pursuing education in New York offers many opportunities for aspiring nursing students. Whether opting for programs in New York City or other regions within the state, students can discover an ideal nursing program that suits their needs. The state boasts a nursing workforce exceeding 188,000 professionals. With a projected job growth rate of 16% for nurses from 2014 to 2024, this field presents a promising avenue for future students.
Below are the top 10 universities with the best nursing schools in New York:
- Columbia University
- New York University
- University of Rochester
- University at Buffalo - SUNY
- CUNY - Hunter College
- Hofstra University
- St. John Fisher College
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- Binghamton University - SUNY
- CUNY - College of Staten Island
Columbia University
Columbia University is one of the most prestigious universities in the nation and around the globe and is the top university in NY. It has more than 15 schools and several research centers and libraries. Getting into Columbia School of Nursing is no easy feat. Admission is highly competitive. Around 90% of the students who get into nursing courses at Columbia University are provided scholarships, fellowships, and financial assistance. The nursing school provides a range of MS and Doctorate programs for students with/without a nursing background. Currently, the Columbia School of Nursing does not provide part-time programs. The DNP specialties available at the university are the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program, Family Nurse Practitioner Program, Midwifery Program, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Their most popular DNP program is the 36-month-long Nurse Anesthesia program.
| Program | Prerequisites | Credits | Tuition |
| MDE - 15 months | Non-nurse college degree | 71 - 74 | $99,000/year |
| PhD - 3 to 4 years | BSN/Master's degree | 57 | $49,000 though funding is provided for U.S. citizens and permanent residents |
| DNP - 2.5 years | RN or APRN; BSN or MSN | 75-80 | $75,000/year |
New York University
New York University is one of the nation's best-ranked nursing schools. The school's Rory Meyers College of Nursing boasts of several nursing programs, from graduate to postgraduate. Along with the regular BSN and MSN programs, they have a DNP program along with various advanced certificate programs for aspiring students, who want to specialize in a particular field.
| Program | Prerequisites | Credits | Tuition |
| Accelerated 15 month Bachelor | - Bachelor's degree
- Nursing prerequisite courses
| 64 advanced credits | $38,000 (20 credit) |
| Second Degree Transfer Program - 2 year | Bachelor program in another field | 61 advanced credits |
| BSN - 4 years | High school with prerequisite courses | 128 credits |
| Rn-to-BSN | - RN license
- Associate's degree in nursing
- SAT/ACT test result
| |
| MSN | - Bachelor's degree
- NYS nursing license
- 1 year experience in the chosen field
- 3.0 GPA
| | $48,000 (20 credits) |
| DNP | - BSN/MSN degree
- 3.5 GPA
- NYS nursing license
- 1 year RN experience
| |
University of Rochester
At number 3 in the state of NY, the University of Rochester's School of Nursing offers a variety of nursing programs, including Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral programs, as well as non-degree and online programs. Currently, the University of Rochester does not provide a traditional BSN/MSN degree, but there are several options for students to earn their BSN and MSN through accelerated programs and in conjunction with other degrees.
| Program | Prerequisites | Tuition |
| Accelerated BSN - 1 year | Bachelor's in another field | $27,000 / semester |
| RN to BSN | RN license; 3 years of nursing education at one of the three Rochester area community colleges | $1,200/credit hour |
| Accelerated MSN for non nurses 3 to 4 years | Bachelor's degree; 3.0 GPA | $1,740/credit hour |
| RN to BS to MS - 3.5 to 4.5 years | ADN; NYS nursing license | $1,740/credit hour |
| DNP - 3 years but based on prerequisites | BSN/MSN; national certification in the chosen advanced practice specialty | $1,740/credit hour |
| Ph.D. Nursing & Health Science | Master's Degree, 3.0 GPA, Clinical licensure in a health profession, Statistics course with grade C or above | $0 |
University at Buffalo
University at Buffalo at the State University of New York is NY's number 1 public university. The school's capacity is around 430 students, making it very competitive to get admission. Being a public university, the cost of tuition is way less compared to other top universities.
| Program | Prerequisites | Credits | Tuition |
| 4 year Traditional BSN | 3.0 GPA; 12 Prerequisite courses with a minimum of C grade | 120 credits | $12,000 to $14,000 |
| RN to BSN - 1 to 2 years; Online | 2.5 GPA; Course in Statistics | 32 credits | $14,000 total |
| Accelerated BS - 1 year full-time | 3.0 GPA; 4 - 9 Prerequisite courses with a minimum of C grade | 59 credits | $24,000 total |
| BS to DNP - 3 - 5 years | 3.0 GPS; BSN; RN license; 1 year RN experience | Around 90 credits | $1,100 per credit |
| MS to DNP - 3 - 4 years; Online | 3.25 GPA; MSN; CRNA/FNP or equivalent license | 36 credits | $1,100 per credit |
| BS to PhD - 4 - 7 years | 3.25 GPA; BSN; RN license | 79 credits | $500 per credit |
| MS to PhD 4 - 7 years | 3.25 GPA; BSN; MSN; RN license | 57 credits | $500 per credit hour |
| DNP to PhD 3 - 5 years | 3.25 GPA; BSN; MSN; DNP; RN license | 36 credits | $500 per credit hour |
CUNY - Hunter College
At number 3 in New York, Hunter Bellevue College of Nursing (HBSON) of Hunter College is another public school providing state-of-the-art education to future nurses.
| Program | Prerequisites | Tuition |
| BSN - 4 years | 3.2 GPA; 30 credits; Prerequisite courses with a minimum of B grade | $6,900 to $19,000 per semester |
| RN to BS | 3.2 GPA; 36 credits; ADN; NYS nursing license | $6,900 to $19,000 per semester |
| Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing (A2D) - 18 months | BS in non-nursing field; 3.2 GPA; Prerequisite courses with a minimum of B grade | $16,900 to $19,000 per semester |
| MSN | BSN with 3.0 GPA; NYS nursing license; basic statistics course and an undergraduate research course | $5,600 per semester |
| DNP without MSN | BS with 3.5 GPA; undergraduate statistics course and a discrete undergraduate nursing research course; NYS nursing license | $7,300 per semester |
| DNP with MSN | MSN with 3.5 GPA; NYS nursing license | $7,300 per semester |
| PhD | MSN with 3.5 GPA; graduate-level statistics course; NYS nursing license | $1,200 to $5,000 per semester |
Hofstra University
Hofstra University School of Nursing, situated in Hempstead, New York, is affiliated with Hofstra University, a private institution recognized for its dedication to academic quality and community involvement. The School of Nursing provides various undergraduate and graduate programs to equip students for professional roles in nursing and healthcare. The average class size at Hofstra is 21 students, maintaining a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.
| Program | Prerequisites | Tuition |
| BSN | background in mathematics and science; 3.6 GPA | $28,000 per term |
| MSN | BSN; 3.0 GPA; NYS RN license; Nursing clinical experience; AHA Certification | $1,700 per credit hour |
| DNP | BSN or MSN; 3.0 GPA; NYS RN license; AHA Certification | $1,700 per credit hour |
St. John Fisher College
The college provides a range of nursing degree options, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an accelerated BSN program designed for individuals who already hold a degree, as well as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for those pursuing advanced practice positions. The typical class size at the college ranges from 20 to 25 students, maintaining a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.
| Program | Prerequisites | Tuition |
| Traditional BSN | 2.75 overall GPA; a "C" or higher in the required pre-nursing courses; GPA of 2.4 or higher including all attempts at seven courses | $40,000 |
| Accelerated BSN to MSN | one year of clinical experience; GPA 3.0; complete required courses | $1,100 per credit hour |
| MSN | BSN; NYS RN license; one year of clinical experience; GPA 3.0; complete required courses | $1,100 per credit hour |
| DNP | BSN or MSN; 3.3 GPA; NYS RN license; Currently practicing as an APN | $1,600 per credit hour |
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
The State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, commonly known as SUNY Downstate, is a distinguished academic medical facility in Brooklyn, New York. As a member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, it is recognized for its dedication to education, research, and healthcare services. The center provides various nursing programs, including an Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, and two Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.
| Program | Prerequisites | Tuition |
| Accelerated BSN | Baccalaureate degree; GPA 3.0 | $3,500 to $9,500 |
| RN to BSN | minimum of 60 semester credits; minimum of 30 semester NUR credits; NYS RN license | $3,500 to $4,200 |
| MSN | BSN; NYS RN license; 3.0 GPA; AHA certification | $5,600 to $12,000 |
| BSN to DNP | BSN; NYS RN licence; 3.5 GPA | $12,000 to $15,000 |
| MSN to DNP | MSN; 3.0 GPA; NYS RN license | $12,000 to $15,000 |
Binghamton University - SUNY
Binghamton University, officially known as the State University of New York at Binghamton, is a public research institution in Binghamton, New York. It boasts modern facilities and resources. The university's acceptance rate is 41.7%, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1. On average, students receive a need-based financial aid package of approximately $16,000.
| Program | Prerequisites | Tuition |
| BSN | high school with 3.0 GPA | $5,300 per semester |
| MSN | BSN; 3.0 GPA; statistics course; NYS RN license | 7,000 per semester |
| DNP | BSN; MSN; 3.0 GPA; NYS RN license | $14,000 per semester |
| PhD | MSN; 3.0 GPA; NYS RN license; statistics course | $13,000 |
CUNY - College of Staten Island
Staten Island College is a prominent senior institution within the City University of New York (CUNY) system. The college boasts an acceptance rate of 92%. It maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1. The JK Watson Fellows program offers annual funding over three years, amounting to $7,500, $9,000, and $10,000, along with an additional $2,000 from the Discovery Fund for professional development opportunities.
| Program | Prerequisites | Tuition |
| Associate in Applied Science (AAS) | NLN-NEX exam scores; 2.5 GPA; completed BIO 150 | $3,500 per semester |
| RN to BSN | Associate degree program or equivalent; 2.5 GPA | $3,500 per semester |
| MSN | BSN; 3.0 GPA; One year of relevant clinical nursing practice experience; NYS RN license | $5,500 per semester |
| DNP | BSN; MSN; RN and APRN license; One year of relevant clinical nursing practice experience | $7,300 per semester |
Admission
Requirements for entrance to a nursing program may vary from school to school but will largely have a similar basis. Some common prerequisites include:
- minimum GPA requirements
- prerequisite courses. Some prerequisite courses are anatomy and physiology, biostatistics, human growth and development, microbiology, and nutrition. Additional prerequisites for the BSN include math, English composition, psychology, biology, and chemistry.
- valid RN license - most universities require an NYS nursing license
Many hospitals are now requiring nurses to earn bachelor’s degrees. A bachelor’s degree in nursing is a maximum of four years and can be accelerated to completion in as soon as 1.5 years, which may lead to more job opportunities.
Beyond a bachelor’s degree in nursing is a Master’s degree. This is for experienced nurses who may be interested in the following career tracks: advanced community public health, gerontology, nurse-midwifery, family practice, or family psychiatric mental health. An MSN degree prepares students for certifications in their chosen specialty.
GPA plays a crucial role in the admissions process for nursing programs. While some institutions set a minimum requirement of 2.5, others may expect a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Generally, more competitive schools will demand a higher GPA. Volunteering at a community center or hospital can enhance an application and provide valuable experience relevant to the nursing field. Furthermore, attending nursing information sessions and eligibility review meetings can assist prospective students in identifying the most suitable school for their needs.
Salary
The salary of an RN depends upon 3 major factors:
- number of years of clinical experience
- The setting/location they are working in
- The specialty/degree they have chosen
Due to the higher cost of living in New York, nurses have a higher median salary. The average hourly wage for registered nurses working in New York State is $51, with the average median pay being $106,620 (according to BLS May 2023 data). Salary throughout the state varies depending on the cost of living in the area and the setting in which they work. Salaries may vary based on demand, experience, and the setting they are working in.
Career Options
The career options in nursing are not limited to clinical nursing. The opportunities are endless in the administrative and nurse educator fields. For those who may enjoy nursing but with a different slant, a legal nurse consultant consults on different medical lawsuits. The salary is between $89,000 and $142,000 annually.
There are plenty of career options for those with nursing degrees. One of the fastest-growing specialties for nurses is a certified dialysis nurse. Job growth in this field is expected to grow by 6% between 2021 to 2031. To become a certified dialysis nurse, students will need 2,000 hours of experience in nephrology and experience with dialysis patients over two years. The annual average salary is $93,000. Other positions include nurse-midwife with an average salary of $130,000, nurse anesthetist with an average salary of $203,000, and nurse practitioner with an average salary of $168,000. Many of these options may require additional schooling or certification.
New York City or New York State?
Students who opt to study in New York City gain access to a vibrant urban environment and numerous hospitals that offer opportunities for volunteering and internships. This experience provides valuable hands-on practice throughout their college years. With abundant excellent educational institutions, students will find many outstanding nursing programs.
For those seeking a more tranquil college experience, smaller cities such as Albany or Rochester offer a serene environment, along with the charm found in the state's picturesque landscapes. Although students will encounter cold winters and warm summers, they will remain within a convenient distance of New York City, no matter their location.
