Here are 11 hidden gem nursing programs to check out:

Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX - Abilene Christian University's faith-based nursing program emphasizes compassionate care and prepares graduates to serve their communities with a strong foundation in clinical skills and spiritual values. Students may serve as research assistants to nursing faculty or conduct faculty-guided research as part of ACU’s Pursuit program.

Appalachian State, Boone, NC - Appalachian State's nursing program offers a hands-on, community-based education emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural competence, and innovation, preparing graduates to be leaders in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Belmont University, Nashville, TN - Belmont’s nursing program boasts a 90% NCLEX pass rate, small class sizes, and state-of-the-art facilities with a nursing simulation lab. 

Seattle University, Seattle, WA - Right in the heart of the city near several major medical centers, Seattle University’s nursing program gives students the opportunity to learn in a 20,000-square-foot clinical laboratory. The BSN program emphasizes social justice and a commitment to care for diverse populations.

University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK - University of Tulsa's nursing program stands out for its commitment to clinical education and strong relationship with local health care providers. Students begin clinical experiences during the spring semester of their sophomore year. This gives students five semesters to develop their clinical skills.

University of Portland, Portland, OR - The University of Portland boasts Oregon’s first and only fully accredited simulated health center and uses trained medical actors using wearable technology that simulates complex medical conditions to help students learn.

University of Tampa, Tampa, FL -  University of Tampa's NCLEX passage rate for the past five years is 95%, continuing to surpass national and state trends. Students interested in a global experience may enjoy ​​the program’s annual travel courses to various destinations like Ghana, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic.

Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO -  Saint Louis University’s Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing provides students with a well-rounded liberal arts background along with their nursing major. In 2020, 91% of its graduates passed the NCLEX on their first try. 

Samford University, Birmingham, AL - Samford’s Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing offers excellent clinical opportunities in all major healthcare facilities in the metro Birmingham area, and study abroad options include medical mission trips.

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH - University of Cincinnati undergraduate co-op program means nursing students benefit from personal and professional growth opportunities through one-on-one mentoring from experienced nurses in various clinical settings. Simulation labs support competency-based learning in a variety of patient scenarios.

Concordia University, Austin, TX - Concordia might appeal to students who will thrive in a small, close-knit, faith-based community where they receive a lot of personal attention. 

These are just some of the hidden gem nursing programs across the country. If you’d like to search for other programs, we recommend visiting the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education website to find other accredited programs.