Nursing in USA 2026: Fees, Admission Process, Eligibility, Top Universities & Career Scope
Nursing in USANursing in USA is offered at multiple academic levels, including diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral. The most popular programs are Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). These programs are globally recognized and accredited by reputed bodies like the CCNE and ACEN.
Admission to the nursing universities in USA is based on the academic qualification and entrance exams. To study nursing in USA, you must have completed Class 12 with Biology, Chemistry, and English. Admission to PG nursing programs in USA requires a BSN degree along with relevant clinical experience. In addition to this, you must qualify TEAS or HESI for UG programs. Some PG programs use GRE scores as an entrance test. International students also need to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores.
The average tuition costs for nursing in USA vary between $18,000 and $60,000 per annum, depending on the institution and level of the program. The best nursing institutions in USA include University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, UCSF, and New York University. These institutions are recognized for their excellent clinical training and affiliations with hospitals.
After graduating with a nursing degree in USA, you can practice as a Registered Nurse, ICU Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse, or Clinical Nurse Specialist, earning an average nursing salary in USA between $70,000 and $1,40,000 per annum, depending on the field of specialization.
Studying Nursing in USA is undoubtedly a great decision for all the nursing aspirants worldwide. So, if you are planning to study nursing in USA, this personalized guide of Select Your University helps you from application to successful career outcomes.
Nursing in USA: Key Highlights
Let’s take a quick look at the key highlights of nursing programs in US.
Particulars | Details |
Study Level | Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral levels |
Popular Degrees | BSN and MSN |
Duration |
|
Medium of Teaching | English |
TOEFL/IELTS | Required for non-native English speakers |
Entrance Exam | TEAS, HESI, GRE, etc. |
Top Universities |
|
Average Tuition Fees | $18,000 - $60,000 per year (varies by public/private universities) |
Top Career Roles | RN, Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist |
Average Salary | $80,000 - $120,000 per year |
Job Demand | Very High |
Work Opportunities | Hospitals, clinics, research centers, etc. |
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Why Study Nursing in USA?
The first and the foremost thing that you must know before applying for admission is: why study nursing in USA. Interestingly, there are many advantages of US nursing programs for international students.
Some of the key advantages are:
- You will gain globally recognized and accredited nursing education.
- You will receive hands-on clinical training in hospitals.
- You will have the opportunity to study with the experienced and highly qualified nursing faculty.
- You will acquire knowledge about the advanced medical technology and modern healthcare system.
- You will have the option to study at the top nursing universities worldwide.
- Last but not the least, studying nursing in USA will provide you with exceptional career opportunities afterwards.
Nursing in USA Admission Requirements
Now you know why you should choose the US for your nursing education. The next thing that you must go through is: what are the admission requirements for Nursing in USA?
In this given section, we have provided the admission requirements to study nursing courses in United States of America, including eligibility criteria and documents required.
Nursing in USA Admission: Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for pursuing nursing in US universities vary as per the course levels and universities’ norms. The basic nursing in USA eligibility criteria are:
Criteria | Bachelor’s Program | Master’s Program |
Academic Qualification | High school completion with science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Math) | Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution; RN license preferred |
English Language Proficiency (ELP) |
| |
Entrance Exam | TEAS or HESI | GRE (required by some universities) |
Nursing in USA Admission: Documents Required
You must have the following documents to apply for nursing programs in the United States:
- Academic Certificates
- ELP Test Scores
- Updated CV or Resume (if applicable)
- Letter of Recommendations
- Statement of Purpose
- A Valid Passport
- Financial Proof
- Medical Certification
Top Nursing Courses in USA
Now, after understanding the admission criteria, you should explore the courses offered and the duration required to study nursing in USA.
US universities provide a wide range of nursing programs at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate levels. The programs are offered in English. The popular nursing programs in USA are Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The nursing programs along with their duration are tabulated below.
Course | Duration |
BSN | 4 Years |
MSN | 2-3 Years |
PhD (Nursing) | 3-5 Years |
Nursing in USA: Course Specializations
Some of the most popular nursing specializations you can pursue from Nursing universities in USA include:
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
- Critical Care Nursing
- Emergency Nursing
- Geriatric Nursing
- Obstetric and Gynecologic Nursing
- Community and Public Health Nursing
- Oncology Nursing
- Nursing Administration and Leadership
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Top Nursing Universities in USA
Now, this is the time to find out which university is best to study nursing in USA.
As per the QS World Ranking Report 2025, the United States has proudly stood out in the nursing category with its top universities. This makes studying nursing in USA a highly attractive option. The University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins University secured 2nd and 3rd position in the world.
Here, for your convenience, we have listed down the top-ranked universities for nursing in USA.
Name of the University | QS World Ranking (2025) |
University of Pennsylvania | 2 |
Johns Hopkins University | 3 |
University of Washington | 6 |
Duke University | 7 |
University of North Carolina | 9 |
Columbia University | 11 |
Yale University | 12 |
New York University | 15 |
University of California | =18 |
=18 |
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Nursing in USA: Fees Structure 2026
Here comes one of the most crucial aspects, the cost of studying nursing in USA.
The course fees for nursing programs vary depending on the university and the course level you choose. On an average, the nursing in USA fees range between $20,000 and $60,000 per year.
The annual nursing fees in USA as per the program-level are given below.
Course | Annual Fee |
BSN | $20,000 - $45,000 |
MSN | $25,000 - $60,000 |
PhD (Nursing) | $30,000 - $55,000 |
Note: The fees are subject to change. Kindly check the official website of the respective university for the latest nursing course fees in USA.
Nursing in USA: Admission Intakes
Now that you are familiar with the nursing courses, admission requirements, and application process, the next important step is to understand the intake dates for nursing in USA, so you can plan your application timeline accordingly.
In general there are two main intakes for nursing admission in USA, fall and spring. Some programs are also offered in summer intake. You can check the application timelines of nursing universities in USA through the given table.
Intake | Application Timeline |
Fall Intake (Primary) | February - April (for August start) |
Spring Intake | September - November (for January start) |
Summer Intake | January - March (limited programs) |
How to Apply for Nursing in USA?
As you have known about the universities, admission criteria, and documents required to study nursing in USA, the next step is to apply for admission.
Now, it is the time to choose your preferred university and submit your application. The application process may slightly differ from one university to another. However, the general steps to apply for nursing in USA are mentioned below.
Step 1: Submit Application
You need to submit your application through the official website of the university or through common application portals, if applicable. Make sure to pay the application fee and upload all the required documents before the deadline.
Step 2: Appear for Entrance Exams (If Required)
Some universities require entrance exams such as TEAS or HESI for BSN programs, while GRE may be required for MSN or PhD nursing programs. Prepare well and submit your exam scores as per the university guidelines.
Step 3: Receive Offer Letter
If your application is shortlisted, you will receive an Offer Letter or Letter of Acceptance from the university. Carefully read all the terms and conditions and confirm your acceptance within the given timeline.
Step 4: Apply for US Student Visa (F-1 Visa)
After accepting the offer letter, you must apply for a US Student Visa (F-1). The visa process includes:
- Receiving the I-20 form from the university
- Paying the SEVIS fee
- Scheduling and attending the US visa interview
- Submitting financial and academic documents
Step 5: Prepare for Departure
Once your student visa is approved:
- Arrange accommodation
- Book flights
- Attend pre-departure orientation
- Prepare for classes and clinical training
Application Tip: You have to apply early, keep all documents ready, and track university deadlines to avoid last-minute issues.
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Cost of Living in USA for International Students
You are now confident with the application process, so what next? It is equally important for you to understand the cost of living in USA in addition to the tuition fees for nursing programs in USA. This will help you plan your overall study budget in a better way.
To help you understand better, here we have mentioned the estimated cost of living in USA.
Expense Type | Estimated Cost (per year) |
Accommodation | $10,000 - $20,000 |
Food & Groceries | $4,000 - $6,000 |
Transportation | $1,500 - $4,000 |
Health Insurance | $2,000 - $5,000 |
Miscellaneous | $2,000 - $4,000 |
Total | $20,000 - $40,000 |
Nursing in USA: Career Opportunities
Now, what after completing a Nursing degree in USA?
You can access a wide range of well-paid nursing jobs in United States of America, including staff nurse, ICU nurse, and specialized nurse. To be precise, nursing in USA salary ranges from $70,000 to $140,000 per year, depending on the job role, experience, and location. So, if you are looking for a nursing career in USA, you must qualify the NCLEX examination and then explore such career opportunities..
Study the given table where we have mentioned the popular job roles with their average annual salaries in USA.
Job Role | Annual Salary |
Staff Nurse (RN) | $75,000 - $95,000 |
ICU Nurse | $96,000 - $158,000 |
Pediatric Nurse | $75,000 - $105,000 |
Geriatric Nurse | $72,000 - $95,000 |
Nurse Manager / Coordinator | $95,000 - $130,000 |
Community / Home Care Nurse | $70,000 - $90,000 |
Specialized Nurse | $100,000 - $135,000 |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $110,000 - $140,000 |
Also Check:
Other Nursing Destinations - Quick Reference Links | |
Country/Region | Select Your University Link |
Canada | |
Austalia | |
Sweden | |
UK | |
USA | |
Hungary | |
Georgia | |
Ireland | |
FAQs
Ques. How long does it take to study nursing in USA?
Ans. The duration of nursing courses in USA depends on the program you choose. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) generally takes 4 years to complete. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can be completed in 2-3 years, while a PhD in Nursing usually takes 3-5 years.
Ques. Can international students study nursing in USA?
Ans. Yes, international students can study nursing in USA. They must meet the academic eligibility criteria, submit English language test scores, and apply for an F-1 student visa to pursue nursing courses in the United States.
Ques. What qualifications are required to study nursing in USA?
Ans. To study nursing in USA, students must complete high school with science subjects such as Biology and Chemistry for undergraduate programs. For postgraduate nursing courses, a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) from a recognized institution is required.
Ques. What entrance exams are required for nursing in USA?
Ans. Entrance exam requirements vary by university. TEAS or HESI exams are commonly required for BSN programs, while GRE scores may be required for some MSN and PhD nursing programs in USA.
Ques. How much does it cost to study nursing in USA?
Ans. The cost of studying nursing in USA generally ranges between $18,000 and $60,000 per year. The tuition fees depend on the university, program level, and specialization.
Ques. Which are the best universities for nursing in USA?
Ans. Some of the best universities for nursing in USA include:
- University of Pennsylvania
- Johns Hopkins University
- Duke University
- Yale University
- Columbia University
Ques. Is nursing in USA a good career option?
Ans. Yes, nursing in USA is one of the most in-demand and respected careers. It offers job security, competitive salaries, advanced healthcare exposure, and global career opportunities.
Ques. Can nurses stay and work in USA after graduation?
Ans. Yes, after graduation, nurses can work in USA by passing the NCLEX exam and obtaining a state nursing license. Many graduates also explore long-term work and immigration opportunities in the healthcare sector.