10 Best Nursing Programs in New York State

New York is one of the strongest states in the country for nursing education. Students can choose from major research universities, SUNY campuses, CUNY programs, private universities, hospital-connected nursing schools, accelerated second-degree pathways, RN-to-BSN programs, graduate nursing degrees, and doctoral programs for advanced practice and leadership.

This ranking focuses on nursing schools in New York State that offer strong academic options, clinical preparation, reputation, pathway variety, and access to major healthcare systems. Some programs are best for first-time college students, while others are especially strong for transfer students, second-degree students, working registered nurses, or future nurse practitioners.

Ranking Methodology

To identify the best nursing programs in New York State, we considered several factors, including:

Program options, including BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, and certificate pathways
Clinical learning opportunities and proximity to major healthcare systems
Public reputation and academic strength
Flexibility for different types of students
Licensure preparation and alignment with New York State nursing requirements
Value, especially for public university options

Students should always confirm current admission requirements, accreditation status, tuition, clinical placement policies, and NCLEX-RN outcomes directly with each school before applying.

Ranked Nursing Programs in New York State

Rank	School	Location	Program Strength
1	Columbia University School of Nursing	New York, NY	Graduate nursing, direct-entry nursing, advanced practice
2	NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing	New York, NY	BSN, graduate nursing, urban clinical access
3	University of Rochester School of Nursing	Rochester, NY	Accelerated nursing, graduate nursing, academic medical center setting
4	Stony Brook University School of Nursing	Stony Brook, NY	SUNY value, Long Island clinical access, advanced practice options
5	University at Buffalo School of Nursing	Buffalo, NY	Public research university nursing pathways
6	Binghamton University Decker School of Nursing	Binghamton, NY	Traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-to-BS pathways
7	Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing	New York, NY	CUNY value, NYC clinical access, undergraduate and graduate nursing
8	Pace University Lienhard School of Nursing	New York, NY and Pleasantville, NY	Private university nursing in the NYC metro area
9	Adelphi University College of Nursing and Public Health	Garden City, NY	Long Island nursing and public health education
10	Molloy University Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences	Rockville Centre, NY	Long Island private university nursing pathways

1. Columbia University School of Nursing

Columbia University School of Nursing is one of the most prestigious nursing schools in New York and is especially strong for students pursuing graduate-level nursing education. Located in New York City, Columbia offers access to a major academic medical environment and clinical learning opportunities across a wide range of healthcare settings.

Columbia is a particularly strong option for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want a direct-entry pathway into nursing. Its Master’s Direct Entry program is designed for non-nurses who want to become registered nurses, and students may continue into advanced practice study through Columbia’s DNP options.

The school also offers doctoral and specialty pathways in areas such as family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health, pediatric primary care, adult-gerontology, nurse anesthesia, midwifery, and systems leadership. For students who want a highly academic, research-oriented, and clinically advanced nursing education, Columbia is one of the top choices in the state.

Program Highlights

Location: New York, NY
Program options include MDE, DNP, PhD, nurse practitioner specialties, nurse anesthesia, midwifery, and advanced clinical leadership
Strong fit for second-degree students and graduate nursing students
Access to major New York City clinical environments

2. NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing is another leading New York City nursing school with a strong national reputation. NYU offers undergraduate, master’s, advanced certificate, doctoral, and non-degree nursing options, making it a flexible choice for students at many stages of their careers.

The undergraduate BS program is a major draw for students who want a traditional nursing pathway in New York City. NYU also offers graduate nursing programs for students who want to become nurse practitioners, nurse educators, nurse leaders, or researchers.

NYU is especially appealing for students who want urban clinical exposure, a large university environment, and access to one of the most diverse healthcare markets in the United States. Its location gives students opportunities to learn near major hospitals, community health organizations, research centers, and specialty care environments.

Program Highlights

Location: New York, NY
Program options include BS, MS, advanced certificates, doctoral programs, and non-degree study
Strong fit for students who want a private university nursing experience in New York City
Broad undergraduate and graduate nursing pathways

3. University of Rochester School of Nursing

The University of Rochester School of Nursing is one of the strongest nursing schools in upstate New York. It is especially well known for accelerated nursing pathways, graduate nursing education, and its connection to a major academic medical center.

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field may be interested in Rochester’s accelerated nursing options. The school also offers master’s, post-master’s, DNP, and PhD pathways, making it a strong option for students who want to continue into advanced practice, leadership, education, or research.

Because the school is connected to the University of Rochester Medical Center, students can benefit from a healthcare-rich learning environment. For students who want strong clinical preparation without studying in New York City, Rochester is one of the best options in the state.

Program Highlights

Location: Rochester, NY
Program options include accelerated nursing, RN-to-BS, master’s, post-master’s, DNP, and PhD pathways
Strong fit for second-degree students and graduate nursing students
Academic medical center environment

4. Stony Brook University School of Nursing

Stony Brook University School of Nursing is one of the top public nursing schools in New York. As part of the SUNY system and Stony Brook Medicine, it offers a strong combination of academic quality, clinical exposure, and public university value.

Stony Brook offers nursing pathways for undergraduate students, registered nurses, graduate students, and future advanced practice nurses. Its connection to Stony Brook University Hospital and the broader Stony Brook Medicine system gives students access to a major healthcare environment on Long Island.

This is a particularly strong option for students who want a public university nursing education with the resources of a major research institution. Students interested in advanced practice, leadership, or doctoral study should also keep Stony Brook high on their list.

Program Highlights

Location: Stony Brook, NY
Public SUNY university
Strong connection to Stony Brook Medicine
Good fit for Long Island students and students seeking public university value

5. University at Buffalo School of Nursing

The University at Buffalo School of Nursing is one of the best nursing schools in Western New York and one of the strongest public university options in the state. As part of a major SUNY research university, UB offers nursing pathways for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.

UB is a strong choice for students who want a traditional BSN program, an accelerated second-degree option, RN-to-BS study, or graduate nursing education. The school also offers advanced practice and doctoral pathways for nurses who want to move into nurse practitioner roles, leadership, research, or education.

For students in Buffalo, Western New York, or nearby regions, UB offers a strong mix of affordability, academic reputation, and access to healthcare systems in a major regional medical hub.

Program Highlights

Location: Buffalo, NY
Public SUNY university
Program options include undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral nursing pathways
Strong fit for students in Western New York

6. Binghamton University Decker School of Nursing

Binghamton University’s Decker School of Nursing is one of the best public nursing options in New York for students seeking a strong BSN program. The school offers several undergraduate pathways, including traditional first-year admission, transfer admission, intra-university transfer, an accelerated baccalaureate track, and an online RN-to-BS program.

The traditional BS program is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN. Transfer students and current Binghamton students also have pathway options, which makes Decker more flexible than many traditional nursing schools.

The 12-month Baccalaureate Accelerated Track is especially useful for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to become registered nurses. For students who want a respected SUNY nursing degree, a strong undergraduate experience, and multiple entry points, Binghamton is a standout.

Program Highlights

Location: Binghamton, NY
Public SUNY university
Traditional BS, transfer, accelerated second-degree, and online RN-to-BS pathways
Strong undergraduate nursing option

7. Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing at Hunter College

Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing is one of the best public nursing programs in New York City. As part of CUNY, Hunter offers an attractive combination of academic reputation, urban clinical access, and relative affordability compared with many private nursing schools in the city.

The school offers undergraduate nursing programs, including generic BS, RN-to-BS, and accelerated second-degree options. It also offers graduate programs in areas such as adult-gerontology, psychiatric-mental health, community/public health nursing, nursing education, and nursing administration.

Hunter-Bellevue is a strong choice for students who want a public university nursing education in Manhattan and are prepared for a competitive admissions process. It is especially appealing for New York City residents who want to balance cost, reputation, and clinical opportunity.

Program Highlights

Location: New York, NY
Public CUNY college
BS, RN-to-BS, accelerated second-degree BS, MS, DNP, and certificate options
Strong option for New York City students seeking public university value

8. Pace University Lienhard School of Nursing

Pace University’s Lienhard School of Nursing is a strong private university option for students who want nursing education in the New York metropolitan area. Pace offers undergraduate and graduate nursing pathways and is especially appealing for students who want access to New York City and Westchester healthcare opportunities.

The school’s nursing options may appeal to first-time undergraduates, transfer students, second-degree students, registered nurses, and graduate students. Pace’s College of Health Professions environment also gives nursing students exposure to broader healthcare education and interprofessional learning.

Pace is a good fit for students who want a private university experience, flexible campus access, and proximity to major hospitals and healthcare employers in the New York City region.

Program Highlights

Location: New York, NY and Pleasantville, NY
Private university
Undergraduate and graduate nursing pathways
Strong fit for students seeking clinical access in the New York metropolitan area

9. Adelphi University College of Nursing and Public Health

Adelphi University’s College of Nursing and Public Health is a strong Long Island nursing school with undergraduate and graduate pathways. Adelphi is especially appealing for students who want a private university nursing education with a suburban campus environment close to New York City.

The college offers nursing education alongside public health, which can be valuable for students interested in community health, prevention, population health, and broader healthcare systems. Nursing students can pursue pathways that prepare them for registered nursing practice, graduate study, and advanced healthcare roles.

Adelphi is a good choice for students who want a more personal private university environment while still being near major clinical and employment opportunities in Long Island and New York City.

Program Highlights

Location: Garden City, NY
Private university
College combines nursing and public health education
Strong fit for Long Island students and students interested in community health

10. Molloy University Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Molloy University’s Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences is one of the strongest nursing-focused private university options on Long Island. Nursing is one of Molloy’s signature academic areas, and the school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing and related health sciences.

Molloy is a strong choice for students who want a career-focused nursing education with access to Long Island and New York City healthcare employers. The university’s nursing and health sciences environment can also be helpful for students who want exposure to allied health, communication sciences, and broader patient care fields.

For students seeking a private university nursing program outside Manhattan, Molloy deserves serious consideration. It can be especially attractive for students who want a Long Island campus, strong nursing identity, and multiple nursing education pathways.

Program Highlights

Location: Rockville Centre, NY
Private university
Undergraduate and graduate nursing programs
Strong fit for Long Island students

How to Choose a Nursing Program in New York

Choosing the right nursing program depends on your starting point and career goals. A high school student looking for a traditional college experience may compare BSN programs differently than a working RN, a transfer student, or a college graduate looking for an accelerated second-degree program.

Here are some of the most important factors to compare:

Program Pathway

Make sure the school offers the pathway that fits your background. Common options include traditional BSN, transfer BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, direct-entry master’s, MSN, DNP, PhD, and post-graduate certificates.

New York State Licensure Preparation

To become an RN in New York, students must graduate from a nursing education program acceptable to the New York State Education Department, complete required coursework, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for licensure. Students should verify that any New York nursing program they are considering is registered or otherwise acceptable for licensure.

Clinical Placement Opportunities

Clinical education is one of the most important parts of nursing school. Students in New York may train in major academic hospitals, community hospitals, outpatient clinics, public health settings, long-term care facilities, and specialty practices.

NCLEX-RN Outcomes

NCLEX-RN pass rates are not the only measure of quality, but they are important. Strong pass rates may indicate that a program prepares students well for entry-level nursing practice. Ask each school for the most recent NCLEX-RN pass-rate data and compare it with statewide and national averages.

Cost and Financial Aid

New York has both public and private nursing schools. SUNY and CUNY programs may offer strong value, especially for in-state students. Private universities may offer broader graduate options, smaller environments, or specific clinical advantages, but students should compare total cost carefully.

Graduate and Advanced Practice Options

Students who eventually want to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, nurse educators, nurse leaders, or researchers should consider whether the school offers graduate pathways that align with those goals.

How Much Do Registered Nurses Make?

Registered nursing is one of the largest and most important healthcare professions in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 in May 2024. The BLS also projects employment for registered nurses to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

New York can be a strong state for nursing salaries, especially in the New York City metropolitan area and other high-demand healthcare markets. Actual earnings vary by location, employer, shift, union status, specialty, degree level, certifications, and years of experience.

Common nursing roles in New York include:

Hospital staff nurse
Emergency department nurse
Critical care nurse
Pediatric nurse
Public health nurse
School nurse
Home health nurse
Operating room nurse
Nurse manager
Nurse practitioner

Students who want higher long-term earning potential may consider graduate nursing education, advanced practice certification, leadership roles, or specialized clinical areas such as anesthesia, acute care, psychiatric-mental health, family practice, or adult-gerontology.

Is a BSN Required in New York?

New York has a “BSN in 10” law, which generally requires registered nurses who do not meet exemption conditions to earn a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing within 10 years of initial licensure. This makes BSN and RN-to-BSN pathways especially important for students planning a long-term nursing career in New York.

Students can still begin nursing through different pathways, but they should understand how the BSN requirement may affect their long-term education plan. If you are comparing associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs, ask each school how its graduates meet New York’s BSN expectations.

Best Nursing Programs in New York State: Quick Comparison

School	Location	Best For
Columbia University School of Nursing	New York, NY	Graduate nursing, direct-entry master’s, advanced practice
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing	New York, NY	Urban BSN, graduate nursing, private university experience
University of Rochester School of Nursing	Rochester, NY	Accelerated nursing, academic medical center environment
Stony Brook University School of Nursing	Stony Brook, NY	SUNY value, Long Island clinical access, advanced practice
University at Buffalo School of Nursing	Buffalo, NY	Western New York students, SUNY research university pathway
Binghamton University Decker School of Nursing	Binghamton, NY	Traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-to-BS
Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing	New York, NY	CUNY value, New York City clinical access
Pace University Lienhard School of Nursing	New York, NY and Pleasantville, NY	Private university nursing in the NYC metro area
Adelphi University College of Nursing and Public Health	Garden City, NY	Long Island students, nursing and public health
Molloy University Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences	Rockville Centre, NY	Long Island private university nursing education

Final Thoughts

The best nursing program in New York depends on your goals. Columbia and NYU stand out for students seeking nationally recognized private university nursing education in New York City. Rochester, Stony Brook, Buffalo, and Binghamton are excellent choices for students who want research university strength and strong clinical preparation. Hunter-Bellevue is one of the best values in New York City, while Pace, Adelphi, and Molloy offer strong private university options in the New York metropolitan area and Long Island.

Before applying, students should compare admissions requirements, tuition, financial aid, program format, clinical placements, graduation outcomes, and NCLEX-RN pass rates. Nursing school is a major investment, but in New York State, students have many high-quality options that can lead to meaningful careers in patient care, leadership, public health, advanced practice, education, and research.