Best Nursing Schools in New York: NCLEX Rates, Cost and How to Choose

New York has many nursing programs.

That is good.

It also makes the search confusing.

A school may have a big name, a beautiful website, or strong hospital connections. Those things matter, but they do not replace the basics: state approval, NCLEX performance, cost, clinical access, and whether the program fits your life.

This guide ranks New York nursing schools using NurseZee's own criteria.

We used 2025 NCLEX-RN results from the New York State Education Department, then weighed candidate volume, public vs private value, program pathways, clinical access, and transparency.

How we ranked New York nursing schools

We built this list for future RNs.

The main ranking focuses on prelicensure RN pathways that can lead to the NCLEX-RN.

That includes traditional BSN programs, accelerated second-degree BSN tracks, and a few entry-level graduate pathways where relevant.

We separated reputation from licensure outcomes.

A famous school can still have a weaker NCLEX year.

A public school with a lower price and strong pass rate can be a better choice than a private school with more name recognition.

Our ranking criteria

We used this weighting:

What counts as a strong NCLEX pass rate?

A strong NCLEX pass rate depends on context.

For a large New York BSN program, a 90% or higher first-time pass rate is a strong signal.

For a smaller program, look at several years, not one year.

For a school with a recent dip, ask what changed.

Use this quick rule:

90% or higher: strong signal, especially with a meaningful cohort size.
85% to 89%: worth considering if cost, clinicals, and recent trends are strong.
80% to 84%: ask hard questions about support, admissions, and remediation.
Below 80%: proceed carefully and compare with stronger options.
Small sample size: do not overreact to one year, good or bad.

Why New York nursing school rankings can be misleading

Many rankings mix schools that do not belong in the same comparison.

They may compare:

• ADN programs
• Traditional BSN programs
• Accelerated BSN programs
• RN-to-BS programs
• Entry-level master's programs
• Nurse practitioner programs
• DNP programs

That creates noise.

An RN-to-BS completion program does not prepare a new student for initial RN licensure because students already hold an RN license.

A direct-entry master's program may lead to RN licensure, but it is not the same as a traditional BSN.

An ADN program can be an excellent path to RN licensure, but it has a different cost, timeline, transfer, and BSN-completion question.

Best nursing schools in New York: 2025 NurseZee ranking

The NCLEX values below come from the New York State Education Department's RN NCLEX results for first-time test takers.

Use them as a starting point.

Do not choose a school from one table alone.

Ask about current approval status, prerequisites, clinical placement, graduation rates, simulation hours, remediation, test-prep support, tuition, and scholarships.

1. University at Buffalo - SUNY School of Nursing

University at Buffalo is one of the strongest New York options in this ranking.

The 2025 traditional BSN NCLEX-RN result was 98.51%, with 66 of 67 first-time test takers passing.

The accelerated track also performed strongly, with 91.53% in 2025.

That combination matters.

It shows strength across more than one pathway, not just one small cohort.

UB also has the benefit of SUNY pricing, a major university setting, and a full nursing school structure with undergraduate and graduate options.

Why it stands out

UB stands out for NCLEX performance, public-university value, and pathway depth.

It is especially attractive for students who want a large university environment without NYC private-school pricing.

What to ask before applying

Ask whether you are applying directly into nursing or applying after prerequisite completion.

Ask how many students progress from prerequisites into the nursing major.

Ask how clinical placement works in Buffalo and surrounding systems.

Best fit

UB is a strong fit if you want a SUNY university, strong NCLEX outcomes, and options beyond the BSN.

2. Farmingdale State College - SUNY

Farmingdale State College is one of the best value picks in New York.

Its 2025 NCLEX-RN result was 97.37%, with 74 of 76 first-time test takers passing.

That is a strong result with a meaningful cohort size.

Farmingdale also benefits from Long Island clinical access and a public SUNY cost structure.

For students comparing Long Island private programs, Farmingdale should be on the short list.

Why it stands out

Farmingdale combines strong NCLEX performance with public-college pricing.

The program is also located in a dense healthcare market.

That can help students build clinical exposure close to major Long Island and NYC-area employers.

What to ask before applying

Ask about admission competitiveness.

Public nursing programs with strong outcomes often have limited seats.

Ask about prerequisite GPA, TEAS requirements, transfer admission, repeated science policies, and clinical travel expectations.

Best fit

Farmingdale is a strong fit for students who want a Long Island BSN option with high 2025 NCLEX performance and better tuition value than many private programs.

3. York College - CUNY

York College is the strongest CUNY performer in this ranking based on 2025 NCLEX-RN results.

Its 2025 result was 97.83%, with 45 of 46 first-time test takers passing.

That is exactly the kind of result students should notice.

CUNY programs can be competitive because the value is strong.

Low tuition plus a strong NCLEX year is a powerful combination.

Why it stands out

York College gives students a CUNY option with strong recent licensure performance.

It is especially relevant for students in Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau County, and nearby areas who want to limit debt.

What to ask before applying

Ask how many students are admitted to the nursing sequence each year.

Ask how the school ranks applicants.

Ask about clinical sites, science GPA minimums, and whether repeated prerequisites affect admission.

Best fit

York College is a strong fit for cost-conscious NYC students who can handle competitive public-program admissions.

4. St. John Fisher University Wegmans School of Nursing

St. John Fisher earns a high ranking because it combines a strong pass rate with a large number of test takers.

Its 2025 NCLEX-RN result was 95.35%, with 164 of 172 first-time test takers passing.

That is a more useful signal than a perfect result from a tiny class.

The school also has a strong multi-year pattern, including 98.83% in 2024 and 94.4% in 2023 in the NYSED table.

Why it stands out

Large-cohort consistency matters.

Fisher's 2025 result suggests the program can prepare many students, not just a small group.

It also offers Rochester-area clinical access and graduate pathways.

What to ask before applying

Ask about total cost after grants and scholarships.

Private tuition can be worth it for the right student, but only if the net price makes sense.

Ask for your actual aid estimate before comparing it with SUNY or CUNY options.

Best fit

St. John Fisher is a strong fit for students who want a private university experience in Rochester and can make the cost work.

5. SUNY Brockport School of Nursing

SUNY Brockport is a strong public option.

Its 2025 NCLEX-RN result was 94.64%, with 106 of 112 first-time test takers passing.

That is a strong result with a meaningful cohort size.

Brockport also performed above 90% in the prior years shown in the NYSED table.

That consistency helps.

Why it stands out

Brockport offers SUNY value with a solid clinical-preparation profile.

It belongs on the list for students comparing Upstate and Western New York options.

What to ask before applying

Ask how traditional and accelerated cohorts are supported.

Ask what remediation looks like if a student struggles in med-surg, pharmacology, or clinical judgment.

Ask how soon students begin patient-care clinicals.

Best fit

Brockport is a strong fit for students who want a public BSN option with strong NCLEX outcomes and manageable cost.

6. University of Rochester School of Nursing

University of Rochester is a major option for second-degree students.

Its 2025 NCLEX-RN result was 92.95%, with 145 of 156 first-time test takers passing.

The program also sits inside a major academic health system environment.

That can be valuable for students who want strong clinical exposure and a direct healthcare network.

Why it stands out

Rochester stands out for accelerated nursing education, clinical integration, and academic medical center access.

It may be especially appealing if you already have a bachelor's degree and want a full-time accelerated pathway.

What to ask before applying

Ask about weekly time commitment.

Accelerated nursing programs are intense.

Ask about clinical schedules, transportation, simulation requirements, and whether working during the program is realistic.

For more on this pathway, read NurseZee's accelerated BSN programs guide.

Best fit

University of Rochester is a strong fit for motivated second-degree students who can handle an intensive program and a private-school cost structure.

7. Binghamton University Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences - SUNY

Binghamton is one of the strongest all-around SUNY nursing options.

The traditional BSN track posted a 90.72% 2025 NCLEX-RN pass rate.

The accelerated track posted 93.22%.

Together, those numbers show solid performance across different student pathways.

Binghamton also has a dedicated health sciences campus and a broad set of undergraduate and graduate health programs.

Why it stands out

Binghamton is not only an NCLEX pick.

It is also a pathway pick.

Students can compare traditional BSN and accelerated options in the same university system.

What to ask before applying

Ask whether you are applying as a first-year student, internal transfer, external transfer, or accelerated second-degree applicant.

Those pathways can have different requirements and timelines.

Best fit

Binghamton is a strong fit for students who want a SUNY university with solid NCLEX outcomes and multiple entry points.

8. Stony Brook University School of Nursing - SUNY

Stony Brook is one of the most important nursing schools in New York because of its academic medical center environment.

Its 2025 NCLEX-RN result was 91.03%, with 142 of 156 first-time test takers passing.

That is a strong result with a large cohort.

Stony Brook also gives students exposure to a major university hospital system.

For many students, clinical setting matters almost as much as classroom reputation.

Why it stands out

Stony Brook offers SUNY value, a major health system, graduate nursing pathways, and strong clinical exposure.

It is especially relevant for Long Island students who want a public university option.

What to ask before applying

Ask how clinical placement works across Stony Brook Medicine and partner sites.

Ask how far students may travel for rotations.

Ask about parking, transportation, uniform costs, and clinical scheduling.

Best fit

Stony Brook is a strong fit for students who want academic medical center access and can handle a competitive SUNY admissions process.

9. Roberts Wesleyan University

Roberts Wesleyan had a strong 2025 NCLEX-RN result: 96.43%, with 27 of 28 first-time test takers passing.

The cohort is smaller than several schools above it, so we do not rank it above larger high-performing programs.

Still, the result deserves attention.

Why it stands out

A smaller program can offer a closer learning environment.

That can matter for students who want faculty access, advising, and a less anonymous college experience.

What to ask before applying

Ask about clinical site availability, cohort size, and faculty support.

Ask for multi-year NCLEX and graduation outcomes before making a final decision.

Best fit

Roberts Wesleyan is a strong fit for students who want a smaller private Rochester-area option and receive a financial aid package that makes the cost realistic.

10. Hartwick College

Hartwick College had one of the strongest 2025 NCLEX-RN results in New York, with 36 of 37 first-time test takers passing.

That equals 97.30%.

We rank it tenth because the cohort is smaller and public information should be compared carefully with larger, multi-year outcomes.

But the 2025 result is strong.

Why it stands out

Hartwick may appeal to students who want a smaller college community and a traditional residential experience.

What to ask before applying

Ask for current graduation rates, clinical partners, NCLEX support, and student outcomes.

Ask whether nursing students pay extra program fees beyond standard tuition and fees.

Best fit

Hartwick is a strong fit for students who value a smaller private college setting and receive enough aid to keep debt reasonable.

Schools from the draft outline: what changed and why

The draft outline included several major names.

Some still deserve attention.

But the final NurseZee list needed to follow the stated criteria, especially 2025 NCLEX results.

Columbia University School of Nursing

Columbia is a major nursing school, but it does not fit neatly into a traditional BSN ranking.

Its main entry-to-practice option for non-nurses is a graduate-entry pathway.

In the NYSED NCLEX table, Columbia appears under master's programs, not as a standard large undergraduate BSN option.

That does not make Columbia a bad choice.

It means it belongs in the direct-entry MSN or graduate-entry nursing conversation.

Read NurseZee's direct-entry MSN programs guide if you are comparing this type of pathway.

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing

NYU offers major NYC clinical exposure and a large nursing footprint.

It should be researched by students who want New York City clinical access and can manage private-school cost.

But in the 2025 NYSED baccalaureate table, NYU's reported first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 81.86% for the main baccalaureate listing.

That kept it out of the main top 10 under our criteria.

A school can be prestigious and still have a year that requires closer questioning.

Hunter College - CUNY

Hunter remains one of the best-known public nursing options in New York City.

It offers strong value and a competitive CUNY pathway.

Hunter's 2025 NYSED NCLEX-RN result was 87.59%, with 127 of 145 first-time test takers passing.

That is not weak, but it is below the 90% threshold we prefer for the top of this list.

Because Hunter's prior year was much stronger, applicants should look at the trend and ask what changed.

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook stayed in the ranking.

Its 2025 pass rate was above 90%, its cohort was large, and its academic medical center access is a major advantage.

University of Rochester

University of Rochester stayed in the ranking.

It is especially relevant for second-degree students looking at accelerated nursing pathways.

Binghamton University

Binghamton stayed in the ranking.

Its traditional and accelerated tracks both performed above 90% in 2025.

Other New York nursing schools worth researching

A top 10 list cannot include every good school.

These programs may still be worth researching depending on your goals.

Pace University accelerated nursing options

Pace's New York accelerated second-degree pathway had a 91.30% 2025 NCLEX-RN result with 63 of 69 first-time test takers passing.

That is a strong signal for second-degree students who want a private NYC-area option.

Compare cost carefully.

SUNY Downstate / SUNY Health Science Center Brooklyn

SUNY Health Science Center Brooklyn is important for students who want public university health-science training in New York City.

Its 2025 baccalaureate NCLEX-RN result was 88.18% in the NYSED table.

That keeps it outside our top 10, but its location and mission may fit some students well.

Molloy University

Molloy has a large nursing footprint on Long Island.

Its 2025 NCLEX-RN result was 86.72%, with 346 of 395 first-time test takers passing.

The large cohort makes the data meaningful.

Ask about recent remediation changes, student support, and current pass-rate trends.

Adelphi University

Adelphi is another large Long Island private option.

Its 2025 main baccalaureate NCLEX-RN result was 86.27%, with 264 of 306 first-time test takers passing.

It may still be worth comparing if your aid package is strong and clinical access fits your goals.

SUNY Plattsburgh

SUNY Plattsburgh had an 82.69% 2025 NCLEX-RN result, below the level we prefer for a top ranking.

But it had stronger historical performance in the table.

This is the kind of program where applicants should ask direct questions about current support and recent curriculum changes.

Best SUNY nursing schools in New York

SUNY programs can be some of the best value options for New York residents.

They often combine lower tuition, strong clinical access, and solid outcomes.

Top SUNY options from this guide include:

Best CUNY nursing schools in New York

CUNY programs are especially important for students in New York City.

They can be affordable and highly competitive.

Top CUNY programs to research include:

CUNY can be a smart choice.

But do not assume every CUNY nursing program has the same outcomes.

Look at the specific campus and specific pathway.

Best nursing schools in NYC

New York City students often care about three things:

1. Cost
2. Commute
3. Clinical access

The best NYC choice is not always the highest-profile school.

For many students, the right choice is the program that gives them licensure preparation, strong clinicals, and manageable debt.

NYC schools to compare

Research these programs if you want NYC clinical access:

• York College - CUNY
• Hunter College - CUNY
• NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
• Pace University accelerated options
• Columbia University School of Nursing for graduate-entry nursing
• SUNY Downstate / SUNY Health Science Center Brooklyn
• Lehman College - CUNY
• Wagner College on Staten Island

NYC caution

Private NYC nursing programs can be expensive.

Do the debt math before you enroll.

A high future RN salary does not automatically make every private program affordable.

Best accelerated nursing programs in New York

Accelerated nursing programs are for students who already have a bachelor's degree in another field and want to become an RN faster.

They can be excellent.

They can also be brutal.

You may have limited time to work.

Clinical days can start early.

Exams come fast.

Your support system matters.

Strong accelerated options to research include:

For a deeper breakdown, read NurseZee's accelerated BSN programs guide.

Public vs private nursing schools in New York

This is one of the biggest decisions.

Public schools are usually cheaper.

Private schools may offer more institutional aid, different clinical access, or a better personal fit.

Do not decide from tuition alone.

Compare actual cost of attendance.

Public school advantages

Public programs may offer:

• Lower tuition for New York residents
• Strong return on investment
• SUNY or CUNY transfer pathways
• Regional clinical networks
• Less debt pressure after graduation

Public school disadvantages

Public programs may also have:

• Very competitive admissions
• Limited seats
• Strict prerequisite rules
• Less flexibility around clinical scheduling
• High demand from local applicants

Private school advantages

Private programs may offer:

• More entry points
• Strong advising
• Smaller cohorts in some cases
• Urban clinical access
• Accelerated pathways
• Scholarship opportunities

Private school disadvantages

Private programs may also have:

• Higher tuition
• Higher debt risk
• Expensive housing and fees
• Less return on investment if NCLEX outcomes are only average

What to check before applying to any New York nursing school

Do not apply blindly.

Use this checklist before paying an application fee.

Program name:
Program type:
NYSED approved:
CCNE, ACEN, or Board of Regents accreditation status:
2025 NCLEX-RN pass rate:
2024 NCLEX-RN pass rate:
2023 NCLEX-RN pass rate:
Number of first-time test takers:
Graduation rate:
Attrition rate:
Clinical sites:
Simulation hours:
Prerequisites:
Minimum GPA:
Entrance exam:
Estimated total cost:
Scholarship estimate:
Commute and parking:
Can I work during the program:
NCLEX prep included:
Remediation policy:
Application deadline:

1. Verify NYSED approval

This is non-negotiable.

New York State tells students to verify that a nursing program is recognized by the State Education Department before enrolling.

If a program is not approved or does not meet licensure requirements, you can lose time and money.

Do this before paying a deposit.

2. Check program-specific NCLEX data

Do not ask, "What is the school's pass rate?"

Ask:

What was the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for my exact track?
How many students tested?
What were the results for the last three years?
How many students started the cohort?
How many graduated on time?
What happens if a student is not ready to test?

3. Ask about attrition

A high NCLEX pass rate can look better if many students leave before graduation.

You need both numbers.

Ask:

How many students started the nursing cohort?
How many graduated?
How many took NCLEX on time?
How many passed on the first attempt?

4. Compare total cost, not just tuition

Nursing school costs more than tuition.

Budget for:

• Fees
• Books
• Uniforms
• Shoes
• Stethoscope
• Background check
• Drug screen
• Immunizations
• CPR certification
• Health insurance
• Transportation
• Parking
• Clinical compliance software
• Exam software
• NCLEX registration
• Licensure fees
• Lost income if you reduce work hours

5. Ask about clinical placement

Clinical access is one of the biggest differences between schools.

Ask:

Where do students complete med-surg clinicals?
Where do students complete OB, pediatrics, psych, community, and leadership?
Are clinical sites guaranteed?
How far can students be assigned?
Can clinicals be evenings or weekends?
What happens if a site cancels?

6. Look for NCLEX support before senior year

A strong program does not wait until the final semester to talk about NCLEX.

Look for:

• Testing and remediation throughout the program
• Clinical judgment case studies
• Pharmacology reinforcement
• Med-surg integration
• Practice exams with rationales
• Faculty support after failed exams
• Exit exam policies that are clear and fair

Use NurseZee's NCLEX prep guide and practice questions to build your plan early.

How New York RN licensure works

To become an RN in New York, you must meet NYSED requirements.

In general, you need to:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Be of good moral character.
3. Graduate from a nursing education program acceptable to NYSED.
4. Complete New York-required infection control coursework.
5. Complete New York-required child abuse reporting coursework.
6. Apply for RN licensure with NYSED.
7. Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN.

New York also has BSN-in-10 requirements for many RNs.

That makes BSN planning especially important if you start with an ADN pathway.

ADN vs BSN in New York

An associate degree in nursing can be a smart path.

It may be faster and cheaper.

It can get you to RN licensure.

But New York's BSN-in-10 requirements mean many students should plan for BSN completion from the start.

ADN may fit you if:

• You need the lowest-cost route to RN licensure.
• You want to work sooner.
• You plan to complete RN-to-BS after licensure.
• Your local community college has strong NCLEX results.
• You understand employer preferences in your region.

BSN may fit you if:

• You want stronger hospital hiring options.
• You want ICU, ED, labor and delivery, pediatrics, or specialty units.
• You want graduate school later.
• You want to avoid a second degree step after becoming an RN.
• You are applying in NYC or major hospital markets where BSN-prepared applicants may be favored.

Neither path is automatically better for every student.

The better path is the one that gets you licensed, employed, and financially stable.

How to compare NCLEX results correctly

Do not read pass rates like sports scores.

Use judgment.

Example 1: Small perfect cohort

School A: 100% pass rate, 5/5 students passed.
School B: 94% pass rate, 150/160 students passed.

School A may be excellent.

But School B gives you more information because 160 students tested.

Example 2: One-year dip

2025: 87%
2024: 98%
2023: 93%

This does not automatically mean the school is bad.

Ask what happened in 2025.

Was there a curriculum change?

A faculty shortage?

A large cohort?

A new testing policy?

Example 3: One-year spike

2025: 96%
2024: 76%
2023: 74%

This is encouraging, but not enough.

Ask whether the improvement is stable.

What admissions committees look for

Strong New York nursing programs can be competitive.

Expect schools to review some combination of:

• Overall GPA
• Science GPA
• Anatomy and physiology grades
• Microbiology grade
• Chemistry grade
• TEAS, HESI A2, or other entrance exam scores
• Prior healthcare experience
• Volunteer work
• Essays
• Interview
• References
• Prerequisite completion
• Course repeats
• Withdrawal history

Strong applicant profile

Overall GPA: 3.5 or higher
Science GPA: 3.4 or higher
Anatomy and physiology: A or B on first attempt
Microbiology: A or B
Healthcare exposure: CNA, EMT, medical assistant, volunteer, or patient-care experience
Essay: specific, mature, patient-centered
References: academic or healthcare-based

You do not need a perfect profile.

But competitive public programs may have more qualified applicants than seats.

Red flags when choosing a nursing school

Be cautious if you see:

• The school will not clearly state approval status.
• NCLEX data is missing or hard to explain.
• The program advertises speed but avoids outcome data.
• Faculty turnover is high.
• Clinical sites are vague.
• Students report difficulty getting placements.
• The school has a recent pattern below 80% NCLEX pass rates.
• The admissions team pressures you to pay quickly.
• Tuition is high and scholarship estimates are unclear.
• The school does not explain what happens if you fail a course.

Questions to ask every nursing school

Bring this list to every info session.

Is this program approved by NYSED for RN licensure?
What is the exact program name on the NYSED list?
Is the program accredited by CCNE, ACEN, or the Board of Regents?
What was the 2025 NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate?
How many students took NCLEX in 2025?
What were the 2024 and 2023 pass rates?
How many students started the cohort?
How many graduated on time?
Where are clinical rotations held?
How far can clinical placements be from campus?
Can students work during the program?
What are the total costs, including fees?
What scholarships are realistic for nursing students?
What happens if I fail one nursing course?
What happens if I fail two nursing courses?
What NCLEX prep is included in tuition?
What support exists after graduation if I do not pass NCLEX?

How to choose between two strong schools

If both schools have strong NCLEX outcomes, choose based on fit.

Use this order:

1. Approval and accreditation
2. NCLEX trend
3. Total cost
4. Graduation and attrition data
5. Clinical access
6. Commute and schedule
7. Faculty support
8. Student culture
9. Specialty exposure
10. Long-term pathway

Example decision

School A: 96% NCLEX pass rate, $80,000 total cost, 90-minute commute.
School B: 93% NCLEX pass rate, $28,000 total cost, 30-minute commute.

School A has the higher pass rate.

School B may still be the smarter choice if it is approved, stable, and fits your life.

Do not ignore debt and logistics.

What if your dream school is not in the top 10?

That does not mean you should automatically avoid it.

It means you should ask better questions.

Use this script:

I am comparing nursing programs and reviewing 2025 NCLEX-RN outcomes.
Can you share the program's first-time NCLEX pass rates for 2025, 2024, and 2023?
Can you also share how many students started each cohort, how many graduated, and what NCLEX support is built into the curriculum?

A strong program will answer clearly.

A weak answer tells you something.

How nursing school choice affects NCLEX prep

NCLEX success starts long before graduation.

A good nursing program builds clinical judgment through the whole curriculum.

That includes:

• Prioritization
• Delegation
• Safety
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Lab interpretation
• Care planning
• Patient education
• Documentation
• Case studies
• NGN-style questions

If you are already thinking about NCLEX, start with NurseZee's NCLEX prioritization guide and NCLEX delegation questions guide.

New York nursing school cost: what to expect

Cost varies widely.

SUNY and CUNY options are usually the best value for New York residents.

Private programs can cost much more, especially in New York City.

But private schools may offer grants that reduce the net price.

Never compare sticker price only.

Compare net cost.

Cost comparison worksheet

School:
Tuition:
Mandatory fees:
Nursing program fees:
Books and digital materials:
Uniforms and supplies:
Clinical compliance costs:
Transportation:
Parking:
Housing:
Food:
Health insurance:
Estimated lost wages:
Scholarships/grants:
Loans needed:
Estimated monthly payment after graduation:

Cost rule

If two schools have similar licensure outcomes, choose the lower-debt option unless the more expensive program has a clear advantage you can explain.

New York RN salary and job outlook

New York can be a strong state for RN earnings, especially in the NYC metro area.

But do not confuse statewide RN wage data with new-grad starting pay.

BLS wage data includes experienced nurses, specialty nurses, charge nurses, unionized nurses, outpatient nurses, hospital nurses, and nurses in many settings.

Your first job may pay less than the state median.

Your schedule, shift differential, union contract, specialty, overtime, and location can change your actual income.

Salary planning rule

Use BLS wage tables for broad planning.

Use hospital job postings and union contracts for local reality.

Use your expected loan payment to decide whether a school is affordable.

Best program by student goal

Best overall public value

University at Buffalo and Farmingdale State College are the strongest public-value picks in this guide.

Both posted excellent 2025 NCLEX outcomes.

Both are SUNY options.

Best CUNY value pick

York College is the strongest CUNY pick based on 2025 NCLEX results.

Hunter College remains a major value option but needs trend review because 2025 was below 90%.

Best Long Island options

Research Farmingdale State College and Stony Brook University first.

Then compare private options such as Adelphi, Molloy, and others based on net cost and NCLEX trends.

Best Western New York options

Research University at Buffalo and SUNY Brockport first.

Then compare D'Youville, Roberts Wesleyan, and other regional options based on cost and fit.

Best Rochester-area options

Research St. John Fisher, University of Rochester, SUNY Brockport, and Roberts Wesleyan.

Each serves a different type of student.

Best second-degree options

Research University of Rochester, Binghamton, University at Buffalo, Pace, and other accelerated pathways.

Do not choose an accelerated program unless you have the time, money, and support to handle the pace.

Frequently asked questions about nursing schools in New York

What is the best nursing school in New York?

Based on NurseZee's criteria and 2025 NYSED NCLEX-RN results, University at Buffalo is our top overall pick because its traditional BSN posted a 98.51% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate with 66 of 67 students passing, and it offers strong SUNY value.

What is the best SUNY nursing school?

University at Buffalo, Farmingdale State College, SUNY Brockport, Binghamton University, and Stony Brook University are the SUNY programs to research first. The best one for you depends on location, pathway, cost, and admission fit.

What is the best CUNY nursing school?

York College is the strongest CUNY pick in this guide based on 2025 NCLEX-RN results. Hunter College remains a major CUNY option, but applicants should review the 2025 result and ask about recent trend and support changes.

Is NYU one of the best nursing schools in New York?

NYU is a major nursing school with strong NYC clinical exposure. But this ranking weighs 2025 NCLEX-RN outcomes heavily, and NYU's main baccalaureate listing reported an 81.86% first-time pass rate in the NYSED table. That kept it out of our top 10.

Is Columbia University a good nursing school for becoming an RN?

Columbia is a major graduate nursing school, but it is not a traditional BSN option. It is better compared with direct-entry or graduate-entry nursing programs, not standard undergraduate BSN programs.

What NCLEX pass rate should I look for?

For a large BSN program, 90% or higher is a strong benchmark. Programs in the 85% to 89% range may still be worth considering if cost, clinical access, and multi-year trends are strong. Below 80% deserves careful questioning.

Should I choose a school with a 100% NCLEX pass rate?

Not automatically. Check the sample size. A 100% pass rate with 5 students is less informative than a 94% pass rate with 150 students.

Are SUNY nursing programs hard to get into?

Many are competitive because they combine strong outcomes with lower tuition. Expect strict prerequisites, GPA requirements, and limited seats.

Are CUNY nursing programs good?

Some CUNY nursing programs are strong value options, but outcomes vary by campus and pathway. Review each program's NCLEX results, candidate volume, and admission requirements.

Is an ADN enough to become an RN in New York?

An ADN can qualify you for RN licensure if the program meets New York requirements. However, New York has BSN-in-10 requirements for many RNs, so ADN students should plan for RN-to-BS completion.

How long does nursing school take in New York?

Traditional BSN programs usually take about four years. Accelerated BSN programs often take about 12 to 18 months after a prior bachelor's degree. ADN programs usually take about two years after prerequisites, depending on the school.

What are the New York RN licensure requirements?

In general, you must be at least 18, be of good moral character, graduate from a nursing education program acceptable to NYSED, complete required infection control and child abuse reporting coursework, apply for licensure, and pass the NCLEX-RN.

Should I choose the cheapest nursing school?

Not automatically. Choose the lowest-debt program that is approved, stable, clinically strong, and has solid NCLEX outcomes. Cheap is not enough if the program does not support students well.

Should I choose the highest-ranked nursing school?

No. Choose the school that gets you safely to RN licensure with manageable debt, strong clinical experience, and a schedule you can survive.

Where can I practice NCLEX questions while comparing schools?

Use NurseZee's practice questions and review the NCLEX prep guide before and during nursing school.

Final thoughts

The best nursing school in New York is not always the most famous one.

It is the program that gives you the best chance to graduate, pass NCLEX, become licensed, and start your RN career without unnecessary debt.

Use 2025 NCLEX results as a filter.

Then look deeper.

Ask about attrition, clinical sites, student support, cost, and licensure paperwork.

If a school cannot answer those questions clearly, keep comparing.