Top 10 Nursing Schools in America Hardest to Get Into

Dec 19

Admission to elite nursing schools has become extremely competitive. These programs combine top clinical training research prestige and strong hospital affiliations. Acceptance rates stay low. GPA and test score expectations stay high. Below are the ten hardest nursing schools to gain admission to in the United States based on selectivity reputation and outcomes.

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
Johns Hopkins consistently ranks at the top. Acceptance rates often fall below 10 percent. Applicants need near perfect academics strong research experience and clear leadership in healthcare.

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Penn Nursing benefits from Ivy League prestige and access to Penn Medicine. Admissions favor top GPAs strong science backgrounds and compelling clinical goals.

Duke University School of Nursing
Duke attracts applicants nationwide. Accelerated and traditional programs both remain highly selective. Clinical rigor and academic intensity define the program.

Columbia University School of Nursing
Columbia offers direct entry and advanced programs with extremely high standards. New York City clinical exposure adds to demand and competition.

University of California Los Angeles School of Nursing
UCLA combines public affordability with elite status. Acceptance rates stay low due to limited seats and national demand.

University of Michigan School of Nursing
Michigan is known for research strength and leadership training. Admissions prioritize academic excellence and professional maturity.

University of Washington School of Nursing
This program ranks among the best for population health and advanced practice. Selectivity remains high across undergraduate and graduate tracks.

Yale University School of Nursing
Yale focuses on advanced practice and leadership. Small cohorts make admission very competitive.

New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing
NYU draws global applicants. Urban clinical access and strong outcomes keep standards high.

Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
Emory benefits from strong ties to the CDC and major hospitals. Admissions remain highly selective.

Getting into these programs requires more than grades. Successful applicants show clinical exposure leadership service and a clear vision for their nursing careers. These schools shape future nurse leaders educators and practitioners at the highest level.

High value sources

U S News Best Nursing Schools
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools

American Association of Colleges of Nursing
https://www.aacnnursing.org

Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Admissions
https://nursing.jhu.edu

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
https://www.nursing.upenn.edu

Duke University School of Nursing
https://nursing.duke.edu

Columbia University School of Nursing
https://www.nursing.columbia.edu

UCLA School of Nursing
https://nursing.ucla.edu

University of Michigan School of Nursing
https://nursing.umich.edu

Yale School of Nursing
https://nursing.yale.edu

Emory University School of Nursing
https://www.nursing.emory.edu