Nursing Programs in Buffalo, NY

Last Updated On Feb 19, 2026

Expert Verified: Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN

3 Min Read

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Buffalo

Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for student success. Registerednursing.org creates rankings of the Best Nursing Schools in Buffalo to help prospective students make informed decisions. Our rankings are based solely on NCLEX pass rates, providing a clear metric for comparing program effectiveness. For details on our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Examining pass rate trends in Buffalo reveals recent performance patterns. In 2023, the average pass rate was 92.27% with 169 students, while 2024 saw a slight decrease to 89.93% with 149 students.

2023: 92.27% pass rate (169 students)
2024: 89.93% pass rate (149 students)

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

Comparing program types shows differences in NCLEX performance. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs had a higher average pass rate than Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.

ADN: 94.87% pass rate (78 students)
BSN: 86.67% pass rate (15 students)

Top Performing Schools

Identifying top schools helps students find programs with strong track records. Based on average pass rates across multiple years, these schools lead in Buffalo nursing education.

Niagara County Community College: 94.89% pass rate (157 students)
Niagara University: 87.56% pass rate (161 students)

Pass Rate by Program Size

Program size can influence educational outcomes and resources. Smaller programs showed different pass rates compared to medium-sized programs in the Buffalo area.

Small programs (<50 students/year): 86.67% pass rate (15 students)
Medium programs (50-100 students/year): 94.87% pass rate (78 students)

Consistently High Performing Schools

Schools maintaining excellence over time provide reliable options for nursing students. These institutions have demonstrated consistent high performance in Buffalo nursing programs.

Niagara County Community College: 94.89% average pass rate (157 students over 2 years)

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY - Public 4-Year - buffalo.edu

Bachelor's - Traditional Baccalaureate in Nursing Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

University at Buffalo's Traditional Baccalaureate in Nursing Program provides a rigorous 120-credit curriculum that integrates biomedical sciences, social sciences, and clinical nursing. This four-year program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission, with applications opening in early December for fall enrollment. Students gain over 600 clinical hours through innovative Dedicated Education Units, preparing them for diverse healthcare roles. The program demonstrates strong outcomes, with recent NCLEX pass rates of 100% in 2024 and 98.5% to 100% in 2023, indicating excellent preparation for licensure. With a focus on evidence-based practice and compassionate care, graduates are well-equipped for successful nursing careers.

120 total credits
$6,000 per semester
Fall start term
4 years to complete
600+ clinical hours
NCLEX-RN preparation
Dedicated Education Units
Biomedical sciences focus
Social sciences integration
Hands-on learning

Erie Community College

Buffalo, NY - Public 2-Year - ecc.edu

Associate - Nursing, A.A.S.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Erie Community College's Nursing A.A.S. program prepares students for RN licensure through a comprehensive curriculum covering medical/surgical, OB/GYN, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing. This NLNAC-accredited program requires a 3.0 GPA minimum and an entrance exam for admission. With both day and evening options, the 72-credit program emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences across Buffalo-area healthcare facilities. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN, as evidenced by strong pass rates including a 100% rate for one 2023 cohort. The program includes essential training in infection control, child abuse recognition, and requires BLS certification and immunizations.

Accredited by NLNAC.
Day and evening options.
Hands-on clinical experiences.
Requires entrance exam.
Minimum GPA of 3.0.
72.0 total degree credits.
Covers diverse nursing areas.
Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
Physical exam required.
Immunization against Hepatitis B recommended.

Niagara University

Niagara University, NY - Private 4-year - niagara.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Niagara University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a comprehensive 4-year campus program requiring 120 credits and 675 clinical hours. This BSN program emphasizes science fundamentals, clinical judgment, and personal wellness through diverse clinical settings. Admissions require a high school GPA of 85, an essay, and preferred Chemistry and Biology courses for freshmen; transfer students need a 2.5 GPA. The program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. NCLEX-RN pass rates for Niagara University's BSN program show strong performance, with 2023 rates at 93.3% (30 students) and 88.3% (60 students), and 2024 rates at 86.67% (15 students) and 83.93% (56 students).

4-year program duration
120 credits required
675 clinical hours
Campus-based learning
Focus on science fundamentals
Emphasis on personal wellness
Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
Freshmen GPA requirement: 85
Transfer GPA requirement: 2.5
Essay required for admission

D'Youville University

Buffalo, NY - Private 4-year - dyu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

D'Youville University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides a comprehensive, CCNE-accredited education with flexible online and in-person options. The program features multiple tracks including traditional, accelerated, and RN-to-BSN pathways, accommodating diverse student backgrounds. With a low 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students gain hands-on experience through state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical training at top regional hospitals. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent pass rates around 80-81% for most cohorts. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required for admission. The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional learning and prepares nurses for dynamic healthcare roles across various settings.

CCNE-accredited nursing program
Multiple program tracks available
Online and in-person options
30-120 total credits
Clinical experiences at top hospitals
Low 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
Interprofessional learning environment
State-of-the-art simulation training
Potential international clinical opportunities

Trocaire College

Buffalo, NY - Private 4-year - trocaire.edu

Bachelor's - BS in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Trocaire College's online BS in Nursing program provides registered nurses in Buffalo with a flexible pathway to career advancement. This bachelor's-level program requires no ACT or SAT entrance exams and features only 135 hours of off-site clinical experiences, significantly fewer than many comparable programs. Students benefit from financial incentives including a 20% RN discount and an additional 30% alumni discount. The college reports strong local job placement rates exceeding 80% within one year of graduation. For NCLEX performance, Trocaire's ADN program pass rates improved from 60.5% in 2023 to 78.5% in 2024, reflecting recent program enhancements.

Online BS in Nursing.
135 off-site hours required.
20% RN discount available.
30% alumni discount.
Flexible transfer credits.
High job placement rate.
Local WNY connections.
Small, supportive environment.
Assistance with site selection.
Updated credit equivalencies.

Bachelor's - Online RN to BS in Nursing Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

Trocaire College's Online RN to BS in Nursing Program offers registered nurses an accelerated path to bachelor's degree completion through a fully online format. This bachelor's-level program requires no entrance exams and can be completed in just 30 credit hours with generous transfer credit acceptance. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development and advanced nursing competencies while maintaining accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Financial accessibility is enhanced through multiple scholarship opportunities including the Healthcare Heroes Scholarship. NCLEX data shows the college's ADN program achieved a 78.5% pass rate in 2024, demonstrating strong foundational nursing preparation.

Online classes for flexibility.
30 credit hours to complete.
Affordable tuition rates.
Accredited nursing program.
Focus on leadership skills.
Generous transfer credits.
Financial aid available.
Personal attention from faculty.
Prepares for advanced nursing roles.
Healthcare Heroes Scholarship offered.

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*Data source: NCES, IPEDS 2024 institutional survey.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Buffalo, NY

Whether you want to commit for the long term with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, jump into nursing with an ADN, or transition from an LPN job, nursing has a range of gateways suitable to most situations. Buffalo-area colleges and universities offer the full assortment of programs for those looking to enter or advance in this stable field.

LPN to RN Programs

LPNs take pulses and vital signs as well as monitor wound dressings and bandages for indications of infection. Yet Licensed Practical Nurses who would like to help their patients more can do so by completing an LPN to RN option. Genesee Community College, located about 50 minutes east of Buffalo, offers a competitive-entry LPN to RN bridge program for nurses who wish to develop their careers. The nursing program is recognized in the greater Western New York area because its graduates have NCLEX pass rates that exceed both NY state and national averages.

ADN Programs

Nursing offers career stability and longevity and has few barriers to entry. The most efficient way to enter the profession is via a two-year, career-focused Associate of Science in Nursing program. Trocaire College in Buffalo offers a clinical-heavy nursing option that transitions the student to real-world healthcare in about three semesters. The comprehensive program covers Anatomy and Physiology to Pediatric Nursing and Mental Health. Its NCLEX-RN pass-rate for first-time program graduates is 80%.

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

Begin your career in the middle as a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree. Hospitals and medical centers strongly prefer to hire nurses with BSN degrees. In fact, many hospitals today require their nurses to earn the degree within a certain number of years. Niagara University, situated north of Buffalo, NY, offers both accelerated and traditional BSN tracks. They focus on nursing fundamentals and include clinical intensives with area hospitals. Coursework such as critical analysis and problem-solving for nurses is covered, as is complex disease management and health assessments.

Find out more about New York Accelerated BSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Buffalo, NY

Efficiency-focused bridge RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs make it possible for RNs who work to achieve their education and career goals. Most bridge pathways in Buffalo, New York are offered either entirely or partially online and allow you to complete coursework and projects at a pace that suits your busy life. Because they focus only on essential nursing courses with no extras, bridge RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs tend to cost less, too.

RN to BSN Programs

RNs can quickly leverage their valid license, along with their associate degree and bedside experience, to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Recognized for its quality, Daemen College, which is located north-east of Buffalo, offers a hybrid online and on-campus bridge program for professional nurses who wish to pursue a degree at their own pace. Created for expediency, the rigorous, competitive entry program prides itself on its nursing core competencies.

Find out more about New York RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

Nurses who know they want to become Nurse Practitioners or hold other advanced roles may wish to enroll in an RN to MSN program. While a bit more intensive than RN to BSN programs, this bridge program prepares nurses for higher-level, more specialized nursing positions. Daemen College offers multiple RN to MSN pathways, including one that prepares nurses for Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner roles, as well as one designed for RNs who hold a non-nursing baccalaureate degree.

Find out more about New York RN to MSN Programs

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

We present a list of RN to BSN and MSN programs to help you advance your nursing career. This table shows schools across the U.S., with details on city and state locations, program highlights, and direct links to each school's program page. Explore these options to find the right fit for your educational goals and professional development.

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Amherst, NY

Daemen University

RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN – BS Program)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- No entrance exam required
- 120 total credit hours
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- Requires current RN licensure
- Admission from ADN or diploma
- Malpractice insurance fee required
- Community experience requires a car