Best Nursing Schools in New York
New York's nursing schools benefit from proximity to some of the world's most prestigious medical centers — from NYU Langone and Columbia-Presbyterian in Manhattan to Strong Memorial in Rochester. The state's 80+ nursing programs produce graduates for a high-demand, high-salary market.
Top New York Nursing Schools by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
New York's top programs consistently achieve 90%+ pass rates, reflecting access to elite academic medical centers.
| Columbia University | BSN | 95% |
| New York University | BSN | 94% |
| University of Rochester | BSN | 93% |
| SUNY Upstate Medical | BSN | 92% |
| Stony Brook University | BSN | 91% |
| Binghamton University | BSN | 90% |
| Hunter College (CUNY) | BSN | 88% |
| Pace University | BSN | 85% |
| Borough of Manhattan CC | ADN | 81% |
| Excelsior University | ADN | 78% |
New York Nursing Markets
Different regions of New York offer distinct clinical training environments and specialty focus areas. Your choice of program location can significantly shape your nursing career trajectory.
Manhattan
Academic Medical Centers
NYU Langone, Columbia-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, and Memorial Sloan Kettering offer unmatched specialty training.
Brooklyn & Queens
Community & Public Health
NYC Health + Hospitals system provides diverse community health and underserved-population experience.
Rochester–Buffalo
Research & Rural
Strong Memorial and Roswell Park provide research-intensive nursing alongside rural health rotations.
Long Island
Geriatrics & Rehab
Large retiree population and rehab centers create demand for geriatric and long-term care nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurses make in New York?
The average RN salary in New York is approximately $100,000/year, with NYC-area nurses averaging $110,000+. Nurse practitioners in NYC can earn $130,000–$170,000.
Is the BSN required in New York?
New York passed the BSN-in-10 bill requiring nurses to earn a BSN within 10 years of initial RN licensure. This makes BSN programs increasingly important for long-term career planning.
What are the best nursing schools in NYC?
Columbia University and NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing are consistently ranked top-10 nationally. Hunter College offers an excellent public-school option at a fraction of the cost.
How competitive are New York nursing programs?
Very competitive in NYC. Columbia and NYU BSN programs accept under 15% of applicants. SUNY schools offer strong programs with higher acceptance rates and lower tuition.
Ready to Compare New York Nursing Programs?
Use our interactive comparison tool to evaluate nursing schools side-by-side by NCLEX pass rate, program type, location, and job placement.
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