ABSN programs in New York are fast, demanding, and deeply immersive. Students move through packed days of clinical rotations, lab work, and coursework, often in some of the state's busiest healthcare environments. Whether it is managing a simulation lab in Buffalo or completing clinical hours in a Brooklyn hospital, the learning is constant and high stakes.
These programs attract people who are serious about switching to nursing and prepared to keep pace. This page highlights standout ABSN programs across New York for 2026, with comparisons of credit hours, admissions requirements, clinical training, and NCLEX-RN pass rates. From large universities to smaller colleges with strong nursing reputations, each program offers a different experience but all require full focus from the start.
Quick Glance: Top NY ABSN Picks
Best Value (Public): Binghamton University & Stony Brook University
Best Clinical Access (NYC): NYU & Mount Sinai Phillips
Best for Speed (11-12 Months): Pace University & University of Rochester
Best Upstate Option: University at Buffalo
Why trust us? Our ranking methodology blends data from the U.S. Department of Education with the experiences and insights of the allnurses community.
2026 Best New York ABSN Programs
1. Binghamton University
Binghamton University Decker School of Nursing, ranked #1 among nursing schools in New York, offers an exceptional Accelerated BSN program. In just 12 months, students gain the skills needed to excel in the nursing field. With cutting-edge simulation labs, robust research opportunities, and dedicated academic advising, Decker provides a supportive environment. It is a SUNY flagship, making it one of the most affordable high-quality options in the state.
Location: Binghamton, New York
Format: On-Campus
Program Length: 12 Months
Start Date: Summer (May)
2026 Tuition (In-State): ~$15,340 (Subject to SUNY adjustments)
ABSN Credit Hours: 52
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.22%
Deadline: November 15, 2026 (for the following Summer start)
Admission Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Prerequisites: Statistics, Psychology, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology (I & II).
GPA of 3.0 across all prerequisite courses.
View Binghamton University School Profile
2. University of Rochester
The University of Rochester's School of Nursing ABSN program offers a chance to earn a second degree in nursing at a nationally-ranked institution. The program includes over 650 clinical hours at the renowned University of Rochester Medical Center. Uniquely, the faculty is comprised of 91% actively practicing nurses.
Location: New York, New York (and Rochester campus)
Format: On-Campus
Program Length: 12 Months or 24 Months
2026 Tuition: ~$84,090
ABSN Credit Hours: 49
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.95%
Deadline: Rolling (Fall: March 1; Spring: July 1; Summer: Nov 1)
Admission Requirements:
Non-nursing bachelor's degree from an accredited school.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 (3.0+ recommended).
Prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Growth and Development, Statistics.
Resume and short essay questions.
View University of Rochester School Profile
3. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
The Accelerated BSN program at SUNY Downstate College of Nursing is a 15-month, full-time program. The curriculum focuses heavily on urban health, health promotion, and leadership, with clinical experiences primarily in Brooklyn's diverse healthcare systems.
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Format: On-Campus
Program Length: 15 Months
2026 Tuition (In-State): ~$18,585
ABSN Credit Hours: 62
Clinical Hours: 506
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.18%
Deadline: January 31, 2026 (Fall start)
Admission Requirements:
Baccalaureate degree in any discipline.
Minimum GPA of 3.0.
ATI TEAS Score of 80% (Math, Reading, Science).
Prerequisites: A&P, Chemistry, Microbiology, Sociology, Psychology, Statistics.
View SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University School Profile
4. Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing
Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing offers a Second Degree BSN program known for its integration with the Mount Sinai Health System. This provides students with direct access to one of the most prestigious hospital networks in the world for their clinical rotations.
Location: New York, New York
Format: On-Campus
Program Length: 15 Months
2026 Tuition: ~$47,380
ABSN Credit Hours: 54
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 77.14%
Deadline: Rolling (Fall: June 1; Spring: Sept 1)
Employment Rate: 80% within 1 year of graduation.
Admission Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in non-nursing field.
Cumulative GPA of 3.25.
Prerequisites: Chemistry, A&P, Microbiology, Nutrition, Ethics, Statistics.
BLS Certification required.
View Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing School Profile
5. Stony Brook University
Stony Brook School of Nursing offers a standout ABSN program for students who want a research-backed education. The 12-month curriculum is rigorous and utilizes the Stony Brook University Hospital for intensive clinical training.
Location: Stony Brook, New York (Long Island)
Format: On-Campus
Program Length: 12 Months
2026 Tuition (In-State): ~$33,534
ABSN Credit Hours: 69
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.03%
Deadline: October 8, 2026 (Summer start)
Admission Requirements:
Non-nursing bachelor's degree.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 in prerequisites.
Prerequisites: Microbiology, A&P, Chemistry, Statistics, Lifespan Development.
Minimum grade of "C" in all prerequisites.
View Stony Brook University School Profile
6. D'Youville University
D'Youville University's Patricia H. German School of Nursing offers a 15-months ABSN program with a community-based curriculum. While longer than some other accelerated options, it offers a slightly more manageable pace for those balancing other life commitments.
Location: Buffalo, New York
Format: Online / On-Campus
Program Length: 15 Months
2026 Tuition: ~$61,215
ABSN Credit Hours: 50
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82.46%
Admission Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field.
Cumulative GPA of 2.75.
Prerequisites: A&P, Microbiology, Chemistry, Psychology, Statistics.
View D'Youville University School Profile
7. New York University (NYU)
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing offers a 15-month ABSN program known for high alumni salaries and global recognition. While the tuition is among the highest, the program benefits from significant funding, high-impact faculty research, and placements in top-tier NYC hospitals.
Location: New York, New York
Format: On-Campus
Program Length: 15 Months
2026 Tuition: ~$32,811 per semester
ABSN Credit Hours: 64
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92%
Deadline: Fall: March 15; Spring: Oct 15
Admission Requirements:
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Prerequisites: A&P, Chemistry, Microbiology, Nutrition, Statistics, Psychology.
Grade of "C" on all prerequisites.
View New York University School Profile
8. University at Buffalo
The School of Nursing at the University at Buffalo (UB) offers a highly competitive 12-month ABSN track. It features "Dedicated Education Units" (DEUs) which pair students one-on-one with nurses for over 600 hours of patient care, providing a mentorship model that differs from traditional clinical groups.
Location: Buffalo, New York
Format: On-Campus
Program Length: 12 Months
2026 Tuition (In-State): ~$24,013
ABSN Credit Hours: 59
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.53%
Deadline: November 1, 2026 (Summer start)
Admission Requirements:
Non-nursing bachelor's degree.
Minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
Prerequisites: A&P, Microbiology, Growth and Development, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Statistics.
Must complete 4 of 9 prerequisites before starting.
View University at Buffalo School Profile
9. Utica University
Utica University's ABSN program is popular for its flexibility, offering online coursework mixed with in-person labs and clinicals. It operates three start dates a year, making it easier to matriculate without waiting for a traditional Fall cycle.
Location: Utica, New York (and satellite locations)
Format: Hybrid
Program Length: 16 Months
2026 Tuition: ~$57,040
ABSN Credit Hours: 62
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.25%
Deadline: Rolling (Jan, May, and Aug starts)
Admission Requirements:
Non-nursing bachelor's degree or 65 college credits.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8.
Prerequisites: Statistics, A&P, Chemistry, Microbiology, Psychology, Nutrition, Sociology.
View Utica University School Profile
10. Mount Saint Mary College
"The Mount" offers a 20-month ASN program, which is slightly less intense than 12-month options, allowing for better work-life balance. It allows transfer of up to 90 credits from a previous bachelor's degree.
Location: Newburgh, New York
Format: On-Campus
Program Length: 20 Months
2026 Tuition: ~$54,880
ABSN Credit Hours: 54
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94%
Admission Requirements:
Bachelor's degree.
Cumulative GPA of 2.75.
Prerequisites: Biology, A&P, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Microbiology.
View Mount Saint Mary College School Profile
11. Pace University
Pace University ABSN program offers one of the fastest routes to licensure with an 11-month program. It is extremely rigorous, suggesting students treat the program as a job with over 36 hours of coursework/clinicals per week.
Location: NYC & Westchester Campuses
Format: On-Campus
Program Length: 11 Months
2026 Tuition: ~$24,475 per semester
ABSN Credit Hours: 50
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.3%
Admission Requirements:
Minimum GPA of 3.0.
Bachelor's degree.
Minimum grade of B- in prerequisites.
View Pace University School Profile
12. CUNY Hunter College
The Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing offers the "A2D" program. As a CUNY school, it is arguably the most affordable and competitive ABSN in New York City. The program focuses on urban health equity and community wellness.
Location: New York, New York
Format: On-Campus
Program Length: 18 Months (A2D Program)
2026 Tuition: ~$31,620
ABSN Credit Hours: 51
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.59%
Deadline: Feb 1 (Fall); Sept 15 (Spring)
Admission Requirements:
Bachelor's degree.
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2.
Prerequisites: Chemistry, A&P, Developmental Psychology, Statistics, Nutrition, Genetics.
Must apply to Hunter College first, then the Nursing School.
View CUNY Hunter College School Profile
13. Adelphi University
Adelphi's College of Nursing and Public Health ABSN program offers a 14-month path. Students benefit from a state-of-the-art simulation center and a location that services the massive healthcare populations of Long Island and Queens.
Location: Garden City, New York
Format: On-Campus
Program Length: 14 Months
2026 Tuition: ~$25,850 per semester
ABSN Credit Hours: 60-62
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86.27%
Admission Requirements:
Bachelor's degree.
Minimum 3.0 GPA.
Prerequisites: A&P, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, Developmental Psychology, Nutrition, Pathophysiology.
Grade of "C+" or higher in prerequisites.
View Adelphi University School Profile
What Is an ABSN Program?
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is a "second degree" program designed specifically for people who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field (e.g., Psychology, Biology, Business).
Because you have already completed your general education requirements (History, English, Math) in your first degree, the ABSN focuses exclusively on nursing science and clinical practice. In New York, these programs compress 4 years of nursing content into 11 to 24 months.
Who is this for?
Career Changers: Professionals leaving corporate jobs for healthcare.
Biology/Science Grads: Students who have the science prerequisites but want a clinical license.
2026 Outlook: With New York facing a projected shortage of over 30,000 nurses by 2030, ABSN graduates are in high demand across the state.
Admission Requirements & Prerequisites
Admissions for 2026 are competitive. While specific requirements vary by school, most New York ABSN programs demand the following:
Standard Prerequisites
You must generally complete these courses before the program starts. Note that many schools require these to be taken within the last 5 to 7 years.
Anatomy & Physiology I & II: (with Lab)
Microbiology: (with Lab)
General Chemistry: (with Lab)
Developmental Psychology: (Lifespan)
Statistics
Nutrition
Application Checklist
GPA: A 3.0 is the standard minimum, but competitive programs (like Hunter or Stony Brook) often look for 3.5+.
TEAS Exam: Some schools (like SUNY Downstate) require the ATI TEAS exam.
BLS Certification: American Heart Association Basic Life Support for providers is often required before clinicals begin.
Cost & Financial Aid in NY
The cost discrepancy in New York is significant between public and private sectors.
Public (SUNY/CUNY): Expect to pay $15,000 to $35,000 for the total program. These are the best value but have the strictest entry requirements.
Private Universities: Expect to pay $50,000 to $120,000 . These programs often have higher acceptance rates and more start dates per year.
Financial Aid Options:
Federal Student Loans: Limited for second-degree students (check aggregate loan limits).
NYS Scholarships: Check eligibility for the "Nurses for Our Future" scholarship if applicable to second degrees in 2026.
HRSA Nurse Corps: Loan repayment programs in exchange for working in critical shortage facilities.
Salary & Career Outlook (2026 Data)
New York is one of the highest-paying states for nurses. However, salaries vary drastically between NYC and Upstate NY.
Average BSN RN Salary (2026 Projections):
New York City Metro: ~$111,879 - $125,000/year
Upstate New York: ~$80,000 - $95,000/year
Top Paying Health Systems in NY:
New York-Presbyterian
NYU Langone Health
Northwell Health
Mount Sinai Health System