Nursing program rankings, built on real data
In-depth rankings of accredited nursing programs, scored on graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes from federal IPEDS and BLS data. No pay-to-play, no reputation surveys.
Best RN Programs
The top registered nursing programs in the country, ranked by Hakia Score. 993 accredited programs analyzed.
- 1. New York University NY
- 2. University of Pennsylvania PA
- 3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill NC
- 4. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor MI
- 5. Duke University NC
More ways to become an RN
2-year associateBest ADN Programs
The fastest, cheapest route to an RN license. Same NCLEX-RN as a BSN, in about two years, mostly at community colleges.
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Second-degree fast-trackBest Accelerated BSN Programs
Already hold a bachelor's in another field? An accelerated BSN reaches the NCLEX-RN in about 12 to 18 months of full-time study.
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Bridge programBest LPN-to-RN Programs
Licensed LPNs and LVNs bridge to RN with credit for prior coursework, often in about a year, then sit for the NCLEX-RN.
View LPN-to-RN rankings →Already a nurse? Advance your degree
CompletionBest RN-to-BSN Programs
For licensed RNs with an ADN or diploma. Finish the bachelor's, often in 12 to 24 months. Ranked on cost, transfer credits, and accreditation.
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100% distanceBest Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Fully online completion programs built so you never stop working: asynchronous coursework, local practicum, multiple start dates.
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Master's bridgeBest RN-to-MSN Programs
Hold an ADN? Bridge straight to a master's and skip the standalone BSN. Educator, leadership, informatics, and NP tracks, usually online.
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100% distanceBest Online RN-to-MSN Programs
The 18 verified bridges you can do online: asynchronous coursework around your shifts, practicum arranged near you, no BSN first.
View online rankings →Graduate & advanced practice
MSN / DNP · $132,300 medianBest Nurse Practitioner Programs
Become an NP: diagnose, prescribe, and practice with real autonomy. Ranked across the family-practice track, nationally and by state.
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Doctoral · $236,590 medianBest CRNA Programs
Nurse anesthesia, one of the highest-paid roles in all of healthcare. Requires ICU experience and a doctoral degree.
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MSN / DNP · High demandBest Psychiatric NP Programs
Diagnose and prescribe for mental health as a PMHNP, one of nursing's fastest-growing and most in-demand specialties.
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Master's · $123,860 medianBest MSN Programs
The Master of Science in Nursing: nurse practitioner, education, informatics, and leadership tracks, nationally and by state.
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Doctoral · Terminal degreeBest DNP Programs
The Doctor of Nursing Practice, the top of the clinical ladder for nurse practitioners and nurse leaders.
View DNP rankings →Browse programs by state
181 in-depth state rankings across 9 program types. Choose a type, then pick your state on its page.