2027 Best Nursing Schools in Boise

Rankings are essential tools for prospective nursing students, offering a clear, data-driven way to compare programs. For our Best Nursing Schools in Boise ranking, Registerednursing.org analyzes state board data to determine which schools best prepare students for licensure. We use NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criterion, ensuring objective and reliable results. Our methodology can be reviewed at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Pass rates in the Boise area have shown fluctuation, but a notable surge occurred in 2023. This suggests recent cohorts performed exceptionally well on the licensure exam.

  • 2021: 87.35% average pass rate (87 students)
  • 2022: 86.95% average pass rate (92 students)
  • 2023: 95.7% average pass rate (93 students)

Yearly Nursing Graduates

The number of nursing graduates in the Boise region has grown steadily each year, indicating expanding program capacity.

  • 2021: 87 graduates
  • 2022: 92 graduates
  • 2023: 93 graduates

Top Performing Schools

College of Western Idaho stands out with the highest average pass rate among Boise-area nursing programs over the past three years.

  • College of Western Idaho: 91.67% average pass rate (144 students)
  • Northwest Nazarene University: 88.28% average pass rate (128 students)

Biggest Improvements

College of Western Idaho made the most dramatic improvement in pass rates, with a 13.64 percentage point increase. Northwest Nazarene University also saw positive gains.

  • College of Western Idaho: +13.64% (from 86.36% to 100%)
  • Northwest Nazarene University: +3.3% (from 88.37% to 91.67%)

Consistently High Performing Schools

Among schools with multiple years of data, College of Western Idaho is the only one to maintain an average pass rate above 90%.

  • College of Western Idaho: 91.67% average pass rate (3 years of data)
#1

Eagle Gate College-Boise

Boise, ID - Private 4-year - eaglegatecollege.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Eagle Gate College in Boise offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) designed for students ready to launch a nursing career. This three-year pathway blends online coursework with hands-on training at the Boise campus and clinical placements at regional healthcare facilities. You'll study nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, adult health, maternal-newborn care, pediatrics, psychiatric nursing, and community health. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based care, critical thinking, and ethical practice. Simulation labs and virtual reality scenarios prepare you for real-world clinical challenges. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue licensure as registered nurses. The program boasts a 100% placement rate and a 95% NCLEX pass rate. Admissions require an entrance exam, and financial aid is available. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and support from wellness coaches and tutoring services, you'll receive personalized guidance throughout your studies. The Boise campus offers free parking, collaboration spaces, and easy access to clinical partners like St. Luke's Medical Center.

  • CCNE accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • 3-Year program
  • Complete in three-year pathway
  • Starts rolling
  • 95% licensure pass rate
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • 100% Boise BSN Placement Rate
#2

College of Western Idaho

Nampa, ID - Public 4-Year - cwi.edu

Associate - Registered Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Registered Nursing program at College of Western Idaho offers an Associate of Science degree that blends theory, lab instruction, and clinical experience in real healthcare settings. You'll train in state-of-the-art simulation labs, building clinical judgment and confidence before entering the field. The curriculum covers patient assessment, care planning, and disease prevention, preparing you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Graduates pursue careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings, with strong job placement rates within months of completion. CWI's program is accredited by ACEN and partners with local hospitals like Saint Alphonsus and St. Luke's for preceptorships and employment. With a competitive admissions process and a supportive cohort environment, you'll learn from experienced faculty and join a network of successful nurses. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students.

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • $16,612 total program tuition
  • 3-Year program
  • Apply by 2026-10-31
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts spring/fall
  • 100% licensure pass rate
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
#3

Northwest Nazarene University

Nampa, ID - Private 4-year - nnu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Northwest Nazarene University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program blends a liberal arts foundation with a Christian-based, holistic approach that treats patients within the context of family and community. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based care, and clinical judgment, preparing graduates for RN licensure and advanced nursing study. Students complete a 5-semester nursing sequence within a traditional four-year timeframe, gaining hands-on experience through 45-90+ clinical hours each semester at diverse healthcare facilities across the Boise Valley. State-of-the-art simulation labs in the Thomas Family Health and Science Center reinforce learning. Small class sizes foster personalized attention from experienced faculty, and an active Student Nursing Association chapter builds community. Graduates pursue careers in pediatrics, ICU, oncology, and more, with opportunities for international medical mission trips. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • 5-Semester program
  • Rolling admissions
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Financial aid available
  • Small class sizes for personalized attention
  • Christian-based environment and curriculum
  • Active chapter of Student Nursing Association
  • State-of-the-art labs in Thomas Family Center
  • 45-90+ clinical hours per semester
#4

Boise State University

Boise, ID - Public 4-Year - boisestate.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Boise State University's BSN program, ranked #1 in Idaho, prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and a career as a registered nurse. The on-campus cohort admits 100 students per semester, with a 1:10 faculty-student ratio in clinicals. Curriculum focuses on clinical judgment, professional identity, person-centered care, communication, and experiential learning. Strong partnerships with local healthcare facilities and a state-of-the-art simulation center enhance hands-on learning. Graduates achieve higher NCLEX pass rates than the national average. Over $1.6 million in scholarships have been awarded recently. This program suits those aiming for immediate nursing practice or future advanced practice.

  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring
  • Cohort-based structure
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • 100 students admitted per semester
  • 1:10 faculty-student ratio in clinicals
  • State-of-the-art simulation center
  • Strong clinical partnerships with local hospitals
*Source: IPEDS 2025 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Boise, ID

If you would like to become an RN, the first step is an entry-level training program that will prepare you for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and your first professional nursing job. In the Boise area, the options for entry-level nursing programs include Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, as well as LPN to RN programs that are designed to help licensed practical nurses transition to careers as registered nurses.

LPN to RN Programs

LPN to RN programs provide a pathway to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing for working practical nurses and prepare nurses to take and pass the NCLEX. Idaho State University is one example of a school that offers an LPN to RN program, which combines classroom lectures, practical training, and clinical experiences, and has options for practical nurses to earn their ADN or BSN degrees.

ADN Programs

ADN programs are popular entry-level nursing programs because they are completed in only two years of study and generally less expensive than BSN programs. The ADN program at the College of Western Idaho prepares students to work as registered nurses in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and offices.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

BSN programs are generally offered at four-year colleges and universities and offer a more in-depth introduction to nursing than an ADN program. Boise State University offers a BSN program that is the largest pre-licensure nursing program in the state of Idaho and includes an inter-professional capstone course and courses in nursing leadership, family health, mental health, environmental health, adult and pediatric care, medical/surgical care, and public health and management.

Learn more about Idaho Accelerated BSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Boise, ID

Many nurses with their ADN decided to go back to school to pursue their BSN or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in order to earn a higher wage and have a wider range of job opportunities within the nursing field. RN to BSN or RN to MSN “bridge” programs build on an RN’s experience and prior coursework and help them to earn a higher degree in nursing.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN bridge programs are often available in an online or hybrid format to accommodate working nurses. Boise State University offers an RN to BSN program in a fully online format that features flexible schedules for working nurses to complete its 30 credit hour requirement.

Find out more about Idaho RN to BSN Programs

 

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

We've gathered a list of RN to BSN/MSN programs across the country. Each entry shows the school's city and state, key program highlights, and a direct link to the program page. This makes it easy to compare options and find the right fit for advancing a nursing career. Explore the table below to discover what these programs offer.

Boise, ID

Boise State University

  • RN to BSN - RN-BS

    Online Learning - Website

    • 120 total credit hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Credit for prior learning accepted
    • Online RN-BS curriculum
    • Statistics prerequisite required

Eagle Gate College-Boise

  • RN to BSN - Online RN-to-BSN Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • 20 month program
    • Online courses
    • In-person preceptorship hours
    • CCNE accredited
    • Flexible for busy professionals
    • Evidence-based nursing curriculum
    • Leadership skill development
    • Increased salary potential
*Official IPEDS 2025 data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Boise, ID

Nurses who have earned their bachelor’s degree and would like to advance their careers to a higher level may want to pursue an advanced practice nursing degree. Options in the Boise area for advanced degrees in nursing include traditional MSN programs, graduate certificate programs, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.

MSN Programs

Traditional MSN programs help experienced nurses with their BSN become certified in a number of advanced practice specialties, such as various nurse practitioner roles, nurse educators, nurse administrators, and clinical nurse leaders. Northwest Nazarene University offers master’s programs in nursing for students who are interested in careers as family nurse practitioners, nurse leaders, and educators. Both programs are offered online to accommodate working students.

Find out more about Idaho Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Boise State University offers two graduate-level certificate programs that allow master’s-level nurses to learn a new specialty. In this case, graduate certificates in acute care and primary care adult/gerontology are available to licensed nurse practitioners who want to expand their scope of practice. The programs are 19 credit hours and available in an online format.

Find out more about Idaho Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs prepare students for the highest levels of independent nursing practice. In the Boise area, the DNP program at Boise State University includes coursework in advanced principles of population health nursing, health care policy and advocacy, leadership for organizations, systems, and populations, quality improvement and evaluation, healthcare technology, and financial strategies for nurse leaders.

Find out more about Idaho DNP Programs.

List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Boise

Looking for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) programs in Boise? This table lists MSN, DNP, and NP options. For each school, we've included the city and state, program highlights, and a direct link to the program page. Use these details to compare programs and find the right fit for your nursing career. We'll keep this list updated so you can make an informed decision.

Boise, ID

Boise State University

  • BSN to MSN - Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Master of Nursing

    Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 2 concentration options
    • $890 per credit
    • Prepares for AGPCNP
    • Three on-campus summer intensives
    • Preceptor placement support
    • No out-of-state fees
    • Skills: suturing, biopsies, chest tube insertion
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice, BS to DNP FNP/AGNP

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 2 concentration options
    • Online DNP for practicing RNs
    • Pathway for bachelor's and master's nurses
    • Eligible RNs in 20 states
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 3 concentration options
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Synchronous and asynchronous options
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 100% clinical placement success rate
    • No out-of-state tuition charged
    • Annual summer in-person intensives required

Eagle Gate College-Boise

  • BSN to MSN - MSN Administration & Leadership Track

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format.
    • 36 credit hours.
    • 90 instructional weeks.
    • 600 instructional hours.
    • No entrance exam required.
    • No wait list to enter.
    • Designed for BSN-prepared RNs.
    • Focus on administration and leadership.
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format.
    • 36 credit hours total.
    • Nursing Education concentration.
    • No entrance exam required.
    • No wait list to enter.
    • For bachelor-prepared RNs.
    • Prepares for teaching roles.
    • Financial aid available.

Nampa, ID

Northwest Nazarene University

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 48 credits required
    • $850 per credit tuition
    • Online cohort learning environment
    • Clinicals in home state
    • Campus residency hours
    • Prepares for national licensure
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Baccalaureate in Nursing entry
  • BSN to MSN - Nursing Leadership & Education MS

    Online Learning - Website

    • Master of Science in Nursing.
    • Leadership and Education emphasis.
    • 100% online delivery.
    • 36 credit hours.
    • $650 per credit tuition.
    • $150 per semester technology fee.
    • Cohort model for students.
    • Two-year completion time.
*Federal data: IPEDS 2025, administered by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Boise, ID

We've gathered a comprehensive list of nursing schools near Boise, ID. This table shows each school's city and state location, standout program highlights, and direct links to their nursing program pages. Whether just beginning a nursing career or looking to advance current skills, these schools offer a range of options. Take a closer look to find the program that matches your goals.

Boise, ID

Boise State University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Ranked #1 in Idaho
    • 100 students admitted per semester

Eagle Gate College-Boise

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • 3-Year program
    • Complete in three-year pathway
    • Starts rolling
    • 95% licensure pass rate
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available

Nampa, ID

College of Western Idaho

  • Associate - Registered Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • $16,612 total program tuition
    • 3-Year program
    • Apply by 2026-10-31
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts spring/fall
    • 100% licensure pass rate

Northwest Nazarene University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 5-Semester program
    • Rolling admissions
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Financial aid available
    • Small class sizes for personalized attention
    • Christian-based environment and curriculum
    • Active chapter of Student Nursing Association
*Institutional characteristics data extracted from IPEDS 2025, NCES.