Bachelor’s in nursing program ranks best in Idaho for the third year running

For the third year in a row, U.S. News and World Report ranked Boise State as the #1 on-campus bachelor's of science in nursing program in Idaho. The program is in the nation's top 100, this year reaching #74 in the recently released 2026 rankings.

"We are grateful to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report," said Kelley Connor, interim divisional dean in the School of Nursing. "Idaho is a wonderful place to live and work, and we're proud of our faculty and students as they prepare together to care for patients and communities here at home and beyond."

The ranking recognizes the School of Nursing's legacy of top-tier nursing education, which began 70 years ago. The on-campus undergraduate nursing program in its current form started in 1987. This year marked a new milestone as it expanded to admit 100 students each fall and spring semester.

The program emphasizes characteristics that represent both the identity of Boise State and expert nurses: compassionate care, cultivating community, ethics, resiliency and professionalism.

Undergraduate nursing at Boise State

The school's undergraduate curriculum reflects industry standards and priorities necessary for upholding accreditation. The program embraces a scaffolded learning approach, ensuring students get the most relevant education to equip them for the modern workplace.

"Prioritizing competency-based education, and exceptional clinical judgment skills, helps our students enter the workforce ready to participate as essential team members," said Angie Phillips, interim associate divisional dean.

Students learn core nursing skills in addition to critical thinking skills and a holistic understanding of the nursing industry. They practice communication, teamwork and repetitive skill-building in the state-of-the-art College of Health Sciences Simulation Center, and they have the opportunity to work alongside faculty as undergraduate research assistants.

Strong partnerships with local healthcare organizations also help students build connections with potential employers and ensure they receive valuable experiential learning opportunities. Graduates of the program also consistently achieve higher pass rates on the registered nurse licensure exam (NCLEX) than the national average.

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