Top 5 US Universities for Nursing Degrees: Programs and Costs

Nursing has evolved into a dynamic, research-driven profession that plays a crucial role in the healthcare system. As the demand for qualified nurses continues to grow across the United States, selecting the right nursing school is a vital step toward a successful career. This article explores five of the top U.S. universities offering nursing degrees, outlining their key programs, academic strengths, and estimated tuition costs.

1. University of Pennsylvania (Penn Nursing)

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing, commonly known as Penn Nursing, is frequently ranked as the number one nursing school in the United States. It is part of the Ivy League and is renowned for its integration of research, education, and clinical practice.

Key Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• PhD in Nursing

Penn Nursing offers specialized MSN programs in areas such as Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerontology, Family, Pediatric), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, Nurse Anesthesia, and Healthcare Leadership.

Costs:

• BSN Tuition (Annual): Approximately $58,620

• Graduate Tuition (Per Year): Around $45,000 – $52,000, depending on the program

Financial aid, scholarships, and research fellowships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

2. Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Johns Hopkins University is synonymous with medical and healthcare excellence. The School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins is highly regarded for its commitment to innovation, research, and interprofessional collaboration.

Key Programs:

• BSN (via direct-entry MSN)

• MSN (Entry into Nursing Program for non-nursing graduates)

• DNP (with tracks in Executive, Clinical, and Nurse Practitioner specialties)

• PhD in Nursing

Johns Hopkins focuses heavily on leadership and community health, equipping nurses with the tools to become policy makers and healthcare innovators.

Costs:

• Direct-Entry MSN: Approximately $80,000 total program cost

• DNP Programs: $1,738 per credit hour (total cost varies by track)

• PhD Programs: Typically funded through university scholarships and stipends

Scholarships and assistantships are available for high-performing students.

3. Duke University School of Nursing

Location: Durham, North Carolina

Duke University’s School of Nursing has built a strong reputation for its evidence-based approach to nursing education and practice. It offers one of the most comprehensive selections of advanced nursing degrees in the country.

Key Programs:

• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• PhD in Nursing

The ABSN program is ideal for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who wish to transition into nursing. The MSN and DNP programs allow for specialization in areas like Adult-Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Health Informatics.

Costs:

• ABSN Program: Around $66,000 total tuition

• MSN/DNP Programs: Approximately $1,984 per credit hour

• PhD in Nursing: Often fully funded for qualified students

Duke offers generous financial aid packages, military support, and merit-based scholarships.

4. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing

Location: San Francisco, California

UCSF is a leading health sciences university and is unique in that it is exclusively dedicated to graduate education in the health professions. Its School of Nursing is internationally recognized for excellence in research, education, and clinical training.

Key Programs:

• Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) for non-nurses

• Master of Science (MS)

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• PhD in Nursing

The MEPN program is ideal for individuals who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to become registered nurses before advancing to MSN or DNP specializations.

Costs:

• MEPN First Year: Approximately $65,000

• Subsequent Years (MS or DNP): Ranges between $30,000 and $45,000 annually

• PhD Programs: Typically covered through fellowships or grants

UCSF also offers a variety of scholarships and participates in federal loan forgiveness programs for nurses.

5. University of Washington School of Nursing

Location: Seattle, Washington

The University of Washington (UW) School of Nursing is one of the oldest and most respected nursing schools on the West Coast. It is consistently ranked among the top five nursing schools nationwide, thanks to its focus on global health, community service, and advanced practice.

Key Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

• Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

• Master of Nursing (MN)

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• PhD in Nursing Science

UW’s DNP program offers a wide range of tracks including Nurse-Midwifery, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Costs:

• BSN (Annual Tuition In-State): Around $12,600

• BSN (Annual Tuition Out-of-State): Approximately $39,000

• Graduate Tuition (Annual): $18,000 to $35,000 depending on residency and program

As a public university, UW offers competitive tuition rates and robust financial aid options for both residents and non-residents.

Choosing the Right Nursing School

When selecting a nursing school, it’s important to consider not only academic rankings and costs but also factors like clinical partnerships, location, faculty expertise, and student support services. Programs that offer strong clinical rotations, simulation labs, and global health experiences provide better preparation for real-world nursing practice.

Accreditation is another critical factor. Ensure that the nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This ensures the degree meets professional standards and qualifies graduates for licensure and advanced certifications.

The path to becoming a registered nurse or advancing into a nurse practitioner or leadership role begins with a strong educational foundation. The top five U.S. universities for nursing—University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, UCSF, and University of Washington—offer some of the best nursing programs in the country. While the tuition costs can be significant, the return on investment is high, given the strong job market, diverse career paths, and potential for advancement in the nursing profession. By carefully considering your goals, financial situation, and program options, you can choose a nursing school that aligns with your career aspirations and sets you up for long-term success.