Instagram Facebook Linkedin Youtube Whatsaap

Nursing colleges & Schools in New York: Best Colleges, Fees, Placement, Eligibility

Published By : Admin

  • January 22, 2026

For many students aspiring to work in public healthcare, studying and pursuing a nursing course at one of the best colleges in New York is the ultimate academic goal. Gaining admission to a top nursing college in the world’s busiest city—New York—can serve as a gateway to world-class education, exceptional clinical exposure, and hands-on experience in patient care and treatment.

However, finding and selecting the right medical institution in New York can feel overwhelming due to extensive research, paperwork, and strict deadlines. Shortlisting colleges for nursing or medical studies based on certification, rankings, placement opportunities, tuition fees, and eligibility criteria often seems like navigating a complex maze. Fear not—we are here to help turn your dream into a stunning reality.

With over 50 nursing colleges and schools in New York City, students often find it challenging to identify the best option. To provide you with the right guidance, we have curated a list of the top and best nursing colleges in New York City—the largest city in the Northeastern United States, located near the Canadian border.

Read Also: IELTS Exam Fee in India 2026

Nursing Colleges and Schools in New York - Best Certified, US Government Approved Nursing Colleges

Choosing to study and practice nursing at one of the best certified and accredited nursing schools in New York can be a truly transformative experience. From gaining real-world medical knowledge to mastering scientific disciplines such as anatomy, pharmacology, and microbiology, the benefits of pursuing a nursing degree in New York extend far beyond acquiring essential skills.

This journey is not only about becoming a competent nurse but also about growing globally and thriving as a healthcare leader—dedicated to serving and supporting patients in their recovery from illness and injury. Below is a list of registered nursing schools in New York known for excellence in planning, designing, building, and operating high-quality healthcare education facilities for students.

Name of School / College

Programs Offered

Accreditation / Approval

New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing

BSN, MSN, DNP

CCNE accredited (Top ranked)

Columbia University School of Nursing

BSN, MSN, DNP

CCNE accredited; nationally recognized

Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing (Hunter College)

BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP

 

CCNE accredited; historic NY nursing program

Pace University Lienhard School of Nursing

BSN, ABSN, RN-to-MSN

CCNE accredited

 

Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing

BSN, RN-BSN, Graduate programs

CCNE accredited

Adelphi University College of Nursing & Public Health

BSN, MSN

CCNE accredited

St. Elizabeth College of Nursing

AAS in Nursing (RN)

 

ACEN accredited; NYSED approved

Touro College School of Health Sciences

Associate & BSN

 

Accredited nursing programs

College of Mount Saint Vincent

BSN, BS/MS Nursing

 

Accredited nursing programs

Adirondack Community College

Associate Degree in Nursing

 

NLNAC/ACEN accredited

Read Also: MBA in Madrid

Best Nursing Colleges in New York with Fee and Courses 

As globalization continues to expand, international opportunities in direct patient care are steadily increasing. However, the rising tuition fees and high cost of nursing education remain major barriers for many students. Fortunately, several affordable nursing schools are available in New York City, and securing admission to any of them can shape your life in unexpected and rewarding ways.

If you have decided to live and study nursing in the United States, these medical colleges deserve a place on your list, as they offer valuable opportunities in hospital management and public health while remaining within an affordable budget.

College / School

Programs (Example)

Annual Tuition (Approx)

Approx in INR

Bronx Community College (CUNY)

ADN — Associate Degree in Nursing

~$5,206/year (avg in-state)

~?432,000

LaGuardia Community College (CUNY)

ADN — Associate Degree in Nursing

~$5,218/year (avg in-state)

~?433,000

SUNY Brockport

BSN — Bachelor of Science in Nursing

~$27,774 total (approx)

~?2,310,000

Maria College of Albany

BSN — Bachelor of Science in Nursing

~$28,680 total (approx)

~?2,380,000

Mercy University

BSN — Bachelor of Science in Nursing

~$33,438 total (approx)

~?2,780,000

SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Nursing

BSN & MSN

 

Per semester: ~$3,535 (resident)

 

~?294,000 per sem

 

York College (CUNY)

BSN — Bachelor of Science in Nursing

~$6,930/year approx (based on per sem data 2 sem)

~?575,000

Helene Fuld College of Nursing

BSN — Bachelor of Science in Nursing

~$27,000/yr (community estimate)

~?2,245,000

 

Note: The fees of New York Nursing Colleges mentioned above are subject to change at the discretion of the university. For the latest updates or any possible changes in fees, please check the university's official website.  

Read Also: MBA in University of Toronto

 

Nursing Colleges and Institutions with Ranking & Reputation 

By considering the ranking of an institution before taking admission, you can stay ahead of the competition. Highly ranked nursing colleges do not merely teach or impart comprehensive clinical skills; they also help students master disease management, prevention, patient care, ethics, and leadership. The ranking of an institution based on teaching quality, research output, and infrastructure also indicates that the college meets high academic standards and provides strong career prospects for its graduates. Below is a list of well-structured tables consisting of nursing colleges along with their rankings for your reference.

College / Institution

Reputation / Ranking Highlights

Notes on Strength / Prestige

Columbia University School of Nursing

Ranked #1 in NY State for nursing programs; very strong national research reputation.

Highly selective; strong graduate nursing and research focus.

New York University (NYU) Rory Meyers College of Nursing

Often ranked top overall in NY and among highest in US research funding.

Excellent clinical training, research opportunities, and graduate pathways.

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Nursing-related programs)

Ranked high among NY nursing/healthcare education institutions.

Known for clinical excellence and integrated healthcare training.

Hunter?Bellevue School of Nursing (Hunter College – CUNY)

Strong public nursing school with solid academic reputation.

Emphasizes clinical and research preparation for BSN/MSN.

LaGuardia Community College (CUNY)

Ranked #1 RN/LPN program in NY State for performance & NCLEX pass rates.

Highly respected for associate?level nursing training.

University at Buffalo – SUNY

Ranked among notable nursing schools in NY with strong academic output.

Good research base and BSN program.

Farmingdale State College (SUNY)

Recognized for high NCLEX pass rates and strong undergraduate nursing outcomes.

Well?regarded public BSN program.

 

Note: The New York’s nursing college rankings mentioned above are indicative and based on publicly available information from the internet. They are meant to give a general idea about the universities; actual data and figures may vary.

Read Also: MBA in Paris

Nursing Colleges in New York with Placement & Average Salary Packages 

The presence of high-quality nursing colleges in New York, offering strong placement ratios and competitive salary packages, is a major attraction for international students. By building a solid foundation in anatomy, diagnosis, medication, and medical-surgical nursing practices, along with essential processes and clinical skills, these institutions enable students to secure cross-border employment opportunities and comparatively higher salaries.

Below is a list of nursing colleges that serve as gateways to the most promising nursing careers in New York and globally, providing excellent academic training, extensive clinical exposure, and high placement opportunities.

College / School

Placement / Employment Outcomes

Average Salary for Nursing Graduates (Approx)

New York University (NYU) Rory Meyers College of Nursing

89% of undergrads employed or in grad school within 6 months of graduation (2024 data)

~$108,000 (BSN) / ~$131,000 (Graduate) first?year average full?time salary

SUNY Downstate College of Nursing

Strong clinical reputation; high NCLEX performance reported in rankings; prepares for high?demand roles

RN graduates’ median salary often ~$96,000–$112,000+ depending on role and experience

University at Buffalo – SUNY (BSN Program)

NCLEX pass rates consistently high (~90%+) for BSN grads; strong clinical network

Registered Nurse salaries reported around $75,000–$80,000+ average in New York region

Adelphi University (BSN)

Good NCLEX outcomes (e.g., ~86–93% pass rates in recent years)

BSN?prepared RNs in NY generally start around $70,000–$90,000+ (industry median)

Hunter?Bellevue School of Nursing (Hunter College)

High NCLEX pass rates consistent with CUNY senior nursing data (~90%+ for some cohorts)

NY nursing graduate salaries typically $70,000–$100,000+ depending on employer and experience

LaGuardia Community College (ADN)

Among top NCLEX pass rates for associate programs (~97%+)

ADN/RN salaries in NY commonly range $65,000–$85,000+ first year (varies by hospital)

Rockland Community College (ADN)

Very high NCLEX pass rates (~97%) relative to statewide averages

Entry RN salaries in NY market often start $65,000–$90,000+ depending on setting

Farmingdale State College (BSN)

Ranked high for nursing program outcomes (NCLEX ~94.7%)

BSN nurses in NY region average $70,000–$95,000+ starting salaries

Note: The numbers and figures of Nursing colleges in New York mentioned above are indicative and meant to give a general idea about the universities. Actual data and figures may vary. 

Read Also: MBA in New York

Eligibility Criteria for Admission in Nursing Colleges in New York

The thought of applying to and securing admission to one of the best nursing colleges in New York may seem confusing at first. However, by understanding the admission requirements and eligibility criteria step by step, the process can be made simple and manageable. Students planning to apply to nursing schools or colleges in New York can make the transition smoother and more rewarding by carefully reviewing and understanding the following eligibility criteria for admission to nursing colleges in New York.

Eligibility Criteria

Details / Typical Requirements

Educational Qualification

- High school diploma or GED (for ADN/BSN)

- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (for MSN)

Minimum GPA

- Usually 2.5–3.0 for ADN

- 2.7–3.5 for BSN

- 3.0–3.5 for MSN

Prerequisite Courses

- Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology

- English/Composition

- Math/Statistics

- Psychology or Nutrition (varies by school)

Standardized / Entrance Exams

- TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) for ADN/BSN - HESI (Health Education Systems, Inc.) exam for some programs - GRE may be required for some MSN programs

Work / Clinical Experience

- Volunteer or observation hours in healthcare (often recommended for BSN) - 1–2 years RN experience preferred for MSN programs

Licensure

- Volunteer or observation hours in healthcare (often recommended for BSN) - 1–2 years RN experience preferred for MSN programs

Letters of Recommendation

- 1–3 letters depending on program level - Often from teachers, employers, or healthcare supervisors

Personal Statement / Essay

- Required for BSN and graduate programs - Outlines career goals, motivation, and experience

Background Check & Health Requirements

- Criminal background check - Immunization record (including MMR, Tdap, Hep B, COVID-19) - CPR/BLS certification

English Proficiency (for International Students)

- TOEFL or IELTS score - Academic transcript evaluation for equivalency

 

Read Also:

MBA in Germany Fee

MBBS in Dubai for Indian Students


Go Back Top