For our 2024 rankings of prelicensure BSN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of bachelor’s degree programs.
We used our database to calculate each program’s NCLEX-RN pass rate among first-time test-takers. This is the standard program assessment metric reported by the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions, as well as by the test’s administrator, Pearson Vue. Whenever possible, we calculated this first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate over an extensive period of time, typically the past decade of student performance. We then used this metric to rank all of New York’s prelicensure BSN programs accordingly.
#1: University at Buffalo
97.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate12 Capen Hall
Buffalo, New York 14260
https://www.buffalo.edu97.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Accelerated Second Degree BSN
Average of 41 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2017 through 2021
#2: Farmingdale State College
94.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate2350 Broadhollow Road
Farmingdale, New York 11735
https://www.farmingdale.edu94.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 36 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#3: Iona College
94.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate171 White Plains Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
https://www.iona.edu94.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (includes historical data for Concordia College New York)
Average of 50 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#4: Pace University - Westchester
94.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate861 Bedford Road
Pleasantville, New York 10570
https://www.pace.edu94.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Accelerated Second Degree BSN
Average of 27 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2015 through 2021
#5: St. John Fisher College
93.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate3690 East Avenue
Rochester, New York 14618
https://www.sjfc.edu93.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 162 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#6: Stony Brook University
92.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate310 Administration Building
Stony Brook, New York 11794
https://www.stonybrook.edu92.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 148 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#7: SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
92.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate450 Clarkson Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11203
https://www.downstate.edu92.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Accelerated Second Degree BSN
Average of 66 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021#8: University at Buffalo
91.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate12 Capen Hall
Buffalo, New York 14260
https://www.buffalo.edu91.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 99 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#9: University of Rochester
91.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate500 Joseph C Wilson Boulevard
Rochester, New York 14627
https://www.rochester.edu91.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 182 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#10: Utica University
90.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate1600 Burrstone Road
Utica, New York 13502
https://www.utica.edu90.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 79 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2014 through 2021
#11: SUNY Plattsburgh
89.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, New York 12901
https://www.plattsburgh.edu89.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 46 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#12: Hunter College
89.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate695 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10065
https://www.hunter.cuny.edu89.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 120 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#13: Wagner College
89.2% first-time NCLEX pass rateOne Campus Road
Staten Island, New York 10301
https://www.wagner.edu89.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 101 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021#14: Pace University - Westchester
89.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate861 Bedford Road
Pleasantville, New York 10570
https://www.pace.edu89.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 114 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#15: SUNY Brockport
88.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate350 New Campus Drive
Brockport, New York 14420
https://www.brockport.edu88.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 95 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#16: York College
88.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate94-20 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard
Jamaica, New York 11451
https://www.york.cuny.edu88.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 30 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2014 through 2021
#17: New York University
87.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate70 Washington Square South
New York, New York 10012
https://www.nyu.edu87.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Accelerated Second Degree BSN
Average of 12 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2014 through 2021#18: New York University
87.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate70 Washington Square South
New York, New York 10012
https://www.nyu.edu87.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 411 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#19: Binghamton University
86.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate4400 Vestal Parkway East
Binghamton, New York 13902
https://www.binghamton.edu86.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 166 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#20: Molloy College
86.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate1000 Hempstead Avenue
Rockville Centre, New York 11571
https://www.molloy.edu86.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 333 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#21: Hartwick College
86.5% first-time NCLEX pass rateOne Hartwick Drive
Oneonta, New York 13820
https://www.hartwick.edu86.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 43 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#22: Mount Saint Mary College
86.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate330 Powell Avenue
Newburgh, New York 12550
https://www.msmc.edu86.1% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 132 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#23: Nazareth College
85.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate4245 East Avenue
Rochester, New York 14618
https://www.naz.edu85.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 41 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#24: Russell Sage College
81.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate65 First Street
Troy, New York 12180
https://www.sage.edu81.7% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 70 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021#25: Utica University
81.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate1600 Burrstone Road
Utica, New York 13502
https://www.utica.edu81.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 47 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#26: Pace University - New York City
80.9% first-time NCLEX pass rateOne Pace Plaza
New York, New York 10038
https://www.pace.edu80.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Accelerated Second Degree BSN
Average of 32 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2015 through 2021
#27: Roberts Wesleyan College
80.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate2301 Westside Drive
Rochester, New York 14624
https://www.roberts.edu80.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 44 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#28: Touro College
80.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate902 Quentin Road, Third Floor
Brooklyn, New York 11223
https://shs.touro.edu80.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 11 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2015 through 2021
#29: St. Joseph's College - Long Island
79.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate155 West Roe Boulevard
Patchogue, New York 11772
https://www.sjcny.edu79.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 41 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2019 through 2021
#30: Lehman College
79.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate250 Bedford Park Boulevard West
Bronx, New York 10468
https://www.lehman.cuny.edu79.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 92 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#31: Nyack College
78.9% first-time NCLEX pass rateOne South Boulevard
Nyack, New York 10960
https://www.nyack.edu78.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 19 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2013 through 2021
#32: D'Youville College
78.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate320 Porter Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14201
https://www.dyc.edu78.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 136 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#33: Niagara University
78.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate5795 Lewiston Road
Niagara University, New York 14109
https://www.niagara.edu78.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 18 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2013 through 2020
#34: Elmira College
77.9% first-time NCLEX pass rateOne Park Place
Elmira, New York 14901
https://www.elmira.edu77.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 49 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#35: Phillips School of Nursing
77.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate148 East 126th Street
New York, New York 10035
https://www.mountsinai.org/locations/beth-israel/pson77.6% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 53 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2018 through 2021
#36: Adelphi University
76.3% first-time NCLEX pass rateOne South Avenue
Garden City, New York 11530
https://www.adelphi.edu76.3% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 346 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#37: LIU Brooklyn
74.5% first-time NCLEX pass rateOne University Plaza
Brooklyn, New York 11201
https://www.liu.edu/brooklyn74.5% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 248 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#38: Excelsior University
74.2% first-time NCLEX pass rateSeven Columbia Circle
Albany, New York 12203
https://www.excelsior.edu74.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
LPN-to-BSN Bridge Program
Average of 6 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#39: New York Institute of Technology
73.9% first-time NCLEX pass rateTwo Northern Boulevard
Old Westbury, New York 11568
https://www.nyit.edu73.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 45 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#40: Dominican University New York
71.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate470 Western Highway
Orangeburg, New York 10962
https://www.duny.edu71.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 87 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#41: St. Joseph's College - Brooklyn
70.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate245 Clinton Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11205
https://www.sjcny.edu70.9% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 16 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2017 through 2021#42: Niagara University
68.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate5795 Lewiston Road
Niagara University, New York 14109
https://www.niagara.edu68.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 38 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2015 through 2021
#43: Mercy College
68.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate555 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry, New York 10522
https://www.mercy.edu68.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 164 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#44: College of Mount Saint Vincent
66.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate6301 Riverdale Avenue
Bronx, New York 10471
https://www.mountsaintvincent.edu66.0% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 155 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2012 through 2021
#45: LIU Post
62.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate720 Northern Boulevard
Brookville, New York 11548
https://www.liu.edu/post62.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 58 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2019 through 2021
#46: St. Francis College
59.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate180 Remsen Street
Brooklyn Heights, New York 11201
https://www.sfc.edu59.4% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 40 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2017 through 2021#47: Niagara University
58.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate5795 Lewiston Road
Niagara University, New York 14109
https://www.niagara.edu58.2% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Accelerated Second Degree BSN
Average of 10 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2015 through 2021#48: Mercy College
54.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate555 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry, New York 10522
https://www.mercy.edu54.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing
Average of 61 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2016 through 2021
#49: Mercy College - Bronx
46.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate1200 Waters Place
Bronx, New York 10461
https://www.mercy.edu46.8% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Average of 94 students graduated per year
Data analyzed from 2021 through 2021