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Most Popular Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southeast Region

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2023 Most Popular Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southeast Region

316 Colleges
$64,238 Avg Salary
$28,730 Avg Student Debt

Finding the Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree School for You

In 2020-2021, 322,592 degrees and certificates were awarded to nursing students, making the major the most popular in the country.

It's not easy to decide which healthcare program to enroll in when you have so many options available. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Healthcare Degree Search has developed this Most Popular Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 316 schools in the Southeast Region to see which bachelor's degree programs were the most popular for healthcare students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from the Nursing program at each school on the list.

The following schools top our list of the Most Popular Nursing Bachelor's Degree Colleges.

Our analysis found University of North Carolina at Wilmington to be the most popular school for nursing students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the Southeast Region . UNCW is a large public school located in the midsize city of Wilmington.

Women make up 90% of the nursing majors at the school.

On average, nursing graduates from UNCW take out $23,602 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $212, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read full report on Nursing at University of North Carolina at Wilmington

The in-demand bachelor’s degree programs at University of Central Florida helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in the Southeast Region . UCF is a very large public school located in the suburb of Orlando.

About 88% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 12% are male.

On average, nursing graduates from UCF take out $23,351 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree.

Full Nursing at University of Central Florida Report

Out of the 316 schools in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Galen College of Nursing - Louisville landed the # 3 spot on the list. Located in the city of Louisville, Galen College of Nursing - Louisville is a private for-profit college with a small student population.

About 89% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 11% are male.

Nursing majors at Galen College of Nursing - Louisville take out an average of $43,752 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $123, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Nursing at Galen College of Nursing - Louisville Report

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend East Tennessee State University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. ETSU is a fairly large public school located in the small city of Johnson City.

Of the 563 students majoring in nursing at ETSU, 15% are male and 85% are female.

The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at ETSU take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $26,540. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $176.

Full Nursing at East Tennessee State University Report

The in-demand bachelor’s degree programs at University of South Florida - Main Campus helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular nursing schools in the Southeast Region . Located in the city of Tampa, USF Tampa is a public college with a very large student population.

About 87% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 13% are male.

While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at USF Tampa accumulate an average of around $27,078 in student debt. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $181.

Read More…

#6

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

With a ranking of #6, The University of Alabama did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in the city of Tuscaloosa, UA is a public school with a fairly large student population.

About 90% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 10% are male.

While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at UA accumulate an average of around $24,732 in student debt. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $646.

Read More…

#7

Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Located in the medium-sized city of Fort Lauderdale, Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly large student population.

About 82% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 18% are male.

The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $42,165. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $163.

Full Nursing at Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale Report

University of Louisiana at Lafayette landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree nursing programs. UL Lafayette is a fairly large public school located in the midsize city of Lafayette.

About 88% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 12% are male.

On average, nursing graduates from UL Lafayette take out $29,029 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree.

Full Nursing at University of Louisiana at Lafayette Report

The University of West Florida landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Located in the small city of Pensacola, UWF is a public college with a large student population.

Women make up 84% of the nursing majors at the school.

On average, nursing graduates from UWF take out $23,564 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree.

Full Nursing at The University of West Florida Report

Mississippi University for Women came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in the town of Columbus, MUW is a public college with a small student population.

About 91% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 9% are male.

Nursing majors at MUW take out an average of $22,824 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree.

Read full report on Nursing at Mississippi University for Women

#11

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL

With a ranking of #11, Nova Southeastern University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. NUS Florida is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the large suburb of Fort Lauderdale.

About 86% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 14% are male.

The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at NUS Florida take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $33,123. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $334.

Read More…

#12

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Emory University ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in the city of Atlanta, Emory is a private not-for-profit college with a large student population.

About 91% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 9% are male.

On average, nursing graduates from Emory take out $25,656 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $556.

Full Nursing at Emory University Report

#13

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

With a ranking of #13, Liberty University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Liberty University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lynchburg.

About 90% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 10% are male.

On average, nursing graduates from Liberty University take out $29,474 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $554, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read More…

University of Alabama at Birmingham ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. UAB is a fairly large public school located in the city of Birmingham.

About 88% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 12% are male.

While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at UAB accumulate an average of around $23,381 in student debt. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $307.

Full Nursing at University of Alabama at Birmingham Report

Rasmussen University - Florida landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree nursing programs. Rasmussen University - Florida is a medium-sized private for-profit school located in the small city of Ocala.

About 87% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 13% are male.

The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at Rasmussen University - Florida take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $39,885. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $146, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read More…

With a ranking of #16, University of South Alabama did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. USA is a large public school located in the city of Mobile.

Women make up 86% of the nursing majors at the school.

After completing their Bachelor's Degree, nursing graduates from USA carry an average student debt load of $27,102. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $230.

Full Nursing at University of South Alabama Report

#17

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC

East Carolina University ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. ECU is a fairly large public school located in the small city of Greenville.

Women make up 91% of the nursing majors at the school.

While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at ECU accumulate an average of around $24,172 in student debt. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $261.

Read full report on Nursing at East Carolina University

Chamberlain University - Georgia came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Chamberlain - Georgia is a small private for-profit school located in the midsize city of Atlanta.

Women make up 91% of the nursing majors at the school.

The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at Chamberlain - Georgia take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $37,103. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $256.

Full Nursing at Chamberlain University - Georgia Report

#19

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, GA

Georgia Southern University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. GaSou is a very large public school located in the town of Statesboro.

Women make up 91% of the nursing majors at the school.

On average, nursing graduates from GaSou take out $28,652 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $121.

Read full report on Nursing at Georgia Southern University

#20

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL

Jacksonville State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #20 on the list. Jacksonville State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Jacksonville.

Women make up 90% of the nursing majors at the school.

The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at Jacksonville State University take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $23,707.

Full Nursing at Jacksonville State University Report

#21

Chamberlain University - Florida

Jacksonville, FL

With a ranking of #21, Chamberlain University - Florida did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. Chamberlain - Florida is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Jacksonville.

Women make up 86% of the nursing majors at the school.

The average amount in student loans that nursing majors at Chamberlain - Florida take out while working on their Bachelor's Degree is $37,103. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $256.

Full Nursing at Chamberlain University - Florida Report

#22

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN

With a ranking of #22, University of Memphis did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree. UofM is a very large public school located in the city of Memphis.

About 91% of the students majoring in nursing at the school are women while 9% are male.

While working on their Bachelor's Degree, nursing majors at UofM accumulate an average of around $27,057 in student debt. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $115, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Full Nursing at University of Memphis Report

#23

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

University of Kentucky landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree nursing programs. UK is a very large public school located in the large city of Lexington.

Women make up 91% of the nursing majors at the school.

After completing their Bachelor's Degree, nursing graduates from UK carry an average student debt load of $27,393. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $363.

Read full report on Nursing at University of Kentucky

#24

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

University of Arkansas ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. UARK is a very large public school located in the city of Fayetteville.

Of the 292 students majoring in nursing at UARK, 11% are male and 89% are female.

Nursing majors at UARK take out an average of $26,161 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. For students who choose a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly student loan payment is $410.

Read full report on Nursing at University of Arkansas

#24

University of Mississippi

University, MS

University of Mississippi ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region list. Ole Miss is a fairly large public school located in the remote town of University.

Of the 292 students majoring in nursing at Ole Miss, 13% are male and 87% are female.

Nursing majors at Ole Miss take out an average of $23,728 in student loans while working on their Bachelor's Degree. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $286, based on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read More…

#27

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, FL
#28

University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL
#32

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY
#33

Winston - Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC
#36

South College

Knoxville, TN
#36

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA
#38

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL
#39

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY
#40

St Petersburg College

Clearwater, FL
#42

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA
#43

Clemson University

Clemson, SC
#44

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA
#45

Miami Dade College

Miami, FL
#46

Radford University

Radford, VA
#47

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, FL

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional popular schools for Nursing students in the Southeast Region that almost earned our Most Popular Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
48 University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, AL
49 Fayetteville State University Fayetteville, NC
50 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC
51 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV
52 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA
53 Auburn University Auburn, AL
54 Mercer University Macon, GA
55 University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR
55 University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS
57 Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL
58 Augusta University Augusta, GA
59 University of Florida Gainesville, FL
60 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC
61 Columbus State University Columbus, GA
62 South University’s online programs Savannah, GA
62 Stratford University Fairfax, VA

Best Nursing Colleges by State

Explore the best nursing schools for a specific state in the Southeast region.

State Degrees Awarded
Florida 21,209
North Carolina 7,425
Tennessee 6,004
Georgia 7,112
Kentucky 6,395
West Virginia 1,771
Virginia 6,775
Alabama 7,364
Louisiana 3,502
Mississippi 2,838
South Carolina 3,296
Arkansas 2,882

Nursing is one of 30 different types of healthcare programs to choose from.

Nursing Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Registered Nursing 266,651
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing 16,104
Nursing Administration 9,838
Nursing Practice 7,992
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing 5,092
Nursing Science 4,600
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing 2,287
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing 2,021
Nurse Anesthetist 1,936
Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing 1,883
Critical Care Nursing 773
Geriatric Nurse/Nursing 563
School Nursing 553
Nurse Midwife/Nursing Midwifery 509
Clinical Nurse Leader 444
Clinical Nurse Specialist 419
Perioperative/Operating Room and Surgical Nurse/Nursing 331
Maternal/Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/Nursing 181
Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing 57
Emergency Room/Trauma Nursing 53
Palliative Care Nursing 14
Forensic Nursing 14

Related Major Annual Graduates
Health & Medical Administrative Services 89,359
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services 84,492
Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants 84,274
Allied Health Professions 82,308
Public Health 40,596

Notes and References

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Credit for the banner image above goes to Aleksahgabrielle.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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