A public college or university is primarily funded by taxes and subsidies from the state government. There are many benefits to attending a public college or university. Perhaps the biggest draw is the considerably lower tuition costs for in-state residents compared to private schools, which depend mainly on tuition and private donors for funding. In addition, public colleges and universities tend to be less selective in admitting students than their private counterparts, making them more accessible.

A master of science in nursing (MSN) is one of the best degree options for professional nurses looking to advance their careers. While a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree can certainly open some doors on its own, an MSN is preferred by hospitals, universities, and other medical facilities seeking skilled administrators, educators, and managers. Top colleges and universities typically offer the best MSN programs, and they usually require 18-24 months to complete.

Students pursuing higher education in nursing must be fully informed of all costs associated with attendance. Different schools charge different tuition rates, vary in local cost of living, offer a variety of grants and financial aid options, and provide different lengths of nursing programs. Altogether, these characteristics determine the total cost of attending a nursing program at a specific school. Grand Canyon University, for example, is a private university that prides itself on extensive hands-on training while remaining one of the most affordable universities in New Mexico.

For our 2024 rankings of prelicensure BSN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of bachelor’s degree programs.

When you are considering whether or not to attend a particular nursing program, it is always important to consider the twin questions of prestige and class size. It is here that private colleges shine.

Prestige, of course, means that the degree you earn will be more recognizable and more highly regarded. In practice, this may provide you an advantage in the job market, since employers are always looking for candidates whom they can trust to do an outstanding job from day one.