Nursing & Health Degrees
Launch a stable, in-demand career in healthcare.
About Nursing & Health degrees
Nursing and health programs prepare you for one of the most stable and fast-growing fields in the country. From a one-year certificate to a doctorate, there's a path at every level — and many can be started online or at a campus near you.
Because demand for nurses and health professionals continues to outpace supply, graduates often see strong job placement and above-average earnings relative to what they pay for their degree. On this page you'll find real cost and outcome data for the schools that offer these programs.
Nursing & Health by the numbers
280+
Schools offering Nursing & Health
$92,518
Median earnings (top schools)
$30,041
Median net price (top schools)
Figures reflect the top-earning four-year schools for this field, using official U.S. Department of Education data.
Careers in Nursing & Health
Registered Nurse (RN)
Provide and coordinate patient care in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
Nurse Practitioner
An advanced-practice role with graduate training; can diagnose and prescribe in many states.
Health Services Manager
Run departments or facilities, blending clinical knowledge with operations.
Medical & Health Technologist
Run diagnostics, imaging, and lab work that guide treatment.
Degree levels
Fast entry into support roles like Certified Nursing Assistant, often under a year.
A two-year path to becoming a registered nurse and sitting for the NCLEX.
Increasingly the standard for RNs; opens leadership and specialty roles.
Required for nurse practitioners, educators, and administrators.
Top schools for Nursing & Health
See all →University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
- $28,699
- Net price
- 5%
- Admit rate
- 10,650
- Enrolled
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit
- $28,690
- Net price
- 9%
- Admit rate
- 15,995
- Enrolled
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofit
- $41,704
- Net price
- 16%
- Admit rate
- 10,085
- Enrolled
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
- $40,815
- Net price
- 13%
- Admit rate
- 7,569
- Enrolled
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit
- $26,780
- Net price
- 11%
- Admit rate
- 8,818
- Enrolled
Northeastern University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
- $30,915
- Net price
- 5%
- Admit rate
- 17,326
- Enrolled
Nursing & Health — Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a nursing degree?+
Nursing degrees lead to roles like registered nurse, nurse practitioner, clinical educator, and health-services manager. The higher your degree, the more autonomy and specialization you can pursue.
How long does it take to become a registered nurse?+
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) takes about two years and qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) takes about four years and is increasingly preferred by employers.
Can I earn a nursing or health degree online?+
Many health programs — especially RN-to-BSN completions, health administration, and public health — are offered fully or partly online. Hands-on clinical hours are usually completed locally at approved sites.
Is nursing a good career choice financially?+
Nursing is consistently rated among the best value degrees because demand is high and many programs have a relatively low net price compared with graduate earnings. Use the cost and earnings data on each school profile to compare.
What's the difference between an ADN and a BSN?+
Both let you become an RN, but a BSN includes more coursework in leadership, research, and public health, and is required for many advanced or management roles. RN-to-BSN bridge programs let ADN nurses upgrade later.
Do I need a license to work as a nurse?+
Yes. After graduating from an accredited program you must pass the NCLEX exam and meet your state board of nursing's requirements to be licensed.
What is a Nurse Practitioner and how do I become one?+
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced-practice nurse who can diagnose conditions and, in many states, prescribe medication. It requires a graduate degree (MSN or DNP) and national certification.
Which schools are best for nursing?+
The strongest programs combine solid graduation rates, reasonable net price, and strong graduate earnings — plus accreditation. See the ranked list of top schools for this field further up this page.
Should I choose a program with high NCLEX pass rates?+
Yes — a program's NCLEX first-time pass rate is one of the best signals of instructional quality. Ask each school directly, and weigh it alongside cost and graduation data.
Is financial aid available for nursing students?+
Yes. In addition to federal aid via the FAFSA, there are nursing-specific scholarships, loan-forgiveness programs for those who work in shortage areas, and employer tuition assistance at many hospitals.
Can I switch into nursing from another career?+
Accelerated BSN and entry-level master's programs are designed for career changers who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, often finishing in 12–18 months.
What health degrees don't require becoming a nurse?+
Plenty — health administration, public health, medical technology, respiratory therapy, and health information management are all strong non-nursing paths in the field.