2027 Best Nursing Schools in Indianapolis

Rankings play a crucial role in helping prospective nursing students evaluate programs and make informed decisions. In this guide, we present the Best Nursing Schools in Indianapolis, based exclusively on NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criterion. Registerednursing.org has analyzed available data to create these rankings. For methodology details, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

#1

University of Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN - Private 4-year - uindy.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Indianapolis offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with three tracks: a four-year Traditional BSN and accelerated options for those with prior degrees. Students benefit from hands-on clinical rotations beginning junior year, an 8:1 clinical ratio, and advanced simulation labs. The curriculum integrates service-learning and a Primary Care minor, preparing graduates for the NCLEX. Recent NCLEX pass rates have climbed impressively from 78.9% in 2022 to 90.9% in 2023 and 94.7% in 2024. This United Methodist-affiliated, CCNE-accredited program supports nursing careers in hospitals, clinics, and community settings, with financial aid available to eligible students.

  • 3 concentration options
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Financial aid available
  • 8:1 clinical ratio
  • State-of-the-art simulation labs
  • Preparation for NCLEX exam
  • Hands-on service and leadership opportunities
  • Faculty-supervised clinical rotations
  • Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs
  • Local clinical placements

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Traditional BSN at the University of Indianapolis immerses students in clinical care through six semesters of rotations at local health systems, research facilities, and ambulatory care settings. A low 8:1 student-faculty ratio promotes personalized mentoring, while simulation training reinforces practical skills. Admission requires a 2.8 minimum GPA, prerequisite courses, and the HESI entrance exam instead of the ACT/SAT. The CCNE-accredited program prepares students thoroughly for the NCLEX, as evidenced by pass rates of 78.9% (2022), 90.9% (2023), and 94.7% (2024). Service-learning and community partnerships round out this hands-on, professionally focused pathway.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • 2.8 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • 8:1 student-faculty ratio
  • Six semesters of hands-on clinical experience
  • NCLEX pass rates above national average
  • Clinical partnership with local health systems

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN In-Person Track)

Campus Based - Visit Website

For career changers, the University of Indianapolis's ABSN In-Person Track delivers an intensive 15-month, full-time route to nursing licensure. Already holding a bachelor's degree, students complete 56 credits and 570 clinical hours through local placements and a 1:1 preceptor model. A supportive cohort, two on-campus residencies, and a dedicated success advisor enhance the experience. The CCNE-accredited curriculum spans health assessment to complex nursing, with integrated NCLEX preparation. Applicants must meet a 2.8 GPA and take the HESI entrance exam. The most recent NCLEX pass rate stands at 94.7% (2024), underscoring the program's effectiveness.

  • Real-world clinical placements
  • 1:1 model for clinical placements
  • On-campus residencies
  • Student success advisor
  • Local placement site
  • Cohort-based learning
  • CCNE accredited
  • NCLEX preparation included
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#2

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN - Public 2-Year - ivytech.edu

Associate - Nursing Traditional, AS

Campus Based - Visit Website

Ivy Tech Community College's ASN Traditional Track is a campus-based, cohort program offered at over 20 Indiana campuses, including Indianapolis-area sites. Coursework blends anatomy and physiology, psychology, English, and nursing theory with clinical practice. Students train for entry-level RN roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. Admission is competitive using a point-based system; applicants must complete prerequisites and earn a passing TEAS score. There is no waitlist, and previously earned credits never expire. Spring, summer, and fall starts provide flexibility. Graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-RN. Between 2022 and 2024, Indianapolis ADN cohorts posted first-time pass rates ranging from 75% to 100%, with most recent results above 88%.

  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 3 start dates per year
  • Starts spring/summer/fall
  • Cohort-based structure
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • No expiration on prior credits
  • No waitlist for admission
  • Point-based admission selection
  • Apply to up to 3 programs and campuses
#3

Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN - Public 4-Year - indianapolis.iu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Indiana University-Indianapolis provides a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with three flexible entry paths to serve students at different career points. The traditional BSN is ideal for those entering nursing for the first time, while an accelerated option benefits applicants with a prior bachelor's degree. In addition, an online RN-to-BSN bridge allows working registered nurses to complete their degree remotely. All routes prepare students for Indiana licensure and careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. The school is military-friendly, and rolling admissions apply to the RN-to-BSN track. The BSN program's NCLEX first-time pass rate climbed from 79.2% in 2022 to 91.1% in 2023 and 92.5% in 2024. The published information does not mention ACT or SAT examination prerequisites.

  • 3 concentration options
  • Accelerated option for degree holders
  • RN to BSN online completion
  • Rolling admissions for RN to BSN
  • Prepares for Indiana licensure

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Second Degree Accelerated)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Second Degree Accelerated BSN pathway at Indiana University-Indianapolis is built for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree in another subject. Offered on campus, the program condenses nursing education into an intensive sequence taught by experienced faculty. Students engage in rigorous theory coursework and hands-on clinical rotations at area healthcare partners, developing bedside competencies and critical-thinking abilities. Graduates are eligible to apply for RN licensure in Indiana and can pursue hospital, clinic, or community nursing roles. Financial aid is available to qualifying students, and the program is designated military-friendly. This accelerated route leverages your previous academic background to shorten the journey into nursing. The overall BSN program achieved NCLEX pass rates of 92.5% in 2024. ACT/SAT requirements are not specified in the program information.

  • Financial aid available
  • Accelerated option for second-degree students
  • Prepares for Indiana nursing licensure

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

Online Learning - Visit Website

This online RN-to-BSN completion program at Indiana University-Indianapolis is designed for registered nurses who want to earn a bachelor's degree without pausing their careers. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, community health, evidence-based practice, and complex healthcare systems, building on the clinical expertise nurses already possess. Rolling admissions allow you to start at a convenient time, and the entirely distance-based format provides maximum flexibility. Graduates are equipped for advanced roles such as nursing leadership, public health coordination, and specialized clinical practice. The program is military-friendly and backed by Indiana University's respected nursing school. For the broader BSN program, recent NCLEX pass rates were 91.1% (2023) and 92.5% (2024). The RN-to-BSN track does not list ACT or SAT exams among its admission requirements.

  • Rolling admissions
  • Financial aid available
  • Distance-accessible online curriculum
  • Designed for registered nurses
  • Prepares to meet future health needs
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#4

Marian University

Indianapolis, IN - Private 4-year - marian.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Marian University's BSN degree combines liberal arts education with extensive clinical training. After completing prerequisite courses, students undertake a three-year program with six semesters of clinical rotations at Indianapolis healthcare facilities. The Leighton School of Nursing offers traditional and accelerated tracks, featuring small class sizes and personalized faculty mentorship. This Roman Catholic, military-friendly institution develops critical thinking, communication, and collaborative skills for diverse nursing careers. Applicants need a minimum 2.8 GPA and prerequisites, with no ACT/SAT entrance exam required. Recent NCLEX pass rates were 82.1% (2022), 100% (2023), and 89.5% (2024), demonstrating robust exam readiness. The campus's proximity to downtown hospitals enriches practical learning opportunities.

  • 2 concentration options
  • 3-Year program
  • 2.8 GPA minimum
  • Professors know students by name
  • Access to Indianapolis hospitals
  • Liberal arts foundation
  • Hands-on nursing experiences
  • Prepares for any nursing setting
  • Multiple tracks available
  • Six-semester clinical rotation
#5

Chamberlain University-Indiana

Indianapolis, IN - Private 4-year - chamberlain.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Chamberlain University's hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Indianapolis is a three-year, 122-credit pathway to registered nurse licensure. The curriculum integrates adult health, pediatrics, maternal-child nursing, pharmacology, and mental health with hands-on labs, SIMCARE Center simulations, and clinical placements across 900+ partner sites. Applicants must complete an entrance exam: HESI, ACT, SAT, or TEAS. The program embeds NCLEX-RN preparation and reports pass rates of 81.1% (2022), 77.2% (2023), and 88.6% (2024). Unique features include Google-backed AI training, an LPN-to-BSN bridge, and $0 application fee. CCNE-accredited and military-friendly, Chamberlain offers scholarships and financial aid to support students.

  • CCNE accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI, ACT, SAT, TEAS
  • 3-Year program
  • 122 total credit hours
  • $0 application fee
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • #1 in BSN enrollments
*Source: IPEDS 2025 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Indianapolis, IN

A career helping patients heal is its own reward. Due to rising demand, there’s never been a better time to enter the expanding field of nursing. Indianapolis, IN is home to several colleges that offer LPN to RN, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs geared toward entry-level workers.

LPN to RN Programs

Take control over your career and attract more employers when you complete a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) program in Indianapolis, Indiana. RNs can take on more impactful roles while earning higher wages and becoming more sought after by employers. By crediting them for approved coursework, FORTIS offers LPNs clearly delineated roadmaps to becoming Registered Nurses in less time.

ADN Programs

For individuals looking to get their feet wet in the area of nursing, the Associate Degree in Nursing can be a smart place to begin. Introducing students to both real world and theoretical aspects of nursing, the ADN is typically completed in less than 2 years. With small class sizes and a focus on individual learning, Tech Ivy Community College in Indianapolis, IN offers a disciplined ASN program that prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. It also offers direct educational pathways to BSN and even MSN options.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

By beginning your nursing vocation with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN), you can command a higher salary from the start and earn more over the duration of your career. Hospitals generally prefer to hire registered nurses with BSNs, so they have an advantage when applying for jobs. Marian University in Indianapolis, IN offers an intensive, 16-month BSN program where students complete general education courses online and labs and clinical rotations in hands-on settings. The program prepared graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam and boasts an 89% pass rate.

Find out more about Indiana Accelerated BSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Indianapolis, IN

Bridge or accelerated programs were designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working nurses. RN to BSN/MSN programs enable nurses to earn either a bachelor’s or master’s degree without having to take time away from work. This way, nurses can apply what they learn in the classroom right away and have an immediate impact at work.

RN to BSN Programs

An RN with an active license can add a proverbial feather to her nursing cap by completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. With a focus on expediency, many RN to BSN pathways allow nurses to apply approved coursework toward the completion of their bachelor’s degree. Accredited Indiana Wesleyan University offers a blended online and hands-on program so working nurses can earn their degrees in a flexible format.

Find out more about Indiana RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

Professional registered nurses can elevate their careers and take on greater patient duties by earning their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Chamberlain University in Indianapolis, IN offers a unique RN-BSN to MSN online option that allows qualified students to complete their BSN while earning their MSN. Students must choose one of five specialties early in the program. Upon completing the structured pathways, RNs can earn their MSN in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

Find out more about Indiana RN to MSN Programs

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

We've put together a helpful list of RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs to guide nurses toward the right next step. The table below displays each school's city and state, along with program highlights. Click any link to visit the program page for details on courses, admission, and more. Explore the options and compare schools side by side.

Indianapolis, IN

American College of Education

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 30 semester credits required
    • Total cost $11,550
    • 18 months completion time
    • $50 application fee
    • Minimum 2.25 GPA required
    • Active RN license required
    • CCNE-accredited program
    • Fully online format

Chamberlain University-Indiana

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Option

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online delivery format
    • One year completion time
    • CCNE certified program
    • No mandatory login times
    • Flexible weekly assignments
    • For registered nurses
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree

Indiana University-Indianapolis

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Degree Completion Option

    Online Learning - Website

    • For registered nurses seeking BSN
    • Distance-accessible for Indiana residents

University of Indianapolis

  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN Degree Requirements

    Online Learning - Website

    • 120 total credit hours
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts spring/summer/fall
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • Capstone required
    • 7-week terms with breaks
    • Final 30 credits at UIndy
    • Math placement exam required
*Source: IPEDS 2025 postsecondary education data, NCES.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Indianapolis, IN

Experienced nurses seeking to take their career to the next level as nurse practitioners, administrators, or educators must enroll in advanced practice nursing degree programs. From specialized post-master’s certificate programs to master’s and even doctorate programs, Indianapolis, Indiana has several attractive options for seasoned nurses.

MSN Programs

Registered nurses who wish to move into leadership or advanced practice nursing roles can do so by completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in Indianapolis, IN. MSN programs can require students to select a specific career path though while others offer more traditional, supervisory-focused paths. The faith-based University of Indianapolis has five, career-focused areas including the state's only Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program. Students study in a blended, online and on-campus format so they benefit from flexible study options.

Find out more about Indiana Nurse Practitioner Programs

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Designed for RNs who already hold a master’s degree, certificate programs allow nurses to specialize or advance their career in less time. These advanced practice nursing certificates are generally offered via a mix of online learning with hands-on clinical practice. Ball State University in Indiana offers the Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate in a blended format so working nurses can move ahead more quickly in their nurse practitioner role.

Find out more about Indiana Post-Master's Certificate Programs

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

Upon entering doctoral programs, nurses in Indianapolis, IN are opting to take their careers to the highest possible levels. Nurses with a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can have an impact on patient care in the broadest terms. IUPUI offers a distance learning format for its Ph.D. program where graduates can become leaders, educators or researchers in their field.

Find out more about Indiana DNP Programs

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

We've put together a straightforward list of APRN programs in Indianapolis. The table below shows each school's location, highlights, and a direct link to the program page. Each entry includes the city and state, program highlights, and a link to the school's official program page. Whether looking for MSN, DNP, or NP tracks, this list helps compare options quickly. Check the details and follow the links for the most current information.

Indianapolis, IN

American College of Education

  • BSN to MSN - BSN to MSN

    Concentration: Nurse Administrator - Online Learning - Website

    • Online program delivery.
    • 16-month completion time.
    • 31 semester credits.
    • $11,930 total cost.
    • $380 per credit tuition.
    • Nurse Administrator concentration.
    • 200-hour practicum required.
    • BSN degree required.
  • BSN to MSN - BSN to MSN

    Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format.
    • Nurse Educator concentration available.
    • Total cost $11,930.
    • 31 semester credits required.
    • 16-month completion time.
    • 200-hour practicum experience.
    • BSN degree required for admission.
    • Active RN license needed.

Indiana University-Indianapolis

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • Work experience required
    • $70 application fee
    • Financial aid available
    • Active Indiana or Compact RN license required
    • BSN from CCNE/ACEN accredited program
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Complete in three-year, part-time plan of study
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Suspended admissions due to curricular changes
    • Online courses with on-campus lab days
    • Clinical hours must be in Indiana
    • Eligible for AACN certification
    • Qualifies for prescriptive authority
    • Career opportunities in hospitals and clinics
  • BSN to MSN - Nursing Administration

    Online Learning - Website

    • 37 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Work experience required
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • 100% online coursework
  • MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Small cohort size
    • State-of-the-art simulation facility
    • Hands-on high-fidelity simulation and lab
    • Teaches advanced procedures
    • Clinical experiences at level 1 trauma centers
    • Eligible for ANCC or AACN certification
    • Graduates score above national average on boards
    • Prepare for prescriptive authority
  • MSN to DNP - BSN-DNP Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 4 concentration options
    • 3-Year program
    • Complete in three years full-time or four years part-time
    • 66 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • Cohort-based structure
  • MSN to DNP - BSN-DNP Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 4 concentration options
    • 3-Year program
    • Complete in three-year full-time or four-year part-time program
    • 66 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 1005 clinical hours
    • Capstone required
    • Narrative-centered learning environment
  • MSN to DNP - BSN-DNP Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 4 concentration options
    • 3-Year program
    • Complete in three-year full-time or four-year part-time
    • 66 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 1005 clinical hours
    • Prepares for ANCC
    • 750 direct patient care hours
  • MSN to DNP - BSN-DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 3-Year program
    • Complete in three-year full-time or four-year part-time
    • 66 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 1005 clinical hours
    • Capstone required
    • Prepares for Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
    • Comprehensive primary healthcare for children
  • MSN to DNP - Post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Advanced Clinical - Online Learning - Website

    • 2 concentration options
    • Complete in two- and three-year plans of study
    • Rolling admissions
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • $70 application fee
  • MSN to DNP - Post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Website

    • 2 concentration options
    • Rolling admissions
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • $70 application fee
    • Financial aid available

Marian University

  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

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

    • CCNE accredited
    • 8-Semester program
    • 71 total credit hours
    • State-of-the-art simulation center
    • Transition-to-practice immersion experience
    • Ranked #22 best nursing program
    • Guidance from expert faculty
    • Located near downtown Indianapolis
*Reference: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2025 data system.

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Indianapolis, IN

Looking for nursing schools in the Indianapolis area? We've put together a full list of programs to help you compare options. Below, you'll find a table with each school's city and state, key program highlights, and direct links to their program pages. Whether you're just starting out or advancing your nursing career, this guide makes it easy to find the right fit.

Indianapolis, IN

Butler University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 4-Year program
    • 495 clinical hours
    • Direct-admission program
    • Hands-on learning and simulation
    • Clinical partnerships in Indianapolis
    • Mentorship and leadership development
    • Practice-focused curriculum from day one

Chamberlain University-Indiana

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI, ACT, SAT, TEAS
    • 3-Year program
    • 122 total credit hours
    • $0 application fee
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available

Indiana University-Indianapolis

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 3 concentration options
    • Accelerated option for degree holders
    • RN to BSN online completion
    • Rolling admissions for RN to BSN
    • Prepares for Indiana licensure
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Second Degree Accelerated - Campus Based - Website

    • Financial aid available
    • Accelerated option for second-degree students
    • Prepares for Indiana nursing licensure
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: RN to BSN - Online Learning - Website

    • Rolling admissions
    • Financial aid available
    • Distance-accessible online curriculum
    • Designed for registered nurses
    • Prepares to meet future health needs

Ivy Tech Community College

  • Associate - Nursing Traditional, AS

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts spring/summer/fall
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • No expiration on prior credits
    • No waitlist for admission

Marian University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 2 concentration options
    • 3-Year program
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • Professors know students by name
    • Access to Indianapolis hospitals
    • Liberal arts foundation
    • Hands-on nursing experiences
    • Prepares for any nursing setting

University of Indianapolis

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 3 concentration options
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Financial aid available
    • 8:1 clinical ratio
    • State-of-the-art simulation labs
    • Preparation for NCLEX exam
    • Hands-on service and leadership opportunities
    • Faculty-supervised clinical rotations
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: ABSN In-Person Track - Campus Based - Website

    • Real-world clinical placements
    • 1:1 model for clinical placements
    • On-campus residencies
    • Student success advisor
    • Local placement site
    • Cohort-based learning
    • CCNE accredited
    • NCLEX preparation included
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Traditional BSN - Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • 8:1 student-faculty ratio
    • Six semesters of hands-on clinical experience
*Dataset: IPEDS 2025, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.