Best Nurse Practitioner Program in Every State – 2025 Rankings
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Welcome to our page with the listing of the Best Nurse Practitioner program in every state across the nation.
Nursing Schools listed in our list of “Best Nurse Practitioner Program in Every State” provide students with rigorous high-quality employable nurse practitioner education.
How Did We Rank The Best Nurse Practitioner Program In Every State?
We gathered a list of all nursing schools offering Nurse Practitioner programs in every state and then ranked the Best based on the following three factors:
• Academic Quality (Admissions Rate, Enrollment Rate, Graduation Rate & Retention Rate) – 50% of Overall Score
• Total Number of Nurse Practitioner Concentrations/Specializations Offered by the College – 10% of Overall Score
• NursingProcess.org Editorial Staff Ratings and Nursing School Reputation – 40% of Overall Score
The data required for our rankings was gathered from IPEDs, State Board of Nursing Websites, U.S. News & World Report, Niche, Grad Reports, Rate My Professors, and the official school websites.
FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM IN EVERY STATE FOR 2025
Read on to find out about the best Nurse Practitioner Program nearest to you in this state-by-state roll call.
#1 in Alabama
University Of Alabama At Birmingham - Birmingham
Programs Offered: RN to MSN, MSN, Post-BSN to DNP, Post-MSN-Subspecialty-Options and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate
Counted among the best nurse practitioner programs in Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham can be a good option for those seeking nurse practitioner education in the “Yellowhammer State.” Multiple entry points, several specialization options, and an interdisciplinary learning environment make this NP school a rather popular choice among NP students. Over the years its program graduates, equipped with specialized skills have significantly contributed to Alabama’s health improvement at all levels.
#1 in Alaska
University of Alaska Anchorage - Anchorage
Programs Offered: MS and Graduate Certificate
If you are aiming of becoming a nurse practitioner in Alaska, then at the University of Alaska Anchorage, you can enter either its MSN or post-graduate certificate program. With the convenience of online classes and clinical experiences in your community, here, you can easily juggle nurse practitioner education with a full-time job.
#1 in Arizona
The University Of Arizona - Tucson
Programs Offered: DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate
At the University of Arizona, you can achieve a terminal nursing degree in your chosen NP area of focus. Through a hybrid format, the college prepares you for leadership roles in three in-demand specialties. Also, because of its proximity to the Mexican border, here, culturally competent care is emphasized. Should you enroll in any of its NP tracks, you will leave the college as a culturally competent practitioner who is well-prepared to care for the state’s diverse patient populations.
#1 in Arkansas
University of Central Arkansas - Conway
Programs Offered: BSN to DNP and Post-Master’s Certificate
As a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas’s NP program, you will join the network of its skilled nurse practitioner graduates who are committed to serving the health needs of Arkansas. This NP school trains you in providing the highest level of nursing care to individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. Here, you have two pathways that prepare you for evidence-based care in a variety of primary care settings.
#1 in California
University of California San Francisco - San Francisco
Programs Offered: Master's Entry Program in Nursing, MSN, and Post-Master’s Certificate
University of California San Francisco is one of the best nurse practitioner schools not only in the “Golden State” but also in the nation. Whether you’re a nurse or someone without a nursing background, here you can enroll in either of its three pathways and embark on a successful career as a nurse practitioner. Besides, you can choose from a wide range of concentration options, based on your interests and career goals.
#1 in Colorado
Regis University - Denver
Programs Offered: MSN, Post-BSN to DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate
Do you find your calling in advanced nursing practice? If so, then you may want to consider enrolling in one of the nurse practitioner programs at Regis University. Whether you are passionate about primary care, psychiatric mental health, or neonatal care, here you can enter through multiple entry points and fulfill your career aspirations. Also, because the education is grounded in Catholic values, you will graduate as a holistic care provider who is committed to serving.
#1 in Connecticut
Yale University - New Haven
Programs Offered: MSN and Post Master’s APRN Certificates
As an Ivy League university, Yale not only enjoys a stellar reputation but also being the oldest educational institution in the nation, this school is widely known for producing excellent advanced practice nurses. Furthermore, The U.S. News & World Report ranks Yale’s several nurse practitioner tracks among the best in the country. With two NP pathways and several specializations to choose from, you can achieve NP education in a way that suits you just right.
#1 in Delaware
University Of Delaware - Newark
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate
There aren’t many nurse practitioner programs in Delaware that boast excellent research opportunities in several areas of health. Well, the University Of Delaware’s NP programs not only offer enriching research opportunities but also provide a diverse environment of interprofessional education. The school offers three NP pathways that prepare you for advanced patient care within your chosen population focus.
#1 in Florida
University of Miami - Coral Gables
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate
If you are keen on graduating from one of the best nurse practitioner programs in “The Sunshine State” then you must learn about the University of Miami’s NP education. Here, you can enter through three convenient pathways that lead you to advanced specialization in your area of focus. Regardless of the path you choose, you will be guided by its distinguished faculty that emphasizes evidence-based practice and patient-centric nursing care.
#1 in Georgia
Emory University - Atlanta
Programs Offered: MN to MSN, MSN, and Post-BSN DNP
Emory University’s nurse practitioner programs are ranked among the top in the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report. Designed for students with a BSN, the college offers three entry points with a wide range of specializations, covering adult-gerontology care, primary health care, emergency care, women’s health, and psychiatric mental health. Should you be inclined towards the care of little ones, you can choose also choose to specialize in either neonatal or pediatric care.
#1 in Hawaii
Hawaii Pacific University - Kaneohe
Programs Offered: MSN, RN to MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate
Hawaii Pacific University can be your go-to NP school, especially if you are seeking an interdisciplinary learning environment along with flexible schedule options. Here, you will develop cross-cutting skills by collaborating with students from public health and social work. Also, to meet the needs of working students, this NP school offers the core courses in the evenings and further provides flexibility through part-time and full-time schedule options.
#1 in Idaho
Boise State University - Boise
Programs Offered: MSN and Graduate Certificate
Boise State University is one of the best nurse practitioner schools in Idaho that boasts affordable quality education. Also, the school’s graduates are known to have consistently passed the specialty certification exams with excellent pass rates. Here, you can complete your NP education in adult-gerontology care through two pathways. Upon graduation, you will be able to explore a broad range of employment opportunities in diverse clinical settings.
#1 in Illinois
Rush University - Chicago
Programs Offered: DNP (BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP), Postgraduate Certificate, and Postdoctoral Certificate
Rush University can be on your list if you desire NP education that is based on patient-centric holistic care. The school’s NP programs have earned acclaim for excellence in education, with several of its tracks ranking among the top in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report. Here, although most of the coursework is delivered online, students are provided with ample real-world experiences at various clinical sites in the greater Chicago metropolitan area.
#1 in Indiana
Indiana University-Purdue University (Indianapolis) - Indianapolis
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-MSN Graduate Certificate
Indiana University-Purdue University’s NP programs are ranked in the top 50 nurse practitioner programs in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report. Here, you will be trained under the mentorship of a nationally recognized faculty who actively engage in pathbreaking research projects. With several NP tracks to choose from and classes blending online and offline learning, you can customize your learning experience based on your interest and preferences.
#1 in Iowa
The University of Iowa - Iowa City
Programs Offered: DNP (BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP) and Post-Graduate Certificate
The University of Iowa is counted among the best nurse practitioner schools not only in the “Hawkeye State” but also in the nation, based on the rankings by the U.S. News & World Report. Here, you can earn the terminal nursing degree in your specific NP area of interest as the college offers several single and dual specialization tracks. Regardless of the tack you choose, you will be provided solid support at every step of your journey here, be it through tuition assistance, flexible course offerings, or having a preceptor arranged for your clinical practicum.
#1 in Kansas
The University of Kansas - Kansas City
Programs Offered: Post-BSN DNP and Advanced Practice Clinical Certificate
At the University of Kansas, you will be equipped with specialized advanced practice nursing skills to offer care at the highest level. The college trains you at the doctoral level in three in-demand NP specialties of adult-gerontology, primary care, and psychiatric-mental health. Here, no matter the track you choose, you will be trained in an environment where excellence and innovation are reflected in every aspect of college life. No wonder this NP school is recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.
#1 in Kentucky
Frontier Nursing University - Versailles
Programs Offered: MSN, Post-Master’s DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate
Graduating from one of the top accredited nurse practitioner schools, not only equips you with job-ready skills but also gives you an edge in the employment market. If you are aspiring to complete your NP education in the “Bluegrass State”, then Frontier Nursing University’s NP programs can be your best bet. This NP school offers high-quality education at affordable tuition costs. Also, the 100% online coursework makes it rather feasible to continue working while pursuing your NP training.
#1 in Louisiana
Northwestern State University Of Louisiana - Natchitoches
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate
If you are keen on completing your NP education in Louisiana, then Northwestern State University of Louisiana can be on your shortlist. This NP school offers several NP tracks that prepare you for evidence-based practice in diverse patient-care settings. Also, being the first in the state to offer an MSN, the school’s graduates have significantly contributed to improving health outcomes at all levels in the “Bayou State.”
#1 in Maine
University Of Southern Maine - Portland ( Visit )
Programs Offered: RN to MSN, MSN, and Post-Master's Certificate
Whether you are a nurse prepared with an ADN, a BSN, or someone already holding a graduate nursing degree, University of Southern Maine offers an NP pathway that is right for you. Besides, you can choose from several NP specialties that equip you with specialized skills to offer advanced nursing care within your chosen population focus. This NP school emphasizes clinical training and in addition to completing your practicum locally, you also have the option of completing your clinical experience in another country.
#1 in Maryland
Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore
Programs Offered: DNP ( BSN to DNP and Entry Level MSN to DNP) and Post-Master’s Certificate
Johns Hopkins University’s NP programs are counted among the best nurse practitioner programs not only in Maryland but also in the nation. The school offers three NP pathways and several specialties to help you reach your professional goals. Here, you will be trained for organizational and systems leadership to impact positive change in the healthcare system.
#1 in Massachusetts
Boston College - Chestnut Hill
Programs Offered: RN to DNP, Direct Entry DNP, Post-BSN to DNP, and Post-Master's DNP
No matter where you are in your journey to become a nurse, at Boston College, you will find a path that is right for you. This NP school trains nurses as well as non-nurses with the highest level of clinical expertise in various NP specialties. Here, you will practice clinical skills at some of the prominent healthcare facilities in the greater Boston metropolitan area.
#1 in Michigan
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate
If you aiming to enter one of the best nurse practitioner programs in MI, then you are in the right place. University of Michigan’s NP programs consistently rank among the top in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report. Here, you can choose from a wide range of specialties and decide on a path based on your previous education.
#1 in Minnesota
Saint Catherine University - Saint Paul
Programs Offered: MSN to DNP and Post-Master’s Second Certificate
Are you ready to take your nursing career to the next level? If yes, then Saint Catherine University’s NP education may be an answer to your question. The school offers training that is grounded in Catholic values of social justice and health equity. Regardless of the NP specialty you choose, you will leave the college as a holistic care provider, especially committed to the health improvement of vulnerable and underserved populations.
#1 in Mississippi
The University of Mississippi Medical Center - Jackson
Programs Offered: RN to MSN, MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate
Do you desire to complete your NP education from one of the best nurse practitioner programs in Mississippi? If so, then you may want to learn about the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s NP programs. Here, with four entry points, you also have a wide range of specialization options to choose from. This NP school is not only well-known but is also the only academic health sciences center in the state. Also, because the school has access to four major hospitals, the environment becomes conducive to an enriching learning experience.
#1 in Missouri
Saint Louis University - Saint Louis
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate
At Saint Louis University, you have many NP in-demand specialties to choose from. Also, based on your preference, you can have a part-time or full-time schedule. Besides, here in addition to being mentored by a nationally recognized faculty, you will be assigned an individual mentor who will help you reach your academic as well as professional goals.
#1 in Montana
Montana State University - Bozeman
Programs Offered: BSN to DNP
Montana State University’s NP program is one of the best nurse practitioner programs in the state. This nursing school prepares you to impact change in two main areas of health, including primary care and psychiatric mental health. In addition to extensive clinical opportunities in rural areas, here, you will be provided exciting opportunities to engage in research under the guidance of its expert faculty.
#1 in Nebraska
University Of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha
Programs Offered: MSN, DNP (BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP), and Post-Master's Certificate
The University Of Nebraska Medical Center is known for producing excellent nurse practitioners who actively promote health & well-being and strive toward reducing health disparities in the state of Nebraska. The school offers nurse practitioner education through four paths. Besides, because of the many specialties that it offers, you can choose to specialize in an area of focus, based on your professional goals and interest.
#1 in Nevada
University of Nevada - Orvis School Of Nursing - Reno
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master's certificate
When shortlisting the best nurse practitioner programs in Nevada, you certainly cannot miss out on the University of Nevada - Orvis School of Nursing’s NP programs. A leader in advanced practice nursing education, the college has more than 60 years of experience in training exceptional nurse practitioners. Also, the school is highly ranked for its online NP programs according to the U.S. News & World Report.
#1 in New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire - Durham
Programs Offered: MS and Post-Master's Graduate Certificate
Do you find your calling in advanced practice nursing? If you are ready to take the next step in your nursing career then at University of New Hampshire, you can specialize in three areas, including primary care, adult gerontology acute care, and psychiatric mental health, based on your chosen population focus. This NP school combines well-designed didactic courses with diverse clinical experiences in various rural and urban healthcare settings.
#1 in New Jersey
Rutgers University - Newark
Programs Offered: Post-BSN to DNP and Post-Master's Certificates
If you are aspiring to reach the highest level of nursing practice, then you may want to enroll in one of the nurse practitioner programs at Rutgers University. This NP school equips you with the highest level of nursing skills to improve health and influence nursing practice and policy. Here, the DNP is offered in conjunction with several NP specializations and dual specializations.
#1 in New Mexico
The University of New Mexico - Albuquerque
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master's Certificate
Is graduating from one of the best nurse practitioner schools in New Mexico high on your mind? If so, the University of New Mexico can be a befitting choice. Recognized for its graduate nursing education, the school is ranked among the best nursing schools in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report. Also, the college’s small-sized classes and impressive placement rate make it a rather popular choice among NP students in the state.
#1 in New York
Columbia University - New York
Programs Offered: Master’s Direct Entry, Post-BSN to DNP, and DNP Sub -Specialties
Columbia University prepares you with exceptional skills in advanced practice nursing that prepare you to work in diverse healthcare settings. Whether you find your calling in primary care, adult-gerontology care, pediatric healthcare, or psychiatric mental health, at this school you can choose a path that leads you to a doctorate. Also, if you are someone from a non-nursing background, the college offers a master's direct entry program that trains you for evidence-based practice and culturally competent nursing care.
#1 in North Carolina
Duke University - Durham
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate
Duke University School of Nursing is one of the best nurse practitioner schools in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report. Here, you can choose from the several specialties it offers, based on your preferred area of emphasis. Regardless of what you choose, you will be trained under the mentorship of its expert faculty. Also, this NP school provides ample clinical experiences in its Health System which is known as one of the top healthcare facilities in the country.
#1 in North Dakota
North Dakota State University - Fargo
Programs Offered: BSN to DNP
North Dakota State University stands out among all the other NP schools in the “Peace Garden State” for its impressive pass rates on the NP certification exam. The conducive learning environment and a personalized learning experience through its on-campus classes help NP students in achieving a positive academic outcome. Also, here, the faculty ensures you find a suitable clinical placement based on your individual career goals.
#1 in Ohio
University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate
To enroll in any of the NP tracks at the University of Cincinnati, you have three pathways. Through its MSN and DNP program, the college prepares you for leadership in several in-demand areas of advanced practice nursing. This NP school ranks highly for its online graduate programs as per the U.S. News & World Report. Here, you will join the vast network of skilled graduates who strive toward improving patient outcomes for the state’s diverse populations.
#1 in Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma - Oklahoma City
Programs Offered: BSN to DNP and Post Graduate Certificate
At the University of Oklahoma, to complete your NP education, you can decide on a schedule and a format of learning, based on your convenience. The college offers two entry points through which you will be trained under the mentorship of its diverse and distinguished faculty. Here, you will be provided numerous opportunities to engage in research and real-world experiences at a range of clinical sites.
#1 in Oregon
Oregon Health & Science University - Portland
Programs Offered: BSN to DNP
If you are keen on completing your nurse practitioner from one of the best nurse practitioner schools in Oregon, then you must learn about Oregon Health & Science University. This NP school offers evidence-based and practice-ready training that prepares you with relevant skills in your chosen area of emphasis. Moreover, with a diverse research portfolio that allows you to engage in innovative scholarly activities, the school is also a proud recipient of funding from the NIH.
#1 in Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing - Philadelphia
Programs Offered: MSN, and Post-Master's Certificate
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing offers one of the most well-known nurse practitioner programs in the nation. Here, you can choose from several areas of specialization, including, adult-gerontology, primary care, neonatal care, pediatrics, women’s health, and psychiatric mental health. Regardless of the specialty you choose, you will leave the college with excellent clinical-decision making and management skills.
#1 in Rhode Island
University Of Rhode Island - Kingston
Programs Offered: MSN, Post BS to DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate
The University Of Rhode Island, grooms you to provide advanced nursing care in various types of clinical settings. Whether you are passionate about primary care, mental health, or adult-gerontology care, you will be able to choose from a part-time or full-time schedule and complete your education in your chosen area of interest. Besides being recognized by the U.S. News & World Report for excellence in NP education, this NP school is also one of the top nursing schools to receive generous research funding.
#1 in South Carolina
Anderson University-South Carolina - Anderson
Programs Offered: MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate
Anderson University’s NP programs offer faith-based training that prepares you to provide holistic nursing care. With two sought-after fields, you can either choose to serve in primary care or psychiatric mental health. Here, you will gain an education that is rooted in Christian values of compassion and care. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to take the specialty certification exam, after which you will be prepared to serve as a compassionate and competent nurse practitioner.
#1 in South Dakota
South Dakota State University - Brookings
Programs Offered: MSN, DNP ( BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP ), and Post Graduate Certificate
South Dakota State University’s practice-focused nurse practitioner training takes you through extensive clinical experiences at more than 200 partner sites, locally as well as regionally. The school prepares you to offer specialized care in a variety of primary care settings. Also, should you find your calling in treating mental health patients then here, you can become a psychiatric mental health practitioner by entering either of the four pathways.
#1 in Tennessee
Vanderbilt University - Nashville
Programs Offered: ASN to MSN, BSN to MSN, BSN to DNP, Post-Master's Certificate, and Pre Specialty Entry (Entry with a BA/BS in a field other than nursing)
If you are keen on entering the advanced practice nursing workforce, then Vanderbilt University can help you fulfill your dreams. This NP school stands out for the number of pathways and specialization options it offers to help students meet their academic as well as career goals. Here, whether you have an undergraduate degree or a graduate degree, you will find an NP educational path that is just right for you. Besides, with the excellent training that it provides, you will join its large network of skilled NP graduates who are serving in various healthcare settings, regionally as well as nationally.
#1 in Texas
The University Of Texas at Arlington - Arlington
Programs Offered: RN to MSN, MSN, Accelerated MSN, and Post-Master's Certificates
The University of Texas at Arlington offers one of the best nurse practitioner programs not only in Texas but also in the nation. Also, the school is one of the largest non-profit nursing schools that significantly contributes to the state’s health promotion. If you desire advancement in your nursing career, here, you can enter the NP program through four pathways and choose an area of focus from the many specialties on offer.
#1 in Utah
University of Utah - Salt Lake City
Programs Offered: BS to DNP and Post-APRN Licensure Certificate
The University of Utah can be your go-to NP school, especially if you are looking at completing your nurse practitioner education in the “Beehive State.” The college is not only listed among U.S. News & World Report’s top online graduate programs, but it also ranks high for receiving funding from the NIH. Here, regardless of the specialty you choose from the multiple track options, you can explore several funding opportunities in terms of student traineeships and scholarships.
#1 in Vermont
The University of Vermont - Burlington
Programs Offered: Direct-entry DNP, BSN to DNP, and Postgraduate APRN Certificate
At the University of Vermont, you will be trained to become culturally competent nurse leaders. Counted among the best nurse practitioner programs in Vermont, the college prepares you to offer care at the highest level. The well-rounded curriculum combines clinical experiences in a variety of local health care settings. Based on your interest, you can choose to specialize in either adult-gerontology care or family health care.
#1 in Virginia
University of Virginia - Charlottesville
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate
The University of Virginia offers one of the most sought-after NP programs in the state of Virginia. This NP school is also recognized across the country for the exceptional specialty-based training that it offers. The college provides students with ample opportunities to practice clinical skills at its 700-bed Level 1 trauma center, which is also the state’s number #1 hospital.
#1 in Washington
University of Washington - Seattle
Programs Offered: DNP and Graduate Certificate
Are you keen on gaining specialized nursing skills at the highest possible level? If so, you must consider completing your NP practitioner at the University of Washington. Here you have many NP specializations to choose from that prepare you at the doctoral level. To equip you with job-ready skills, the school provides students with diverse clinical experiences at various partner sites across the state.
#1 in West Virginia
Marshall University - Huntington
Programs Offered: MSN and Post Master’s Certificate
Do you know Marshall University offers one of the most sought-after nurse practitioner programs in West Virginia? As a potential NP student, here you can specialize in two promising fields of primary care and psychiatric mental health. The school’s graduates are prepared to meet employment needs, no wonder the college boasts of a consistently high graduate employment rate.
#1 in Wisconsin
Marquette University - Milwaukee
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate
If you are aspiring to enter Wisconsin’s nurse practitioner workforce, then graduating from one of the best nurse practitioner programs in the state should be high on your priority list. Marquette University offers highly acclaimed NP programs that are known for excellence, leadership, and service. The community-focused curriculum here prepares you to serve the state’s diverse communities.