2025 Best Registered Nursing Schools in Washington
38
Colleges in Washington
3,509
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Ranked #3 in popularity,
registered nursing 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.
For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 38 schools in Washington to determine which ones were the best for registered nursing students pursuing a degree. Combined, these schools handed out 3,509 degrees in registered nursing to qualified students.
Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings
Choosing a Great Registered Nursing School

Your choice of registered nursing school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall Registered Nursing School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.
You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.
Registered Nursing Rankings by Degree Level
The registered nursing school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Registered Nursing Schools in Washington.
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 Registered Nursing in Washington
Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the registered nursing degree levels they offer.
10 Top Washington Schools in Registered Nursing
Doctor's Degree
Highest Degree Type
3rd
Most Popular In WA
233
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Seattle University is a wonderful decision for students interested in a degree in registered nursing. Seattle U is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Seattle. A Best Colleges rank of #155 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Seattle U is a great university overall.
There were approximately 233 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Seattle U in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from Seattle University
Doctor's Degree
Highest Degree Type
2nd
Most Popular In WA
280
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
University of Washington - Seattle Campus is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in registered nursing. Located in the large city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #44 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UW Seattle is a great university overall.
There were about 280 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from University of Washington - Seattle Campus
Bachelors
Degree Type
BS in Nursing - RN to BSN
Program Name
With the affordable and transfer-friendly online RN to BSN program at Southern New Hampshire University, you can build upon your prior educational journey and enhance your professional experience in a program designed to fit around your schedule.
More information about a degree in BS in Nursing - RN to BSN from Southern New Hampshire UniversityRelated Programs
Master's Degree
Highest Degree Type
4th
Most Popular In WA
206
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
It's difficult to beat Gonzaga University if you want to pursue a degree in registered nursing. Located in the midsize city of Spokane, Gonzaga is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #195 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Gonzaga is a great university overall.
There were roughly 206 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Gonzaga in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from Gonzaga University
Doctor's Degree
Highest Degree Type
1st
Most Popular In WA
433
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Every student who is interested in registered nursing needs to check out Washington State University. Located in the town of Pullman, Wazzu is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #182 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Wazzu is a great university overall.
There were approximately 433 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Wazzu in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from Washington State University
Bachelor's Degree
Highest Degree Type
13th
Most Popular In WA
98
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Located in the suburb of Tacoma, PLU is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #568 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means PLU is a great university overall.
There were approximately 98 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at PLU in the most recent data year.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from Pacific Lutheran University
Associate Degree
Highest Degree Type
12th
Most Popular In WA
106
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Shoreline Community College is a small public college located in the suburb of Shoreline. This college ranks 23rd out of 50 colleges for overall quality in the state of Washington.
There were roughly 106 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Shoreline Community College in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from Shoreline Community College
Associate Degree
Highest Degree Type
6th
Most Popular In WA
105
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Seattle Central is a moderately-sized public college located in the large city of Seattle. A Best Colleges rank of #892 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Seattle Central is a great college overall.
There were roughly 105 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Seattle Central in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from Seattle Central College
Bachelors
Degree Type
BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN
Program Name
At Southern New Hampshire University, we understand the demands placed on today's nursing professionals. When it comes to your education, consider saving money and time by electing the RN to MSN pathway. Eligible students will complete graduate courses within their undergraduate program. This pathway allows you to gain a BSN along the way and ultimately shorten your time within the MSN Nursing Education or Population Healthcare tracks.
More information about a degree in BS in Nursing - RN to BSN - Accelerated RN to MSN from Southern New Hampshire UniversityRelated Programs
Bachelor's Degree
Highest Degree Type
24th
Most Popular In WA
53
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Located in the small suburb of College Place, Walla Walla U is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 21st out of 50 schools for overall quality in the state of Washington.
There were about 53 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Walla Walla U in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from Walla Walla University
Associate Degree
Highest Degree Type
21st
Most Popular In WA
83
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
LWTech is a small public school located in the large suburb of Kirkland. A Best Colleges rank of #370 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means LWTech is a great school overall.
There were roughly 83 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at LWTech in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Associate Degree
Highest Degree Type
15th
Most Popular In WA
107
Registered Nursing Degrees Awarded
Walla Walla Community College is a small public college located in the small city of Walla Walla. This college ranks 30th out of 50 schools for overall quality in the state of Washington.
There were approximately 107 registered nursing students who graduated with this degree at Walla Walla Community College in the most recent year we have data available.
More information about a degree in registered nursing from Walla Walla Community College