Nurse.org School Ranking Methodology
Learn how we rank the top nursing schools based on their quality, reputation, and affordability.
At Nurse.org, our goal is to provide aspiring and current nurses with the most accurate and comprehensive information to guide their educational journey.
Our ranking methodology is designed to highlight the top nursing programs based on the areas that matter most to nursing students: academic quality, reputation, affordability, and online options. Our rankings are carefully reviewed by experienced registered nurses to ensure they meet our high standards and expectations.
Our proprietary ranking algorithm uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard, to weigh the factors outlined below in order to determine the top nursing schools for each degree and program type.
Since we rely on the latest publicly available data provided by IPEDs and College Scorecard, schools with incomplete data may not be included in our rankings.
Ranking Factors
Academic Quality
Academic quality is a cornerstone of nursing education, as it directly impacts the preparation and success of future nurses. To evaluate academic quality, we consider the following factors:
- Accreditation: We only include programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation ensures that a program meets established standards for nursing education.
- Graduation Rate: The percentage of students who complete the program within a specified timeframe. Higher graduation rates indicate a program's effectiveness in supporting students through to completion.
- Retention Rate: The percentage of students who continue their studies from one year to the next. High retention rates suggest that students are satisfied with the program's academic quality and support services.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: This metric reflects the average number of students per faculty member. A lower student-to-faculty ratio indicates smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalized instruction and support.
- Percentage of Full-Time Instructional, Research, and Public Service Staff: The percentage of full-time faculty and staff in instructional, research, and public service roles is an important indicator of a program's commitment to providing consistent, high-quality education. Full-time staff members often bring more stability to the program and are more readily available to support students in and out of the classroom.
- Degree Relevancy: The percentage of relevant degrees conferred by the school for the degree being ranked. For example, we consider the number of MSN degrees the school awards when ranking our list of the top MSN degrees.
Reputation
A program's reputation is an important indicator of its standing within the nursing community and among potential employers. To measure this, we look at:
- Admission Rate: The selectivity of the program, with lower admission rates indicating more competitive programs.
- Enrollment Rate: The percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll in the program. Higher enrollment rates suggest a program's attractiveness and perceived value among prospective students.
- Average Earnings of Graduates: The average income of students after graduation reflects the program's ability to prepare students for well-paying careers in nursing. This metric helps prospective students gauge the potential return on investment.
Affordability
Affordability is a key factor in our rankings, as the cost of a nursing education can significantly impact a student’s financial well-being. To assess the affordability of nursing programs, we focus on several important metrics:
- Percentage of Undergraduates Receiving Aid: We look at the proportion of students who receive financial aid. A higher percentage indicates that the program actively supports students in managing educational costs through grants, scholarships, and other financial assistance.
- Average Aid Package Size: The average amount of financial aid awarded to students reflects how much the program helps reduce the financial burden. Larger aid packages can substantially decrease out-of-pocket costs for students.
- Average Net Price of Attendance: This metric represents the average cost that students actually pay after financial aid is applied. A lower average net price suggests a more affordable program for students. This price considers grants and scholarships awarded.
- Median Debt for Students After Graduation: We consider the median amount of student loan debt among graduates, as it indicates the typical financial burden students face upon completing the program. Lower median debt levels suggest that graduates are better positioned to begin their nursing careers without significant financial strain.
Online and Hybrid Learning Options
Programs that offer online, hybrid, or part-time formats accommodate students who need to balance education with work or personal responsibilities. This metric is heavily weighted for our online program rankings.
Review Process
Our rankings are reviewed by experienced registered nurses who ensure that the programs meet our standards of excellence. This peer-review process helps validate our assessments and ensures that the rankings reflect what is most important to the nursing profession. When deemed appropriate, our panel of registered nurses may adjust the rankings of some schools based on their experiences.
Objective and Unbiased Assessments
We are committed to providing prospective nursing students with objective and unbiased information. Our rankings are based on publicly available data and are not influenced by any educational institutions or commercial partnerships. We prioritize transparency and impartiality, ensuring that our rankings are free from editorial influence.
