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2024 Best Nursing Practice Schools

273 Colleges in the United States
7,992 Nursing Practice Degrees Awarded
Ranked #105 in popularity, nursing practice is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

College Factual looked at 273 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best Nursing Practice Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 7,992 degrees in nursing practice during the 2020-2021 academic year.

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

Choosing a Great Nursing Practice School

Best Nursing Practice Schools The nursing practice program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Nursing Practice rankings. We derive our Best Overall Nursing Practice School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

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

Pick Your Nursing Practice Degree Level

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

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 Practice Schools list to help you make the college decision. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Nursing Practice in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of nursing practice degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do 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 Schools in Nursing Practice

1
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In TN
46 Nursing Practice Degrees Awarded

Any student who is interested in nursing practice needs to take a look at Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Nashville. A Best Colleges rank of #19 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were roughly 46 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from Vanderbilt University

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In TX
31 Nursing Practice Degrees Awarded

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in nursing practice. UTHealth is a moderately-sized public university located in the city of Houston.

There were roughly 31 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at UTHealth in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

3
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In NC
51 Nursing Practice Degrees Awarded

Duke University is a great decision for students interested in a degree in nursing practice. Located in the large city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were approximately 51 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from Duke University

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MD
133 Nursing Practice Degrees Awarded

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

There were roughly 133 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at UMB in the most recent data year.

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

5
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In GA
40 Nursing Practice Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Atlanta, Emory is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #28 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were about 40 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from Emory University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NY
140 Nursing Practice Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were approximately 140 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year.

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

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
13th Most Popular In TX
16.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Fort Worth, TCU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were about 6 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at TCU in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from Texas Christian University

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In TX
44.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the town of Galveston, UTMB Galveston is a public university with a small student population.

There were approximately 18 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at UTMB Galveston in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from The University of Texas Medical Branch

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In TN
68 Nursing Practice Degrees Awarded

UTHSC is a small public university located in the city of Memphis.

There were approximately 68 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at UTHSC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from The University of Tennessee - Health Science Center

10
Rush University crest
Rush University
Chicago, IL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In IL
196 Nursing Practice Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Chicago, Rush University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were roughly 196 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at Rush University in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from Rush University

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In OH

Case Western is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Cleveland. This university ranks 1st out of 96 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 23 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at Case Western in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from Case Western Reserve University

12
Seattle U crest
Seattle University
Seattle, WA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In WA

Seattle U is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Seattle. This university ranks 2nd out of 51 schools for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were approximately 3 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at Seattle U in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from Seattle University

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In TX
33.3% Growth in Graduates

TTUHSC is a moderately-sized public university located in the large city of Lubbock.

There were roughly 30 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at TTUHSC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In CA
6.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Los Angeles, UCLA is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #26 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UCLA is a great university overall.

There were roughly 15 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from University of California - Los Angeles

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
9th Most Popular In CA

Located in the large city of Oakland, Samuel Merritt University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were approximately 9 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at Samuel Merritt University in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from Samuel Merritt University

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In NE

Creighton is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Omaha. This university ranks 1st out of 19 schools for overall quality in the state of Nebraska.

There were about 30 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at Creighton in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from Creighton University

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In TX
28.6% Growth in Graduates

UT Health San Antonio is a small public university located in the city of San Antonio.

There were roughly 14 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at UT Health San Antonio in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In SC

Located in the midsize city of Charleston, MUSC is a public university with a small student population.

There were about 13 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at MUSC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from Medical University of South Carolina

19
Samford crest
Samford University
Birmingham, AL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In AL
4.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Birmingham, Samford is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 4th out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were approximately 25 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at Samford in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from Samford University

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In OR
35 Nursing Practice Degrees Awarded

OHSU is a small public university located in the city of Portland.

There were about 35 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at OHSU in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from Oregon Health & Science University

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In DC
32 Nursing Practice Degrees Awarded

GWU is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Washington. This university ranks 2nd out of 8 schools for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were approximately 32 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from George Washington University

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In WI

Located in the large city of Madison, UW - Madison is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were about 22 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from University of Wisconsin - Madison

23
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In FL
43 Nursing Practice Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Coral Gables, U Miami is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 77 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 43 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from University of Miami

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In VA

University of Virginia is a very large public university located in the suburb of Charlottesville. A Best Colleges rank of #33 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means University of Virginia is a great university overall.

There were roughly 16 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from University of Virginia - Main Campus

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In MO
44 Nursing Practice Degrees Awarded

Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, Maryville U is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 5th out of 48 colleges for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were about 44 nursing practice students who graduated with this degree at Maryville U in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in nursing practice from Maryville University of Saint Louis

Rest of the Top Best Nursing Practice Schools

26
27
28
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
29
Marquette crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
30
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
31
32

33
Villanova crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA

34
Fairfield U crest
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT
35
36
37
Gonzaga crest
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA
38
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
39
40

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Nursing Practice students that almost earned our Best Nursing Practice Schools award.

Rank College Location
41 Touro University Nevada Henderson, NV
41 Simmons University Boston, MA
42 University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OH
43 University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences San Marcos, CA
44 University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL
45 Florida International University Miami, FL
46 University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE
47 University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND
48 Bradley University Peoria, IL
49 University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL
50 Capella University Minneapolis, MN
51 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI
52 The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, MN
53 Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health Omaha, NE
54 Chamberlain University - Illinois Addison, IL

Nursing Practice by Region

View the Best Nursing Practice Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 23 majors within the Nursing area of study, Nursing Practice has other similar majors worth exploring.

Related Major Annual Graduates
Registered Nursing 266,651
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing 16,104
Nursing Administration 9,838
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing 5,092
Nursing Science 4,600
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing 2,287
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing 2,021
Nurse Anesthetist 1,936
Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing 1,883
Critical Care Nursing 773

View All Nursing Practice Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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