These Are the Top 10 Nursing Colleges in the USA

Choosing a nursing college is an important step toward building a career in healthcare. Students should consider academic quality, clinical training opportunities, accreditation, tuition costs, and available nursing degree pathways before applying.

According to the 2027 U.S. News & World Report undergraduate nursing rankings, several American universities stand out for their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.

Here are the universities occupying the top 10 ranking positions. Because of ties, the list includes 11 institutions.

1. Emory University — Atlanta, Georgia

Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is recognized for its nursing education, research, and clinical learning opportunities.

Students can explore undergraduate nursing education alongside opportunities to learn from healthcare professionals and clinical environments in the Atlanta area.

Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Program to explore: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

2. University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania's School of Nursing offers undergraduate education with an emphasis on nursing practice, research, leadership, and healthcare innovation.

Its BSN program is connected to Philadelphia's extensive healthcare and medical education environment.

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Program to explore: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

3. University of Washington — Seattle, Washington

The University of Washington School of Nursing provides undergraduate nursing education with opportunities to develop clinical knowledge and practical skills.

Students can explore healthcare learning opportunities in Seattle and the wider Washington healthcare system.

Location: Seattle, Washington
Program to explore: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

4. The Ohio State University — Columbus, Ohio

The Ohio State University College of Nursing offers several educational pathways for students interested in professional nursing careers.

Its BSN program includes clinical learning opportunities, simulation-based education, and preparation for nursing practice.

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Program to explore: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

5. University of Iowa — Iowa City, Iowa

The University of Iowa College of Nursing offers undergraduate nursing education supported by academic instruction, research, and clinical experiences.

Students can explore opportunities to develop practical healthcare skills and prepare for professional nursing responsibilities.

Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Program to explore: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

6. University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, Alabama

The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers nursing education through its School of Nursing.

Students can explore undergraduate nursing pathways and clinical learning opportunities within a major academic healthcare environment.

Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Program to explore: Undergraduate nursing programs

7. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, Michigan

The University of Michigan School of Nursing provides opportunities for students interested in nursing practice, healthcare research, and patient-centered care.

Its academic environment combines nursing education with access to a large university healthcare system.

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Program to explore: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The UNC School of Nursing offers undergraduate education designed to prepare students for professional nursing careers.

Its program emphasizes nursing knowledge, clinical preparation, research, and healthcare delivery.

Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Program to explore: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

9. University of Illinois Chicago — Chicago, Illinois

The University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing offers nursing education in a major urban healthcare environment.

Students can explore clinical learning, research opportunities, and different pathways into professional nursing.

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Program to explore: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

10. University of Maryland, Baltimore — Baltimore, Maryland

The University of Maryland School of Nursing offers programs focused on nursing education, clinical practice, research, and healthcare leadership.

Its location in Baltimore provides access to a broad healthcare and academic environment.

Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Program to explore: Undergraduate nursing education

Also tied at No. 9: University of Minnesota–Twin Cities — Minneapolis, Minnesota. Its School of Nursing offers undergraduate nursing education and opportunities to explore clinical practice and healthcare research.

What Should Students Consider Before Choosing a Nursing College?

A national ranking can help students identify universities to research, but it should not be the only factor in an admission decision.

Consider these important details:

• Accreditation: Check whether the nursing program has appropriate nursing accreditation.
• NCLEX-RN preparation: Review how the program prepares graduates for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
• Clinical experience: Understand where students complete clinical placements and what practical training is available.
• Tuition and financial aid: Compare tuition, living expenses, scholarships, and financial assistance.
• Admission requirements: Review prerequisite courses, academic requirements, application deadlines, and any additional selection criteria.
• Program availability: Confirm that the university offers the specific undergraduate nursing pathway you want.

Final Thoughts

The universities listed above occupy the top 10 positions in the latest U.S. News undergraduate nursing rankings for 2027. They offer students different academic environments and opportunities to explore professional nursing education.

Before applying, compare program accreditation, admission requirements, tuition, clinical training, and financial aid. The right nursing college should match your academic goals, budget, and preferred learning environment.