Top 10 Universities for Advanced Nursing Degrees
Taking the next step in your nursing career is a major decision, and choosing the right university for an advanced degree can shape your future. If you’re looking for a top-tier program to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), you’ve come to the right place for a detailed guide.
Understanding Advanced Nursing Education
Before diving into the rankings, it’s helpful to understand what “advanced nursing” entails. These graduate-level programs prepare registered nurses for leadership roles and specialized practice areas. The most common degrees are:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): This degree often prepares nurses for roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). It can also focus on leadership areas like nursing administration or education.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): This is a terminal degree focused on clinical practice rather than academic research. DNP graduates are experts in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership. Many advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles are transitioning to require a DNP.
The following list highlights universities that excel in offering these advanced degrees, based on factors like academic reputation, faculty expertise, research impact, and the quality of their clinical partnerships, primarily referencing rankings from sources like U.S. News & World Report.
The Top 10 Universities for Advanced Nursing
Here are the institutions consistently recognized for their excellence in graduate-level nursing education.
10. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
The UNC School of Nursing is a public university powerhouse known for its commitment to innovation and research. It offers a wide array of MSN and DNP concentrations, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career goals. The school is particularly strong in preparing Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). Its location within a major academic medical center provides students with exceptional clinical opportunities.
9. Vanderbilt University
Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is a private institution celebrated for its pioneering approach to advanced practice nursing education. It is known for its “block” scheduling system, which allows students to immerse themselves in one course at a time for intense, focused learning. Vanderbilt offers a vast number of MSN specialties, including one of the nation’s top programs for Nurse-Midwifery.
8. Yale University
Yale School of Nursing, part of the prestigious Ivy League, has a long history of excellence. The school focuses heavily on preparing clinical leaders and scholars who can improve health for all people. Its Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing (GEPN) program is a well-regarded option for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field who wish to become nurses. Its DNP program is designed for nurses seeking the highest level of clinical preparation.
7. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan School of Nursing is a leader in both education and research. As a top public research university, it provides students with access to world-class resources and interdisciplinary collaboration. The school offers robust DNP and MSN programs with a variety of concentrations, from Adult-Gerontology Acute Care to Nurse Midwifery. It is also recognized for its strong PhD program, which trains the next generation of nurse scientists.
6. Columbia University
Another Ivy League institution, the Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City, has been a leader in nursing education for over a century. It was one of the first schools in the nation to offer a DNP program. Its location provides unparalleled clinical placement opportunities at some of the best hospitals in the world. Columbia is particularly well-regarded for its Nurse Anesthesia and Psychiatric-Mental Health programs.
5. University of Washington
The University of Washington School of Nursing in Seattle is consistently ranked among the best public nursing schools in the country. It is a research juggernaut, receiving significant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This research-intensive environment enriches its DNP and MSN programs, giving students access to cutting-edge science and faculty who are leaders in their fields. The school is also known for its focus on health equity and serving diverse populations.
4. Duke University
Duke University School of Nursing is a private research university with a reputation for excellence and innovation. Duke offers a wide range of highly-ranked MSN, DNP, and PhD programs. It is particularly known for its flexible and well-designed online and distance-based learning options, making top-tier education accessible to working professionals. Its specialty programs, including Nurse Anesthesia and Family Nurse Practitioner, are consistently ranked among the nation’s best.
3. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing) is a global leader in nursing science and education. As part of the Ivy League, it boasts a rich history of “firsts” in the nursing profession. Penn Nursing is deeply integrated with the top-ranked Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, offering students premier clinical experiences. The school’s research centers are at the forefront of topics like health outcomes, gerontology, and health equity.
2. Emory University
The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University in Atlanta is a private institution with a strong emphasis on leadership, social responsibility, and global health. Emory offers students unique clinical opportunities through its affiliation with Emory Healthcare, one of the leading academic healthcare systems in the Southeast. The school is highly respected for its MSN programs, especially those for Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care.
1. Johns Hopkins University
Topping the list is the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Baltimore, Maryland. Johns Hopkins is globally recognized as a leader in healthcare education and research. The school offers an extensive portfolio of DNP and MSN programs designed to prepare nurse leaders to tackle complex health challenges. Students benefit from the university’s world-renowned medical campus and a faculty composed of leading researchers and clinicians. Its DNP Executive Track is a premier program for nurses aspiring to C-suite leadership roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between an MSN and a DNP? An MSN is a master’s degree that typically prepares you for a specific advanced practice role, like a Nurse Practitioner. A DNP is a doctorate-level degree focused on clinical practice leadership. It prepares you to translate research into practice, lead healthcare systems, and improve patient outcomes at a broader level.
Are online advanced nursing programs as good as in-person ones? Yes, many top-ranked universities, including Duke and Johns Hopkins, offer high-quality online or hybrid programs. These programs are designed to be just as rigorous as their on-campus counterparts. The key is to ensure the program is accredited and has strong clinical placement support.
How important are rankings when choosing a school? Rankings are a useful tool for identifying schools with strong reputations, excellent faculty, and robust resources. However, the “best” school is ultimately a personal choice. You should also consider factors like program specialization, cost, location, faculty mentorship, and school culture to find the right fit for your career goals.