Pace University’s undergraduate nursing program has climbed 25 spots to #135 nationally in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs rankings.
The new ranking is a significant year-over-year gain for Pace’s Lienhard School of Nursing within the College of Health Professions, which rose from #160 in the 2026 rankings to #135 this year. The recognition reflects continued momentum for a program focused on preparing students for the realities of modern healthcare through intensive clinical education, simulation, and hands-on learning.
Pace’s undergraduate nursing program rose 25 spots in one year, from #160 to #135 nationally.
Pace’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN4) and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABS) are designed to give students substantial experience before they enter the nursing workforce. Undergraduate nursing students complete 580+ hours of clinical experience, with training in areas including critical care and pediatrics. Students also learn in state-of-the-art simulation facilities, allowing them to develop and practice clinical decision-making skills before applying them in healthcare settings.
That experience begins early. RN4 nursing students are directly admitted to the program, beginning hands-on clinical experiences during their sophomore year, and ABS students complete their degree in just 11 months
For future nurses, learning how to deliver care requires more than understanding what happens in a textbook. Pace’s nursing curriculum combines academic preparation with opportunities to practice, make decisions, communicate with patients and healthcare professionals, and build confidence in clinical environments.
The results are reflected in licensure preparation as well. Pace reports NCLEX-RN pass rates that exceed state and national averages, an important measure for graduates preparing to enter professional nursing practice.
Students also benefit from Pace’s relationships across the healthcare industry. The Lienhard School of Nursing has connections with more than 200 clinicians and healthcare systems, creating opportunities for students to gain experience in the environments where healthcare is delivered.
Pace nursing graduates have gone on to work at leading healthcare organizations including NewYork-Presbyterian, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Northwell Health, NYU Langone, and Westchester Medical Center.
The need for highly prepared nurses continues to make nursing education an essential part of the healthcare workforce pipeline. At Pace, students develop their skills through a combination of classroom instruction, simulation, and hundreds of hours of clinical training designed to prepare them for what comes next.
That career-connected approach is a longstanding strength of nursing education at Pace—and the latest national ranking adds another sign of momentum.
Moving from #160 to #135 in a single year, Pace’s undergraduate nursing program continues to strengthen its national position while preparing graduates for work that directly affects the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
For students looking for a nursing program that combines rigorous academics with extensive clinical experience, the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking offers another reason to take a closer look at Pace.
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