New York Β· 24 NurseOnShift Nursing Guides

Nursing Schools in New York:
ADN, BSN & RN-to-BSN Programs
β€” 2026 Guide

New York offers accessible community-college ADN and LPN pathways alongside university BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD options. This page lists all 24 New York nursing schools currently profiled in NurseOnShift’s directory (names, cities, and program mix come from each school’s published guide and structured data). Use the finder to filter by pathway, sector, or city; open any card for admissions, costs, and NCLEX discussion with sourced links to the New York State Education Department β€” Office of the Professions (Nursing) where applicable. The Board also approves additional program sites statewide beyond this catalog.

Hunter Molloy University Barbara H. Hagan Binghamton University Decker Pace University Lienhard University of Rochester Adelphi University Daemen University Department of Nursing
✍️ Written by Sid A. Abdala Balal 🩺 Reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN πŸ“… Updated July 13, 2026 ⏱️ 10 min read

New York Nursing Education at a Glance

Key data points for prospective nursing students in New York

24
Nursing school guides in this directory
10
Schools with ADN or ASN pathways
15+
Schools with BSN or higher
$5k–$9k
Typical ADN cost range
$18k–$45k
Typical BSN tuition range
NYSED
NCLEX data: see each guide & Board reports

πŸŽ“ New York Nursing Pathways

ADN (2 yrs) β†’ NCLEX-RN β†’ RN-to-BSN Bridge β†’ MSN / DNP β†’ Advanced Practice / Leadership

πŸ‘‰ Quick picks by goal (not a ranking)

Use these entry points to organize your research. Each shortcut jumps to tools or lists on this pageβ€”you still need to compare NCLEX outcomes (by program and year) on the New York State Education Department β€” Office of the Professions (Nursing), net price with each school, and your commute or relocation plans.

πŸ‘‰ Best for affordability

Federal scorecard and community-college tuition are usually the lowest sticker cost path to RN licensure. Focus on public community colleges with ADN/LPN ladders, then validate aid and total program cost on each college site.

Sources: NYSED approved programs; each college’s tuition & fees page.

πŸ‘‰ Best for traditional BSN

Four-year universities confer the BSN for first-time nursing students and offer broader clinical and research networks. Compare programs in the BSN list below, then confirm admission tests, deadlines, and NCLEX trends for the specific track.

Sources: NYSED registered nursing education programs; school nursing websites.

πŸ‘‰ Best for online RN-to-BSN

Working RNs often need flexible completion programs. Filter this directory for RN-to-BSN, then verify on each school site whether the current option is fully online, hybrid, or campus-basedβ€”and whether employer tuition benefits apply.

See also our New York RN-to-BSN hub. Sources: school catalogs; NYSED program approval.

⭐ Featured Nursing Schools in New York (2026)

Editorial spotlight: programs that combine broad visibility with multiple degree levels or large community-college scale. This is not a ranked β€œ#1 school” list and omits many excellent smaller programs.

How we chose these spotlights (not a ranking)

Featured examples from our 24 NurseOnShift New York school guides—selected for catalog breadth (multiple degree levels or a large community-college ADN/LPN footprint), not as a ranked “best schools” list. Cross-check every program against New York State Education Department β€” Office of the Professions (Nursing) approved-program and NCLEX publications before you apply.

Primary sources for verification: New York State Education Department β€” Office of the Professions (Nursing); NYSED registered nursing education programs; NYSED nursing program pass-rate data (where published); individual school nursing pages linked from each NurseOnShift guide. Data last reviewed 2026-07-13.

Pace University Lienhard School of Nursing

Why spotlighted: Documented programs include BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD in this NurseOnShift guide; confirm current offerings and NCLEX data with the school and NYSED.

Verify with: NYSED.

University of Rochester School of Nursing

Why spotlighted: Documented programs include BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD in this NurseOnShift guide; confirm current offerings and NCLEX data with the school and NYSED.

Verify with: NYSED.

Adelphi University College of Nursing

Why spotlighted: Documented programs include BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD in this NurseOnShift guide; confirm current offerings and NCLEX data with the school and NYSED.

Verify with: NYSED.

πŸ” School Finder & Compare

Search by name or city, filter by program and school type, or compare two schools side by side.

Showing New York nursing school guides in this directory

πŸ“Š New York Nursing Schools at a Glance

All 24 New York institutions in our catalog with published NurseOnShift guides. Program tags match each guide’s documented offerings (ADN includes ASN where schools use that label). For NCLEX percentages and cohort years, open the school guide and the New York State Education Department β€” Office of the Professions (Nursing) reports—this hub does not duplicate board tables.

School Programs NCLEX Est. Tuition Type City
Adelphi University College of NursingBSN, MSN, DNP, PhD81.4% traditional line; ASDBS line 23/23 (see NCLEX) (NYSED)$$$$PrivateGarden City
Alfred State College SUNY College of TechnologyADN88.9% first-time (NYSED OP, assoc., 2027 col.) (NYSED)$PublicAlfred
Binghamton University Decker College of NursingBSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD90.8% BSN; 98.8% ASDBS (NYSED table, first-time) (NYSED)$$$PublicBinghamton
Bronx Community CollegeADN, LPN100% first-time RN (NYSED, 11/11, 2027 col.) (NYSED)$PublicBronx
Clinton Community CollegeADN, LPN96.2% first-time (NYSED 2027 column, 25/26) (NYSED)$PublicPlattsburgh
College of Mount Saint Vincent Department of NursingBSN, MSNSee NYSED: Trad. BSN 75% (48/64, 2025); ABSN 78.57% (176/224, 2025) (NYSED)$$$$PrivateBronx
Columbia University School of NursingDNP, PhDNYSED Masters table; MDE page series; confirm via NYSED$$$$PrivateNew York
Daemen University Department of NursingBSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNPNot listed as β€œDaemen” on NYSED RN table reviewed; see partner ADN; confirm via NYSED$$$$PrivateAmherst
Hostos Community CollegeADN, LPNRN 79.5% first-time (NYSED OP); PN 90.0% first-time (NYSED OP) (NYSED)$PublicBronx
Hunter College Hunter-Bellevue School of NursingADN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD87.59% first-time (NYSED BSN, 2025 col.; 127/145) (NYSED)$$$PublicNew York
LaGuardia Community CollegeADN, LPN97.65% first-time RN (NYSED, 83/85, 2025 col.) (NYSED)$PublicLong Island City
Lehman College Department of NursingBSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP85.7% first-time (NYSED BSN, 102/119) (NYSED)$$$PublicBronx
Long Island University Brooklyn School of NursingBSN, MSN69.1% first-time (NYSED BSN table, 2027 column) (NYSED)$$$$PrivateBrooklyn
Molloy University Barbara H. Hagan School of NursingLPN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD86.6% β€œMolloy College” line (317/366) (NYSED)$$$$PrivateRockville Centre
Monroe Community CollegeADN, LPN93.6% first-time (NYSED, 87/93, 2027 col.) (NYSED)$PublicRochester
Nassau Community CollegeADN, LPN, BSN, RN-to-BSN83.5% first-time (NYSED, 121/145, 2027 col.) (NYSED)$$$PublicGarden City
New York University Rory Meyers College of NursingBSN, MSN, DNP, PhD90.8% first-time (NYSED BS, 395/435) (NYSED)$$$$PrivateNew York
Pace University Lienhard School of NursingBSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhDSee NYSED (varies by Pace row/campus); confirm via NYSED$$$$PrivateNew York
St. John Fisher University Wegmans School of NursingBSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP95.35% (2025 baccalaureate line; 164/172) (NYSED)$$$$PrivateRochester
Suffolk County Community CollegeADN, LPN95.6% RN aggregate (SCCC, CY 2025) (NYSED)$PublicSelden
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of NursingBSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP88.18% first-time (NYSED BSN table, 2025 column) (NYSED)$$$PublicBrooklyn
University at Buffalo School of NursingBSN, MSN, DNP, PhDTrad. 98.51% (66/67); ABS 91.53% (54/59)β€”2025 col.; see Β§NCLEX (NYSED)$$$PublicBuffalo
University of Rochester School of NursingBSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD92.95% (2025 bacc.; 145/156) (NYSED)$$$$PrivateRochester
Westchester Community CollegeADN98.04% first-time (NYSED, 50/51, 2025 col.) (NYSED)$PublicValhalla

Tuition symbols are directional only ($ community/ADN-focused, $$$$ typical private BSN)—confirm net price on each school’s site. NCLEX: use the linked guide plus NYSED publications (e.g. annual reports and approved-program documents) for the same period you are comparing.

Compare options, then narrow by location

Use the full 36-school table for a side-by-side snapshot, or jump to metro cards if geography is your first filter. NurseOnShift does not pick a single “best” school for youβ€”verification with NYSED and each institution remains essential.

Browse Schools by Program Type

New York’s nursing programs span four major pathways. Click any school to view its full profile including admission requirements, clinical sites, and accreditation details.

πŸ“‹ ADN Programs β€” Associate Degree in Nursing

Community college route to RN licensure in ~2 years

10 colleges

ADN programs are New York’s most affordable and fastest route to becoming a registered nurse. Offered primarily through the state’s community college system, these 2-year programs include classroom instruction, simulation labs, and clinical rotations at local hospitals and healthcare facilities. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Many ADN nurses subsequently pursue an RN-to-BSN bridge program to advance their careers.

πŸŽ“ BSN Programs β€” Bachelor of Science in Nursing

4-year university degrees with expanded clinical and leadership training

15 schools / BSN+

πŸ”Ό RN-to-BSN, MSN & DNP Bridge Programs

Advance your nursing career β€” often available online

Major RN-BSN & grad hubs

πŸ“ New York Nursing Schools by City & Region

Click a city to filter the school finder above, or browse schools near you.

🧭 How to Choose a Nursing School in New York

Picking the right program depends on your goals, budget, location, and timeline. Here are the six most important factors to evaluate.

1

NCLEX Pass Rate

Look for programs with strong recent first-attempt outcomes and review multi-year trends in New York State Education Department β€” Office of the Professions (Nursing) reports. Many applicants prioritize programs consistently above 90%.

2

Accreditation

Confirm ACEN or CCNE accreditation. This is required for graduate school admission and most employer tuition reimbursement programs.

3

Tuition & Financial Aid

Community college ADN programs cost $5k–$9k total vs $18k–$45k/yr for private BSN programs. Factor in scholarships, FAFSA, and New York’s STARS scholarship.

4

Clinical Partnerships

Schools partnered with major New York health systems and academic medical centers offer richer clinical experiences and often faster job placement.

5

Program Format

Working adults should explore evening/weekend or online-hybrid ADN and RN-to-BSN options. Several New York programs offer flexible scheduling.

6

Career Goals

ADN is sufficient for bedside nursing. If you aim for management, CRNA, NP, or research, plan for a BSN β†’ MSN β†’ DNP/PhD pathway from the start.

πŸ’° Cost of Nursing School in New York

Tuition varies widely by program type and institution. New York community colleges make the ADN one of the most affordable entry points in the Southeast.

Community College ADN

$4,000–$9,000

Total program cost at most New York community colleges. Does not include books (~$1,500), uniforms, and clinical fees. PELL grants and STARS scholarships can eliminate most costs for qualifying students.

Public University BSN

$10,000–$22,000/yr

In-state tuition at New York public universities. Room and board not included. Total 4-year cost typically $40k–$88k.

Private University BSN/MSN

$30,000–$60,000+/yr

Private schools like Samford, Spring Hill, and Oakwood charge higher tuition but often offer significant institutional scholarships that can reduce net cost considerably.

Financial Aid Tips

  • File FAFSA every year β€” nursing students often qualify for federal grants and subsidized loans
  • State and federal grant programs may cover much of community-college tuition for qualifying residents
  • Many New York hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for employed nurses pursuing BSN/MSN
  • The NHSC Scholarship Program offers funding in exchange for service in underserved areas

πŸ“ˆ NCLEX Pass Rates in New York

NCLEX pass rates are the clearest indicator of a nursing program’s effectiveness. Here’s what you need to know about New York’s standards and what to look for.

New York State Education Department β€” Office of the Professions (Nursing) Standards

The New York State Education Department β€” Office of the Professions (Nursing) publishes annual NCLEX performance data that can help applicants compare programs. Rather than relying on a single fixed benchmark, review recent board reports, look for multi-year trends, and compare school-level outcomes with the statewide picture for the same program type.

Pass rates are published annually by the NYSED and are the most objective quality metric available when comparing programs. Always request program-specific pass rate history β€” not just state averages β€” when evaluating schools.

How to benchmark NCLEX responsibly

Many applicants review first-attempt NCLEX-RN pass rates by program and year. Treat any single figure as a snapshot: cohort sizes differ, and rates move over time. Prefer multi-year trends from the board over one headline percentage. Nationally, NCSBN publishes annual NCLEX performance summaries if you want a big-picture comparison.

  • Use the New York State Education Department β€” Office of the Professions (Nursing) site for official program-level disclosures tied to approved nursing education.
  • Cross-check the specific program name, track (ADN vs BSN vs RN-to-BSN), and reporting year in the board document before comparing schools.
  • When a NurseOnShift guide cites a rate, it should name the source and period; if it points you to the board instead, follow that link for the number.

πŸ“š Data References

Official board reports, each linked NurseOnShift New York guide (program lists, schema, and cited school URLs), and national accreditation and exam sources used for this hub.

Important: tuition, fees, accreditation, admissions standards, and program availability change regularly. Always verify current details directly with the school and the New York State Education Department β€” Office of the Professions (Nursing) before publishing or enrolling.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about nursing schools in New York.

The New York State Education Department β€” Office of the Professions (Nursing) approves many nursing education programs statewide. This NurseOnShift hub links to 36 New York institutions we currently profile with full guides, from community-college ADN/LPN ladders through doctoral nursing programs. Always confirm the latest approved-program list with the Board and the school.
Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable entry point, often costing about $4,000–$9,000 in tuition and required program costs. Schools such as Shelton State Community College, Jefferson State Community College, and Bevill State Community College are often considered lower-cost options. Financial aid availability varies by student and school, so verify current tuition, fees, and aid directly with each institution.
Both lead to RN licensure via the NCLEX-RN. However, BSN-prepared nurses typically earn higher salaries, qualify for more positions, and are strongly preferred by Magnet-status hospitals in New York. Many nurses choose the more affordable ADN-first path, then complete an online RN-to-BSN program while working β€” this is a practical and cost-effective strategy in New York.
Focus on programs with strong recent NCLEX outcomes and review multi-year trends in the latest New York State Education Department β€” Office of the Professions (Nursing) reports. Many applicants prioritize schools consistently achieving 90% or above. recent NYSED data in this guide ranges from 50% to 100%, but you should always verify the most recent annual NYSED report and not rely on a single year alone.
Yes. New York universities including Troy University, the University of New York, the University of South New York, and the University of West New York offer online or hybrid RN-to-BSN pathways. Format, pace, and admission requirements vary by school, so confirm whether the current option is fully online, hybrid, or campus-based before applying.
SA

Sid A. Abdala Balal

Medical Content Writer Β· NurseOnShift

Sid A. Abdala Balal develops evidence-based nursing education content for NurseOnShift, specializing in nursing school guides, admissions clarity, and licensure outcome research.

AC

Araceli Collado, RN

Registered Nurse Β· Clinical Reviewer

Araceli reviews all NurseOnShift nursing school content for clinical accuracy, regulatory compliance, and educational relevance. Her review ensures program-level guidance is checked against current New York State Education Department β€” Office of the Professions (Nursing) and official school sources before publication.

This page is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Program information including tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and accreditation status changes regularly. Always verify current data directly with each institution and the New York State Education Department β€” Office of the Professions (Nursing). This content follows our Medical Review Process and Editorial Policy.