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2024 Best Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

229 Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Region
41,854 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$78,859 Avg Early-Career Salary
Ranked #3 in popularity, nursing is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. This means there are lots of options to choose from when you decide to get your degree.

College Factual looked at 229 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 41,854 degrees in nursing during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Nursing School

Best Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region Your choice of nursing school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for nursing schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your Nursing Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Nursing
Bachelor's Degrees in Nursing
Master's Degrees in Nursing
Doctor's Degrees in Nursing

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list to help you make the college decision. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.

Best Schools for Nursing in the Middle Atlantic Region

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the nursing degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Middle Atlantic Region Schools in Nursing

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
551 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$100,948 Median Starting Salary

University of Pennsylvania is a great decision for students interested in a degree in nursing. Located in the city of Philadelphia, UPenn is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #4 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were about 551 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing program at University of Pennsylvania make $22,089 above the average college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Pennsylvania

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
627 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$114,728 Median Starting Salary

Any student who is interested in nursing has to check out New York University. Located in the city of New York, NYU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #27 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means NYU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 627 nursing students who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from New York University receive an earnings boost of around $35,869 above the average earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from New York University

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
752 Nursing Degrees Awarded
5.5% Growth in Graduates

University of Maryland - Baltimore is a good choice for students pursuing a degree in nursing. Located in the large city of Baltimore, UMB is a public university with a moderately-sized student population.

There were about 752 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UMB in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at University of Maryland - Baltimore make $12,939 more than the typical college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Maryland - Baltimore

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
465 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$113,396 Median Starting Salary

Columbia University in the City of New York is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in nursing. Located in the large city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were roughly 465 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Columbia University in the City of New York make $34,537 more than the standard nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from Columbia University in the City of New York

5
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
343 Nursing Degrees Awarded
6.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Washington, Georgetown is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #15 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Georgetown is a great university overall.

There were roughly 343 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Georgetown University earn $20,030 more than the standard nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from Georgetown University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
491 Nursing Degrees Awarded
9.4% Growth in Graduates

Johns Hopkins is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Baltimore. A Best Colleges rank of #23 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Johns Hopkins is a great university overall.

There were approximately 491 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Johns Hopkins University receive $27,997 more than the standard nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from Johns Hopkins University

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
556 Nursing Degrees Awarded
12.6% Growth in Graduates

GWU is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #49 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means GWU is a great university overall.

There were about 556 nursing students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing program at George Washington University make $19,879 above the typical college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from George Washington University

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
877 Nursing Degrees Awarded
2.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #87 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Thomas Jefferson University is a great university overall.

There were about 877 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Thomas Jefferson University in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing program at Thomas Jefferson University make $7,383 above the average graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from Thomas Jefferson University

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
417 Nursing Degrees Awarded
13.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Pitt is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #79 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Pitt is a great university overall.

There were about 417 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Pitt in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, nursing degree recipients usually make about $78,273 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

10
Drexel crest
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
938 Nursing Degrees Awarded
2.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Philadelphia, Drexel is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 109 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 938 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Drexel in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Drexel University make $21,184 more than the typical nursing grad.

More information about a degree in nursing from Drexel University

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
351 Nursing Degrees Awarded
21.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Rochester, University of Rochester is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #104 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means University of Rochester is a great university overall.

There were roughly 351 nursing students who graduated with this degree at University of Rochester in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from University of Rochester receive $3,078 more than the standard nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Rochester

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
495 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$102,017 Median Starting Salary

Rutgers New Brunswick is a very large public university located in the city of New Brunswick. A Best Colleges rank of #98 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Rutgers New Brunswick is a great university overall.

There were approximately 495 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers New Brunswick in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Rutgers University - New Brunswick receive an earnings boost of about $23,159 over the average earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Rutgers University - New Brunswick

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
278 Nursing Degrees Awarded
26.6% Growth in Graduates

SUNY Downstate is a small public university located in the large city of Brooklyn.

There were approximately 278 nursing students who graduated with this degree at SUNY Downstate in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University earn $27,014 more than the average nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

14
Duquesne crest
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
400 Nursing Degrees Awarded
5.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Duquesne is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 14th out of 109 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were about 400 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Duquesne in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing degree program at Duquesne University make $3,579 more than the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in nursing from Duquesne University

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
299 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$94,231 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of Villanova, Villanova is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #70 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Villanova is a great university overall.

There were roughly 299 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Villanova in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing major at Villanova University make $15,372 above the typical college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from Villanova University

16
Molloy crest
Molloy College
Rockville Centre, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
647 Nursing Degrees Awarded
25.3% Growth in Graduates

Molloy is a small private not-for-profit college located in the suburb of Rockville Centre. This college ranks 27th out of 142 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 647 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Molloy in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the nursing program at Molloy College make $26,178 above the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from Molloy College

17
SUNY Stony Brook crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
447 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$106,243 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of Stony Brook, SUNY Stony Brook is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 18th out of 142 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 447 nursing students who graduated with this degree at SUNY Stony Brook in the most recent year we have data available. Those nursing students who get their degree from Stony Brook University make $27,384 more than the average nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from Stony Brook University

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
258 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$86,033 Median Starting Salary

Widener is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Chester. This university ranks 17th out of 109 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 258 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Widener in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from Widener University receive an earnings boost of approximately $7,174 over the typical income of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from Widener University

19
LIU Post crest
LIU Post
Brookville, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
640 Nursing Degrees Awarded
11.6% Growth in Graduates

LIU Post is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Brookville. This school ranks 35th out of 142 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 640 nursing students who graduated with this degree at LIU Post in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from LIU Post receive an earnings boost of approximately $25,002 over the average earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from LIU Post

20
Adelphi crest
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
483 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$101,157 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Garden City, Adelphi is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 38th out of 142 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 483 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Adelphi in the most recent year we have data available. Nursing degree recipients from Adelphi University earn a boost of around $22,298 above the average income of nursing majors.

More information about a degree in nursing from Adelphi University

21
Hunter crest
Hunter College
New York, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
369 Nursing Degrees Awarded
29.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of New York, Hunter is a public college with a very large student population. This college ranks 19th out of 142 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 369 nursing students who graduated with this degree at Hunter in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from Hunter College earn $29,481 more than the standard nursing student.

More information about a degree in nursing from Hunter College

22
La Salle crest
La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
283 Nursing Degrees Awarded
23.3% Growth in Graduates

La Salle is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Philadelphia. This university ranks 27th out of 109 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 283 nursing students who graduated with this degree at La Salle in the most recent data year. Nursing degree recipients from La Salle University receive an earnings boost of about $11,179 over the typical earnings of nursing graduates.

More information about a degree in nursing from La Salle University

23
DeSales crest
DeSales University
Center Valley, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
183 Nursing Degrees Awarded
3.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the rural area of Center Valley, DeSales is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 26th out of 109 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were about 183 nursing students who graduated with this degree at DeSales in the most recent data year. Those nursing students who get their degree from DeSales University make $5,164 more than the typical nursing graduate.

More information about a degree in nursing from DeSales University

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
191 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$82,482 Median Starting Salary

UD is a very large public university located in the suburb of Newark. This university ranks 1st out of 4 colleges for overall quality in the state of Delaware.

There were about 191 nursing students who graduated with this degree at UD in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the nursing major at University of Delaware get $3,623 above the average college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in nursing from University of Delaware

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
368 Nursing Degrees Awarded
$66,356 Median Starting Salary

PA College is a small private not-for-profit college located in the large suburb of Lancaster.

There were approximately 368 nursing students who graduated with this degree at PA College in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the nursing program earn an average of $66,356 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in nursing from Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Rest of the Top Best Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

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Gwynedd - Mercy crest
Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Valley, PA
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Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Nursing students in the Middle Atlantic Region that almost earned our Best Nursing Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region award.

RankCollegeLocation
35Pace University - New YorkNew York, NY
36The Graduate Center, CUNYNew York, NY
37Moravian CollegeBethlehem, PA
38Rutgers University - CamdenCamden, NJ
39Monmouth UniversityWest Long Branch, NJ
40West Chester University of PennsylvaniaWest Chester, PA
41Lehman CollegeBronx, NY
42William Paterson University of New JerseyWayne, NJ
43Felician UniversityLodi, NJ
44Seton Hall UniversitySouth Orange, NJ
45Chamberlain University - New JerseyNorth Brunswick, NJ

Best Nursing Colleges by State

Explore the best nursing colleges for a specific state in the Middle Atlantic Region .

StateCollegesDegrees Awarded
Pennsylvania33411,328
New York33317,347
Maryland2794,054
New Jersey2735,598
District of Columbia188956
Delaware1751,266

View All Rankings >

Nursing is one of 34 different types of Health Professions programs to choose from.

Nursing Focus Areas

MajorAnnual Graduates
Registered Nursing34,378
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing1,923
Nursing Science1,169
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing1,050
Nursing Practice730
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing543
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing444
Nursing Administration434
Nurse Anesthetist241
Perioperative/Operating Room and Surgical Nurse/Nursing220

View All Nursing Concentrations >

Majors Similar to Nursing

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
Health & Medical Administrative Services9,159
Allied Health Professions8,997
Public Health8,836
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services7,463
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants6,988
Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Professions6,889
Medicine6,456
Health Sciences & Services6,222
Communication Sciences4,229
Mental & Social Health Services3,492

View All Nursing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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