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Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools Alabama

Alabama is the 24th most populous state in the US and home to 48,850 registered nurses. This southeastern state dubbed the “Heart of Dixie” projects a need for 52,570 nurses by 2024 alone, which makes a nursing degree a great investment!

In addition to schools offering degree programs for students new to registered nursing, there are many options if you’re already a registered nurse and looking to make a career move up the nursing ladder.

Alabama’s top nursing program:

1. University of Alabama at Huntsville
2. University of Alabama
3. Auburn University
4. University of Alabama at Birmingham
5. University of North Alabama
6. Jacksonville State University

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1. University of Alabama at Huntsville

Overall score: 73

NCLEX pass rate: 97.92%

Graduation rate: 52%

Annual tuition: $9,730 in-state, $22,126 out-of-state

Most faculty at the University of Alabama in Huntsville have doctorates (71%) or are enrolled in doctoral programs (29%). The city of Huntsville, where its 490+ acre campus is located, is frequently billed as one of the “best places to live and work” by various national publications. 

The school offers a mix of on-campus, hybrid, and online courses. Its robust online program is highly ranked for affordability, and the nursing school is CCNE accredited.

The CCNE accredited nursing programs offered are:

• BSN
• RN to BSN (online)
• MSN
• DNP
• Ph.D.
• Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner
• Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

2. University of Alabama

Overall score: 71

NCLEX pass rate: 97.01%

Graduation rate: 67%

Annual tuition: $10,780 in-state, $30,250 out-of-state

The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing graduate and undergraduate programs employ cutting-edge simulators and telehealth in bringing advanced technology to their training. They also have extensive local partnerships with healthcare facilities for clinical training.

Capstone’s nursing programs are CCNE accredited and are offered both in-person and online. They are:

• BSN
• RN to BSN
• RN to MSN
• MSN with a focus in either Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Administrator
• DNP
• Doctorate of Education (EdD) for Nurse Educators
• Joint Nursing Science Ph.D.
• Postgraduate Nurse Practitioner certificate programs

3. Auburn University

Overall score: 64

NCLEX pass rate: 97.78%

Graduation rate: 76%

Annual tuition: $11,826 in-state, $31,986 out-of-state

Located in Auburn, Alabama, and encompassing more than 1,840 acres, Auburn University has a large undergraduate population of 24,931 students. The School of Nursing emphasizes interdisciplinary research and practice and offers simulation labs with the latest technology. Due to the larger school size and amount of grants, Auburn admits a high number of BSN students each year.

The school offers the following CCNE accredited programs:

• BSN
• MSN
• RN to BSN
• Primary care Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• DNP
• Post-graduate APRN certificate

4. University of Alabama at Birmingham

Overall score: 59

NCLEX pass rate: 90.03%

Graduation rate: 55%

Annual tuition: $12,630 in-state, $30,150 out-of-state

Being a nursing student here means access to an extensive network of clinical partnerships. This includes VA and Rural Health Initiatives, and a collaboration between the Nursing School and UAB Medicine. The school is also ranked #1 in Alabama and #2 in the US for nursing research. This gives you the opportunity to learn some of the latest evidence-based practices before they even get implemented in the real world.

The School of Nursing has on-campus and blended programs available, with their Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice offerings available online. Their programs are CCNE accredited. Here’s the full list of their available nursing degree programs:

• BSN
• MSN 
• DNP
• Ph.D.
• MPH/MSN coordinated degree (Maternal and Child Health/Public Health Nursing)

5. University of North Alabama (tie)

Overall score: 53

NCLEX pass rate: 94.34%

Graduation rate: 46%

Annual tuition: $9,600 in-state, $19,200 out-of-state

The University of North Alabama’s Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions tied for 5th place on our list with Jacksonville State University. Anderson College’s nursing programs tout flexibility with scheduling, designed to help working students incorporate their degree into a busy schedule.  

All of their programs are CCNE accredited. The school places heavy emphasis on online programs, with only their traditional and accelerated BSN programs available on-campus. Their online programs include the bonus of a scholarship for new online students.

Here are the University of North Alabama’s available nursing programs:

• BSN
• ABSN
• RN to BSN
• RN to MSN
• BS in Applied Health Science- Health Administration
• MSN
• Post-graduate certificates- FNP, Nursing Education, and Nursing Leadership

6. Jacksonville State University (tie)

Our overall score: 53

NCLEX pass rate: 89.09%

Graduation rate: 46%

Annual tuition: $9,720 in-state, $19,440 out-of-state

Despite its tie with the University of North Alabama, Jacksonville State University’s department of nursing has some differences in its program offerings. Although they do not have a dedicated School of Nursing, all of their programs are CCNE accredited and several are offered online. They have a graduate certificate as an Emergency Preparedness Nursing Coordinator (with an Emergency Management concentration offered in their MSN program), which is a pretty unique specialty. The DNP program offers 3 tracks, so if you’re looking for a terminal nursing degree, this would be the tie-breaker between our two #5 schools. 

These are the nursing program offerings:

• BSN
• RN-MSN 
• MSN
• DNP

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How to choose the right nursing program

With all of these options available, how do you decide on the best one for you? Everyone’s situation will be a little different, but getting some variables down on paper and then ranking their importance to you helps. With this completed, you can weigh each school against your most important factors. This makes the clear winners an easy choice. These are the variables you’ll want to consider:

Location

Depending on your situation, location is a major factor in choosing a nursing school. If you’re enrolled in a program that’s offered 100% online, or you can easily relocate, location won’t be a consideration. But if your program is only offered on-campus, and you will need to commute to classes, this factor will carry more weight. 

Tuition

According to a report from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, graduate level nurses accrue a median amount of student loan debt that is between $40,000 and $54,999. Even at the BSN level, at an average of $23,711, student loan debt can take a big chunk out of your post-graduation budget. You’ll want to choose your nursing school accordingly, and look at the annual tuition. This should be weighed against any scholarship or grant aid you may have secured, and your overall budget for your degree.

NCLEX Pass Rate

The credibility of a good nursing program is anchored in its NCLEX pass rate. This test measures a nursing student’s competency and is required for licensure in all 50 states. A school with a proven track record in preparing its nurses for the test is a necessity. A pass rate of 90% and above is considered a good benchmark.

Programs Offered

Depending on your career goals, this could be the most important factor to consider. Each nursing school doesn’t have every degree program. Some programs have more robust offerings when it comes to technology, clinical experiences, and evidence-based nursing practices. If the school you’re looking at can’t offer you the degree you’re seeking or the practical skills you need, then it’s not the right fit.

Graduation Rate

Graduation rates help measure how successfully a school moves a student through their programs to graduation on time. If students aren’t making it to graduation, it can be a warning sign that the school’s preparation isn’t effective for any number of reasons. This is something you’ll also want to take a closer look at.

Methodology 

In order to determine the best nursing schools in a state, Incredible Health compared the top schools among five categories: graduation rate, tuition, NCLEX pass rate, accreditation, and the number of nursing programs offered.

Each metric was scored on a 100-point scale with 100 representing the highest total for that category. Then we compiled the individual scores to get an overall score.

Sources we used data from:

• University webpages
• State board of registered nursing
• U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings 

Planning Your Next Steps

Once you’ve figured out your top picks for nursing schools in Alabama, you can take the next steps to make your goals reality. It’s important to pay attention to the application deadlines for the semester you’d like to start your program. You’ll also need to consider financial aid if necessary for tuition and other college-related expenses. Applying for aid with a FAFSA by the annual deadline is crucial to this process.

In addition, now is the time to think about scholarships you might qualify for to help you reduce any aid that you’ll have to pay back once you graduate school. 

When your acceptance letter arrives for the nursing school, be sure to celebrate! Starting your degree program is an exciting step on the journey to advancing a successful career in nursing.

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Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools Hawaii

Congratulations! You have decided to become a nurse. A lifetime of learning, knowledge, and fulfillment await. The path to licensure can be daunting, but there are resources available to help. Thousands of new graduate nurses enter the workforce every year, but the first step involves selecting and applying to a nursing program.

This is not just for those setting out to get their RN degree. The same applies to those already in the workforce and looking to earn an advanced degree.

Have you dreamed of sun and surf as a backdrop to your nursing studies? If so, a nursing school in Hawaii might be the right fit.  

Hawaii’s top nursing program:

1. University of Hawaii at Manoa
2. Chaminade University of Honolulu
3. University of Hawaii at Hilo
4. Hawaii Pacific University

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1. University of Hawaii at Manoa

Overall Score = 85

NCLEX Pass Rate = 97.62%

Graduation Rate = 62%

Annual tuition: In-state $11,304, Out-of-state $33,336

The University of Hawaii system has a large student body of over 20,000 split up among 10 campuses. In-person classes are enriched through a state-of-the-art simulation lab. Manoa also uses web-based learning. The school offers “pre-advising” for students seeking more information. This includes the application process, program details, or other degree requirements.

One of the many things that sets this school apart is its Global Health Program. Have you ever wanted to work internationally? Global Health gives you the opportunity to do just that through its study abroad program.

UH at Manoa nursing school offers a variety of CCNE-accredited programs:

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• Ph.D

2. Chaminade University of Honolulu

Overall Score = 57.7

NCLEX Pass Rate = 92.45%

Graduation Rate = 43%

Annual Tuition = $35,294

If you are interested in a program with a smaller atmosphere, this private Catholic university has a total student body of about of 2,200. Chaminade has an average faculty-to-student ratio of 10:1 and a median class size of 16. 

All undergraduate students are required to participate in service-learning projects. This involves completing a series of volunteer hours in the community setting. The focus is working with underserved or vulnerable populations. Program philosophy includes an emphasis on intellectual growth, personal reflection, critical inquiry, and evidence-based, cutting edge practice.

The CCNE-accredited programs include:

• BSN 
• ABSN
• DNP

3. University of Hawaii at Hilo

Overall Score = 57.5

NCLEX Pass Rate = 82.50%

Graduation Rate = 41%

Annual tuition: In-State $7,344, Out-of-State: $20,304

Also in the UH system, the Hilo campus has a smaller student body of about 3,000. The UHH nursing program philosophy is “founded on a belief that people are unique and holistic, and possess the right to preservation of their personal, ethnic and cultural identities.” 

This program has a special emphasis on transcultural nursing. That foundation involves taking into consideration the cultural beliefs and practices of the patient in order to provide sensitive, compassionate care. Knowing how to relate to patients is vital to the nursing process. 

The CCNE-accredited programs include:

• BSN
• DNP

4. Hawaii Pacific University

Overall Score = 50

NCLEX Pass Rate = 85.19%

Graduation Rate = 35%

Annual Tuition = $37,320

HPU is among the top 1% of most diverse universities in the United States and is ranked #1 for safest colleges in Hawaii. The School of Nursing offers several Post-Master’s certificate programs. Master’s and DNP programs are offered online to suit the needs of the working nurse. 

Specialty choices within the Master’s degree programs include Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP).  

The CCNE-accredited programs include:

• BSN
• MSN (PMHNP, FNP, or AGACNP options)
• DNP
• Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

There are many factors to consider when choosing a nursing school. It can be overwhelming to weigh the pros and cons of each program. Some of the main factors in the decision-making process include tuition, location, and programs offered. 

Location

With only so many hours in the day, distance is an important factor to consider when choosing a school. Nursing programs require clinical rotations which are conducted on-site at local hospitals and health care facilities. It might be important to consider the geographic distance from the campus to various clinical sites. You can expect to go between the hospital and classroom settings on a regular basis. 

Even online programs usually require some type of in-person clinical experience. If you attend an online program, ask:

• How many hours will be required in the clinical setting?
• If I am an out-of-state student, will I have to travel to the state my school is located to complete my clinical hours?

Tuition

If you don’t secure a scholarship, tuition may play a heavy role in your decision-making process. If you choose an online program in a state outside your permanent residence, you will be paying higher out-of-state tuition rates. 

Once you begin working as a nurse, ask prospective employers what type of loan repayment programs they offer. More employers are providing competitive sign-on bonuses as the demand for nurses increases. Check out salaries in Hawaii for more information on what hospitals are offering RNs. 

NCLEX Pass Rate

Obtaining a nursing degree is an important step to becoming a nurse. But the degree alone does not qualify you to practice. It only makes you eligible to take the national licensure examination, known as the NCLEX. Look for a school that offers prep courses or materials to help you study.

Programs Offered

Do you want an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or some type of graduate degree such as a Ph.D. or DNP? If you want to continue your education past an ADN or BSN, see if the school offers more programs that match your interests. It might be helpful to check the acceptance rate of students graduating from the university.

Graduation Rate

The graduation rate is important when choosing the right school. It is based on undergraduate students that finished their degree in 4-6 years. You need to determine your short- and long-term goals to decide the amount of time you want to stay in school.  

Next Steps

There are many challenges during the application process. Your chosen program should reflect your nursing goals. Select one that will help you graduate as smoothly as possible. The best nursing programs support their students on the journey to licensure. Good luck and happy studying! 

Methodology

In order to determine the best nursing schools in a state, Incredible Health compared the top schools among five categories: graduation rate, tuition, NCLEX pass rate, accreditation and the number of nursing programs offered. Each metric was scored on a 100-point scale with 100 representing the highest total for that category. Then we compiled the individual scores to get an overall score. 

We used data from:

• University webpages
• Hawaii Board of Nursing
• US Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings

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Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools Washington

More than 59,000 registered nurses reside in Washington State, which makes it one of the most highly concentrated areas for registered nurses in the country. Additionally, Washington state is one of the more lucrative places to work as well as a nurse. 

Whether you are new to the field of nursing or are trying to advance your career, getting a quality education is critical. There are many degree types available for nurses who choose to attend college. 

The main degree types are:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Accelerate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The good news is that Washington has many great nursing programs to choose from. In this guide, we’ve ranked some of the best nursing schools to attend. 

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In total, this article will provide an overview of:

• Top nursing schools in Washington State ranked
• How to choose a nursing program
• Ranking methodology

To capture the best schools in each state, we applied a rigorous formula, isolating five variables that were weighted equally: 

• Graduation rate
• NCLEX pass rate
• CCNE accreditation
• Programs offered
• Tuition costs (based on in-state tuition, attending the maximum number of credits; mandatory fees not included)

Washington state’s top nursing program:

1. University of Washington
2. Gonzaga University
3. Pacific Lutheran University
4. Walla Walla University
5. Seattle Pacific University

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Below is a list of the top nursing schools in Washington. This list isn’t exhaustive, but we felt that it highlights the programs worth mentioning. 

1. University of Washington 

NCLEX pass rate: 94.35% 

Tuition per year: $12,076

The University of Washington, located in Seattle, Washington, is home to over 46,000 students making it one of the larger schools on our list. 

Its nursing program offers a:

• BSN 
• ABSN
• MSN
• DNP 

The school is known specifically for its graduate programs and research offerings. Additionally, the University of Washington has relatively cheap tuition in comparison to the other schools on our list. 

2. Gonzaga University 

NCLEX pass rate: 98.70%

Tuition per year: $47,560

Gonzaga University is a private, Catholic university in Spokane, Washington. One of the unique aspects of the program is that it offers an online component for some of the advanced degrees. 

The school offers the following nursing programs: 

• BSN 
• Online RN to MSN
• Online MSN
• Online DNP post baccalaureate
• Online DNP post masters

3. Pacific Lutheran University 

NCLEX pass rate: 89.16%

Tuition per year: $49,472

Pacific Lutheran University is a private, Lutheran university in Tacoma, Washington. Home to over 3,100 students, the school gives students a small campus feels and allows for small class sizes. 

The school provides its students with the following options for degree programs:

• BSN
• BSN to MSN
• MSN
• DNP

Students have a great opportunity to complete clinical work in the surrounding Tacoma community as well. 

4. Walla Walla University 

NCLEX pass rate: 91.18%

Tuition per year: $29,487 (three quarters)

Walla Walla University is a Christian, liberal arts college in College Place, Washington. Home to about 1,900 students, the school provides small class sizes, which some students prefer. Also, the school gives students an opportunity to study abroad as nurses. 

The school offers nursing students the following degree options: 

• LPN to BSN
• BSN
• RN to BSN

5. Seattle Pacific University

NCLEX pass rate: 92.31%

Tuition per year: $35,100

Seattle Pacific University is a private, Christian university in Seattle, Washington.  Given its location in Seattle, the school gives students a great opportunity to practice clinicals with a large, diverse population. Another interesting thing about the school is the clinical learning lab, where students can get hands-on experience in a controlled environment. 

The school offers the following degree programs:

• BSN
• DNP

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How to choose a nursing program

Choosing the right nursing program may feel stressful. The good news is that we’ve provided several factors for you to consider to help make your decision easier. Some of the factors you should consider when choosing a school are location, tuition, NCLEX scores, and programs offered. 

Location

This is a major factor for a lot of nursing students when choosing a program to attend. Most nursing programs don’t have online components, so you must select a program to which you can easily commute. The worst thing would be to choose a program that becomes a burden to you simply because it’s too far from your house. Below is a map that shows where each school is located.

Tuition 

Let’s face it: paying for school can be a huge barrier for students. Also, many nurses end up absorbing a massive amount of student debt from their years of college. Additionally, some nurses transition into the field after spending years in another specialty or having another degree from which they’ve already accumulated student debt. 

Finding a school that’s both affordable and reputable can seem challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to jeopardize quality over price. Several of the schools we analyzed were both affordable and highly respected. 

NCLEX scores

One of the most critical measures of a nursing program’s credibility is its NCLEX pass rates. The NCLEX test is an examination that measures a potential registered nurse’s aptitude. A good NCLEX pass rate for a school is anything in the 90th percentile and above. 

Programs offered

The programs offered at the particular school you want to go to is important. You need to make sure that the school you are applying to has the program that you need. There are many different nursing programs offered at various schools. The principal baseline program offered at most universities is the BSN program. However, every person has different needs, and choosing the right program depends on the career track you are interested in. 

Graduation Rate 

The last factor that you should consider when choosing a nursing program is the graduation rate. A higher graduation rate indicates that the school graduates first-year students within 4-6 years at a greater rate than other schools. Knowing that your school has a proven track record of graduating students on time is crucial. 

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Ranking methodology

We retrieved our data from the following locations: 

• University webpages
• The state board of registered nursing if applicable (for example, Washington State Board of Registered Nursing)
• The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard  
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• U.S. News Best Colleges 

To calculate the scores for the respective schools, we took the lowest-scoring school from each individual metric, assigned it a 1 and gave the highest score a 10. We then were able to create brackets within that range to place each college in. 

After coming up with a score for each school out of ten for their respective metric, we added them up and multiplied them by two to come up with a score out of 100. 

Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools Idaho

Idaho is a great state to be a nurse. Known for its rugged beauty, the Gem State offers a variety of nursing programs. Registered nurses have plenty of opportunities for professional advancement as well. With so many choices, this post serves as a guide to help you navigate the landscape of Idaho nursing education.    

Choosing a nursing program may feel stressful and confusing. To help, Incredible Health created a list of the best nursing programs in the state of Idaho.

Idaho’s top nursing program:

1. Brigham-Young University-Idaho
2. Lewis-Clark State College
3. Boise State University
4. Idaho State University

1. Brigham-Young University-Idaho Score: 72.50  

NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.22%

Annual in-state tuition: $4,416

Brigham-Young University has a high graduation rate of 86%. They also have a high job placement rate with most students securing a job before graduation. Their program teaches students hands-on skills, with a focus on caring and compassion. 

The experienced faculty share their knowledge and compassion for nursing with their students through in-person classes, clinicals, and simulation coursework. 

This school offers a pre-licensure BSN program. This helps students “develop strong clinical reasoning skills, integrity, and leadership.” These skills provide the groundwork for excellent patient care.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN

2. Lewis-Clark State College Score: 62.50

NCLEX Pass Rate: 94.87%

Annual in-state tuition: $6,982 

Annual out-of-state tuition: $20,238

The state college’s BSN program is very competitive. All courses in the BSN program are held in-person with hands-on learning opportunities. Their RN to BSN program is offered online and students can complete the degree in as a little as nine months. The current graduation rate for Lewis-Clark State College is 38%. 

What sets this college apart is its focus on preparing nurses to become “engaged citizens, advocates, and lifelong learners.” This is a great way to arm nurses with the skills they need to provide patients with the best care possible. This includes using best practices learned through continuing education. 

The CCNE-accredited school offers:

• BSN
• RN to BSN

3. Boise State University Score: 60

NCLEX Pass Rate: 91.53%

Annual in-state tuition: $8,060 

Annual out-of-state tuition: $24,980

The University’s program boasts a state-of-the-art simulation lab where students can practice their nursing skills. They also offer an exceptional student/faculty ratio of 8:1. Their DNP program focuses on leadership development. Depending on your program of focus, courses are available in-person, hybrid, or fully online. Their graduation rate is 47%. 

BSU helps students build strong partnerships with health care facilities. They also help expand clinical experience opportunities. Providing key introductions to potential employers is also a great service this university offers.

These are the CCNE-accredited programs offered: 

• BSN
• RN to BSN
• MSN
• DNP

4. Idaho State University Score: 55 

NCLEX Pass Rate: 84.25%

Annual in-state tuition: $7,872 

Annual out-of-state tuition: $25,326 

Idaho State University’s programs focus on preparing nurses to improve the health of rural and diverse populations. The school also focuses on research initiatives. They help students apply new nursing knowledge to improve population health in communities locally and globally. The graduation rate is 44%.

Idaho State has the John William Jackson Fund which awards students with $2,000 scholarships in order to help ease the burden of student debt.

The CCNE-accredited school offers hybrid online and in-person programs including: 

• BSN
• Accelerated BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PhD

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How to choose the right nursing program

When entering the nursing profession, there are different career paths to choose from. You want to think about what education you’ve already completed, where you want to live, cost of the program, and what each degree allows you to do. 

Location

The location of the school is an important consideration as you may want to live close by. Each program may have an in-person component. Consider your proximity to the school when doing your research.

Tuition

There is a wide range of how much your nursing education will cost. This is based on whether you will pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. Often students come to nursing as a second career, which means they also bring other student debt with them. Fortunately for nurses, there are several different ways you can receive school loan repayment or even loan forgiveness after graduation. You can also look at the salaries to see if it will provide what you need to cover expenses. 

NCLEX pass rate

The NCLEX exam is a big focus of undergraduate nurses. It is the next step between completing the degree and working as a nurse. Each school reports the percent of their nursing students who passed the exam. The program should not only teach you about nursing theory and practice, but also prepare you to pass the NCLEX. Idaho’s Board of Nursing can also guide you through the process of obtaining your license. 

Programs offered

When choosing a nursing school, you want to ensure they offer the right programs to meet your academic needs. Most schools offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program to prepare you to sit for the NCLEX exam. You may also want to consider what additional programs they offer. If you are interested in advancing your education beyond a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you can see if the school offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). 

Graduation rate 

Consider graduation rates of each program to guide your decision. After getting accepted into a program, your next focus will shift to graduation. This rate is determined based on the percent of undergraduate students who complete their program in 4-6 years.

Next steps

After you’ve gathered all the info you need about program types and schools, it’s time to apply. Nursing school is not easy, but it can be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make. You’ve got this!  

Once you start looking for a job, let us help. We can connect you with employers just waiting to hire you!

Methodology

In order to determine the best nursing schools in a state, Incredible Health compared the top schools among five categories: graduate rate, tuition, NCLEX pass rate, accreditation, and the number of nursing programs offered. 

Each metric was scored on a 100-point scale with 100 representing the highest total for that category. Then we compiled the individual scores to get an overall score. 

We used data from:

• University webpages
• Idaho State Board of Nursing
• U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings

Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools Indiana

Welcome to the world of nursing! If you are just starting your nursing journey, the first step is picking a quality nursing program. Thousands of students begin their first nursing classes every year. Those who make it to the finish line join the workforce of over 3 million registered nurses across all 50 states. Others have gone back to school to get an advanced degree to further their careers. 

Have you ever considered attending a nursing program in the state of Indiana? If so, take a look at what the state has to offer its prospective nursing students. 

Indiana’s top nursing programs:

1. Purdue-University-West-Lafayette
2. Valparaiso-University
3. Ball-State-University
4. Indiana-University-Southeast
5. Purdue-University-Northwest

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#1 Purdue University West Lafayette

• Overall Score: 73
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.10%
• Annual tuition: In-state $9,992, Out-of-state $28,794
• Graduation Rate: 73%

Purdue is a public university that boasts a near 100% employment rate for its BSN graduates. The Purdue Nursing Student Council organizes an annual Nursing Career Fair, which attracts both local and national healthcare employers. 

If you are concerned about campus safety, know that this school was voted one of the top 10 safest college campuses in America.

Purdue-West Lafayette was also given a five-star LGBTQ+ campus rating according to Campus Pride Index. 

Those seeking a Master’s degree at Purdue have several specialty options to choose from: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. 

Programs offered:

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PhD

#2 Valparaiso University (tie)

• Overall score: 59
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.2%
• Annual Tuition: $43,400
• Graduation Rate: 69%

Valparaiso describes their students as “workplace ready” because their nursing program curriculum emphasizes that healthcare is adaptive, collaborative, and visionary. Some nursing schools offer community service or “service learning” opportunities as part of their program. 

Valparaiso offers these experiences abroad. Participating students visit health care facilities in Costa Rica, China, and Italy, just to name a few. 

There is an active Student Nurses Association. This is a place that allows students to discuss health issues that really matter. They learn how to advocate for programs they believe will help improve patient care.

Programs offered: 

• BSN
• RN to BSN
• RN to MSN
• Accelerated BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• Nurse Educator Certificate

#3 Ball State University (tie)

• Overall score: 59
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.4%
• Annual tuition: In-state $8,284, Out-of-state: $25,518
• Graduation Rate: 59%

If you desire a school that will help you nurture your connections with students and other nursing professionals, Ball State University might be a great fit. The school offers a “Nursing Living-Learning Community” where you can be matched with fellow students in order to strengthen academic support and professional relationships. Ball State also hosts the Beta Rho Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society.

Nursing students at Ball State enjoy a state-of-the-art clinical simulation lab with high-fidelity adult and pediatric manikins.

Ball State has a very active Alumni Association that helps promote learning even after graduation. They offer scholarships to their members which can be used to further education.

Programs offered:

• BSN
• RN to BSN (online)
• MSN (online)
• Post-Master’s Certificate

#4 Indiana University Southeast

• Overall score: 58
• NCLEX pass rate: 95%
• Annual tuition: In-state $7,169.84, Out-of-state $20,277.04
• Graduation Rate: 39%

Indiana University Southeast is a regional campus of Indiana University founded in 1941. Described as an inclusive and student-centered campus, this school offers four different nursing programs. For RNs seeking to obtain their BSN, the school has the option of either an in-person program or an online program to suit the needs of the learner.

The School of Nursing’s mission statement is “to create a community of learning which supports excellence in education, utilizing evidence-based practice to promote the health of the people we serve.” 

IU Southeast offers lots of networking possibilities. There are social media opportunities and connections to local and national nursing organizations. There is also a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau and a Student Nurses Association.

Programs offered:

• BSN
• RN to BSN (in-person)
• RN to BSN (online)
• MSN

#5 Purdue University Northwest

• Overall score: 55
• NCLEX pass rate: 89.1%
• Annual tuition: In-state $7,267.60, Out-of-state $10,901.20
• Graduation Rate: 40.00%

Purdue University Northwest focuses on an up-to-date evidence-based curriculum in order to provide its students with the best education possible. This prepares them for approaching patients with a holistic mindset.

The Purdue University Northwest College of Nursing earned the special distinction of NLN Center of Nursing Excellence in 2014 and 2018. This four-year designation is bestowed to schools that “demonstrate sustained excellence in faculty development, nursing education research, and in student learning and professional development.” 

Programs offered:

• BSN
• RN to BSN (online)
• Accelerated BSN
• MSN (Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist)
• Post-Master’s Certificate (Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist)
• DNP

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How to choose the right nursing program

Nursing school is a tremendous challenge! It’s important to pick a program that speaks to your needs. Some of the most important factors to consider include location, tuition, NCLEX pass rates, available programs, and graduation rates.

Location

Do you prefer to attend classes in person or online? It’s important to keep in mind that you will be required to participate in clinical rotations. This is where learning takes place outside the traditional classroom setting. These take place in hospitals and other healthcare organizations. This is a must to consider when taking your commute into account.

Tuition

Tuition is a huge factor when choosing which school to go to. Are you an in-state or out-of-state student? Do you have scholarships or financial aid you will be able to take advantage of? Are you willing to take out student loans to pay for part of your tuition? These are all important questions to ask. You may also want to look at salaries and other benefits jobs are offering. This will help you come up with a repayment plan that works for you.

NCLEX pass rate

The NCLEX is the national licensure examination taken at the end of your nursing program in order to earn your nursing license. Programs with a high pass rate are more likely to adequately prepare you to take and pass the exam on the first try. There are many test-prep programs and study guides available to purchase out of pocket, but great schools integrate rigorous NCLEX practice exams throughout the curriculum. 

Programs offered

Choose the school that has the right program to fit your needs. There are important considerations such as whether you want to commute to campus or attend online. Online programs are becoming more prevalent and are a great option for students needing more flexibility. 

If you are looking to advance your career, does the school offer the specialty program you are looking for? Some schools offer multiple programs and degrees while others are more limited. 

If you have any questions, you can always call the school and speak to someone in the nursing program.

Graduation rates

Graduation rates on calculated on students finishing a degree program within 4-6 years. Nursing school can be extremely strenuous so look for a program that has tools in place to help you if you hit a snag. This can include tutoring, academic advisement, peer mentorship or other student support groups. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! 

Next steps

Keep in mind that nursing programs are eager to assist prospective applicants. If you see opportunities to communicate with academic counselors or program advisors prior to applying, dive in! Sometimes nursing schools offer “open-house” events, which can provide a more personalized peek into your academic future. 

Be mindful of any application deadlines, as some programs only accept new applicants once or twice a year. 

Good luck in your search for the perfect program – you’ve got this!

Methodology

In order to determine the best nursing schools in a state, Incredible Health compared the top schools among five categories: graduation rate, tuition, NCLEX pass rate, accreditation, and the number of nursing programs offered. Each metric was scored on a 100-point scale with 100 representing the highest total for that category. Then we compiled the individual scores to get an overall score. 

We used data from: 

• University webpages
• Indiana Board of Nursing
• U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Ranking