Best Nursing Schools in Utah for 2023

Nursing Degrees & Schools / Best Schools Utah

Want to start your career with a competitive salary, in a state with super-efficient hospitals and one of the best-performing health systems during the pandemic, according to The Commonwealth Fund? How about skiing in a mountain range where the snow falls light and dry, after a week of intensive study? Learn about the best nursing schools in Utah and make your dreams reality.

Utah’s top nursing programs:

1. University of Utah
2. Brigham Young University
3. Weber State University
4. Westminster College (UT)
5. Joyce University
6. Southern Utah University
7. Utah Tech University
8. Utah Valley University

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1. University of Utah — Score 66.25

NCLEX pass rate: 95%

In-state annual tuition: $9,002

Out-of-state annual tuition: $30,488

The University of Utah offers a bridge program for nursing students from Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), and in addition to the traditional programs, the college provides a minor in Gerontology. The certified nurse-midwifery track in its DNP program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education. The College of Nursing also has various research centers, such as the Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence and the Center of Excellence for Exposure Health Informatics (CEEHI). The university is ranked No. 2 among the best value colleges and universities in Utah.

Online classes: yes

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PGC APRN

Graduation rate: 70%

Programs offered:

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PhD
• Dual DNP-PhD

2. Brigham Young University — Score 65

NCLEX pass rate: 100%

In-state annual tuition: $6,120

Out-of-state annual tuition: $12,240

Accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Brigham Young University offers international study opportunities to countries like Ecuador, Finland and the Czech Republic. In addition to its undergraduate and graduate programs, it offers minors in gerontology and global women’s studies.

Online classes: yes

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• MSN

Graduation rate: 76%

Programs offered:

• BSN
• Family Nurse Practitioner

3. Weber State University — Score 62.50

NCLEX pass rate: 88.43%

In-state annual tuition: $5,471

Out-of-state annual tuition: $16,164

Weber State University’s Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing offers study abroad options to nursing students, and its job placement rate for the ADN program was 85.2% in 2020-2021. Its master’s program was named one of the Best Online Master’s Nursing Programs by Fortune Education in 2022.

Online classes: yes 

The ACEN-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• DNP
• MSN
• ADN

Graduation rate: 42%

Programs offered:

• ADN
• PN to RN
• RN to BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• BSN

4. Westminster College (UT) — Score 55

NCLEX pass rate: 97.30%

In-state annual tuition: $39,832

Out-of-state annual tuition: $39,832

The Westminster College’s DNP in nurse anesthesia program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Programs. In addition, its accelerated master of public health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

Online classes: yes 

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• MSN
• DNP
• PGC APRN

Graduation rate: 65%

Programs offered:

• MSN
• BSN
• DNP

5. Joyce University — Score 55

NCLEX pass rate: 90.14%

In-state annual tuition: $12,544

Out-of-state annual tuition: $12,544

Previously known as Ameritech College, Joyce University’s RN to BSN program has a 94% job placement rate, and it’s accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Its simulation center has a standing structure, with high-fidelity robotic and realistic patient mannequins.

Online classes: yes 

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• MSN

The ACEN accredited program for nursing students is ADN.

Graduation rate: 49%

Programs offered:

• ASN
• BSN
• ABSN
• RN to BSN
• MSN
• DE-MSN

6. Southern Utah University — Score 52.5

NCLEX pass rate: 94.92%

In-state annual tuition: $6,006

Out-of-state annual tuition: $19,822

Rated one of the top public schools by U.S. News & World Report, Southern Utah University provides rich experiences in different settings for its nursing students, including long-term care facilities, home health and hospice and intensive care care units. The institution has a graduate bridge program, in which undergraduates enroll in a graduate program while they are still completing their undergraduate degree.

Online classes: yes 

The CCNE-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN

Graduation rate: 53%

Programs offered:

• BSN
• RN to BSN

7. Utah Tech University — Score 48.75

NCLEX pass rate: 60%

In-state annual tuition: $5,266

Out-of-state annual tuition: $16,836

Utah Tech University is considered one of the best regional colleges in the west by U.S. News & World Report. Its CNA program gives college credit for CNA course work to students. High school students are also eligible for credit through the Concurrent Enrollment courses. In the school’s LPN to RN program, students learn concepts in the first semester as prerequisites to progressing throughout the rest of the course.

Online classes: yes 

The ACEN-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• ADN
• BSN

Graduation rate: 100%

Employment rates:

• ADN: 100% 
• BSN: 93%
• RN-BSN: 100%

Programs offered:

• BSN
• RN-BSN
• CNA
• AASN

8. Utah Valley University — Score 45

NCLEX pass rate: 88%

In-state annual tuition: $5,614

Out-of-state annual tuition: $17,174

Utah Valley University was recognized as one of the best regional universities by U.S. News & World Report. Its NCLEX pass rate was 12% higher than the national average in 2018.

Online classes: yes

The ACEN-accredited programs for nursing students are:

• BSN
• ADN
• MSN

Graduation rate: 38%

Employment rates:

• ASN: 80.5%
• BSN: 90%
• MSN: 60%

Programs offered:

• ASN
• RN to BSN
• MSN

Table

How to choose the right nursing program

Nursing is a popular career choice for high school students because of its flexibility, excitement, and tangible benefits to society. It is tempting to dive in as soon as possible when you dream of becoming a healthcare professional, but it’s important to consider factors such as school ratings and courses offered to choose the right program.

Location

The nursing school location is as crucial as its faculty, ratings and accreditations. Although some courses may be taught 100% online, it’s common that students must attend labs and clinical settings several days per week.

Tuition

Somes schools are more affordable than others. But you can always apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which enables you to get federal loans for college.

NCLEX pass rate

The NCLEX exam ensures that nurses are prepared to work as entry-level workers, so it’s recommended to look for schools that have at least a 90% pass rate. In addition, find out if the program covers a NCLEX prep course with all the disciplines needed for the test, such as management of care, safety and infection control and physiological adaptation.

Programs offered

Know the programs offered in the institution and, preferably, if they are accredited by ACEN, CCNE or regional accrediting agencies. When a program is accredited, it means that it has passed a rigorous evaluation.

Graduation rate

Having a graduation rate of at least 90% likely indicates high-quality support services or guidance, allowing students to complete their degree objectives in the shortest possible time and at the lowest cost.

Next steps

Location, fees, school ratings and programs offered are some of the main criteria necessary to make the best decision when starting your higher education. 

The next step is to know what to do after you graduate, especially in relation to your first steps towards landing a job.

We’ve written an article about the temporary license and the certification processes in Utah. Read it to get off on the right foot as a recent graduate.

In addition, you’ll need to meet the state’s requirements for earning continuing education unit (CEU) credits. Access our free Utah CEU courses to continue your studies after graduation. 

Don’t forget to ask for advice from experienced nurses who are already working in Utah.

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Methodology

In order to determine the best nursing schools in a state, Incredible Health compared the top schools among five categories: graduation rate, tuition, NCLEX pass rate, accreditation, and the number of nursing programs offered.

Each metric was scored on a 100-point scale with 100 representing the highest total for that category. Then we compiled the individual scores to get an overall score.

We used data from: 

• University of Utah
• Brigham Young University
• Weber State University
• Westminster College (UT)
• Joyce University
• Southern Utah University
• Utah Tech University
• Utah Valley University
• Utah Board of Nursing
• U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings