Best CRNA Schools

Top 25 Programs Ranked by NCE Pass Rate (2026)

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Quick Answer

What are the best CRNA schools?

The best CRNA schools achieve 95-100% NCE first-time pass rates. Based on our analysis of 154 accredited programs, 30 programs achieved a perfect 100% pass rate. The average NCE pass rate is 90%. We rank programs by board exam success rates and student outcomes.

Source: COA Program Data

We pulled outcome data from every COA-accredited program to build these rankings because choosing a CRNA school is one of the biggest financial and professional decisions you will make. These numbers help you compare programs on the metrics that matter most: board pass rates, student retention, and tuition, so you can apply with confidence instead of guessing.

In This Article (5 sections)

Our Ranking Methodology
Top 25 CRNA Programs
Best by Category
Best by State
Frequently Asked Questions

Our Ranking Methodology

Most "best of" lists rely on reputation surveys and brand recognition. Ours does not. We rank programs on measurable student outcomes because that is what actually predicts your success after graduation.

We rank CRNA programs using objective, publicly available data:

NCE Pass Rate

Primary factor. First-time pass rates on the national certification exam.

Attrition Rate

Secondary factor. Lower attrition indicates better student support.

Transparency

Programs with public outcome data are included.

Data is sourced from COA annual reports and program websites. Learn more about our methodology →

154

Total Programs

100% Pass Rate

90%

Avg Pass Rate

States

Top 25 CRNA Programs

Knowing your target program's pass rate changes how you evaluate its tuition and time commitment. A program that costs $30,000 more but has a 100% first-time pass rate may save you months of studying for a retake, plus the income you would lose during that gap.

Rank	Program	NCE Pass Rate	Attrition	Tuition
1	University of Mobile Mobile, Alabama	100%	0%	$105,885
2	University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona	100%	0%	$106,765
3	Boston College Nurse Anesthesia Program Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts	100%	0%	$187,600
4	Northeastern University Nurse Anesthesia Program Boston, Massachusetts	100%	0%	$149,842
5	Missouri State University Nurse Anesthesia Program Springfield, Missouri	100%	0%	$91,990
6	East Carolina University Nurse Anesthesia Program Greenville, North Carolina	100%	0%	$50,639
7	University of Akron Nurse Anesthesia Program Akron, Ohio	100%	0%	$83,700
8	University of Cincinnati Nurse Anesthesia Program Cincinatti, Ohio	100%	0%	$76,851
9	University of Pittsburgh Nurse Anesthesia Program Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	100%	0%	$149,130
10	York College of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program York, Pennsylvania	100%	0%	$106,000
11	University of Puerto Rico Nurse Anesthesia Program San Juan, Puerto Rico	100%	0%	$56,800
12	Old Dominion University Nurse Anesthesia Program Virginia Beach, Virginia	100%	0%	$48,600
13	Gonzaga University Nurse Anesthesia Program Spokane, Washington	100%	0%	$110,440
14	UNC Greensboro Nurse Anesthesia Program Greensboro, North Carolina	100%	0%	$65,490
15	University of Maryland Nurse Anesthesia Program Baltimore, Maryland	100%	2%	$108,101
16	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Nurse Anesthesia Program Minneapolis, Minnesota	100%	3%	$96,320
17	Georgetown University Nurse Anesthesia Program Washington, Washington DC	100%	3%	$107,962
18	Westminster University Nurse Anesthesia Program Salt Lake City, Utah	100%	4%	$147,600
19	University of North Florida Jacksonville, Florida	100%	4%	$66,789
20	National University Fresno, California	100%	4%	$114,524
21	University of New England Nurse Anesthesia Program Portland, Maine	100%	4%	$147,855
22	Texas Christian University Nurse Anesthesia Program Fort Worth, Texas	99%	3%	$115,000
23	University of Texas at Houston Nurse Anesthesia Program Houston, Texas	100%	5%	$57,824
24	Murray State University Nurse Anesthesia Program Madisonville, Kentucky	100%	6%	$112,167
25	Minneapolis School of Anesthesia Saint Paul, Minnesota	100%	6%	$92,454

Best CRNA Schools by Category

Not everyone is optimizing for the same thing. Some applicants need the lowest tuition possible. Others want the highest pass rate or the lowest attrition. These category pages let you filter by what matters most to your situation, whether that is future salary potential or graduating debt-free.

Highest NCE Pass Rates

Top programs by board exam success

Most Affordable

Best value programs by tuition

Lowest Attrition

Programs with highest student retention

Best Online Options

Programs with hybrid/online coursework

Best CRNA Schools by State

Some states have 15+ programs to choose from. Others have just one or two. Where you apply affects your commute, your cost of living during school, and whether you can keep working part-time. Find the top-ranked CRNA programs in your state below, then check admission requirements to see if you qualify.

Not sure if you're competitive enough?

Get personalized insights on your GPA, ICU experience, and credentials. See exactly what gaps to focus on to strengthen your application.

Browse All Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a CRNA school the "best"?

NCE first-time pass rate is the single most objective measure of CRNA program quality. A high pass rate means graduates are well-prepared for the board exam they must pass to practice. We also weight attrition rates, because a program that loses half its students before graduation is not serving them well, regardless of the pass rate among those who finish. The average NCE pass rate across 126 reporting programs is 90%. Clinical site variety, faculty-to-student ratios, and sim lab hours all matter too, but those data points are harder to compare across programs. Our rankings at The CRNA Club focus on the numbers that are publicly available and consistently reported.

How many CRNA programs have 100% NCE pass rates?

30 CRNA programs achieved a perfect 100% NCE first-time pass rate in their most recent reporting period. That means every single graduate from those programs passed the national certification exam on their first attempt. Reaching 100% requires strong didactic instruction, high-volume clinical rotations, and rigorous mock board preparation. These programs typically have lower class sizes and higher faculty-to-student ratios. Keep in mind that pass rate data is reported annually, so a program at 100% this year may have been at 95% last year. Looking at multi-year trends gives you a more accurate picture than any single snapshot.

Are the best CRNA schools the most expensive?

No. Several programs with 100% NCE pass rates are public universities with in-state tuition under $80,000 total. Tuition across all accredited programs ranges from $18,000 to $287,904, and price does not predict board pass rates. Some of the most expensive programs have average or below-average outcomes. State schools often offer the best combination of quality and affordability, especially if you establish residency before applying. Military and VA-affiliated programs can reduce costs even further. You can compare tuition and pass rates side by side in The CRNA Club's free School Database.

Should I only apply to top-ranked programs?

Applying only to top-ranked programs is a common mistake that limits your options unnecessarily. A program with a 92% pass rate may be a better fit than one with 100% if it is closer to home, costs less, or has clinical sites in your preferred specialty. Location affects your cost of living during school, your access to housing, and whether your family can stay nearby. Program culture, cohort size, and curriculum structure (front-loaded vs. integrated) all influence your day-to-day experience. The best program for you is the one where you will thrive, finish on time, and pass boards. Cast a wider net and evaluate each program on multiple factors, not just a single ranking number.

What is the NCE pass rate?

The NCE (National Certification Examination) is the board exam every CRNA graduate must pass before practicing independently. First-time pass rate measures what percentage of a program's graduates pass on their first attempt. The national average hovers around 85%, but top-tier programs consistently exceed 95%. The exam is administered by the NBCRNA and covers pharmacology, physiology, anesthesia principles, and clinical decision-making. A high first-time pass rate signals that the program's curriculum aligns well with what the board actually tests. Programs with low pass rates may have gaps in clinical exposure or didactic preparation that leave graduates underprepared.

How do I find the best CRNA school in my state?

We track CRNA programs in 47 states, each with detailed data on NCE pass rates, attrition, tuition, and admission requirements. Start by browsing the state-by-state listings on this page to see which programs are near you. Then compare those programs on the metrics that matter most to your situation: cost, outcomes, clinical sites, and class size. If you are open to relocating, expand your search to neighboring states where tuition or cost of living may be lower. Checking CRNA school requirements early helps you understand whether you meet each program's GPA, certification, and experience prerequisites before investing time in an application.

Our Final Thoughts

Rankings give you a starting point, not the final answer. The best program for you depends on your GPA, your budget, your family situation, and where you want to practice after graduation. Use these numbers to build a shortlist, then dig deeper into each program's clinical sites, cohort culture, and application timeline.

The CRNA Club's free School Database lets you filter all 154 programs by state, tuition, pass rate, and more. It is the fastest way to compare the programs on your list and make sure you are not overlooking a strong option nearby.

Rankings are based on publicly available outcome data from 154 COA-accredited programs. NCE pass rates are the primary ranking factor. Rankings are updated as new data becomes available. Learn about our methodology.

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