2023 Best Undergraduate Nursing Schools in New York
Published: September 1, 2022
By: Colleges of Distinction Staff
Jump to: Adelphi University | Binghamton University | Daemen University | Dominican University New York | Hunter College | Keuka College | Long Island University | Molloy University | Nazareth University | New York Institute of Technology | Niagara University | St. John Fisher University | St. Joseph’s University, New York | Stony Brook University | University at Buffalo | University of Mount Saint Vincent | Utica University | Frequently Asked Questions
The path to becoming a nurse is undoubtedly a long and arduous process that requires hard work and dedication. With a shortage in capable and compassionate nurses, it is becoming increasingly important that nursing programs are well rounded, highly accredited, and focused on student success. Colleges of Distinction is proud to recognize schools with these very programs, ones that fully support future nurses along (and beyond!) their undergraduate journey. These institutions, already highly regarded for their commitment to the Four Distinctions, go the extra mile with their cutting-edge nursing degrees.
Our New York top colleges for nursing offer students an exciting place to learn and thrive, as proven by the following:
Stability and excellence as core tenets of these nursing programs. Not only have these programs been awarding degrees for more than 10 years, but faculty are continually recognized for their impressive experience and research.
Validation from the ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) and/or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) for their commitment to quality and student success.
Practical experiences that provide ample opportunities for students to apply their knowledge to the real world through internships, mentorship programs, and volunteer opportunities.
High mastery rates in such standardized exams as the NCLEX and HESI A2.
Dedicated advising and counseling available specifically for nursing students.
Liberal arts exposure to make students culturally competent, well-rounded individuals with superior critical thinking and leadership skills.
High-impact practices embedded into the curriculum.
Industry connections cultivated by faculty and staff to help students build their network and find meaningful work.
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Adelphi University provides students with a personalized education that fully prepares them for successful, fulfilling careers. Adelphi students graduate with the knowledge and ability to compete and excel in their chosen fields and address the needs of their communities. Internships, many of them paid, are central to an Adelphi education and help students refine their career objectives, make connections, and gain work experience.
Adelphi has students from 41 states and 58 countries, providing an environment that encourages cultural and personal growth. New York City is a short train ride away, so students further benefit from the city’s rich intellectual and social opportunities.
HIGH-IMPACT LEARNING
Internship opportunities are available for every type of student, no matter what they decide to study. Through the signature Jaggar Community Fellows Program, students are paired with nonprofits across Long Island and New York City for paid internships throughout 10 weeks during the summer.
Acceptance rate 75% • Net price $29,821 • SAT Range 1060-1250 • Students submitting SAT scores 81%
Total Undergrad Population 7,584 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 72% • Retention rate 82% • Student-to-faculty ratio 12:1
Binghamton University
Binghamton, NY ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Binghamton offers a wide array of personal and academic opportunities that range from international education to research initiatives. The University’s commitment to student success is of paramount importance, and students are given the tools they need to excel and make a difference.
INVOLVEMENT TRANSCRIPT
The Involvement Transcript is a record of all extracurricular activities during college. This is a great way for employers to see how students have been active outside the classroom. It’s important for students to include activities in which they’ve acted as a leader, a volunteer, or even as a member of an organization. Individuals can keep a record of their activities on B-engaged, a student portal for tracking events.
Acceptance rate 43% • Net price $19,061 • SAT Range 1290-1450 • Students submitting SAT scores 99%
Total Undergrad Population 18,148 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 82% • Retention rate 92% • Student-to-faculty ratio 19:1
Daemen University
Amherst, NY ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Daemen is a student-centered University with dedicated, highly qualified faculty who value personalized teaching and intellectual excellence. The university prepares students for successful careers by offering rigorous academic programs that develop the liberal arts-based skills necessary for lifelong learning and intellectual growth.
Daemen is a private, non-sectarian, co-educational comprehensive university. It was founded in 1947 as Rosary Hill College by the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity. In 1976, the University became independent and non-sectarian.
LEADERSHIP
Daemen University’s LEADS Center serves as a clearinghouse for students who aspire to realize and develop their leadership skills. The LEADS program affords Daemen students the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to bring purpose, meaning, and integrity into their lives and the lives of others. It emphasizes lifelong learning through interdisciplinary programs that provide and encourage the development of the self, ultimately fostering inclusive, collaborative relationships. LEADS sponsors events and offers various sessions throughout the academic year.
Acceptance rate 62% • Net price $19,314
Total Undergrad Population 2,536 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 58% • Retention rate 79% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
Dominican University New York
Orangeburg, NY ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
Since 1952, Dominican University New York has provided students with an environment that cultivates unique bonds and life-long relationships. It is a unique environment where the building of personal connections shares center stage with academics. There are many reasons why students from across the country and the world choose Dominican University New York. The small, personal classes translate into a highly individualized educational experience for each student. The University’s convenient location in the scenic Hudson Valley area, just 17 miles from New York City, feels like a home away from home.
YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES
There are many opportunities to become involved in the Dominican University New York community both on campus and off. Dominican University New York students participate in Alternate Spring Break in Mississippi to help rebuild damaged communities. They also engage in twice-yearly service trips to the Dominican Republic in which they live with rural families, teach school, and assist in building infrastructure. “Founders Week” and “Fire in the Sky” in the fall, as well as “Earth Week” in the spring, are traditions that bring the whole College community together. Faculty and staff vs. student softball games, Iron Chef Dominican, poetry slams, dances, and socials are a few other examples of campus activities found in this vibrant living and learning community.
Acceptance rate 75% • Net price $20,951
Total Undergrad Population 1,724 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 48% • Retention rate 73% • Student-to-faculty ratio 13:1
Hunter College
New York, NY ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Located in the heart of New York City, Hunter draws on its energy and resources to provide students with diverse and enriching educational and career-building opportunities.
Intellectually exciting and rigorous, grounded in solid academic tradition but fully geared to the 21st century, Hunter’s programs prepare students for graduate and professional school, for a host of professions, and for the rich, productive life of the educated citizen.
Acceptance rate 40% • Net price $4,014 • SAT Range 1170-1340 • Students submitting SAT scores 95%
Total Undergrad Population 24,052 • Setting City: Large • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 56% • Retention rate 84% • Student-to-faculty ratio 15:1
Keuka College
Keuka Park, NY ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Many students agree that attending Keuka College is like joining a new family. The growing campus community supports personal experiences in all facets of student life. Keuka College professors, accomplished contributors to their respective fields of scholarship, consider teaching their calling and guide every student in the work of educating her or himself.
Outside of the classroom, Keuka College teams play in the NCAA Division III level with an emphasis on student-athlete involvement. Students from more than twenty states and nine countries attend Keuka College, adding both diversity and experience to the campus. To be part of the Keuka College community is to develop a more intimate and appreciative relationship to the world.
TEAMWORKS!
Keuka College has a ropes course right on campus for those who love the outdoors, adventure, and physical challenges. Since 1989, Keuka College’s TeamWorks! adventure staff has been developing customized programs for school and college groups, nonprofits, church groups, and corporations to build teamwork and success strategies. Participants have the chance to explore the high and low elements of the Birkett Mills Challenge Course and a near-endless supply of ground, stationary, and portable activities. Those who join the TeamWorks! Adventure Club can participate in such off-campus adventures as whitewater rafting, rock climbing, cave diving, and more.
Acceptance rate 91% • Net price $26,126
Total Undergrad Population 1,535 • Setting Town • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 53% • Retention rate 65% • Student-to-faculty ratio 12:1
Long Island University
Brooklyn, NY ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Founded in 1926, Long Island University educates and empowers men and women from all walks of life through a rigorous liberal arts education. As one of the largest private universities, LIU’s multiple campuses throughout New York and around the world offer more than 500 undergraduate degrees, all of which come with a liberal arts foundation that prepares students for lifelong success. This wide-reaching scope of LIU—across both physical locations as well as academic disciplines—firmly proves the success of its mission: Access and Excellence.
The University’s original downtown location offers students a place to cultivate continual growth and broaden their intercultural and education experience. LIU Brooklyn offers many opportunities for students to learn both in the classroom and out in the world. Students at LIU Brooklyn strive to become their best selves thanks to the plethora of activities available at their fingertips, whether they be academic or extracurricular. This lively college environment is designed for growth, success, and true fulfillment.
The growth of the University, as well as the growing population outside of the city, prompted the purchase of a new campus on Marjorie Merriweather Post’s estate. Located on the Gold Coast of Long Island, LIU Post is a small campus with big resources. Here, students enjoy the intimacy of a small school while learning and thriving with the resources of a metropolitan university. LIU Post further enriches the University’s assets with its world-renowned Tilles Center for the Performing Arts.
Acceptance rate 85% • Net price $25,031 • SAT Range 1080-1290 • Students submitting SAT scores 84%
Total Undergrad Population 15,066 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 41% • Retention rate 77% • Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1
Molloy University
Rockville Centre, NY ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
Molloy University, an independent Catholic institution in Rockville Centre, was founded in 1955. The University serves a student population of approximately 4,900 undergraduate and graduate students. Molloy students can earn degrees in a variety of outstanding academic programs, including nursing, business, education, social work, music therapy, computer studies, and many more.
OUTSTANDING PROGRAMS
Molloy students can earn degrees in a variety of outstanding academic programs, including the liberal arts, social and natural sciences, nursing, business, education, social work, speech therapy, music therapy, and many more.
New programs include a New Media major, the Molloy/CAP21 B.F.A. program in musical theatre, and a four-year degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Additionally, the Business Division features classes taught by CEOs, CFOs, and other senior leaders from the business world.
Molloy’s Nursing and Education programs are well-known even beyond the New York metro region. The University has also earned recognition for its treatment of those with autism, with the music therapy and speech therapy programs providing tremendous support in that area.
Acceptance rate 74% • Net price $27,454 • SAT Range 1080-1250 • Students submitting SAT scores 91%
Total Undergrad Population 5,115 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 72% • Retention rate 88% • Student-to-faculty ratio 10:1
Nazareth University
Rochester, NY ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Innovative, student centered, and committed to excellence, Nazareth University prepares students for lifelong success on its classic, welcoming suburban campus. Its location in the preeminent college town of Rochester, NY, means that students are situated perfectly in a community of academic, personal, and professional opportunities.
Naz offers over 60 majors across disciplines, from the fine arts and humanities to the social, natural, and health sciences. All students are immersed in an experience-driven core curriculum that teaches them to put their studies into action, all while building community and forming relationships that will last a lifetime.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
There’s no better way to prepare for a job after college than to get hands-on experience during college. That’s why Nazareth University ensures that every student completes a minimum amount of experiential learning on campus or in the surrounding Rochester community and abroad. Guided by the principles of reflection, awareness, and integration, students of all majors are able to find a way to see their coursework play out in the real world.
Experiential learning pathways at Nazareth can take many forms, whether they be through service-learning, internships, research, clinical experiences, or any of the ever-growing opportunities offered. Every student learns how to reflect on their experiences, grow a budding network, and explore their values and curiosities.
Acceptance rate 76% • Net price $31,521
Total Undergrad Population 2,791 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 71% • Retention rate 85% • Student-to-faculty ratio 9:1
New York Institute of Technology
Old Westbury and New York City, NY ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Students today aren’t content with status-quo lectures and classes. They want an active, hands-on education that will propel them into the real world. NYIT (New York Institute of Technology) responds to its students’ passion for discovery, creativity, and collaboration by providing them with a modern education that leads to rewarding careers in fields ranging from medicine, life sciences, and healthcare to computer science, engineering, and business—and even to digital arts, architecture, and interior design. The moment a student enrolls at NYIT, their potential to succeed expands thanks to an educational approach that is equally strong in up-to-the-minute academics and hands-on career preparation.
MAKER/DOER CULTURE
“NYIT’s ‘maker/doer’ culture fosters invention, innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship as necessary elements of a modern college education,” said NYIT President Hank Foley. “Most importantly, our students learn what we like to call ‘critical creativity,’ a special mindset that combines analytical and rational critical thinking with creative and imaginative design thinking. By harnessing both sides of the brain, NYIT students learn how to identify, address, and solve challenges, as well as create opportunities that benefit humanity.”
Acceptance rate 75% • Net price $21,912 • SAT Range 1060-1290 • Students submitting SAT scores 90%
Total Undergrad Population 6,851 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 50% • Retention rate 76% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
Niagara University
Niagara, NY ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
Founded in 1856, Niagara University is a comprehensive institution, blending the best of a liberal arts and professional education and grounded in a values-based, Catholic tradition. With more than 80 majors, nearly 60 minors, six pre-professional options, and 4+1 combined master’s programs, NU students are immersed in meaningful real-world learning opportunities from the moment they step foot on the university’s beautiful campus.
Niagara’s colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, and Hospitality and Tourism Management offer programs at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral level. All four of the university’s academic colleges have received the highest rankings from the top accreditation boards in their fields. In addition, the university offers an award-winning Academic Exploration program for students who are undecided about their major.
Niagara offers a wide variety of entertainment options on- and off-campus, including trips to professional sporting events, local landmarks, concerts, malls, restaurants, and cultural festivals in the U.S. and nearby Ontario, Canada. And with 18 Division I athletics programs, there are numerous chances for NU students to put their “Purple Pride” on full display.
Acceptance rate 92% • Net price $19,172 • SAT Range 1015-1200 • Students submitting SAT scores 71%
Total Undergrad Population 3,544 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 77% • Retention rate 80% • Student-to-faculty ratio 11:1
St. John Fisher University
Rochester, NY ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
St. John Fisher University has experienced significant enrollment and program growth, igniting fast-moving change to an already beautiful campus. It’s a place where tradition and innovation continue to be joined hand-in-hand.
The University stays true to the educational philosophy of its founders, applying liberal learning, high academic standards, and personal attention to each student.
Experiential learning and service-learning are central to all of Fisher’s 37 academic majors offered at the undergraduate level as well as many of its graduate programs. Students have countless chances throughout their years at the University to pursue internships and other networking opportunities as well as unique study abroad experiences.
Fisher students find everything they need to shape their future: a lively, inspiring, and welcoming campus community; the foundation of a liberal arts education that touches every part of their life; and the guidance of faculty whose expertise sheds light on students’ chosen fields. At Fisher, they find goodness, discipline, and knowledge.
Acceptance rate 68% • Net price $29,722 • SAT Range 1060-1240 • Students submitting SAT scores 94%
Total Undergrad Population 3,610 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 72% • Retention rate 90% • Student-to-faculty ratio 12:1
St. Joseph’s University, New York
Brooklyn, NY ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
Established in 1916, St. Joseph’s University, New York provides an affordable liberal arts education to a diverse group of students at its three campuses: Brooklyn, Long Island, and Online. Independent and coeducational, St. Joseph’s prepares students for lives of integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility, and service. These are lives that are worthy of the University’s motto, Esse non videri, “To be and not to seem.”
A COMPLETE EDUCATION AT ST. JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY
There are some things that just can’t be learned in a classroom. At St. Joseph’s University, New York, students are encouraged to take part in fieldwork, research, internships, and study abroad trips prior to graduation.
For instance, child study majors at St. Joseph’s don’t wait until senior year to become student teachers; they start logging teaching hours starting freshman year and graduate with four solid years of classroom experience. Recreation majors all complete internships at local health or recreation facilities; art students learn to analyze and appreciate art by visiting world-famous museums; history students explore the architecture of hidden NYC neighborhoods; and biology students conduct research with their professors.
Acceptance rate 71% • Net price $16,290 • SAT Range 1020-1200 • Students submitting SAT scores 87%
Total Undergrad Population 5,012 • Setting City: Large • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 70% • Retention rate 84% • Student-to-faculty ratio 12:1
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Stony Brook University is a leading research university with a diverse student body. Its students personalize their college experience through a wide variety of course offerings, numerous avenues for learning outside the classroom, and an emphasis on experiential learning. Stony Brook University takes an innovative approach to teaching that celebrates a student’s individuality, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all path.
With exhaustive resources and up-close mentoring, Stony Brook is leading the way as it creates the next generation of leaders in business, healthcare, research, and the global community.
THE STONY BROOK CURRICULUM
Stony Brook University offers more than the traditional core curriculum. Its Stony Brook Curriculum aims to achieve four goals: Demonstrate Versatility, Explore Interconnectedness, Pursue Deeper Understanding, and Prepare for Life-Long Learning. These goals encompass and expand upon the usual math, science, and English requirements by requiring students to study ethics, presentation and communication skills, fine arts, and the value of diversity. Stony Brook students are well rounded and prepared for modern challenges.
Acceptance rate 49% • Net price $16,478 • SAT Range 1230-1440 • Students submitting SAT scores 88%
Total Undergrad Population 26,782 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 76% • Retention rate 90% • Student-to-faculty ratio 19:1
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Succeed in your personal and professional life with an education from University at Buffalo. UBuffalo SUNY is a public university in Buffalo, New York.
UB offers the widest range of academic programs of any public institution in New York or New England, including 140+ undergraduate options and 70+ minors, and more than 300 graduate, professional and certificate degrees.
Acceptance rate 67% • Net price $18,119 • SAT Range 1140-1310 • Students submitting SAT scores 73%
Total Undergrad Population 32,347 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 75% • Retention rate 87% • Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
University of Mount Saint Vincent
Riverdale, NY ‧ Catholic ‧ 4-year
The University of Mount Saint Vincent seeks to engage the development of the whole person. Every field of study emphasizes analytical skills; critical thinking; clear communication; and moral and religious thought—essentials for success in every profession. The Mount offers over 70 nationally recognized degree programs and course offerings, including majors and minors in the sciences and mathematics, humanities and the arts, social sciences, accounting, business, communication, education, and nursing, among others.
The University has more than 1,800 undergraduate and graduate students who come from 28 states and 9 countries. Faculty have excellent academic credentials and share a passion for teaching and engaging their students. And because they teach small classes, they are able to give their students personalized attention and hands-on learning experiences.
With over 40 on-campus clubs, 15 intercollegiate athletic teams, cultural and social events, and countless service and leadership opportunities, students are always exploring their passions outside the classroom. They happily take advantage of their home in New York City, an invaluable resource home to prestigious institutions and world-class businesses. The Mount hosts an incredible campus atmosphere, which includes rolling hills that overlook the Hudson River, historic sites, classic architecture, and modern buildings.
Acceptance rate 93% • Net price $20,778 • SAT Range 910-1090 • Students submitting SAT scores 81%
Total Undergrad Population 2,663 • Setting City: Large • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 63% • Retention rate 76% • Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
Read more about University of Mount Saint Vincent’s nursing program
Utica University
Utica, NY ‧ Private ‧ 4-year
Utica University is an innovative, private university with the resources to personalize education for each and every student.
Students leave Utica University with the tools needed to change the world in their workplaces and in their communities. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, a comprehensive student support network, and cutting-edge facilities, a Utica University education prepares students for rewarding careers, responsible citizenship, enlightened leadership, and fulfilling lives.
A TEAM THAT CARES
Starting in their freshman year, Utica University students are introduced to their CARE Team, which brings together an academic advisor, a student success coach, a career coach, and a financial aid counselor to provide a single point-of-contact for every area of concern. The CARE Teams ensure students are planning for their collegiate and career futures from the beginning of their time at Utica. By taking an active role in each student’s life, CARE Teams offer the personalized resources and relationships needed to excel at Utica and in the workforce.
Acceptance rate 86% • Net price $22,782
Total Undergrad Population 4,613 • Setting City: Small • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 54% • Retention rate 78% • Student-to-faculty ratio 12:1
What it’s like to attend nursing schools in New York and other FAQ:
The average undergraduate tuition & fees for colleges in California is $7,546 for in-state students at public institutions, $14,472 for out-of-state students at public institutions, and $22,507 for students at private institutions.
Hunter College has an average net price of $4,014 making it the least expensive nursing degree program in New York that made our list.
College of Mount Saint Vincent has an acceptance rate of 93%, with an SAT Range of 910-1090, making it the least exclusive college with a nursing program on our list.
Hunter College has a median total debt after graduation of $12,000. This is the typical debt for a student who completed their undergraduate degree.
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