New York Nursing Schools and Programs

New York Nursing Schools and Programs

When selecting a nursing program in New York, consider its academic quality, curriculum, format options, cultural fit, and costs. This comprehensive guide provides insights into becoming a nurse in New York, potential earnings, and finding the best nursing program tailored to your needs. New York hosts outstanding nursing schools, and this data-driven guide aims to help you discover the right nursing program for your requirements. Continue reading to explore details about the top nursing schools and programs in New York.

The Best Nursing Schools in New York

Choosing the best school depends on your goals and background, and this guide assists in navigating the myriad nursing schools in New York. Accreditation is crucial for career success, and we exclusively present accredited nursing program options.

Ranking Methodology: Our ranking method utilizes a data-driven approach to assess the best nursing schools in New York, simplifying the process of finding a suitable program. We consider key metrics such as academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. The data is sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and it reflects the most current information available as of the publication date. Specific program details may vary.

#1 New York Nursing Schools and Programs

Farmingdale State College

Location: Farmingdale, NY
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Farmingdale State College offers various nursing programs in New York, including a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and an RN-to-BS degree-completion program. The 126-credit BSN program prepares students for nursing careers through classroom learning, labs, and clinical experiences. Maintaining a “C” or better in nursing classes is essential for program continuation.

– Program: BSN
– Campus: Farmingdale
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $3,535 per semester (in-state); $8,490 per semester (out-of-state)
– Admission Requirements: High school or GED diploma for first-year students; completion of prerequisite classes
– Minimum Time Commitment: Varies by program
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $61,650 (according to College Scorecard)
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $7,070, Out-of-state: $16,980
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $8,792, Out-of-state: $17,334
– Retention Rate: 80%
– Admission Rate: 55%
– Students Enrolled: 9,996
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 25%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 New York University

Location: New York, NY
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

New York University’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing stands among the best nursing schools in New York. Students can pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) through an accelerated 15-month format or the traditional four-year program. The 128-credit program includes liberal arts, science, and prerequisite classes, along with core nursing classes and clinical courses.

– Program: BSN
– Campus: New York
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $27,440 per semester
– Admission Requirements: Applicants with fewer than 32 college credits can apply to the four-year BSN program
– Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 99%
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $98,450 (according to College Scorecard)
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state and Out-of-state: $50,684
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state and Out-of-state: $33,408
– Retention Rate: 94%
– Admission Rate: 16%
– Students Enrolled: 52,885
– Institution Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: 10%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 University of Rochester

Location: Rochester, NY
Duration: 4 years
Format: Campus

The University of Rochester offers a post-master’s certificate program for nurses with a master’s degree seeking specialization or nurse practitioner roles. The curriculum is tailored to individual backgrounds, with program start dates in January, May, and September. The admissions review process is holistic, requiring official transcripts and two recommendation letters.

– Program: Post-master’s certificate program
– Campus: Rochester
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $1,640 per credit
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school; 3.0 minimum GPA; New York RN license; APRN New York state license, if applicable
– Minimum Time Commitment: Varies
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state and Out-of-state: $55,040
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state and Out-of-state: $51,705
– Retention Rate: 94%
– Admission Rate: 30%
– Students Enrolled: 12,233
– Institution Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: 7%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 Binghamton University

Location: Vestal, NY
Duration: 4 years
Format: Campus

Binghamton University offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) through a traditional four-year path or an accelerated track. The 126-credit program includes nursing classes, prerequisites, general education courses, and electives. SAT or ACT scores are optional for admission.

– Program: BSN
– Campus: Binghamton
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $7,070 per semester (in-state); $24,910 per semester (out-of-state)
– Admission Requirements: Program automatically admits incoming first-year cohorts
– Minimum Time Commitment: Varies
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96%
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $73,190 (according to College Scorecard)
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $7,070, Out-of-state: $24,660
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $11,310, Out-of-state: $23,100
– Retention Rate: 90%
– Admission Rate: 41%
– Students Enrolled: 18,124
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 6%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 Columbia University in the City of New York

Location: New York, NY
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Columbia University operates one of the best nursing schools in New York. Registered Nurses (RNs) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) looking to broaden their patient care scope can pursue the school’s post-bachelor’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

RNs with a bachelor’s or master’s in nursing are eligible to apply, and APRNs with a master’s may also apply. Enrollees have the option to specialize in areas such as family nurse practitioner, midwifery, and pediatric primary care nurse practitioner.

– Program: DNP
– Campus: New York
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $68,140 per year
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s or master’s in nursing; New York state RN licensure or eligibility; one year of RN experience
– Minimum Time Commitment: Varies
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state and Out-of-state: $57,763
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state and Out-of-state: $47,600
– Retention Rate: 99%
– Admission Rate: 5%
– Students Enrolled: 31,456
– Institution Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: 6%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#6 Stony Brook University

Location: Stony Brook, NY
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Stony Brook University offers an Advanced Certificate in Nursing Education. As one of the best nursing programs in New York, this program is designed for students interested in educating nurses.

The coursework is completed online, but the program includes onsite requirements. Students need to fulfill a minimum of 20 credits for the certificate, with additional credits possibly suggested by advising faculty.

– Program: Advanced Certificate in Nursing Education
– Campus: Stony Brook
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $471 per credit for in-state learners; $963 per credit for out-of-state learners
– Admission Requirements: Master’s in nursing from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license; three recommendation letters
– Minimum Time Commitment: Two semesters
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $7,070, Out-of-state: $24,740
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $11,310, Out-of-state: $23,100
– Retention Rate: 89%
– Admission Rate: 44%
– Students Enrolled: 26,814
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 22%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#7 Saint John Fisher College

Location: Rochester, NY
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus

Saint John Fisher College offers a graduate-level nursing program that allows students to earn both a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a postgraduate certificate in nursing. Being one of the top nursing programs in New York, the program admits students with a bachelor’s in nursing and a current New York RN license.

Upon completing the master’s program, students can pursue a post-master’s certificate in their chosen nursing discipline. The program includes classes on weekday evenings.

– Program: MSN
– Campus: Rochester
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $1,239 per credit
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution; at least one year of current clinical experience; active RN license in the state where the student works; minimum 3.0 GPA; a “B” or higher in undergraduate health assessment, research, and statistics classes; two recommendation letters; and a current resume
– Minimum Time Commitment: Four semesters
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state and Out-of-state: $34,340
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state and Out-of-state: $17,550
– Retention Rate: 88%
– Admission Rate: 64%
– Students Enrolled: 3,618
– Institution Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: 13%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#8 CUNY Hunter College

Location: New York, NY
Duration: 4 years
Format: Campus

Hunter College, one of the best nursing schools in New York, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) that integrates liberal arts and sciences with professional nursing education. The program equips students with a humanistic and comprehensive approach to providing healthcare.

The BSN program prepares learners for advanced degrees, either at the master’s or doctoral level.

– Program: BSN
– Campus: New York
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $6,930 per year for in-state learners; $18,600 for out-of-state learners
– Admission Requirements: Minimum 3.2 GPA; a “B” or higher in select prerequisite classes
– Minimum Time Commitment: Four semesters
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.9%
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $100,640, according to College Scorecard
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $6,930, Out-of-state: $14,880
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state: $11,090, Out-of-state: $20,520
– Retention Rate: 81%
– Admission Rate: 35%
– Students Enrolled: 23,193
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 7%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#9 Nazareth College

Location: Rochester, NY
Duration: 4 years
Format: Campus

Nazareth

College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program takes a hands-on approach. As one of the best nursing programs in New York, the program caters to students who prefer a smaller classroom setting for their studies.

The program pairs students with a faculty member who provides support throughout the program.

– Program: BSN
– Campus: Rochester
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
– Tuition: $35,890 per year
– Admission Requirements: High school average of 85% or higher or a 3.0 GPA
– Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97%
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $66,040, according to College Scorecard
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state and Out-of-state: $33,836
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state and Out-of-state: $17,244
– Retention Rate: 84%
– Admission Rate: 64%
– Students Enrolled: 2,979
– Institution Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: 22%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#10 Siena College

Location: Loudonville, NY
Duration: 4 years
Format: Campus

Siena College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that enables learners to earn both an associate and a bachelor’s in nursing within four years.

Being one of the best nursing programs in New York, the program emphasizes small class sizes for a personalized, hands-on experience. Siena College collaborates with Ellis Medicine’s Belanger School of Nursing and Maria College for the dual-degree nursing program.

– Program: BSN
– Campus: Loudonville
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
– Tuition: $35,890 per year
– Admission Requirements: High school average of 85% or higher or a 3.0 GPA
– Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: N/A
– Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state and Out-of-state: $38,055
– Average Graduate Tuition: In-state and Out-of-state: $26,757
– Retention Rate: 86%
– Admission Rate: 81%
– Students Enrolled: 3,296
– Institution Type: Private
– Percent Online Enrollment: 10%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

How to Select a Nursing Program in New York

When considering nursing schools in New York, it’s essential to weigh various factors, including:

– Cost and Tuition: Assess whether you qualify for in-state or out-of-state tuition and consider the overall expense.
– Academic Quality: Evaluate the program’s academic standards and how well the curriculum aligns with your interests.
– Graduation and NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: Look into the program’s success rates in preparing students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
– Class Sizes: Consider the size of classes, as this can impact the learning experience.
– Location: Reflect on the program’s location and whether it suits your preferences.
– Program Format: Explore the format of the program, including online options.

Why Become a Nurse in New York

The demand for nurses is on the rise in New York, with projected growth of 24.6% in nursing jobs between 2018 and 2028, surpassing the national average of 9%. Furthermore, New York RNs enjoy a competitive average salary of $89,760, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

In addition to the attractions of New York City, the state offers smaller rural communities, which may appeal to working nurses. While many nursing programs are located in larger cities, several institutions provide online alternatives.

April 2022 marked a significant development, as New York became the 25th state to grant full practice authority to nurse practitioners (NPs). This change allows NPs to deliver a broader range of care with reduced oversight, potentially leading to improved retention rates and increased pay for NPs.

Salary and Employment Outlook for Nurses in New York

Nursing salaries in New York rank among the highest in the nation, with an average RN salary of $93,320 and a nurse practitioner salary of $126,440, as per the BLS. Despite a higher cost of living index (143.7) compared to the national average, New York City remains one of the best places to live globally.

By 2030, New York is anticipated to face a nursing shortage of 2,220 nurses. Obtaining a New York nursing license not only addresses this demand but also proves to be a sound investment for one’s career.

Considering the diverse cost of living across the state, the choice of the right city depends on factors such as salary, cost of living, and individual preferences.

Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in New York

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas	Average Salary for RNs
New York — Newark — Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA	$94,920
Kingston, NY	$81,660
Buffalo — Cheektowaga — Niagara Falls, NY	$77,580
Albany — Schenectady — Troy, NY	$73,160
Watertown — Fort Drum, NY	$70,990

Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in New York

While each state has its specific RN licensing requirements, common steps include obtaining a degree from an accredited program, passing the NCLEX licensing exam, and completing a background check.

RN Requirements:

To become an RN in New York, attend an approved nursing school, earn an ADN or BSN degree, complete an infection control and child abuse reporting course, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, and undergo a background check. The licensing application fee is $143, with a $73 renewal fee.

APRN Requirements:

For advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), New York mandates graduation from an MSN or DNP program, APRN board certification, state-approved pharmacology coursework, a background check, and license application to the state nursing board. The application fee for nurse practitioners is $85, and clinical nurse specialists pay $80.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in New York

1. How do I become a nurse in NY?

To become an RN in New York, attend a state-approved nursing school, earn an ADN or BSN degree, complete infection control and child abuse reporting courses, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, and undergo a background check.

2. Are nurses in demand in New York?

Yes, nursing jobs are in high demand in New York, with a projected growth of 24.6% between 2018 and 2028.

3. What is a nurse’s salary in New York?

In New York City, the average RN salary is $94,920, while across the state, it averages $89,760. Salaries vary based on demand and the cost of living.

4. Can a foreign nurse work in New York?

Yes, foreign nurses can work in New York if their education is equivalent to a New York nursing program. The state board of nursing provides guidelines for documenting education and applying for a license, with a more straightforward process for graduates from Canadian nursing schools (excluding Quebec).