Nursing school is intense. Exams, clinicals, late-night study sessions—everything leads up to one final test: the NCLEX. This exam isn’t just another school test. It decides whether a nursing graduate gets licensed or has to retake the exam and try again.
So, what nursing school has the highest NCLEX pass rate? Some schools boast nearly 100% success rates, while others struggle to get their graduates past the exam. A high pass rate doesn’t happen by chance. The best programs prepare students thoroughly, train them to think critically, and make sure they are more than ready for the test.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) reports that the national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated nurses sits around 79%. Some nursing schools, however, far exceed that number—regularly hitting 95% or higher.
Let’s look at the schools with the highest pass rates, what makes them different, and how you can pick a program that sets you up for success.
What Nursing School Has the Highest NCLEX Pass Rate?
Some schools consistently rank at the top, producing graduates who pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN on the first try.
The Current Top NCLEX Pass Rate Schools
Recent reports highlight these nursing schools as some of the best in terms of NCLEX pass rates:
- University of Pennsylvania – High pass rates year after year, often reaching 98% or higher.
- Johns Hopkins University – This elite program provides top-tier training, resulting in pass rates around 97%.
- Duke University – Strong emphasis on research and critical thinking keeps pass rates between 95-98%.
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) – A rigorous curriculum and strong clinical training lead to 96% pass rates.
- Emory University – Well-rounded education and clinical exposure help students achieve 97-99% pass rates.
These schools consistently rank high because they offer structured NCLEX prep, intensive hands-on training, and strong academic support.
Why Do Some Nursing Schools Have Higher NCLEX Pass Rates?
Not all nursing programs are created equal. The schools with high NCLEX pass rates focus on a few key areas that make all the difference.
Rigorous Curriculum and Strong Faculty
- The best nursing programs structure their curriculum to match NCLEX test content. Every course builds critical thinking, prioritization, and real-world problem-solving skills.
- Faculty members are experienced nurses, not just professors. Many have worked in hospitals, ICUs, and emergency rooms. They know how nursing works beyond the textbooks.
- Top programs adjust their curriculum as the NCLEX evolves, ensuring students always prepare for the latest version of the exam.
NCLEX-Focused Test Preparation
- Schools with high pass rates don’t wait until the final semester to introduce NCLEX prep. They incorporate practice exams throughout the entire program.
- Some schools require students to pass a predictor exam before allowing them to graduate. This ensures students take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN only when they are truly ready.
- Many programs provide access to question banks, review courses, and faculty-led study groups to reinforce test-taking strategies.
Hands-On Clinical Experience
- Real-world experience matters. The more exposure students get to patient care, the better they understand NCLEX questions in a clinical context.
- Top schools partner with high-ranking hospitals to give students more clinical hours and experience with a variety of patient conditions.
- Many programs use simulation labs to mimic real-life emergencies and patient scenarios, so students learn how to think quickly and make safe decisions under pressure.
How to Choose a Nursing School With a High NCLEX Pass Rate
Choosing a nursing school isn’t just about rankings. A high NCLEX pass rate is important, but it’s not the only factor to consider.
Check the Most Recent NCLEX Pass Rate Data
- Look for official NCLEX pass rate reports from state nursing boards or school websites.
- A strong school will have a pass rate above 90%. Schools that dip below 80% might not be preparing students well enough.
Evaluate NCLEX Prep Support
- The best schools provide structured NCLEX preparation for throughout the nursing program.
- Look for programs that offer:
- NCLEX-style exams each semester
- Practice question banks and predictor tests
- One-on-one tutoring and study groups
Consider Clinical Training Opportunities
- Schools with strong hospital partnerships provide students with better hands-on learning.
- More clinical hours mean better preparation for real-world nursing.
Does a High NCLEX Pass Rate Mean a Better School?
A high pass rate is a good sign, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Some schools artificially boost their numbers by screening students before they take the NCLEX.
What Else Matters Besides Pass Rate?
- Accreditation – Make sure the program is accredited by CCNE or ACEN.
- Job Placement Rates – A high NCLEX pass rate should lead to strong employment numbers.
- Tuition and Financial Aid – Private schools can be expensive, but public universities often offer excellent nursing programs at lower costs.
The Role of NCLEX Test Prep in Nursing Schools
NCLEX pass rates reflect how well schools prepare students for the exam. Programs with structured test prep often produce better results.
Common NCLEX Prep Strategies in Top Nursing Schools
NCLEX pass rates reflect how well schools prepare students for the exam. Programs that focus on structured test prep, real-world application, and critical thinking often produce better results.
- NCLEX Boot Camps: Some nursing schools provide intensive review sessions before graduation, focusing on test-taking strategies, high-yield topics, and NCLEX-style questions to ensure students feel confident and well-prepared for the exam.
- Adaptive Learning Platforms: Programs like UWorld, Kaplan, Hurst, and MedLife Mastery help students develop test-taking skills, identify weak areas, and practice NCLEX-style questions with detailed explanations, improving critical thinking and boosting exam confidence.
- Comprehensive Exit Exams: Many nursing schools require students to pass an NCLEX predictor exam before graduation, ensuring they have mastered key concepts, can apply clinical judgment, and are fully ready for the licensing exam.
- Get Your Free NCLEX Cheatsheets for Smarter Studying: Struggling to organize all the information you need for the NCLEX? Our free NCLEX Cheatsheets break down must-know concepts, test-taking strategies, and key topics in an easy-to-review format.
Schools that take NCLEX preparation seriously provide students with a higher likelihood of passing on the first try, ensuring they enter the nursing field fully prepared and confident.
How to Increase Your Chances of Passing the NCLEX
Choosing a school with a high pass rate is smart, but success still depends on how well you prepare. Even students from top programs fail if they don’t study the right way. If you want to pass on the first try, you need a strategy.
Master NCLEX-Style Questions Early
- The NCLEX isn’t like a regular test. It doesn’t just check if you know facts—it tests how you think as a nurse.
- Many questions are written in a way that makes multiple answers seem correct, but only one is the best choice. The key is to focus on priority, safety, and critical
- The sooner you get comfortable with NCLEX-style questions, the easier test day will feel. Use question banks throughout nursing school, not just at the end.
- Some top nursing programs require students to complete thousands of NCLEX practice questions, before graduation. Even if your school doesn’t, set a goal to complete at least 100 questions per week.
Use the NCLEX Test Plan to Guide Your Studies
- The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides an official NCLEX test plan, outlining exactly what topics appear on the exam.
- Focus your study time on high-priority topics like infection control, safety, delegation, pharmacology, and patient education.
- Some nursing schools with high NCLEX pass rates structure their curriculum around the test plan, making sure students focus on what matters most.
Passing the NCLEX isn’t just about choosing the right school—it’s about having the right strategy. Subscribe to our NCLEX Daily Dose Emails and receive daily expert tips, test-taking strategies, and practice questions straight to your inbox. Start preparing smarter today!
Best Study Methods for NCLEX Success
Acing the NCLEX isn’t about studying harder—it’s about studying smarter. Some methods work better than others.
Teach the Material to Someone Else
- One of the best ways to cement information in your brain is to teach it to someone else.
- Join a study group, tutor a fellow student, or even explain concepts out loud to yourself. If you can teach a topic without notes, you truly understand it.
Simulate Real NCLEX Conditions
- Many test-takers struggle with time management because they haven’t practiced under exam conditions.
- Take full-length, timed practice tests to train your brain for long testing sessions.
- If possible, use a testing environment similar to the real NCLEX a quiet room, a computer, and no distractions.
Prioritize Sleep, Nutrition, and Stress Management
- Nursing students tend to overload themselves, but burnout hurts performance.
- Sleep is essential for memory. If you stay up cramming, your brain won’t retain the information well.
- A balanced diet and exercise help with concentration and mental clarity, making study sessions more effective.
- Top nursing schools with high NCLEX pass rates emphasize self-care because they know that healthy students perform better.
Final Thoughts on What Nursing School Has the Highest NCLEX Pass Rate
So, what nursing school has the highest NCLEX pass rate? Schools like University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, Duke, UCSF, and Emory consistently report 95-100% pass rates, proving they know how to prepare students for success.
But choosing a nursing school isn’t just about pass rates. The best program for you depends on the quality of education, clinical experience, and NCLEX prep support. A high pass rate is a great indicator, but real-world training and faculty support matter just as much.
If you want to pass the NCLEX on the first try, look for a school that
combines strong academics, hands-on experience, and structured test prep. A great program doesn’t just help students pass an exam—it
prepares them for a lifelong career in nursing.
