The best New York nursing schools offer affordable and accredited programs to new nurses and working nurses returning to school. When you choose a nursing school in New York nursing colleges, make sure the school offers the degree program.
Some schools only provide LPN programs or associate degree programs. On the other hand, if you are considering earning a BSN or an MSN, both of these are available online. They’re the only nursing programs that a person can complete online.
How We Ranked the Best Nursing Schools in New York
Featured Programs
The editors at Nursing School Hub have ranked the best schools for nursing in New York by real, marketable factors: Cost, Salary Potential, and Student Reviews, using data from College Scorecard, Niche, and IPEDS. Only accredited programs are considered.
1. Pace University
Pace University’s Lienhard School of Nursing, one of the best nursing schools in New York City, offers several academic nursing degrees. The nursing degrees offered by one of the best nursing schools in New York include a BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nurse Practitioner (DNP), and a nursing Ph.D. As one of the best schools for nursing in New York, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Lienhard School of Nursing has accredited Pace’s nursing programs.
Pace University formed in 1906. The school operates campuses in NYC and several in Westchester County, just north of NYC. Additionally, it offers more than 90 degrees from its six colleges and schools. The school operates a justice center dedicated to women in the lower Westchester County’s city of Yonkers. Pace University began as a business school founded by the Pace brothers Homer and Charles.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
2. New York University
New York University is among the best schools for nursing in New York. The Rory Meyers College of Nursing administers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a graduate degree in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP), and a nursing Ph.D. The Meyer’s College of Nursing at NYU, one of the best nursing schools in New York City, receives the fifth most funding from the NIH – the National Institute of Health. NYU’s School of Nursing is among the best nursing schools in New York. Additionally, it has accreditation from the CCNE and also the Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
New York University opened in 1831. The school’s Greenwich Village campus is home to more than 51,000 students studying for degrees offered by the university’s ten undergraduate schools and 16 graduate and professional colleges/schools. New York University operates on a global basis with campuses in Shanghai, Berlin, Abu Dhabi, Sydney, and Tel Aviv, among others.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
3. Stony Brook University (SUNY)
Stony Brook University’s School of Nursing offers a variety of academic nursing degrees as one of the best schools for nursing in New York. Among the best nursing schools in New York City, Stony Brook University offers an undergraduate degree in nursing (BSN), a graduate degree in nursing (MSN), and the advanced degrees of a Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) and a Ph.D. in nursing. Additionally, SBU offers these degrees from its recognized best schools for nursing in New York as programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Stony Brook SUNY opened in 1957. Additionally, the school is a member school of the State of University of New York system and 1 of only four university centers in the state. The school’s suburban campus covers nearly 1,500 acres and serves about 17,500 students. SUNY Stony Brook is a sea-grant, space-grant, and research institution of higher education.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
4. University of Rochester
The University of Rochester’s School of Nursing is among the best nursing schools in New York state. The academic nursing programs offered by one of the best nursing schools in New York City and Upstate include a baccalaureate degree in nursing – BSN, a master’s degree in Nursing – MSN, a Doctor Nurse Practice – DNP, and a Ph.D. nursing degree. U.S. News recognizes the graduate program from one of the best schools for nursing in New York among the top graduate nursing programs in the country.
The University of Rochester opened in 1850. The University of Rochester holds the distinction of being the Rochester, NY’s largest employer and the sixth-largest across New York State. More than 12,000 students attend classes at U of R. The University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music is a top program in the country.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
5. University at Buffalo (SUNY)
The University at Buffalo’s School of Nursing is among the best nursing schools in New York City, including upstate New York. 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. Additionally, SUNY Buffalo’s School of Nursing has accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthetist Programs (COA).
The University at Buffalo formed in 1846. As a member of the SUNY, the University of Buffalo is the flagship campus of SUNY and a sea-grant, space-grant university. The school’s campuses cover more than 1,300 acres and serve more than 31,000 students. The University at Buffalo is the largest school, by enrollment, in the SUNY system.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
6. Binghamton University (SUNY)
Binghamton University’s Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a trio of nursing degree programs from one of the best nursing schools in New York City as well as Upstate New York. The nursing programs from one of the best schools for nursing in New York include a BSN – a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and the advanced nursing degree of a Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP). SUNY Binghamton’s nursing programs offer cutting-edge simulation that has accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).
Binghamton University (SUNY) opened in 1946. SUNY Binghamton is a recognized university center within the SUNY system. Its three campuses in Vestal, Johnson City and Binghamton serve more than 17,500 students. SUNY Binghamton is consistently among the best public institutions of higher education in the country.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP
7. Molloy College
Molloy College’s Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences is among the best nursing schools in New York City and Long Island. As one of the best schools for nursing in New York state, Hagan School of Nursing offers various levels of academic nursing degrees that includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science of Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and a Ph.D. nursing program. CollegeFactual.com recognizes Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences as the number nursing school in the U.S. This BSN program is an accelerated completion program or a traditional four-year degree.
Molloy College formed in 1955. The school has affiliations with the Roman Catholic (Dominican) Church. Molloy’s campus on Long Island NY, serves more than 5,000 students studying for degrees offered by the college’s four schools and divisions. Money Magazine ranks Molloy College among the top ‘best value’ schools.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
8. Adelphi University
Adelphi University’s College of Nursing and Public Health is among the best nursing schools in New York City and across the state. Adelphi’s College of Nursing offers several nursing degrees – a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an MSN degree – Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and the advanced Ph.D. nursing degree program. Recognized among the best schools for nursing in New York, Adelphi’s College of Nursing is a recognized Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the ACEN -formerly known as the NLN – the National League for Nursing.
Adelphi University opened in 1896. Adelphi operates campuses in Garden City, New York City, and north in the Hudson Valley. Adelphi’s campuses serve more than 8,000 students studying for degrees offered by the university’s eight colleges/schools. Adelphi University holds the distinction of being the oldest university across suburban Long Island, NY.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
9. Wagner College
Wagner College’s Evelyn Spiro School of Nursing is one of the best nursing schools in New York City. The Spiro School of Nursing offers a trio of academic nursing degrees as follows – the BSN – a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, – the MSN – a Master of Science in Nursing, and a DNP – a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. The programs offered by Wagner College have accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the New York State Board of Regents.
Wagner College formed in 1883. The college’s Staten Island (NYC) campus is home to more than 2,000 students. Additionally, the school is well-known for its Practical Liberal Arts Program. Wagner College hosted the infamous NYC Writers Conference in the late 1950s and 1960s.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP
10. St John Fisher College
St John Fisher College’s Wegmans School of Nursing consistently ranks among the best nursing schools in New York City, including upstate New York. Wegman’s School of Nursing at St John Fisher College offers three academic nursing programs – BSN – a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, the Master of Science in Nursing program (MSN), and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Nursing students hone their skills offered by one of the best schools for nursing in New York in the 10,000 square foot Glover-Crask Simulation Center.
St John Fisher College was established in 1948. St John Fisher College’s campus is home to more than 3,500 students studying from the college’s five schools that offer more than 30 undergraduate programs. Almost all income freshmen at St John Fisher College some type of financial aid. The Buffalo Bills training camp is held at St John Fisher College’s athletic facilities during summer.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP
How Do I Choose a Nursing School in New York?
As a person is choosing from public New York nursing colleges and private nursing schools in NYC, it’s important to look for an accredited school. A school that receives accreditation has been recognized for having programs that adequately prepare a nurse for school. A person can only attend accredited New York nursing schools since he or she can only sit for the NCLEX after completing an accredited program.
Part of the selection process for both private nursing schools in NYC and public ones should consist of looking at the job market statistics. In other words, a person should compare nursing schools based on what percentage of students find a job after graduation.
A vital part of comparing New York nursing schools is to see if the school offers mentorship. It’s important for almost any career, especially nursing, for a person to learn from someone who’s been in the field. Additionally, clinical placement is important for first-time nursing students. A person should review where he or she would complete clinicals when comparing New York nursing schools.
Can I Become a Nurse in New York for Free?
Although a person can’t find free nursing programs in NYC or free nursing schools in New York in general, there are ways to attend school for free or with minimal expense to a student.
For one, a person should choose less expensive nursing school options. He or she can apply for financial aid through the state and local government. Although the government doesn’t offer free nursing schools in New York, a person can receive a substantial amount of financial aid since there’s a shortage of nurses.
Another option a person has for saving money or even converting programs into free nursing programs in NYC or free nursing schools in New York is applying for grants and scholarships through the school or various organizations.
If a person currently works in the medical field, he or she may be able to apply for tuition reimbursement through his or her employer. This consists of a person agreeing to work for that facility after graduation for a designated amount of time. In return, the employer reimburses the student for a portion of his or her nursing school tuition.
What are Accelerated Nursing Programs in New York?
A person can find both accelerated nursing programs in New York and accelerated nursing programs in New York City. Accelerated nursing programs in New York give a person the option to earn a degree in a shorter amount of time. It’s for students who already possess a bachelor’s degree in another field.
Accelerated nursing programs in New York City or anywhere in New York let students use the credits that they already earned in another degree program and only complete the special courses required for nursing.
Accelerated nursing programs in New York City are available in two forms. A person can earn a second bachelor’s degree, or a person can use his or her bachelor’s degree credits toward earning a master’s in nursing.
A student can opt for one of the accelerated nursing schools in NYC or anywhere in New York and complete a bachelor’s degree in as little as one year. On the other hand, a student can earn a master’s in an accelerated program in as little as 11 months to 18 months.
How Much Can I Make as a Nurse in New York?
One of the biggest concerns a student has is what the New York nurse’s salary is. Fortunately, the pay for nursing jobs in New York ranks highly when compared to other areas. The average pay for RNs in the U.S. is $75,510 while jobs for nursing in New York have an average salary of $85,610 annually. The nursing jobs in NYC for new graduates tend to pay less than this. Keep in mind that the entry-level nursing jobs NYC or anywhere may only start a person out at $50,800 per year.
Nurse Practitioner’s Salary in New York
The New York nurse’s salary for nurse practitioners is much higher than that of nursing in New York jobs for RNs. The average nursing job in New York for nurse practitioners is $120,970. New York ranks as one of the five top-paying states for nurse practitioners. A person should consider that nursing in NYC for new graduates isn’t as high as this, though. As with any career, although entry-level nursing jobs in NYC don’t usually pay as much as the average, with time and experience, a person can earn a high salary.
The salary for nursing jobs in New York City hospitals tends to be slightly higher for RNs than average. Additionally, nursing jobs in New York City hospitals tend to be slightly higher for nurse practitioners as well.
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