Top New York Nursing Schools - College & University Guide

Top Nursing Schools in New York: Best Programs & Scholarship Opportunities

New York is home to some of the best nursing schools in the United States, offering high-quality education, clinical training, and strong job placement. Whether you’re looking to become a Registered Nurse (RN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), or pursue advanced nursing degrees, New York has exceptional programs to help you achieve your career goals.

This guide highlights the best nursing schools in New York, their programs, strengths, and scholarship opportunities.

Best Nursing Schools in New York

Columbia University School of Nursing

Location: New York, NY

Columbia University is one of the top-ranked nursing schools in the country, offering cutting-edge research opportunities and advanced clinical training.

Notable Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Strengths: Prestigious faculty, top-ranked Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs, high job placement rates
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in top hospitals, research institutions, and leadership roles

Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid

New York University (NYU) Rory Meyers College of Nursing

Location: New York, NY

NYU’s Meyers College of Nursing is known for its innovative curriculum, international opportunities, and high NCLEX pass rates.

Notable Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Strengths: Global nursing programs, strong clinical partnerships
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in hospitals, public health, and academic research

Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid

University of Rochester School of Nursing

Location: Rochester, NY

The University of Rochester offers highly respected nursing programs with a strong emphasis on clinical experience and research.

Notable Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Strengths: Accelerated nursing programs, advanced simulation labs
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in clinical care, nursing leadership, and research

Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Stony Brook University School of Nursing

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook offers affordable, high-quality nursing education, making it one of the best-value nursing programs in New York.

Notable Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Strengths: Strong state funding, excellent NCLEX pass rates
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in hospital settings, community health, and research

Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Hunter College – CUNY (Bellevue School of Nursing)

Location: New York, NY

Hunter College offers one of the most affordable and high-quality nursing programs in NYC, preparing students for RN and advanced practice roles.

Notable Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
Strengths: Affordable tuition, strong clinical partnerships in NYC hospitals
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in hospitals, public health, and nursing education

Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Nursing

Location: Brooklyn, NY

SUNY Downstate is a public nursing school known for affordability, diversity, and strong hospital partnerships.

Notable Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
Strengths: Focus on underserved communities, strong clinical training
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in hospitals, public health, and community health nursing

Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Adelphi University College of Nursing and Public Health

Location: Garden City, NY

Adelphi’s nursing school is known for personalized education, small class sizes, and strong hands-on training.

Notable Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
Strengths: Small class sizes, hands-on training, strong faculty mentorship
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in hospitals, long-term care, and advanced practice roles

Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Pace University College of Health Professions – Lienhard School of Nursing

Location: New York, NY

Pace University offers highly regarded BSN and graduate nursing programs, preparing students for fast-paced healthcare careers.

Notable Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
Strengths: Strong clinical training, high NCLEX pass rates
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in hospital settings, critical care, and nursing education

Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Lehman College – CUNY Nursing Program

Location: Bronx, NY

Lehman College is an affordable nursing school with high NCLEX pass rates and strong hospital partnerships.

Notable Programs: BSN, MSN
Strengths: Low tuition, excellent hospital connections in NYC
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in hospital, community, and home healthcare settings

Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid

How to Choose the Right Nursing School in New York

Best for Research & Advanced Degrees: Columbia, NYU, University of Rochester
Most Affordable Options: CUNY Hunter, SUNY Stony Brook, Lehman College, SUNY Downstate
Best for Clinical Training: Stony Brook, Hunter College, Pace University
Best for Career Flexibility: Adelphi, Pace, Lehman College

Final Thoughts

New York offers some of the best nursing schools in the country, with programs designed for new nurses, advanced practice nurses, and nursing educators. Whether you want to become an RN, specialize in a field, or advance into leadership, these schools provide top-tier education, clinical experience, and strong job placement opportunities.

For more information about admissions, tuition, and scholarships, visit each school’s official website and financial aid page.