For our 2024 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on nearly 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. We evaluated each school on three dimensions:
Our mission at Nursing Schools Almanac is to provide aspiring nurses a detailed, comprehensive, and analytical resource for selecting their future nursing school. An integral part of this effort is our annual rankings of the best nursing schools in the country.
To provide a complete view, we collected a wealth of data on nearly 3,000 nursing schools and campuses nationwide. We then assessed each of these institutions on three critical dimensions.
For our 2024 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on nearly 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. More than 1,800 of the institutions surveyed were public, including community and technical colleges, four-year colleges, and universities. We evaluated each school on three dimensions:
For our 2024 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on nearly 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. More than 1,100 of the institutions surveyed were private, including vocational and career schools, liberal arts colleges, and universities. We evaluated each school on three dimensions:
For our 2024 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on nearly 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. We included the following states within our New England rankings: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. We evaluated each nursing school in the region on three dimensions:
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The all-in cost of education is a critical consideration for any potential nursing school student. Tuition is the largest expense category, and this cost will vary significantly from one institution to another. Most private colleges have higher tuition rates than public schools at in-state costs. Community colleges are frequently the least expensive option, although their program offerings are limited to two-year associate's degrees and shorter-length certificates. In this vein, program length is also an important driver of the all-in cost -- not only bachelor's vs. associate's vs.
Private schools are traditional colleges and universities that offer a range of one-year certificate, two-year associate's degree, and four-year bachelor’s degree programs. Some also offer postgraduate studies as well. Private universities do not receive subsidies from state governments, so their tuition is generally higher than public universities. However, they offer many benefits that public universities cannot. For instance, class sizes are typically smaller at private colleges.
Public colleges and universities include both two-year community colleges and traditional four-year colleges. Two-year institutions grant certificates and associate's degrees. Four-year colleges offer bachelor’s degree programs, and most public universities provide graduate coursework as well. These schools receive state government funding to offset their operational costs. Though they still charge tuition, in-state (or in-county) residents will pay less to attend a public college or university than a private institution.
Before you balk at the tuition of Hawaii's most expensive universities, bear in mind that students pay roughly half of list price on average due to various grants and financial aid. Other expenses can add up quickly, however, so it's best to have a full view of the financial costs ahead of time.
Looking for the most elite universities in Hawaii? When you're paying significant money for your education, there is no point in settling for less. Private universities are in business to excel. Many are supported by alumni and other private donors, and they work hard to maintain their high standards and reputations. After all, the prestige of these universities is why students knock on their doors in the first place.
US public, or state, universities are usually seated on large campuses, and for good reason. If the whole state could receive a good education within its borders, state universities would consider their mission accomplished. Local state or county residents, who often fund these colleges with their tax dollars, have first preference during the admissions process and a lower tuition bill.
Hawaii offers a variety of educational options for either entering the nursing profession or furthering your pursuits within the field. For existing nurses who'd like to earn a higher salary, both the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University offer master's degrees and doctoral programs which prepare graduates to practice as one of the state's 200 nurse practitioners. NPs in Hawaii earn an average salary of $103,000 per year.
Choosing to attend post-secondary school for nursing is a major decision, and it requires being financially prepared for your program of study's full duration. There are many different expenses to consider when attending a college or university nursing program. Aside from tuition and enrollment fees, students must also fund expenses for books, room and board, food, school supplies, and other living expenses.
Private colleges and universities can be a good choice for any student who wants to become a nurse. Private schools offer one-year, two-year, and four-year program options, and these private institutions often carry more prestige than their public counterparts. While private schools tend to be a bit more expensive, students receive the benefit of smaller class sizes and more opportunities for hands-on learning. Connecticut has over 20 private college and university campuses with nursing programs of study.
Many nursing students can save money by attending a public college or university instead of enrolling in a private school. Public colleges and universities operate under the supervision of a state government and are typically funded by tax dollars and state subsidies. This enables them to have more affordable tuition and enrollment fees, especially for in-state students. The state of Connecticut is home to over 15 public institutions that offer nursing degree and/or certificate programs.