Top colleges for becoming a nurse?

I'm considering a nursing career and want to know which colleges offer the best programs for aspiring nurses. I'd appreciate some recommendations on where to start my college search.

When you're looking at colleges for nursing, you want to consider factors such as NCLEX-RN pass rates—which indicate how many graduates pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses on their first attempt—as well as classroom and clinical experiences, faculty, research opportunities, and post-graduation job placement rates.

Here are a few top colleges for nursing programs:

1. University of Pennsylvania: UPenn's School of Nursing is highly reputed with innovative curriculum; it's also closely affiliated with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, providing ample opportunities for practical experience.

2. Duke University: Duke's School of Nursing offers a variety of degree paths, including accelerated and dual degree programs. They also provide extensive clinical experiences.

3. University of Washington: The School of Nursing at UW has been consistently ranked as one of the top nursing schools by U.S. News and World Report. They offer undergraduate and graduate programs, and have strong ties with local hospitals and health centers, providing plenty of opportunities for real-world experience.

4. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: The School of Nursing at UMich is another top program. It emphasizes innovation and research, aiming to prepare its graduates to be leaders in the field.

However, please keep in mind that the "best" college will highly depend on your personal preferences including location, size, financial considerations, and cultural fit. You should start by researching these recommended schools and seeing which ones align with your career goals and personal needs. Be sure to visit college websites, talk to admissions representatives, and reach out to current students if possible. This will give you a better idea about what each school has to offer and how you could fit in there. Good luck with your college search!