New York’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
The need for nurses continues to rise across the country. If you’re considering pursuing a nursing career, now is a great time. The national growth rate for registered nurses (RNs) is 6% between 2021-2031. New York has the third highest nurse demand and is among the best places for RNs to work. It has a projected registered nurse growth rate of 17% between 2020-2030. With 14,430 RN job openings annually, there are plenty of job opportunities for RNs in New York.
New York is filled with job opportunities and networking connections. It is home to some of the biggest names in tech, finance, marketing, apparel, journalism, sports, and much more. In addition to this, New York has the second-highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the world, with 65 Fortune 500 companies in the state.
There is something for everyone in New York. The Big Apple state is often described as the world’s cultural capital. It is home to 83 museums, the third largest library in the world, and is the birthplace of Theodore Roosevelt. There are more than 200 languages spoken in New York City, making it one of the most diverse cities in the country.
Outside of the city, New York offers miles of wilderness. It is home to the Adirondack Mountains, which contain the state’s highest peaks and offer ski resorts great for families. The Adirondack Park has 6 million acres, including 30,000 rivers and streams and 3,000 lakes and ponds. The vast wilderness in the state offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike, bike, ski, kayak, or fish.
US News ranks New York as the 20th best state overall and 9th in healthcare. Offering some of the top-ranked universities makes New York a great place to pursue your nursing education and begin your nursing career.
The Best Nursing Schools in New York
Learn more about the best nursing schools in New York to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in New York based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the New York Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 New York ADN Nursing Program
Cayuga County Community College
Cayuga County Community College is a public community college in Auburn and Fulton, New York. They offer an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing (AASN) that prepares students for entry into the nursing profession. Their curriculum offers a balance of courses in general education and nursing. Learning experiences are provided in the classroom, nursing laboratory, and various clinical settings
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,292
Out-of-State: $11,284
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,292 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$11,284 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2010 |
55% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
4,252 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 New York ADN Nursing Program
North Country Community College
North Country Community College is a public community college in Saranac Lake, Malone, and Ticonderoga, New York. They offer an ADN program that leads to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree that can be completed in two years when attending full-time. Their Saranac Lake campus achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate on the first attempt in 2022. The nursing program adheres to a career-ladder concept in nursing education that provide upward mobility for students without repetition of previous education and experiences. Their mission is to prepare entry-level nurses to provide safe, effective, caring healthcare to diverse populations in the 21st-century global community.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,280
Out-of-State: $7,920
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,280 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$7,920 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
93% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
1,602 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the New York Board of Nursing |
#3 New York ADN Nursing Program
Hudson Valley Community College
Hudson Valley Community College is a public community college in Troy, New York. They offer an AAS degree that teaches graduates to serve the health needs of individuals in various healthcare settings. Their program prepares students academically and clinically to work in hospitals, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, and doctor’s offices. The program can be completed in two years when attending full-time or in four years when attending part-time.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,964
Out-of-State: $10,764
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,964 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$10,764 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95.6% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
81% |
| Job Placement 2021 |
95% |
| Students Enrolled |
9,186 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
BSN Programs:
#1 New York BSN Nursing Program
University at Buffalo
The University at Buffalo is a public university in Buffalo and Amherst, New York. They offer a traditional BSN program, an RN to BSN program, and an accelerated BSN program. Students are given learning opportunities not only by faculty but also by interprofessional care teams. In addition, students are given opportunities to care for the underserved populations in Buffalo at mobile medical centers in impoverished areas. Additionally, students can study abroad in Haiti, Ghana, and other countries and have opportunities to complete clinical rotations at a Level 1 Trauma Center and a world-renowned cancer center, among other clinical sites.
Average Tuition
In-State: $8,486
Out-of-State: $18,396
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$8,486 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$18,396 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate |
96.8% Traditional BSN Program
92% Accelerated BSN Program |
| Admission Rate |
70% |
| Retention Rate |
83% |
| Students Enrolled |
32,332 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
61% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 New York BSN Nursing Program
Utica University
Utica University is a private university in Utica, New York. They offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, and an online RN to BSN program. Utica’s rigorous nursing programs offer foundational study, practical training, and clinical experiences that are complemented by comprehensive learning in the liberal arts. Nursing students can access Utica’s state-of-the-art Dr. Albert and Gloria Shaheen Nursing Laboratory, which features a fully equipped hospital ward and advanced learning technologies.
Average Tuition
In-State: $24,214
Out-of-State: $24,214
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$24,214 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$24,214 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate |
88.9% |
| Admission Rate |
80.99% |
| Retention Rate |
74% |
| Students Enrolled |
4,242 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
71% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in New York
When choosing a nursing program in New York, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 71 ADN and 54 BSN programs in New York are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in New York
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in nursing employment nationwide, and New York estimates a nursing growth of 17% from 2020-2030. This means there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
New York is among the top three states in the nation to work as a nurse. US News ranks New York as the 9th best state in healthcare, ranking 10th for healthcare access, 26th for healthcare quality, and 5th for public health.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in New York earn an average annual salary of $100,130. This is well above the national average, which makes New York’s high cost of living more affordable.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in New York
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in New York is $100,130, and it employs 190,470 nurses. New York also employs 17,670 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many of these job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in New York for RNs |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA |
$104,860 |
| Kingston, NY |
$87,290 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY |
$86,420 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in New York
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the New York Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in New York, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in New York:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first New York RN license, you must renew it every three years. There are no continuing education requirements to renew your New York RN license.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in New York:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in New York.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- New York APRN licenses must be renewed every three years. There are no continuing education requirements to renew your New York APRN license.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in New York
Is New York a good place for nurses to work?
New York is a great place to work. It was ranked among the top three best states to work as a nurse, and US News ranked the state 9th in the nation for healthcare. It is also the fourth highest-paid state for nurses in the nation.
Is New York a compact state for nursing?
No, New York is not a compact state for nursing. If you wish to obtain an RN license for New York, you must apply for one at the New York Board of Nursing website.
What are the requirements for RNs in New York?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have been issued your New York RN license, you must renew it every three years. There are no continuing education requirements before license renewal.
How much does a New York RN license cost?
The fee for licensure and first registration is $143, which covers your license and initial RN registration. The cost to take the NCLEX-RN exam in New York is $200. To renew your New York RN license, the fee is $73.
