Nursing School & University Rankings 2012

Because not every college offers nursing programs, general college rankings lists may not come in handy if you want to pursue this career path. College rankings are important to help you learn more about the schools you’re considering. So, what lists are best for those interested in nursing degrees?

US News Rankings

One of the best resources for college rankings is US News and World Report. They compile a general list every year of the best colleges in America, but what many people do not know is that they also compile a list of most specialized colleges. This includes a list of the best nursing graduate school in the United States. You can further search their listings by choosing your nursing specialty. They have lists for nursing service administration, family nursing, adult nursing, pediatric nursing, geriatric nursing, surgical nursing, and psychiatric nursing.

National Institute of Health Rankings

Along with the rankings by US News, the National Institute of Health, or NIH, is one of the most prominent organizations offering college rankings for nursing students. Their rankings reflect which schools have been given the most funding by the NIH, which is determined through an unbiased peer review process. The schools that receive the most funding from the NIH are those that are making the biggest strides in the medical world, so these are the best schools to attend if you want a competitive, technologically advanced program with the best professors and teaching aids. However, it is important to remember that these programs also typically have the highest standards for students, so acceptance rates are lower.

OEDb Rankings

If you’re interested in an online nursing program, check out the rankings compiled annually by Online Education Database (OEDb). This website reviews all accredited online schools, and their list takes into account a number of factors, such as class size, acceptance rate, financial aid available to students, graduation rate, and how long the school has been accredited. They only include programs where are least 50% of the degrees are give to online students.

StudentReview.com Rankings

An interesting rankings list that you should consider is the one compiled on an ongoing basis by StudentReview.com. This website surveys students who are attending schools, and by selecting “nursing” from the majors option, you can get a feel for what current and recent students think of their respective programs. You can also create a customized list by ranking the factors that are most important to you, as well as review the general list which considers all of the characteristics of the school.

General lists that include schools regardless of type of program can also help you make your final decision. Beyond looking at rankings lists, you should also visit each school you’re considering to get a feel for the campus and educational atmosphere. Sit in on some classes, talk to professors, and ask current students how they feel about the nursing program. Weigh all of these factors when you are deciding where to apply. Remember, the top school on any given rankings list isn’t necessarily the best school for you.

The Top Online Universities in America

The Internet has revolutionized education so that now you can earn a degree entirely online from the comfort of your home. This is perfect for working professionals or anyone who wants to get ahead in a career without having to go to a physical campus everyday. Use the list of top schools below or the search form to find the right school for you.

	The University of Phoenix is world-renowned for being the largest online university. Phoenix boasts dozens of different degrees at all levels that students can choose from. In the last four years alone, the university produced 80,000 graduates in high-demand fields as nursing, health care, teaching and IT. In addition to its online access, the school has campus locations within 10 miles of 87 million Americans. Learn More About University of Phoenix
	In addition to a host of options for students needing to transfer existing bachelor's and master's coursework into one of its more-than three dozen degree programs, Post University also welcomes military personnel to join its student body. Post offers detailed opportunities for veterans, those participating in active duty, as well as military dependent students. Learn More About Post University
	Kaplan is organized into ten different academic schools, including Arts & Sciences, Business, Criminal Justice, Education, Health Sciences, IS & Technology, Legal Studies, Nursing, Continuing Education, and Concord Law School. All told, Kaplan offers more than 125 degrees and programs both off- and online, with more than 70 campus-based locations nationwide. Learn More About Kaplan University
	Ashford is a private liberal arts university based in Clinton, Iowa. But thanks to the World Wide Web, students from all over the world can access their online coursework. Originally founded in 1918 as Mount St. Clare College, Ashford has Catholic roots and today its NAIA-level athletic teams are known as The Saints, which compete in the Midwest Collegiate Conference in over a dozen sports. Learn More About Ashford University
	Liberty University has the reputation of being the largest online evangelical Christian university in the nation. Founded in 1971 by the late Reverend Jerry Falwell, Liberty's original name was Lynchburg Baptist College. Liberty obtained university status in 1984. In athletics, Liberty is a member of the Big South Conference for 18 sports, including football, hockey, and basketball. Academically, Liberty offers majors in over 70 subjects, including aeronautics, business, nursing, and more. Learn More About Liberty University
	For students looking for flexible and affordable online education, Walden University offers both. As a leading accredited online university for more than 40 years, Walden has more than 42,500 students, from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Nearly 85 percent of Walden students are satisfied with their university, and would be likely to recommend Walden to others. Learn More About Walden University
	DeVry has dozens of campuses nationwide and delivers its coursework via the Web to thousands of online students studying for their degrees. At DeVry University, all degree programs are career-focused to ensure that proper training is given to students pursuing a specific job or career path. Learn More About DeVry University
	American InterContinental University, also known as AIU, is a private school accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Founded in 1970 as the American College of Applied Arts, AIU today has seven campuses in the US and UK and runs its online program out of its Chicago offices. AIU offers degree programs in several subjects, including healthcare, business, education, criminal justice, and more. Learn More About American InterContinental University
	Founded in 1839, Boston University is one of the oldest and most trusted universities that offers online education. At Boston Online, students can study liberal arts, business, science, criminal justice, health, music, nursing, and more to become well-rounded and productive individuals. Moreover, online programs offer a better sense of flexibility and convenience. Learn More About Boston University
	Capella University was founded in 1991 by Stephen Shank, the former CEO of Tonka, who felt that working adults were underserved by traditional brick-and-mortar universities. While their offices are located in downtown Minneapolis, being an online university, the majority of learning takes place outside of campus and instead via the Internet. Their motto: "Knowledge is solving problems no one else can." Learn More About Capella University
	In 1892, S. Irving Strayer founded Strayer's Business College. Today, this is known as Strayer University and has over 70 non-residential campuses with more than 50,000 students nationwide. Strayer is highly regarded as producing as many students with computer science degrees as any other school in the country. Learn More About Strayer University
	Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 as Grand Canyon College, an Arizona Southern Baptist school. (It reached university status in 1989.) Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, GCU is typically featured among the Top 10 online colleges as ranked by The Online Education Database (OEDb). Learn More About Grand Canyon University