Nursing is one of the most important and rewarding healthcare professions in the United States. Nurses play a critical role in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, schools, research organizations, and many other healthcare settings.
The United States is home to some of the world’s leading nursing schools. Students can choose from traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, accelerated nursing programs, master’s degrees, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, and specialized nursing pathways.
For students planning to study nursing in the USA in 2026, universities such as Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, Emory University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan, the University of Washington, UCLA, and NYU are among the institutions worth considering.
Because nursing rankings can differ by degree level, students should compare the specific program they want to study rather than relying only on a university’s overall ranking.
1. Duke University
Duke University School of Nursing is one of the leading nursing schools in the United States.
For 2026, Duke’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report. Its graduate programs are also highly ranked, including a No. 3 position for master’s programs and No. 4 for Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.
Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke provides students with access to a major academic medical environment. The university offers pre-licensure, master’s, doctoral, and advanced nursing programs.
Duke can be an excellent choice for students interested in clinical education, nursing leadership, advanced practice, research, and healthcare innovation.
2. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is one of the most recognized nursing schools in the United States.
Located in Philadelphia, Penn Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate education across a wide range of nursing fields.
Students can benefit from the university’s connections with healthcare institutions and its broader academic environment. Nursing students can also explore interdisciplinary opportunities involving medicine, public health, healthcare management, and research.
For students interested in studying nursing at an Ivy League university, Penn is an option worth considering.
3. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is internationally known for medicine, healthcare, research, and nursing education.
The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing offers programs ranging from undergraduate pathways to master’s and doctoral degrees.
In the 2026 U.S. News graduate nursing rankings, Johns Hopkins is ranked No. 1 for Doctor of Nursing Practice programs and No. 2 for master’s programs.
Its location in Baltimore also gives students access to a major healthcare and research environment.
Johns Hopkins can be particularly attractive to students interested in advanced nursing practice, research, healthcare leadership, and specialized nursing careers.
4. Emory University
Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, is another leading institution for nursing education.
Emory’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing ranked No. 1 nationally for its master’s programs in the 2026 U.S. News rankings. It has held the No. 1 position for four consecutive years. Its DNP program was ranked No. 2.
Emory offers nursing education at multiple levels and provides students with access to a major healthcare and research environment.
Students interested in nurse practitioner programs, nursing leadership, public health, research, and advanced clinical practice may find Emory especially attractive.
5. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan School of Nursing is one of the strongest public nursing programs in the United States.
The university offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral nursing education.
Michigan’s large research environment provides students with opportunities to study clinical nursing, healthcare systems, public health, research, and advanced nursing practice.
Its DNP program was tied for fourth in the 2026 U.S. News rankings, demonstrating the strength of its graduate nursing education.
6. University of Washington
The University of Washington School of Nursing is a highly regarded public nursing school located in Seattle.
Its nursing programs cover undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral education, with opportunities across several specialties.
The University of Washington ranked No. 8 for nursing in the 2026 U.S. News data highlighted in current university rankings. Its DNP program was also tied for fourth nationally.
Seattle’s strong healthcare and technology ecosystem can also provide students with opportunities to explore healthcare innovation and research.
7. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA is one of the leading public universities in the United States and has a strong reputation in healthcare education.
The UCLA School of Nursing offers programs designed to prepare students for careers in clinical nursing, advanced practice, leadership, education, and research.
Its location in Los Angeles gives students access to a large and diverse healthcare environment, including hospitals, clinics, research institutions, and community health organizations.
UCLA’s master’s nursing programs were tied for eighth in the 2026 U.S. News rankings.
8. New York University
New York University’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing is a popular choice for students who want to study nursing in New York City.
The college offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing and provides opportunities for clinical education and advanced nursing study.
Its location gives students access to one of the largest healthcare markets in the United States. Students can gain exposure to hospitals, healthcare organizations, research institutions, and community health programs.
NYU’s master’s nursing program ranked seventh in the 2026 U.S. News rankings.
9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a leading public university with a respected nursing school.
UNC’s School of Nursing offers programs across undergraduate and graduate education.
Students can study nursing in a research-focused environment and gain experience in clinical and community healthcare settings.
UNC is particularly attractive to students who want a strong public university experience combined with nursing education and research opportunities.
10. University of California, San Francisco
The University of California, San Francisco is a major health sciences university and is particularly focused on healthcare education and research.
Its School of Nursing is well known for graduate nursing education, advanced practice, research, and healthcare leadership.
UCSF’s DNP program was tied for fourth in the 2026 U.S. News rankings.
Because UCSF is focused heavily on health sciences, students interested in advanced nursing, medical research, and specialized healthcare education may find its environment particularly valuable.
11. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is located in Nashville, Tennessee.
The school offers nursing programs at different levels and is known for advanced practice nursing, graduate education, research, and nursing leadership.
Vanderbilt’s master’s nursing program ranked fifth in the 2026 U.S. News rankings.
Nashville’s large healthcare industry also gives students access to a growing healthcare market.
12. Ohio State University
The Ohio State University College of Nursing is another strong option for students interested in nursing.
Located in Columbus, Ohio, Ohio State offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs and has a large research university environment.
Its master’s nursing program tied for third in the 2026 U.S. News rankings. The university’s undergraduate nursing program was also ranked fourth nationally.
13. University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh is a major public research university with a strong healthcare and nursing environment.
Its nursing programs include undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral education.
Pittsburgh has a large healthcare sector, which can provide students with opportunities for clinical education, research, and professional development.
The University of Pittsburgh’s DNP program was ranked among the top programs in the 2026 U.S. News rankings.
14. University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is another leading public university for nursing.
Its nursing program provides students with opportunities to study clinical practice, healthcare systems, research, leadership, and advanced nursing.
The university was ranked eighth for nursing in the 2026 U.S. News data.
Its large campus and research environment can be attractive to students who want a traditional public university experience.
15. University of Minnesota Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota is a major public research university with a well-established nursing school.
Its School of Nursing offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
The university’s BSN program was ranked No. 8 nationally by U.S. News in 2026, while its DNP program ranked No. 8.
Students interested in nursing research, advanced clinical practice, public health, and healthcare leadership can find a variety of opportunities at Minnesota.
Popular Nursing Programs in the USA
Before choosing a nursing university, students should understand the major degree options.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN is a common undergraduate pathway for students who want to become registered nurses. Programs typically combine classroom education with clinical training.
Accelerated BSN
Accelerated BSN programs are designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to transition into nursing.
These programs are generally intensive and can allow eligible students to complete nursing education faster than a traditional pathway.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
An MSN is a graduate-level nursing degree. It can prepare nurses for advanced practice, leadership, education, administration, and specialized roles.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The DNP is a practice-focused doctoral degree designed for advanced nursing practice and leadership.
Students interested in becoming advanced practice nurses or healthcare leaders may consider DNP programs.
What Should Students Look for in a Nursing University?
Choosing a nursing school involves more than looking at rankings.
Accreditation: Check whether the nursing program has appropriate accreditation and meets the requirements relevant to your intended career.
Clinical Training: Practical clinical experience is an essential part of nursing education. Research the hospitals and healthcare organizations connected with the program.
NCLEX Preparation: Students pursuing RN licensure should investigate the program’s NCLEX preparation and outcomes.
Tuition and Financial Aid: Compare tuition, fees, housing, transportation, health insurance, and other expenses.
Specializations: If you already know your desired specialty, check whether the university offers relevant programs.
Location: Consider access to hospitals, healthcare systems, and the overall cost of living.
Career Support: Look at internships, clinical placements, career services, alumni networks, and employment opportunities.
Is Nursing a Good Career in the USA?
Nursing can provide a wide range of career opportunities in the United States. Registered nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, community health organizations, research institutions, and other healthcare settings.
With additional education and licensure, nurses can also pursue advanced roles such as nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse educator, nurse administrator, and other specialized positions.
However, nursing is a demanding profession. Students should be prepared for rigorous academic study, clinical training, long working hours, and significant responsibility for patient care.
Final Thoughts
The United States offers excellent opportunities for students who want to study nursing. Duke University, the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, Emory, Michigan, the University of Washington, UCLA, NYU, UNC Chapel Hill, and UCSF are among the leading nursing schools to consider in 2026.
However, the “best” nursing school depends on the degree and career path you want to pursue. Duke currently leads the U.S. News BSN ranking, while Emory leads the master’s ranking and Johns Hopkins leads the DNP ranking.
Before applying, compare the specific nursing program, accreditation, clinical opportunities, tuition, financial aid, admission requirements, and career outcomes. Choosing a program that fits your educational goals and desired nursing specialty can be more important than simply selecting the university with the highest overall ranking.