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Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools Missouri

If you’re considering attending nursing school in Missouri, you have a wealth of good options to choose from. Not only are all of the schools on our list of top nursing schools in Missouri also included on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best BSN Schools in the Country, many of them have also been recognized for the quality of their graduate school programs.

Missouri boasts a wide range of arts, entertainment and recreation. The remarkable Lake of the Ozarks is right at its very center and  it also has metropolitan areas, including Kansas City and St. Louis. Though nursing salaries are a bit lower than the national average, Missouri has the 12^th lowest cost of living in the nation. Opportunities abound: the state has some of the best hospitals in the country, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, which is ranked No. 11 on U.S. News & World Reports’ Best Hospitals Honor Roll.

Students attending nursing school in Missouri have the opportunity to learn practical skills at the state’s many fine healthcare facilities, and after their graduation they are first in line for job openings. 

Missouri’s top nursing programs:

1. University of Missouri
2. Missouri State University
3. University of Missouri – Kansas City
4. Truman State University
5. University of Missouri – St. Louis
6. Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College
7. Southeast Missouri State University
8. Saint Louis University
9. Research College of Nursing
10. Columbia College of Missouri

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1.  University of Missouri – Score 71

NCLEX Pass Rate – 97.80%

Annual In-State Tuition: $24,792

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $61,468

The Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri has been educating nurses since 1901. Its BSN program was ranked #58 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and its DNP nursing program was ranked #35. It boasts a high NCLEX pass rate, and the school has a 100% certification pass rate among its Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialists, as well as a 98-100% placement rate for nursing graduates.

University of Missouri has a 68% graduation rate for its traditional BSN program, and also offers an accelerated BSN and an online RN-to-BSN. Those seeking graduate nursing degrees can choose from an online MSN, an online Master’s degree in Care Management, an online DNP program, and an online PhD program.

Students starting in 2022 will benefit from a new $30 million, state-of-the-art facility that will cement the partnership between the nursing school and the MU Healthcare facility.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• Accelerated BSN
• RN-to-BSN (Online)
• MSN (Online)
• DNP (Online)
• PhD (Online)

2.  Missouri State University – Score 68 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 96.00%

Annual Tuition: $8,294

Missouri State University works to make nursing a possibility from the earliest stages through to the highest levels of the career. Starting with a two-year pre-nursing program that serves as a preparatory step towards applying to either Missouri State’s BSN program or another nursing school, the university offers a traditional four-year BSN program that has a 57% graduation rate and a fully online nursing completion course for registered nurses.

BSN-degreed nurses have the option of pursuing hybrid and online Master’s degree pathways to prepare for a career as a family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or in population health leadership. The school also offers a hybrid BSN-to-DNP program and a fully online post-Master’s DNP degree, as well as several certifications.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PhD

3.  University of Missouri – Kansas City – Score 62 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 94.70%

Annual In-State Tuition: $21,592

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $53,488 

Housed inside the University of Missouri Kansas City’s Health Sciences Building, the School of Nursing and Health Studies stresses interprofessional development as it educates both undergraduate and graduate students to improve health outcomes. U.S. News & World Report ranked it among the nation’s best online graduate nursing programs and #58 among the nation’s BSN programs.

The school offers two bachelor’s degree programs: a traditional pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a five-semester Accelerated BSN program. They also offer a fully online RN-to-BSN program and a dual enrollment program with Metropolitan Community college that allows students to earn both their ADN and BSN degrees. The RN-to-BSN program is noted for its integration of rural, urban, and suburban nurses.

The graduate school offers multiple online MSN options, onsite and online DNP options, and a PhD.

CCNE-accredited program offered:

• BSN
• RN-BSN (Online)
• Accelerated BSN
• MSN (Online)
• DNP (In person and online)
• PhD

4.  Truman State University – Score 59 

 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 94.40%

Annual In-State Tuition: $17,380

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $33,424

Truman State University has been U.S. News & World Report’s number one public school in the Midwest region for 25 years in a row, and one of the top ten public schools named as a “Best Buy” by Fiske Guide to Colleges. The nursing department also made it into U.S. News & World Reports’ list, ranking in the top 200 BSN programs in the nation. 

Its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has a 71% graduation rate and a 100% employment rate for its graduates. The school also offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for students who have earned their bachelor’s degrees in areas of study outside of nursing. The accelerated program takes 15 months to complete and prepares graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Truman has multiple resources for nursing students who need financial assistance, as well as a robust job placement program.

 CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• Accelerated BSN 

5.  University of Missouri – St. Louis – Score 55 

 

NCLEX Pass Rate – N/A

Annual In-State Tuition: $11,883

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $32,100

The University of Missouri at St. Louis’ nursing program has established clinical partnerships with over 100 facilities in Acute Care, Primary Care and Community Care to provide its students with exposure to best practices and cutting-edge technologies. Ranked #120 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best BSN programs in the country, the school offers both a traditional BSN program, and  an Accelerated BSN degree program that takes just 12 months. They also offer an RN-to-BSN program.

The school’s DNP program offers multiple nurse practitioner pathways for students who start with a BSN degree, while students who enter the program with MSN degrees do not select a population of focus. Instead, they have the option of adding a certification if they choose to do so. The school also offers a PhD program.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• RN-to-BSN
• Accelerated BSN
• BSN-DNP
• MSN-DNP
• Post-Graduate Certifications
• PhD

6.  Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College – Score 53 

 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 91.46%

Annual Tuition: $23,100

Affiliated with one of the top hospitals in the country, the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College has top-rated undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. The school has world-class simulation labs and faculty, and a unique approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and engagement with other professions. The Master of Science program offers advanced nursing practice, nurse education, and management and leadership paths, and also offers DNP programs in Nurse Anesthesia, Health Systems and Population Leadership, and a PhD.

The undergraduate school offers the one-year Accelerated Option for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, an upper division option for students who have completed their first two years of education at an accredited institution of higher learning, and a three-year evening and weekend program. The school has a 92% graduation rate.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• Accelerated BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PhD 

7.  Southeast Missouri State University – Score 52 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 94.00%

Annual In-State Tuition: $7,761

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $14,331

Southeast Missouri State University’s Department of Nursing has been educating nurses since 1958. Its MSN program was the first to be offered in the area, and today is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best in the country. The school reports that 98% of its graduates are either employed or furthering their education six months after completing the program.

The school offers a traditional four-year BSN program as well as an online RN-to-BSN program for students who are registered nurses with Associate’s degrees. The MSN degree prepares students for advanced practice nursing as a family nurse practitioner. Graduates of the MSN program have a 25-year average of 97.4% first time pass rate on the American Nurse Credentialing Center’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam, and in the last five years the pass rates have been 100%. 

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• RN-to-BSN (Online)
• MSN

8.  Saint Louis University – Score 50 

 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 94.00%

Annual Tuition: $49,800

Ranked the 68^th best MSN program and 43^rd Best BSN program in the country by U.S. News & World Report, the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing at Saint Louis University has been offering top-notch nursing education since 1928. It was  the first school in the country to offer an Accelerated BSN program and comprehensive online MSN programs.

The school offers three routes to a BSN degree: a traditional, direct-entry, four-year program, an intensive three-semester, 12-month Accelerated BSN degree for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another area of study,and an online RN-to-BSN program. Saint Louis University also offers a 21-month, 5-semester Master of Science in Nursing program for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and wish to become nurses.

The graduate nursing degree program at Saint Louis University includes online and onsite MSN degree paths, online DNP programs available to both BSN- and MSN-degreed nurses, and a hybrid PhD program that is available to BSN and MSN-degreed nurses on full- or part-time schedules.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• Accelerated BSN
• RN-to-BSN (Online)
• Direct-entry MSN
• MSN (Online and onsite)
• DNP (Hybrid)
• PhD (Hybrid)

9.  Research College of Nursing – Score 47 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 87.00%

Annual Tuition: $39,500

Unlike nursing programs housed within a larger university or college, the Research College of Nursing is strictly dedicated to nursing education. Located in Kansas City and affiliated with HCA Midwest Health, the school offers multiple paths to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as a Master of Science in Nursing.

Undergraduate BSN candidates are able to access Research College of Nursing’s program via an accelerated one-year track offered to students who have earned bachelor’s degrees in a non-nursing field and by completing two years of prerequisites at an accredited college or university and then transferring in. The school also offers a unique Early Admission program for qualified high school students and freshman at accredited schools that allows them to secure their admission.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• Accelerated BSN
• MSN (Currently suspended)

10.   Columbia College of Missouri – Score 33 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 92.30%

Annual Tuition: $24,806

Columbia College of Missouri offers programs for working nurses as well as for those who are just entering the nursing field. The school offers a robust pre-nursing science program to prepare students for either the Associate in Science in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The ACEN-accredited Associate in Nursing degree program has an 84% retention rate and 95% job placement success, while the traditional four-year BSN program achieved a 100% job placement rate in 2021.

The school also offers an online RN-to-BSN program that students can work towards while also pursuing their ASN at Columbia College. Students can apply to Columbia College at no cost, and tuition for main campus classes are offered at a rate that remains fixed for five years.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• RN-to-BSN (Online)

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How to choose the right nursing program

Now that you’ve decided on a nursing career, you need to choose the best path to get you there. With so many great options available, start by eliminating schools that don’t offer the program that you need. From there you can explore how each school matches your personal priorities, including reputation, location, tuition, and graduate success rate. There is no single right choice: rather, it’s a matter of finding the one that works best for you.   

Location 

Missouri has metropolitan areas like Saint Louis and Kansas City, as well as rural areas and wooded highlands. Determine what type of campus you want to live on if you’re pursuing a BSN, or where and how far you want to commute if that fits your schedule and needs better. Students pursuing an online education may still need to attend periodic onsite classes, so choose a location that is accessible to you.

Tuition 

With student loans ranking second on the list of consumer debt behind mortgages, the cost of education is a big consideration. Be smart when assessing your options: every accredited nursing school provides a quality education and much of the value you receive is based on what you put into it. Still, if a school’s tuition seems out of reach, be sure to explore the availability of scholarships, as well as federal, state, and local student aid. 

NCLEX pass rate

Passing the NCLEX exam is a key benchmark for every graduate of a nursing program, and the percentage of graduates that achieve this milestone is an important way of gauging how thoroughly a school prepares its students. 

Programs offered 

Not every school offers every available nursing program. There are some that focus on undergraduates and others that have prioritized graduate education. Before setting your hopes on a school based on its reputation or campus, check to make sure that it offers the nursing program and degree that you need.

Graduation rate  

Graduation rate is a metric that indicates how many of a school’s entering freshman graduate within a six-year period. It is a reflection of a particular segment of the school’s attendees and does not include students who have transferred in or graduate students. It is best used when assessing traditional four-year programs.

Next steps

Applying to the nursing school that you’ve chosen requires organization and a high degree of attention to detail. The effort that you put into this task will have a direct impact on whether you are accepted into the program that’s your top choice. Make a list of all of the documents that need to be submitted and where they need to come from, as well as by what date they need to be sent. Check off each item as you accomplish it, taking special care to follow up on transcripts and letters of recommendation that will be sent by others. The earlier you have your materials in, the sooner you are likely to hear back from the school.

Once accepted, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding career, and your educational journey will be over before you know it. Graduation from one of Missouri’s top nursing schools will put you first in line for jobs at one of the region’s fine medical facilities. As you begin your career it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the state’s licensing requirements, as well as other aspects of working there. If you have questions about continuing education or any other career-oriented issues, our Missouri nursing community is always happy to help.

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 of Missouri
• Missouri State University
• University of Missouri – Kansas City
• Truman State University
• University of Missouri – St. Louis
• Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College
• Southeast Missouri State University
• Saint Louis University
• Research College of Nursing
• Columbia College of Missouri
• Federal Student Aid
• HCA Midwest Health
• Missouri Division of Professional Registration
• 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 Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a great place to live no matter what your field of study, but if you’re studying for a nursing career, you can’t do much better than the Bay State. In addition to the fact that Massachusetts has top-notch K-12 schools, a bustling economy, and that it was ranked one of the best states in which to work in 2022, the state was ranked #2 in the country for healthcare by U.S. News and World Report and #9 overall.

Massachusetts boasts some of the country’s best hospitals, and for nursing students attending school in the state, that means remarkable internship and clinical practice opportunities.

And as if the learning opportunities were not enough, Massachusetts nurses earn salaries that are 16% higher than the national average.

Massachusetts’s top programs:

1. University of Massachusetts – Amherst
2. Simmons University
3. University of Massachusetts – Boston
4. MGH Institute of Health Professions
5. Northeastern University
6. University of Massachusetts – Lowell
7. Boston College
8. University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
9. Salem State University
10. Westfield State University 

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1.  University of Massachusetts – Amherst – Score 63

NCLEX Pass Rate – 90.00%

Annual In-State Tuition: $16,952

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $38,172

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers nursing education for those who are just beginning their career, for those who wish to move into a nursing career, and those who want to move ahead in their nursing career. Offering BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs, the school recently received a $21.5 million cash gift that they will use to improve upon the already-excellent education that they provide.

In addition to the traditional four-year BSN program, which has achieved a 78% graduation rate, the school offers an accelerated 17-month BSN for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and an online RN-to-BSN degree that can be completed in under one year. Graduate students can pursue an MSN Clinical Nurse Leader concentration or a Nursing Education concentration, and UMass-Amherst also offers an online DNP as well as a PhD program to prepare students for careers in research.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• Accelerated BSN
• RN-to-BSN (Online)
• MSN
• DNP (Online)
• PhD

2.  Simmons University – Score 62

 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 93.00%

Annual Tuition: $47,028

Ranked the 99^th Best Nursing School in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Simmons University is also one of the country’s first university-based nursing programs. First established in 1902, in the ensuing years Simmons has established a stellar reputation and a collection of innovative programs.

The on-ground, in-person programs that Simmons University offers include a traditional four-year BSN and a five-year BSN-MSN program categorized as a 4+1 accelerated bachelor’s and Master of Science in Nursing program that prepares students to be advanced practice nurses. The nursing school also offers a two-year MSN program that allows BSN-degreed Registered Nurses to earn their MSN either in person or online, and a direct entry MSN program that allows non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders to earn their MSN in three years.

Simmons University also offers the opportunity for nurses to advance their knowledge and career via online degrees, including an RN-to-BSN program, an online MSN-FNP program, an online MSN-PMHP program, and an online DNP.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• BSN/MSN (4+1)
• BSN-to-MSN
• RN-BSN (Online)
• MSN Direct Entry
• MSN-FNP or MSN-PMHNP (Online)
• DNP (Online)

3.  University of Massachusetts – Boston – Score 61

 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 90.00%

Annual In-State Tuition: $14,187   

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $34,649

The University of Massachusetts at Boston is the 9^th largest nursing school in the country and was tied for #58^th best MSN program in U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking. The school has affiliations with more than 200 healthcare organizations that provide students with internships and clinical experience, and its administration works to ensure that students are aware of scholarship and financial aid opportunities and to provide career guidance.

The programs offered by the Department of Nursing include a traditional four-year BSN program, an accelerated BSN degree for those who have already earned their bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field of study, and an online RN-BSN program for registered nurses who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in as little as one year. Graduate programs include MSN degrees leading to FNP or AGNP specializations, a DNP degree, and a PhD program.

CCNE-accredited program offered:

• BSN
• RN-BSN (Online)
• Accelerated BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PhD

4.  MGH Institute of Health Professions – Score 56

 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 87.00%

Annual Tuition: $50,200

MGH Institute of Health Professions’ nursing program has distinguished itself in multiple ways. Not only was it named one of America’s Best Master’s programs and Best DNP programs by U.S. News & World Report, but it is also unusual in that the only BSN degree that it offers is an accelerated program for those who already hold bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields: it does not offer a traditional four-year BSN program at all.

In addition to the intensive accelerated BSN program, which can be completed in a 16-month full time path or a part-time path that takes two years, MGH also offers a three-year direct-entry MSN program for BSN-degreed individuals who are not registered nurses and post-professional degree programs including a post-BSN MSN degree to become a nurse practitioner, two Master of Science degrees in Leadership, and two online DNP tracks.

The school’s graduation rate is a remarkable 97%.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• Accelerated BSN
• Direct-entry MSN
• BSN-to-MSN
• MSN
• DNP (Online)

5.  Northeastern University – Score 56

 

 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 85.00%

Annual Tuition: $56,500

Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate degrees at campuses in both Massachusetts and in North Carolina. The school’s MSN program was ranked #86 in the country by U.S. News & World Report and its DNP program was ranked #106 in the country.

The school’s undergraduate nursing degree program has accomplished an 88% graduation rate and offers a traditional four-year BSN undergraduate program that introduces nursing courses during the student’s sophomore year. Non-nurses with bachelor’s degrees are able to enter the Direct Entry Nursing program that allows bachelor’s degree holders to become master’s-prepared nurses by taking 16 months of nursing-specific classes to prepare for the NCLEX exam and become a registered nurse, then continue within the master’s program. There is also an accelerated BSN program.

The MSN and doctoral nursing programs offer multiple nurse practitioner paths while the DNP program offers a leadership path and a nurse anesthesia path. There is also a PhD program.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• Accelerated BSN
• Direct Entry MSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PhD

6.  University of Massachusetts – Lowell – Score 54

 

 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 91.00%

Annual In-State Tuition: $16,082

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $34,450

The University of Massachusetts at Lowell was ranked #78^th best MSN program in the country by U.S. News & World Report, but the school has more to boast about than that. Not only do students benefit from UMass Lowell’s partnership with the Boston VA Healthcare system for clinical hours, but the school attracts the attention of top employers in the area, and as a result 100% are employed within six months after graduation from all of its programs.

Bachelor’s degree programs include a traditional four-year BSN and an RN-to-BSN degree completion option, and its master’s degree programs include a fast-track BS-to-MS program for enrolled BS nursing students, a fast-track MS-to-DNP program for enrolled MS nursing students, and two advanced practical nurse tracks. The school also offers both a PhD in nursing program and a DNP degree program.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• RN-to-BSN
• BSN-to-MSN
• MSN-to-DNP
• MSN
• DNP
• PhD

7.  Boston College – Score 52

 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 92.00%

Annual Tuition: $62,950

Ranked the 27^th Best Master’s in Nursing program in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Boston College’s Connell School of Nursing has created multiple paths to a nursing career, maximizing opportunity and impact. The bachelor’s program has a 91% graduation rate and provides its nursing students with an opportunity to study abroad that one third take advantage of.

MSN candidates will find three different pathways to the degree, from the traditional path taken by BSN-degreed nurses to programs designed for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders and associate degree-holding nurses. DNP candidates with BSN degrees and one year of critical care experience can opt for a 36-month specialty nurse anesthesia program. The school also offers four routes to a DNP based on educational level, including a pathway for BSN-degreed applicants, non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders, MSN-degreed candidates, and even a program for Associates degree holders.

100% of Boston College’s graduate nursing students passed the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt in 2020, and 100% of full-time PHD students receive full tuition remission.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• DNP-Anesthesia
• PhD

8.  University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth – Score 50

 

 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 83.00%

Annual In-State Tuition: $14,408

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $30,153

The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth offers the only advanced degree nursing programs in Southeastern Massachusetts. The DNP program, which offers two online BSN-DNP nurse practitioner tracks in Adult Gerontology Primary Care and in Psychiatric Mental Health and a post-Master’s DNP, has been recognized by U.S New & World Report as one of the best in the nation.

In addition, the school offers online Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN programs, a PhD program, and a traditional four-year BSN program that has a 53% graduation rate and which introduces students to the first nursing course during freshman year. Each incoming nursing student is assigned a faculty advisor who is dedicated to their success, and during the student’s senior year they will be partnered with a registered nurse who will be available as a mentor, offering encouragement and advice.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• Accelerated BSN (Online)
• RN-to-BSN (Online)
• MSN (Online)
• DNP
• PhD

9.  Salem State University – Score 50

 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 78.00%

Annual In-State Tuition: $11,675

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $18,480

Salem State University is tied for #43 in U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Top Public Universities and #123 in its list of Regional Schools in the Northeast. The university’s Maguire Meservey College of Health and Human Services offers a robust nursing program with plenty of options for earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as well as for those who wish to move into an Advanced Practice Nurse role.

The undergraduate program offers a traditional four-year BSN degree program, as well as an accelerated BSN for students who have earned their bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and an LPN-to-BSN program that will prepare graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN and become registered nurses.

The school also offers two paths to a Master’s of Science in Nursing that are open to registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees in nursing, students with a bachelor’s degree in another field, and to those holding an associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing. Students can choose from an MSN with no concentration or an MSN with a concentration in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Classes are offered in the evening and online to provide flexibility to working nurses.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• LPN-BSN
• BSN
• Accelerated BSN
• MSN (Hybrid)

10.    Westfield State University – Score 46

 

NCLEX Pass Rate – 77.00%

Annual In-State Tuition: $960

Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $7,050

According to U.S. News & World Report, the nursing program at Westfield State University is one of the most popular degrees the school offers. Offering both a hybrid RN-to-BSN program and a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, the school matches each incoming nursing freshman with an upperclassman nursing student who helps them get acclimated, introduces them to other nursing students, and familiarizes them with campus resources and activities.

The school has a 66% graduation rate and was also recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best College for Veterans, a Best Value School, and a Top Regional University in the Northeast.

CCNE-accredited programs offered:

• BSN
• RN-to-BSN (Hybrid)

How to choose the right nursing program

With internship opportunities at some of the country’s best hospitals and nursing programs that offer innovation, support, and flexibility, Massachusetts is a wonderful place to attend nursing school. Choosing the right school from the many great options requires close examination of your own priorities, then finding the one that checks the most boxes. After identifying the schools that have the program you need, location, geography, cohort size and reputation are just some of the factors to be considered.

Location 

Massachusetts is a relatively small state – it’s just an hour-and-a-half drive from its northern border to its southern border and three hours from east to west. But there’s a world of difference between its cityscapes, its coastline, and its scenic rural areas. The feel of a college’s campus is very important if you’re going to be living there for four years, but less so if you’re going to take online classes or commute from work. 

Tuition 

There is a significant difference in the tuition rates charged by the nursing schools listed above, with the private schools commanding substantially higher fees than the state schools that charge Massachusetts residents reduced rates. Consider your budget, keeping in mind that students who attend accredited schools are eligible for FAFSA funding. You can also explore scholarships and grants that may be available to help cut your costs.

NCLEX pass rate 

Though providing NCLEX preparation courses is not a requirement for nursing schools to be accredited, the best schools provide an education that fully prepares you to pass the exam. Check to see whether the program you’re considering publicizes its pass rate and compare the percentage of students who pass on the first time taking the test to the national average. It’s a good gauge of a school’s quality. 

Programs offered 

Though all of the top nursing schools in Massachusetts offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, the availability of other programs varies. Your educational goal reflects your personal passion, so make sure that the school you choose can help you achieve your dream.

Graduation rate  

Graduation rate is a statistic that many people use as a measure of how much support a particular college gives to its students. The graduation rate reflects how many students who enroll as freshman graduate from a program within six years. Though it may be a helpful metric for an undergraduate program, it only measures retention of students seeking the traditional four-year degree, and not the number of students in other programs or of those who transfer into a four-year program and then graduate. 

Next steps

Once you’ve selected the Massachusetts nursing school that matches your needs and goals, it’s time to submit your application. The process can be complicated depending upon the school’s requirements, so take the time to understand what you need to do and get to work. You may need to request transcripts and letters of recommendation, write a personal statement, and submit fees by specific deadlines. The more organized you are, the easier it will be.

Graduates of Massachusetts’ top nursing schools are in high demand, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the state’s licensing requirements well ahead of when you need them. If you have any questions, whether about getting a job or what continuing education requirements you’ll need to keep up with, the community of nurses at Incredible Health is always ready to answer questions and offer advice.

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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 of Massachusetts – Amherst
• Simmons University
• University of Massachusetts – Boston
• MGH Institute of Health Professions
• Northeastern University
• University of Massachusetts – Lowell
• Boston College
• University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
• Salem State University
• Westfield State University
• Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
• Federal Student Aid
• 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 Tennessee

Tennessee, the state of country music and whiskey, is also where nursing opportunities come knocking. There are several well-ranked colleges, and the state offers a special program in which nurses can get 85% of their remaining loans paid in exchange for two years of service at a public hospital or mental health facility.

In addition to competitive salary, becoming a nurse in this state also gives you access to high-quality graduate programs and study abroad opportunities. Take your first step by learning about the best nursing schools in Tennessee.

Tennessee’s top nursing programs:

1. University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center
2. Tennessee Tech University
3. University of Tennessee, Knoxville
4. Union University
5. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
6. University of Memphis
7. Middle Tennessee State University
8. Austin Peay State University
9. Belmont University
10. East Tennessee State University

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1. University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center — Score 72

NCLEX pass rate: 88%

In-state annual tuition: $12,705

Out-of-state annual tuition: $36,930

The University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center was named one of the best nursing schools for DNP programs by U.S. News & World Report. It also has important partnerships, such as the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training and certification, with Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funding.

Online classes: yes

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• DNP

Graduation rate: 92%

Programs offered:

• RN to BSN
• ABSN
• BSN
• DNP
• Nursing Practice Certificate

2. Tennessee Tech University — Score 67

NCLEX pass rate: 94%

In-state annual tuition: $10,522

Out-of-state annual tuition: $14,722

Tennessee Tech University is ranked one of the top public schools by U.S. News & World Report. It offers an accelerated BSN program and different study abroad options, with volunteer programs and virtual programs.

Online classes: yes

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP

Graduation rate: 58%

Programs offered:

• BSN
• DNP
• MSN
• RN to BSN

3. University of Tennessee, Knoxville — Score 64

NCLEX pass rate: 93%

In-state annual tuition: $13,244

Out-of-state annual tuition: $31,664

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Nursing offers the Nursing Honors Program, an opportunity for students to network with nurse scientists and leaders. In addition, it has various research groups with an interdisciplinary approach, like The Gerontology Research and Scholarship and the Substance Misuse Community of Scholars.

Online classes: yes 

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• DNP
• PGC APRN

Graduation rate: 71%

Programs offered:

• BSN
• ABSN
• RN to BSN
• Nursing Honors Program

4. Union University — Score 59

NCLEX pass rate: 93%

In-state annual tuition: $35,500

Out-of-state annual tuition: $35,500

The Union University was ranked No. 1 among the best colleges for nursing in Tennessee. Its BSN program offers the chance to study two minors, Nursing Across Cultures and Nursing and Languages. This nursing school also has a pharmacy simulation lab, and its employment rate is 100%. 

Online classes: yes 

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PGC APRN

Graduation rate: 67%

Programs offered:

• BSN
• ABSN
• RN to BSN
• MSN
• DNP

5. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga — Score 57

NCLEX pass rate: 96%

In-state annual tuition: $25,966

Out-of-state annual tuition: $25,966

Located in the beautiful mountains of the state, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offers five nursing programs. One is a DNP nurse anesthesia program, which is used in hospitals where nurse students experience challenging clinical cases without sharing the opportunities with medical students. Its NP program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Online classes: yes 

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PGC APRN

The ACEN accredited program for nursing students is ADN.

Graduation rate: 49%

Programs offered:

• BSN
• RN to BSN
• Nurse Practitioner
• DNP
• Nurse Anesthesia

6. University of Memphis — Score 54

NCLEX pass rate: 86%

In-state annual tuition: $14,610

Out-of-state annual tuition: $19,650

According to the University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing’s statement, this school has less theory and more practice, with many opportunities to create and research. It has an Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), which is committed to monitoring the university’s policy on Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity. Its master’s program has been ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report, and its BSN retention rate is 94%. The university has a bridge program, known as the Summer Bridge Program.

Online classes: yes 

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• MSN
• PGC APRN

Graduation rate: 50%

Programs offered:

• BSN
• ABSN
• RN to BSN
• MSN
• Post MSN
• PhD

7. Middle Tennessee State University — Score 48

NCLEX pass rate: 92%

In-state annual tuition: $9,472

Out-of-state annual tuition: $29,144

With a focus on care for the community and hands-on experience, almost 90% of APN graduates at Middle Tennessee State University successfully passed the nurse practitioner certification exam on their first try. The nursing school has partnerships with many institutions, such as Sigma Theta Tau International and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Online classes: yes 

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• MSN
• PGC APRN

Graduation rate: 49%

Programs offered:

• BSN
• MSN

8. Austin Peay State University — Score 48

NCLEX pass rate: 89%

In-state annual tuition: $7,146

Out-of-state annual tuition: $12,690

Austin Peay State University is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). It offers a bridge program that helps international students explore American culture while teaching domestic students about the culture and history of their countries.

Online classes: yes

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• MSN
• PGC APRN

Graduation rate: 42%

Programs offered:

• BSN
• RN to BSN
• MSN

9. Belmont University — Score 44

NCLEX pass rate: 84%

In-state annual tuition: $39,850

Out-of-state annual tuition: $39,850

Belmont University’s  Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences & Nursing provides interprofessional experiences through various initiatives, such as an event in the first year of studies where nurse, pharmacy and physiotherapy students work together on a case. In addition, its simulation center is accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and is recognized by the International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning for its excellence in simulation. Its MSN and DNP programs are ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report.

Online classes: yes 

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PGC APRN

Graduation rate: 72%

Job placement: 96% of BSN students and 93.3% of DNP graduate students.

Programs offered:

• BSN
• ABSN
• MSN
• DNP

10. East Tennessee State University — Score 37

NCLEX pass rate: 84%

In-state annual tuition: $19,348

Out-of-state annual tuition: $20,968

East Tennessee State University is accredited by the SACS. Its online/hybrid MSN program was ranked No. 3 by Nurse Practitioner Online in 2021. The institution offers a Substance Abuse Nurse Practitioner Residency, and its undergraduate nursing students receive free tutoring.

Online classes: yes

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PGC APRN

Graduation rate: 51%

Programs offered:

• BSN
• DNP
• MSN

Table

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How to choose the right nursing program

Choosing the right program requires an analysis of important factors, such as location, costs and NCLEX pass rates. Check them out.

Location

In an ideal scenario, the most suitable nursing school for you is the closest to where you live. But it’s not always possible, so you can look for other options, such as schools with many locations throughout the state or online programs.

Tuition

The best nursing schools in Tennessee may charge an annual in-state tuition of $7,146 to $19,348, as you have read. But no matter where you decide to study, the government can help you through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which enables you to get federal loans for college.

NCLEX pass rate

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam is an obligatory test for nursing graduates to be licensed as a registered nurse. It’s advisable to look for schools that have at least a 90% pass rate and that provide top-notch resources to prepare you for the assessment.

Programs offered

Another sign that you will make a great choice is how the program offered matches your needs. Search all the program options the school offers and read the courses included. 

Graduation rate

The graduation rate is based on the proportion of undergraduates who complete their program in six to eight years. If a school has a graduation rate above 90%, it may indicate a lot of benefits of studying there, such as academic support or faculty support.

Next steps

Choosing the right nursing program, whether it is an undergraduate degree or a PhD program, is not difficult. You already know the essential factors to make the best decision: school location, fees, ratings and programs offered.

To continue succeeding in your nursing career, read our resources!

To help you apply for licensure, we’ve written a guide about the NCLEX exam, the application fee, the temporary license and the certification in Tennessee. 

Incredible Health can also help you earn continuing education unit (CEU) credits. Access our free Tennessee CEU courses to continue your studies after graduation. 

If you still have questions, ask experienced nurses and learn from those who are already active in the labor market.

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 of Tennessee Health Sciences Center
• Tennessee Tech University
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Union University
• University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• University of Memphis
• Middle Tennessee State University
• Austin Peay State University
• Belmont University
• East Tennessee State University
• Tennessee 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 

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