Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
To become a registered nurse (RN), students need to be eligible for, take, and pass the NCLEX-RN.
However, many nursing employers are beginning to prefer candidates that have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). This four-year degree also prepares students for the NCLEX-RN.
Also, each state has its own requirements for licensing nurses. So, if you want to become a nurse in Massachusetts, picking a BSN program in Massachusetts puts you on track to begin your career there.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Pursue Your Dream of Becoming a Nurse! Our 3-Year BSN Program is designed with one goal – to prepare you for a successful career as a BSN-prepared registered nurse. We combine classroom teaching, hands-on simulations, and clinicals in real-world healthcare environments to give you the skills you need.
CCNE
On-Campus
RN Not Required
Enrollment: On-Campus in AZ, FL, MI, MO, NV, OH, TX, UT, VA
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Top 10 Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
While factors like tuition and location are important, it’s important to note that some schools offer special programs. Online options, bridge programs, and accelerated programs are excellent options depending on where you’re currently at in your career.
Because everyone’s expectations from a nursing school are different, these Massachusetts schools are ranked in no particular order.
This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors, including,
- Reputation
- NCLEX pass rate
- Tuition
- Acceptance rate, when available
- Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible
Our selection panel includes 4 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.
- Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
- Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
- Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
- Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN
Located in the vibrant city of Boston, Simmons College is one of the smaller schools in the area, with just over 1,800 undergraduates. With a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, students can enjoy small class sizes and city living all at one school.
Nursing students benefit from personalized learning, and Simmons boasts a high NCLEX pass rate as a result. Adult learners can choose from a 16-month accelerated program, RN-BSN, or a five-year BS/MN nursing program along with the traditional BSN. Interestingly, the direct-entry NCLEX pass rate is even higher than the traditional program at 97%.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 50%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $910
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $910
- Address: 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA
- Website
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $67,789
Often considered one of the top colleges in the nation, Boston College is the first college to open its doors in Boston. Founded on Jesuit beliefs, Boston College’s robust nursing school offers several nursing pathways. These include BSN, MSN, DNP, and CRNA degrees.
BSN students are eligible to begin work on a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) during their junior and senior years, cutting the time and cost of earning an MSN. Also, while the cost is high, the majority of students receive some form of financial aid.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 5%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $570
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $570
- Address: 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA
- Website
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $71,015
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst is one of the top public research schools in the nation, something that master’s or doctoral students may be interested in. The robust College of Nursing has three different BSN tracks and three graduate-level degrees, not including the post-master’s certificates.
The most popular nursing degree, the traditional BSN, also includes an honors program for eligible students. An accelerated BSN and online RN-BSN are also available.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 12%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $675
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,559
- Address: 374 Whitmore Building 181 Presidents Drive, Amherst, MA
- Website
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $68,647
Another part of the extensive UMass system, The University of Massachusetts-Lowell, is a nationally ranked public research university. UMass Lowell’s 18,000 students are spread across six schools, including the Solomont School of Nursing.
Master’s degrees are the highlight of the Solomont School of Nursing, with five separate MS options to choose from, including a fast-track MS-DNP. A traditional BSN and online RN-BSN are also available, as are a Ph.D. in nursing and a DNP.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 29%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $644
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,409
- Address: 1 University Ave, Lowell, MA
- Website
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $64,706
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Pursue Your Dream of Becoming a Nurse! Our 3-Year BSN Program is designed with one goal – to prepare you for a successful career as a BSN-prepared registered nurse. We combine classroom teaching, hands-on simulations, and clinicals in real-world healthcare environments to give you the skills you need.
CCNE
On-Campus
RN Not Required
Enrollment: On-Campus in AZ, FL, MI, MO, NV, OH, TX, UT, VA
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Massachusetts—Boston, or UMass Boston, is located on the water and just a short drive from downtown Boston. Despite its prime location, UMass Boston is a relatively small research school with just over 16,000 students.
Much like other schools in the UMass system, UMass Boston’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences primarily offers graduate-level degrees, including a Ph.D., MS, and BS-DNP. A traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN-BSN are also available for undergraduate students.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 10%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $606
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,479
- Address: 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA
- Website
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $71,098
Recently ranked the top school for earning power by The Wall Street Journal, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (MCPHS) is among the best schools for health sciences. MCPHS has three campuses across Massachusetts and an online school where students can complete any of the School of Nursing’s innovative accelerated programs.
The college's School of Nursing comprises three undergraduate and six graduate programs, all of which are nationally acclaimed. MCPHS also offers multiple online certifications, including psychiatric and family nurse practitioner.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 19%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,325
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,325
- Address: 179 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA
- Website
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $66,146
Although the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth has only 8,500 students, it has a large online catalog of courses and degrees and is the only BSN program in Southeastern Massachusetts. Additionally, the College of Nursing offers two online programs: an RN-BSN bridge and an MSN.
The online MSN is for future nursing leaders, and students can select from specializations in education and global public health. Dartmouth also offers a traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, Ph.D. in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 18%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $591
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,263
- Address: 285 Old Westport Rd, North Dartmouth, MA
- Website
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $64,258
8. Elms College
The College of Our Lady of the Elms is more commonly known as Elms College. The Sisters of St. Jospeph founded the school in 1928 to provide Chicopee residents with a Catholic, liberal arts education. As a private school, Elms College's tuition is a little steep.
However, the school boasts a perfect NCLEX pass rate for BSN graduates, making the program worth the money. Students can select from an array of nursing programs, including a traditional BSN, ABSN, RN to BSN, and several graduate nursing degrees.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 19%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $785
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $785
- Address: 291 Springfield St, Chicopee, MA
- Website
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $69,410
While Regis College has only been educating students for 90 years, it has quickly established itself as one of the top private schools in the region. The Richard and Sheila Young School of Nursing is no exception and was recently recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.
Nursing students have multiple study options, including a traditional BSN, an accelerated second-degree BSN, and a unique online BSN-DNP. Outside of the classroom, nursing students enjoy a small private school in Weston.
- Public or Private? Private
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 61%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,538
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $1,538
- Address: 235 Wellesley St, Weston, MA
- Website
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $68,398
The historic town of Salem may be best known for witchcraft, but today, the vibrant home is better known for being a fun place to live just half an hour from Boston – and the home of Salem State University. For Massachusetts residents, Salem State is an affordable option and an excellent place to earn a nursing degree.
Undergraduate nurses can choose from a traditional BSN, an accelerated second-degree BSN, an LPN-BSN, and an RN-BSN; various graduate programs are also available. Essentially, any nursing student can find a program that fits their needs at Salem State.
- Public or Private? Public
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Percent Enrolled Online: 13%
- In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $499
- Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour: $790
- Address: 352 Lafayette St, Salem, MA
- Website
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Median Earnings 2 Years After Completing a BSN: $69,261
Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),
- Massachusetts nurses earn an annual mean wage of $96,630.
- Massachusetts has a nursing location quotient of 1.20, meaning it employs more nurses per 1,000 workers than the average state.
Massachusetts does an excellent job of compensating qualified nurses. Compared to the national mean wage of $82,750, Massachusetts’ mean wage of $96,630 is significant.
The Commonwealth is also a large employer for nurses, especially for its size. Currently, 88,270 nurses work in Massachusetts, and the number is projected to grow over the next decade.
While not as many nurses are employed as in states like California, Texas, Florida, or New York, Massachusetts employs more nurses per 1,000 workers than all three of these states. Whichever way you look at it, Massachusetts is an excellent place to begin and enjoy a nursing career.
Next Steps
Once you’ve researched some schools and generated a list of places you’d be interested in studying at, the next steps are to get in contact with the schools, prepare your application(s), and apply! While you may have one dream school, it’s always worth applying to multiple colleges, just to be sure.
Here are the steps to applying for college:
Contact each school’s admissions office. Every school has an admissions office that is there to help you with the admissions process, including the application. Each office will tell you about the application process, school requirements, and materials needed for the application.
Check to see if you meet the nursing school requirements. On top of school requirements, most nursing programs have their own set of admissions requirements. Nursing schools typically have stricter requirements than colleges, so make sure you’re on track to be admitted to the nursing school.
Submit your application(s). Once your applications are finished, then the last step is sending them in! Every school has its own application requirements, so make sure you have everything you need. Commonly required materials include:
- High school transcript (GPA)
- ACT and/or SAT scores
- College entrance essay(s)
- Letter(s) of recommendation
Important Considerations When Comparing Schools
No two schools are the same, and after you start receiving acceptance letters, you might become stressed trying to pick the right school. But don’t stress out! As long as a school is regionally accredited and has an accredited nursing program, you can’t make a wrong decision. So, just choose the best school for you!
When comparing schools, consider things like:
- Annual tuition and total program cost (nursing programs may cost more)
- Private vs. Public (public schools offer in-state tuition)
- Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
- Cost of living on-campus or in the area
- Distance from hospitals for clinicals
- School and nursing program acceptance rate
- Length of the program (accelerated or traditional)
- Program outcomes
- Accreditation (regional and national)
Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation
Accreditation is a school’s way of proving its academic quality. Accrediting bodies only award schools that meet a minimum level of academic excellence, and along with national and regional accreditation, schools can have specific programs accredited, including nursing programs.
The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
If you earn a degree from an unaccredited school, you may have trouble securing federal financial aid and finding work as a nurse after graduation.
Getting a License in Massachusetts
The main prerequisite for nurses in Massachusetts is education. Massachusetts doesn’t require you to have a BSN to be eligible for a nursing license, but to find a well-paying position after school, a BSN is highly recommended.
To get a nursing license in Massachusetts, you’ll need to:
- Study at a state-approved school
- Prove Good Moral Character (as defined by the law)
- Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
- Pay an application fee
- Apply for licensure through Mass.gov
Every regionally accredited nursing program in Massachusetts will satisfy any prerequisites, so choosing a local school is a smart choice if you want to work in-state.
>> Related: The Complete Guide to Nursing in Massachusetts
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Pursue Your Dream of Becoming a Nurse! Our 3-Year BSN Program is designed with one goal – to prepare you for a successful career as a BSN-prepared registered nurse. We combine classroom teaching, hands-on simulations, and clinicals in real-world healthcare environments to give you the skills you need.
CCNE
On-Campus
RN Not Required
Enrollment: On-Campus in AZ, FL, MI, MO, NV, OH, TX, UT, VA
At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Conclusion
As one of the highest paying states for nurses, Massachusetts is sure to get any nurses’ attention. Also, with plenty of major cities and hospitals, Massachusetts is one of the highest employers of nurses per capita. Combine those statistics with the plethora of incredible nursing schools, and one could argue that Massachusetts is the best state in the nation for nursing school and a nursing career.
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