Nursing is one of the most respected and in-demand professions in the United States. Every year, thousands of students from across the world apply to nursing schools in the USA to pursue BSN, MSN, or PhD in Nursing degrees. The US healthcare system offers world-class education, advanced simulation labs, and global job opportunities after graduation.
For international students, studying nursing in the USA not only guarantees a high-quality education but also opens doors to lucrative career options and permanent residency (PR) opportunities in healthcare sectors.
In this article, we’ll explore the best nursing schools in the USA for international students, details about admission process, tuition fees, scholarships, and job opportunities in 2025.
Overview of Nursing Education in the USA
The United States offers different levels of nursing programs, depending on your qualification and career goal. Nursing education here emphasizes clinical experience, patient care, research, and leadership.
Types of Nursing Degrees
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 1–2 years after BSN
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) / PhD: 3–5 years
Licensing Exam
After completing a nursing degree, every graduate must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the USA.
Top 10 Nursing Schools in USA for International Students (2025 Ranking)
1. Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (Maryland)
- Ranking: #1 Nursing School in USA (U.S. News 2025)
- Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
- Average Tuition Fees: $45,000 – $52,000 per year
- Highlights: Strong research programs, international collaborations, and high NCLEX pass rate.
- Scholarships: Johns Hopkins Merit Scholarships and Global Health Fellowship.
2. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing)
- Ranking: #2
- Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition Fees: $50,000 – $55,000 per year
- Key Features: Ivy League institution with advanced research and clinical placements.
- Scholarships: Penn Nursing Global Scholarships and Need-Based Aid.
3. Duke University School of Nursing (North Carolina)
- Ranking: #3
- Programs Offered: Accelerated BSN, MSN, and DNP
- Average Tuition: $47,000 per year
- Highlights: Focus on global health nursing and advanced clinical research.
- Scholarships: Duke Global Health Fellowship and Dean’s Scholarship.
4. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing
- Ranking: #4
- Programs Offered: MSN, DNP, PhD in Nursing Science
- Fees: $40,000 – $48,000 per year
- Highlights: Research-based programs and top clinical partnerships with UCSF Medical Center.
- Scholarships: UCSF Graduate Division Fellowship.
5. University of Washington School of Nursing (Seattle)
- Ranking: #5
- Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition: $42,000 per year
- Highlights: Leadership programs and public health nursing.
- Scholarships: UW Nursing Diversity Scholarship and Global Engagement Fund.
6. Yale University School of Nursing (Connecticut)
- Ranking: #6
- Programs: MSN, DNP, and PhD
- Tuition: $49,000 – $53,000 per year
- Highlights: Personalized learning and advanced clinical simulation labs.
- Scholarships: Yale Need-Based Aid and Merit Scholarships.
7. University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Nursing – Chapel Hill
- Ranking: #7
- Programs: BSN, MSN, and DNP
- Fees: $38,000 – $45,000 per year
- Highlights: Focused on leadership in rural and global healthcare.
- Scholarships: Carolina Global Nursing Fund.
8. Columbia University School of Nursing (New York)
- Ranking: #8
- Programs: MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition: $52,000 – $58,000 per year
- Highlights: One of the oldest nursing schools in the US with strong Ivy League credentials.
- Scholarships: Columbia Nursing Global Awards.
9. Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (Georgia)
- Ranking: #9
- Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
- Tuition: $46,000 per year
- Highlights: Excellent for community and global health nursing programs.
- Scholarships: Emory Nursing Leadership Scholarship.
10. New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing (NYU)
- Ranking: #10
- Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD
- Tuition: $49,000 per year
- Highlights: Located in New York City, offers strong internship and clinical placements.
- Scholarships: NYU Global Scholarship Program.
Admission Requirements for International Students
To get into a US nursing school, students must meet certain academic and language requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum 12 years of formal education (for BSN) or Bachelor’s degree (for MSN)
- GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- English Proficiency: IELTS (6.5–7.0) or TOEFL (90+)
- Proof of financial resources
- Valid student visa (F1)
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Resume/CV
- Proof of English proficiency
- Copy of passport
Cost of Studying Nursing in the USA
| Program | Duration | Average Annual Fees (USD) | Total Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSN | 4 years | $35,000 – $55,000 | $140,000 – $220,000 |
| MSN | 2 years | $40,000 – $60,000 | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| DNP / PhD | 3–5 years | $45,000 – $65,000 | $135,000 – $325,000 |
Living Expenses: $10,000 – $20,000 per year (depending on the city)
Popular Scholarships for International Nursing Students
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program – Covers tuition and living costs for international students.
- American Association of University Women (AAUW) Scholarship – For women in nursing and healthcare.
- Johnson & Johnson Nursing Scholarship – Financial aid for talented nursing students.
- Global Health Nursing Fellowship (Johns Hopkins) – Merit-based scholarship for international nurses.
- Nursing Education Trust Fund (UCSF) – Partial tuition support for deserving students.
- Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholarships – For leadership in nursing education and research.
Job Opportunities After Nursing in the USA
After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, international students can work in hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. Some even pursue OPT (Optional Practical Training) or H1B Visa sponsorships for long-term employment.
Popular Job Roles
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Educator
- Public Health Nurse
- Research Nurse
Average Annual Salary (2025 Estimates)
| Role | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $85,000 – $100,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $115,000 – $130,000 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | $105,000 – $120,000 |
| Nurse Educator | $90,000 – $110,000 |
Benefits of Studying Nursing in the USA
- Globally recognized degree
- High employment rate in healthcare
- Modern labs and simulation centers
- Strong clinical exposure
- Options for PR or work visa after graduation
- Scholarships and financial aid opportunities
Top Recruiting Hospitals for Nurses in the USA
- Mayo Clinic (Minnesota)
- Cleveland Clinic (Ohio)
- Johns Hopkins Hospital (Maryland)
- Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston)
- UCLA Medical Center (California)
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (NY)
Conclusion
The United States continues to be the top destination for nursing education due to its high academic standards, global recognition, and excellent career scope. With prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania, and Duke University, international students receive the best training and career opportunities in the healthcare field.
For those seeking a rewarding and respected profession with global job stability, studying nursing in the USA in 2025 is an excellent choice.