Things to Consider While Finding Good Nursing Schools in the US

Choosing a nursing school is a big decision. It shapes your daily life for the next few years and sets the tone for your career for the next decade. The good news? If you focus on the right factors—not hype, not ads—you can find a program that fits your goals, your budget, and your life.

This guide walks you through everything you should consider. You’ll get the “why,” the “how,” and practical checklists you can actually use. Whether you’re a high-school grad, a career switcher, or a working LPN/RN looking to level up, this is for you.

Table of Contents

Start With Your Career Goal (So You Don’t Waste Time or Money)

Before you look at school websites, get clear on what you want now and what you might want later:

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) → Fastest path to become an RN. Usually 2 years. Lower upfront cost, good for starting quickly. Some employers prefer BSN.
BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) → 4 years (or 12–18 months if you’re an RN doing RN-to-BSN). Better long-term salary and leadership options; many hospitals prefer or require BSN.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) → For folks who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s. Intense 12–18 months.
MSN/Doctoral (NP, CRNA, CNM, DNP, PhD) → Advanced practice/leadership/education. Great long-term growth, higher pay, but you’ll need your RN first.

Quick self-check:

Do you want bedside care right away? Consider ADN → RN-to-BSN later.
Eyeing advanced practice (NP/CRNA/CNM) or leadership? Start with BSN now.
Already have a bachelor’s? ABSN might be your fastest route.

Accreditation & State Approval (Non-Negotiable)

If a program isn’t accredited, skip it. Full stop.

National program accreditors:
- CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) – often for BSN/MSN/DNP programs.
- ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) – accredits practical, diploma, associate, bachelor’s, and graduate programs.
State Board of Nursing approval: Your program must be approved by the state where it operates. This affects your eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN and get licensed.

How to check:

Look up the program on CCNE or ACEN websites.
Verify approval on your state’s Board of Nursing site.

If accreditation/approval is missing, it’s not a “deal”—it’s a dead end.

Program Types & Which One Fits You

ADN

Pros: Shorter, cheaper, gets you working sooner.
Cons: Some hospitals prefer BSN; you may need an RN-to-BSN later.

BSN

Pros: More clinical/leadership training, stronger long-term prospects, broader employer options.
Cons: Higher cost and time upfront.

ABSN (Second-Degree)

Pros: Fast if you already hold a bachelor’s; strong demand.
Cons: Very intense; limited ability to work while enrolled.

Bridge Programs

LPN-to-RN / RN-to-BSN / RN-to-MSN: Flexible routes to level up while working.

Tip: If you need income soon, ADN → RN-to-BSN is smart. If you can invest time now, BSN can be more efficient long term.

Location & Learning Format (Your Daily Life Matters)

Local vs. Out-of-State: In-state tuition is usually cheaper. Out-of-state can make sense if the program’s outcomes (NCLEX pass rates, clinical partnerships) are excellent.
Commute & Cost of Living: A “cheaper” school can become expensive once you add rent, gas, parking, and time.
Online/Hybrid Options:
- Lectures online can work well if you’re disciplined.
- Clinical hours are in person—ask how the school arranges them near you.
- Confirm that online programs are accredited and that your state allows distance education from that school.

Ask: “If I’m online/hybrid, where are my clinicals? How far might I need to travel?”

Tuition, Aid & Scholarships (Build a Realistic Money Plan)

Don’t just look at the sticker price. Look at total cost of attendance: tuition + fees + books + uniforms + background checks + immunizations + testing + transport + housing.

Ways to lower your cost:

FAFSA for federal aid (grants, loans, work-study).
Nursing-specific scholarships from the school, foundations, or hospitals.
Loan forgiveness/repayment programs (especially if you work in high-need areas).
Employer tuition reimbursement (if you’re already in healthcare).
Community college to university pipeline to start cheaper and finish stronger.

Budget snapshot to build:

One-time costs (application fees, immunizations)
Per-term costs (tuition, fees, books)
Living costs (rent, food, transport)
Cushion (10–15% for surprises)

Admission Requirements

Common prereqs: Anatomy & Physiology I/II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, English, Psychology.
Entrance tests: TEAS or HESI (practice matters—free prep goes a long way).
Other: Minimum GPA, background check, drug screen, CPR certification, TB test, vaccination records (MMR, Varicella, Hep B, Tdap, Flu), and sometimes health insurance.

Pro tip: Build a 12-week prep plan for TEAS/HESI. Aim to test a month before deadlines so you have buffer to retake if needed.

Clinical Experience (Where You Actually Learn Nursing)

This is where you become a safe, confident nurse. Don’t just ask “Do you offer clinicals?”—dig deeper:

Partner Sites: Which hospitals/clinics? Are they reputable? Diverse? Magnet hospitals are a plus.
Placement Support: Does the school place you, or do you chase your own clinical sites? (Big difference in stress.)
Hours & Variety: How many hours, across which specialties (med-surg, peds, OB, psych, community health)?
Ratios: Student-to-clinical-instructor ratios matter for feedback and safety.
Simulation Labs: High-fidelity sims help you practice rare/high-risk scenarios safely.

Red flag: Vague answers like “We’re working on placements” or “It depends.” Good programs are proud of their clinical partners.

NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

A nursing school’s first-time NCLEX pass rate tells you how well they teach and support students. Higher is better, and consistency across several years matters more than one lucky year.

What to look for:

A multi-year average at or above state/national averages.
Clear support for students: NCLEX prep courses, question banks, exit exams, tutoring.

Ask: “What’s your 3-year first-time pass rate trend? What NCLEX prep resources are included in tuition?”

Faculty Quality & Student Support

Great nursing programs invest heavily in people:

Faculty Credentials: Master’s or doctoral-prepared nurses with real clinical expertise.
Access: Reasonable office hours, timely feedback, and mentoring.
Tutoring & Skills Coaching: Especially for dosage calculations, pathophysiology, and test-taking.
Advising & Mental Health: Nursing school is intense. Strong advising and counseling can be a game-changer.
Career Services: Resume help, mock interviews, employer days, alumni mentoring.

Student stories tell the truth. If possible, talk to current students and recent grads. Ask what surprised them (good and bad).

Class Size, Learning Environment & Facilities

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Smaller can mean more feedback and fewer missed learning moments.
Cohort Culture: Supportive cohorts reduce burnout. Ask about peer tutoring and study groups.
Simulation & Skills Labs: Look for modern manikins, IV pumps, EHR simulators, and debrief rooms.
Library & Tech: 24/7 study spaces, online journals, printing, and reliable Wi-Fi matter more than you think during finals week.

Walk the halls if you can. You’ll know in five minutes if the space feels cared for.

Job Placement Rates & Reputation With Employers

Strong programs track outcomes and share them:

Placement Rate Within 6–12 Months after graduation (and how they measure it).
Employer Partnerships: Hospitals that regularly hire grads or offer residency programs.
Alumni Network: Active alumni can open doors, especially for specialty units (ICU, ED, OR) and leadership tracks.

Ask: “Which units commonly hire your grads? Do you have hospital residency pipelines?”

Schedule & Flexibility (Working While in School)

Real life doesn’t stop. Look for pathways that match your situation:

Evening/Weekend/Part-Time options for working students or parents.
Block Schedules (easier for planning) vs. scattered classes/clinicals (harder for work).
Hybrid courses to cut commute time while keeping in-person labs.

Reality check: Clinical schedules often set by the hospital, not the school. Expect early mornings, long shifts, and occasional weekends.

Specialty Tracks & Long-Term Growth

Some schools offer focused tracks or electives:

Peds, OB, Psych, Geriatrics, Community Health, Critical Care
Leadership, Informatics, Public Health, Quality & Safety
Advanced practice pathways (for later): NP, CRNA, CNM

You don’t have to decide now, but exposure helps you figure out what you love—and what you don’t.

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (It Affects Your Success)

Healthcare serves everyone. Your training should reflect that.

Student & Faculty Diversity: Different perspectives make you a better clinician.
Support Programs: Affinity groups, mentorship, scholarships for underrepresented students.
Cultural Competence Training: You’ll care for patients from many backgrounds—your program should prepare you for that.

Ask: “What support exists for first-gen college students? Parents? Veterans? International students?”

Online Nursing Programs (What to Verify)

Online can be legit and high-quality—if you verify details:

Accreditation & State Authorization: Must be accredited and allowed to operate/educate in your state.
Clinical Placement Support: Where, how often, and who coordinates?
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous: Live class times vs. learn-on-your-own-time.
Tech Requirements: Reliable computer, webcam, proctoring, and strong internet.

Green flag: Transparent clinical plans and strong NCLEX outcomes for online cohorts.

How to Research & Compare (Step-by-Step)

Build a shortlist (6–10 schools). Use accreditation filters first.
Scan outcomes: NCLEX pass rates (3-year trend), graduation rates, job placement.
Map total cost: Tuition, fees, living costs, commute/housing.
Call admissions & nursing department: Ask the questions in this guide. Note how responsive and clear they are.
Talk to current students/alumni: Unfiltered insight.
Tour (in-person or virtual): Check labs, classrooms, and vibe.
Compare apples to apples: Use the comparison sheet below.

Simple comparison sheet (copy this):

Factor	School A	School B	School C
Accreditation (CCNE/ACEN)
State Board Approval
NCLEX 3-Year Avg
Total Cost (All-in)
Clinical Partners
Placement Support
Class Size / Ratios
Simulation Labs
Schedules (PT/Weekend)
Scholarships/Grants
Alumni/Employer Ties
Your Gut Feeling

Common Mistakes (Skip the Headaches)

Choosing by convenience only (closest school) and ignoring outcomes.
Overlooking accreditation or assuming “it’s probably fine.”
Underestimating total costs (books, fees, commuting, lost work hours).
Ignoring NCLEX trends (a single good year can hide problems).
Not asking about clinicals (site quality and placement support matter).
Assuming you can work full-time during an ABSN or heavy clinical term (most can’t).
Waiting too long to prep for TEAS/HESI or to gather health/immunization documents.

Quick FAQs (Because You’re Probably Wondering)

Q: Is ADN still worth it if many hospitals prefer BSN?
A: Yes—especially to start earning sooner. Many ADN grads complete RN-to-BSN while working (often with employer help).

Q: Do online programs “count less” to employers?
A: Employers care about accreditation, clinical performance, and your license. If the online program is accredited and you’re clinically strong, you’re competitive.

Q: How many hours will I spend on school?
A: Expect 2–3 hours of study for every hour of class, plus clinicals. During clinical terms, school can feel like a full-time job.

Q: Can I work while in nursing school?
A: Many students work part-time, especially in ADN/BSN tracks. ABSN is usually too intense for more than very minimal hours.

Q: What’s a “good” NCLEX pass rate?
A: Look for programs consistently at or above the state/national average over several years. Also ask what support they provide if you need to retake.

Your 10-Step Action Plan (Keep It Simple)

Pick your path: ADN, BSN, ABSN, or bridge (based on your timeline and end goals).
Filter by accreditation & state approval.
Build a shortlist of 6–10 schools.
Collect outcomes: NCLEX 3-year trends, graduation/job placement.
Add up total costs (not just tuition).
Confirm clinicals: partners, placement process, travel time.
Check schedules: evening/weekend/part-time/online.
Ask about support: tutoring, NCLEX prep, mental health, career services.
Visit or attend info sessions; talk to students.
Apply with margin: Prep TEAS/HESI early, line up vaccines/CPR, request transcripts now.

A Realistic Way to Decide (When Two Schools Look the Same)

When you’re stuck between two options, weigh these tie-breakers:

Clinical quality & variety (Do you get meaningful exposure? Are sites respected?)
NCLEX support (Built-in prep courses, exit exams, coaching)
Schedule fit (Will you realistically manage work/family?)
Net price (Scholarships + aid – true costs = what you’ll actually pay)
Vibe & responsiveness (Schools that treat you well now tend to support you later)

If your gut says one school wants you to succeed—and they can prove it with outcomes—that’s your winner.

Mini-Checklist You Can Screenshot

Must-Haves

☐ CCNE or ACEN accredited
☐ State Board approved
☐ Clear clinical placements (named partner sites)
☐ Multi-year NCLEX pass rate at/above average
☐ Transparent total cost and strong financial aid options

Strong Pluses

☐ Simulation labs with modern equipment
☐ Smallish class sizes/solid faculty access
☐ Tutoring, NCLEX prep, mental health support
☐ Active employer partnerships & alumni network
☐ Flexible schedules or hybrid options (if needed)

Personal Fit

☐ Commute and schedule you can handle
☐ Support for your situation (first-gen, parent, veteran, working student)
☐ You feel welcomed and encouraged

Final Word

You don’t need the “fanciest” name. You need a credible, supportive, outcomes-focused program that fits your life. Start with your goal, filter hard on accreditation and NCLEX results, and ask specific questions about clinicals and support. When you do that—and you give yourself enough time to prep for admissions—you’ll put yourself in a great spot to become the kind of nurse patients (and employers) love.