Best Nursing Schools in Boston in 2024 (On-Campus & Online)

Looking for a Massachusetts nursing school? You’re in luck. From its humble beginning as one of the first cities in the United States dating back to 1630, Boston remains a thriving port city and a central location for higher learning. As one of the most populous cities, it is an optimal place for students seeking nursing schools in Boston area. With a thriving economy, graduates earn an average of $20K more in Boston than in other locations and have higher job placement due to the nursing shortage and the vast population. We have made finding good nursing schools in Boston easy by putting together a list of the best nursing schools, including undergraduate nursing schools, in Boston. Whether you’re looking for an LPN program in Massachusetts or another type of nursing program, you’ll be sure to find an option below.

Best Nursing Schools in Boston in 2024

1. University of Massachusetts Lowell

Whether launching or elevating your career, the University of Massachusetts Lowell will adequately prepare any student seeking a career in nursing. As one of only six nursing schools in Boston MA that partners with the Boston VA system, students receive more opportunities to learn, experience and evaluate nursing practices. Graduates are prepared for real-world demands and expectations after their experience being immersed through the VA system.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $14,307
• Graduation Rate: 54%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 17:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%

2. MGH Institute of Health Professions

MGH Institute of Health Professions offers both direct entry nursing programs and post-professional programs for nurses. As one of the oldest nursing schools in Boston, with over 150 years, education at MGH specializes in preparing professional nurses in discipline, scholarship, and service. With one of the lowest faculty to student ratio, students enjoy a very tailored education.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $29,200
• Graduation Rate: 94%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 10:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

3. MCPHS University

Under the direction of some of nursing’s top researchers and professionals, students are fully immersed in a rich learning experience at MCPHS University. With compassion leading the way graduates enter the field with experience and confidence due to the educational resources available to them at MCPHS. Students can quickly build a strong resume with various nursing degrees and areas of specialty.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $31,560
• Graduation Rate: 71%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 13:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 92%

4. Northeastern University

By embracing values of inclusion, diversity, and equity the Bouve school of nursing at Northeastern University aims to prepare students to become the next generation of leaders in the field of nursing. The need for highly trained, compassionate and professional nurses has never been higher. Students have multiple nursing degrees, specialties, and accelerated paths to choose from, see what path is right for you.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $38,590
• Graduation Rate: 65%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 11:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%

5. Simmons University

Located in the renowned Longwood Medical Area of Boston, Simmons University is proud to be one of the few small colleges that offer large university benefits, Simmons nursing school in Boston MA is no exception. Students have opportunities to have extensive experience working with patients in various healthcare settings due to the close relationships Simmons has with numerous hospitals in the greater area of Boston.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $47,653
• Graduation Rate: 82%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 14:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 91%

6. Boston College

At a campus with an intellectual culture, Boston College is a liberal arts college that offers rigorous nursing programs and education outside the classroom. Students receive instruction both in the classroom as well as in simulation and actual clinical experience with real patients. Students are eligible to take graduate courses during their junior and senior years.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $51,296
• Graduation Rate: 51%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 11:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 90.7%

7. Curry College

As the first nursing program to be fully accredited by the CCEN in the state of Massachusetts, Curry College continues to offer a rigorous, world-class education for nursing students. Students of the traditional BSN program receive a hands-on education with state-of-the-art technology and simulation labs. Students seeking to further their careers through MSN degrees are also able to pursue that course.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $37,835
• Graduation Rate: 45%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 12:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%

8. Endicott College

Endicott College provides a student-centered liberal arts education combined with nursing professional studies to educate the complete nurse of the future. Our emphasis on experiential learning includes a semester-long internship which prepares students for the ever-evolving environment of healthcare.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $31,312
• Graduation Rate: 73%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 13:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 93%

9. University of Massachusetts Boston

With a diverse student body, the University of Massachusetts aims to prepare nursing students to serve a community that is just as diverse. Through nursing theory and an evidence-based program, with the most recent research, students graduate with knowledge and experience to address the vast population-based needs.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $13,535
• Nursing Graduation Rate: 82%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 13:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 93%

10. Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing

With a very dynamic curriculum, Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing blends classroom learning with clinical experience for optimal results. Students participate in clinical experiences at over 40 different quality medical affiliates. With so much experience before students graduate they leave with not only the knowledge of nursing theory but with the confidence to practice the skills of nursing.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $26,751
• Graduation Rate: 87.7%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 6:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 90%

11. Northeast Essex Community College

Preparing future nurses to provide safe and effective care to patients across their life spans is what Northeastern Essex Community College is accredited for by the ACEN. NECC saves students thousands of dollars, as it is one of the most affordable nursing schools in Boston, with a proven pass rate on the NCLEX RN exam.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $187 Per Credit
• Graduation Rate: 29%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 19:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

12. Regis College

A nursing degree from Regis College is for students wanting to practice compassionate, personalized care that is just as unique as their patients. Using a values-based curriculum and state of the art technology to prepare future healthcare professionals, students graduate with the confidence to care for their future patients and work as a partner in a team of healthcare providers.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $39,040
• Graduation Rate: 54%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 14:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 89%

13. Salem State University

As one of the largest state universities in Massachusetts, Salem State University prepares nursing students to meet the challenges of a complex healthcare environment. With an environment of inclusion and a faculty that supports diversity and educating students to care for a diverse population.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $9,736
• Graduation Rate: 46%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 14:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 89%

14. Massachusetts Bay Community College

MassBay Community College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program and a Practical Nurse (PN) Certificate Program. The ADN Program is a two year experience and the PN Program is a 3 semester experience. They prepare students in a supportive, professional and hands-on learning environment. Nursing skills are acquired in a state-of-the-art skills laboratory, a Simulation laboratory, and quality healthcare facilities in the Framingham/Boston area. Classes that provide essential information are interactive and engaging. Completion of the ADN program enables student to sit for the national licensing examination (NCLEX) and completion of the PN Certificate Program enables a student to sit for the national licensing examination for Practical Nursing(NCLEX-PN). Once the student passes the NCLEX, he or she can enter the health care field as a Registered Nurse or a Practical Nurse.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $288/credit (resident) $494/credit (non-resident)
• Graduation Rate: 70%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 16:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

15. Fisher College

With a foundation of healthcare economics, research, population-based practice, and leadership, Fisher College prepares nurses to lead out with confidence. If already registered nurses, students can enter the RN to BSN program, which is completely online and takes 18 months to complete. Graduates are quickly employed in a variety of settings such as nursing homes, clinics, public health, and school health agencies.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $25,872 Per Program
• BSN Graduation Rates: 61% (4-year), 72% (6-year)
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 14:1

16. Emmanuel College

As a private, Roman Catholic liberal arts college, Emmanuel College was a long-standing women’s college until 2001when it became a coeducational college. The growing need for qualified nurses has never been greater, and Emmanuel has been preparing nurses to enter a highly demanding career. With numerous hospital partnerships, students receive excellent training in real-life patient-centered care through externships.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $37,540
• Graduation Rate: 64%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 13:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.3%

17. North Shore Community College

Nurses are the faces patients see and remember, it is those experiences that need to be handled with care and compassion. North Shore Community College educates students to prepare to do just that as an RN or LNP. Students can get started on their career within as little as 18 months to two years with a competitive salary and opportunities for growth in the future.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $219 Per Credit
• Graduation Rate: 18%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 15:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 87%

18. Middlesex Community College

Students at Middlesex Community College can either attend a tradition day time nursing program or a more flexible evening and weekend program. The nursing program is fully accredited by the ACEN. With a proven success rate of graduates passing the NCLEX exam to earn their RN licensure and very high job placement soon after graduation, the nursing program at Middlesex is one of the most affordable options for aspiring nurses.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $18,742 Yearly
• Graduation Rate: 19%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 18:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 86%

19. Bay State College

The ADN program at Bay State College offers numerous advantages over large universities to guarantee students success, such as small classes and open practice labs. Graduates can also opt into a new program that allows them to earn their BSN on a flexible schedule either upon graduation or at a later date.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $950 (ADN), $13,200 (BSN) Per Year
• Graduation Rate: 35.2%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 14:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 87%

20. Massasoit Community College

Accredited by the ACEN, Massasoit Community College prepares students for a rewarding career in various settings as an LPN. Graduates will have their ADN and are adequately prepared to take and pass the NCLEX exam. Upon passing, graduates can enter the healthcare field as an entry-level nurse.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $208 Per Credit
• Graduation Rate: 23%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 17:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 86%

21. Bunker Hill Community College

Graduates of the Bunker Hill Community College are eligible to take the NCLEX exam, upon passing they can begin a career in hospitals, care facilities, clinics, doctor’s offices, and other health care facilities. The RN program usually takes two years to complete if students attend full time.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $4,115
• Graduation Rate: 20.5%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 20:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 81%

22. Quincy College

The faculty at Quincy College prepares students to serve a population that is as diverse as the student body of Quincy. The nursing curriculum is a blend of competency and concept-based nursing model in an active learning environment. Graduates are adequately trained to be legally, ethically, and professionally responsible in their field of healthcare.

At A Glance

• Tuition: $5,910
• Graduation Rate: 5.8%
• Student to Teacher Ratio: 14:1
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 79%

Ranking Methodology

Nursing schools in Boston MA were ranked according to NCLEX pass rate and cost. Programs that offer multiple nursing degrees and pathways were also considered in the ranking system. Another item to consider while choosing a program is the availability of financial aid. Numerous schools offer thousands of dollars in financial aid to lower the cost of the program and make receiving a nursing degree that much more affordable. Browse the schools and find a program to apply for today!’

For more programs, check out our ADN degree page.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.