Quick Answer: The best nursing schools in the Philippines include Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU), University of Santo Tomas, Silliman University, Saint Louis University, and the University of the Philippines Manila. These schools consistently post NLE passing rates well above the national average and produce board exam topnotchers year after year.
Introduction
Nursing remains one of the most in-demand professions in the Philippines and around the world. For aspiring nurses, the school you attend directly impacts your preparation for the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE), your clinical training quality, and your career prospects both locally and abroad.
The November 2025 PNLE posted a record-breaking 90.04% national passing rate, with 40,692 out of 45,192 examinees passing — the highest ever documented. But school-level performance varies dramatically. Some institutions consistently hit 100% passing rates, while others fall well below the national average.
This guide ranks the top 15 nursing schools in the Philippines based on recent NLE passing rates from PRC data, the number of topnotchers produced, accreditation status, clinical training facilities, and overall program reputation.
Top 15 Nursing Schools in the Philippines
1. Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU)
Our Lady of Fatima University emerged as the nation's top nursing school in the November 2025 NLE, producing 3,467 newly licensed nurses — the most of any school among 477 participating institutions. OLFU posted a 93.32% passing rate and yielded 10 topnotchers, a record-breaking achievement. With campuses in Valenzuela, Antipolo, and Pampanga, OLFU has built a powerhouse nursing program backed by extensive hospital partnerships.
2. University of Santo Tomas (UST)
University of Santo Tomas in Manila has one of the oldest and most prestigious nursing programs in the country. UST achieved a perfect 100% passing rate in the November 2024 NLE and consistently posts rates above 99% in recent examinations. The UST College of Nursing, founded in 1946, benefits from the UST Hospital as its primary training ground.
3. Silliman University (Dumaguete)
Silliman University in Dumaguete City has maintained a remarkable streak of 100% NLE passing rates spanning over eight consecutive years. In the November 2024 PNLE, all 83 examinees passed, with three topnotchers. Silliman maintains a consistent record of 100% passing average with 108 topnotchers produced since 1951. It is the oldest nursing school in Southeast Asia.
4. Saint Louis University (Baguio)
Saint Louis University achieved a perfect 100% passing rate (242 out of 242) in the November 2025 NLE, with 8 topnotchers. SLU's School of Nursing, Allied Health and Biological Sciences has established itself as one of the top-performing programs in the country, consistently appearing in the PRC's list of top-performing schools.
5. University of the Philippines Manila
University of the Philippines Manila is the health sciences campus of the UP System. In the November 2025 NLE, UP Manila produced the second-place topnotcher. As the premier state university, UP Manila offers affordable, high-quality nursing education with strong clinical rotations at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), the country's largest government hospital.
6. University of Pangasinan
The University of Pangasinan was named the top-performing school (100+ examinees) in the May 2025 NLE, producing 354 registered nurses out of 357 takers for a stunning 99.16% passing rate. This performance put them at the top of the country's nursing schools for that examination cycle.
7. St. Paul University Tuguegarao
St. Paul University in Tuguegarao ranked second nationally in the May 2025 NLE with a 98.94% passing rate. The university's nursing program is known for its strict academic standards and comprehensive clinical training programs.
8. Centro Escolar University (CEU)
Centro Escolar University in Manila offers a PAASCU Level III-accredited nursing program — one of the highest accreditation levels achievable. CEU nursing graduates consistently perform well in the NLE, and the school's location in the university belt provides access to multiple hospital affiliations for clinical rotations.
9. West Visayas State University (Iloilo)
WVSU in La Paz, Iloilo City, achieved a perfect 100% passing rate in the November 2025 NLE. As a state university, WVSU offers one of the most affordable quality nursing programs in the country and is considered the top nursing school in Western Visayas.
10. Central Philippine University (Iloilo)
CPU in Iloilo City also posted a 100% NLE passing rate in the November 2025 examination. The Baptist-affiliated university has a long tradition of nursing education excellence in the Visayas region.
11. Cebu Doctors' University
Cebu Doctors' University (CDU) in Cebu City boasts a 95-99% NLE passing rate and holds the distinction of being the first College of Nursing in Cebu. Its PAASCU Level III accreditation and direct affiliation with Cebu Doctors' University Hospital give students unparalleled clinical exposure.
12. Xavier University (Cagayan de Oro)
Xavier University achieved a 100% NLE passing rate in the November 2024 PNLE. The Jesuit institution in Cagayan de Oro is known for its holistic approach to nursing education, combining academic rigor with community health immersion programs.
13. Gordon College (Olongapo)
Gordon College in Olongapo City ranked third nationally in the May 2025 NLE with a 98.29% passing rate. This public college offers affordable nursing education with strong government support and modern simulation laboratories.
14. St. Paul University Iloilo
SPU Iloilo posted a 100% NLE passing rate in the November 2025 examination, continuing the St. Paul network's tradition of nursing excellence. The university provides a well-rounded nursing curriculum with strong community health components.
15. Southern Luzon State University — Lucban
SLSU Lucban achieved a 100% NLE passing rate in the May 2025 examination. This state university in Quezon Province offers an affordable path to a nursing career with solid board exam preparation.
Comparison Table
| School | Location | NLE Passing Rate | Accreditation | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OLFU | Valenzuela | 93.32% (Nov 2025) | PAASCU | Most passers nationwide, 10 topnotchers |
| UST | Manila | ~100% (Nov 2024) | PAASCU Level IV | Oldest program, UST Hospital |
| Silliman University | Dumaguete | 100% (8+ years) | PAASCU Level IV | 108 topnotchers since 1951 |
| Saint Louis University | Baguio | 100% (Nov 2025) | PAASCU | 242/242 passers, 8 topnotchers |
| UP Manila | Manila | High 90s% | CHED COE | PGH clinical training |
| Univ. of Pangasinan | Dagupan | 99.16% (May 2025) | PAASCU | Top school (100+ takers) |
| St. Paul U. Tuguegarao | Tuguegarao | 98.94% (May 2025) | PAASCU | Consistent top performer |
| CEU | Manila | Above national avg | PAASCU Level III | Multiple hospital affiliations |
| WVSU | Iloilo | 100% (Nov 2025) | CHED COE | Top state univ. for nursing |
| CPU | Iloilo | 100% (Nov 2025) | PAASCU | Strong Visayas reputation |
| Cebu Doctors' Univ. | Cebu City | 95-99% | PAASCU Level III | First nursing college in Cebu |
| Xavier University | Cagayan de Oro | 100% (Nov 2024) | PAASCU | Jesuit, community health focus |
| Gordon College | Olongapo | 98.29% (May 2025) | CHED | Affordable, modern sim labs |
| St. Paul U. Iloilo | Iloilo | 100% (Nov 2025) | PAASCU | Strong St. Paul network |
| SLSU Lucban | Lucban, Quezon | 100% (May 2025) | CHED | Affordable state university |
How to Choose the Right Nursing School
Check NLE passing rates over multiple years. A single year of high performance can be an outlier. Look for schools that consistently perform above the national average across several examination cycles. PRC publishes these results after every board exam.
Visit the clinical training facilities. Nursing is a hands-on profession. Schools affiliated with large hospitals — like UST Hospital, PGH, or Cebu Doctors' University Hospital — give students more diverse clinical exposure.
Consider accreditation level. PAASCU Level III and Level IV accreditation indicates a program that meets the highest quality standards. CHED Centers of Excellence (COE) designation is another strong quality marker.
Factor in total cost. Tuition for private nursing schools ranges from PHP 60,000 to PHP 150,000+ per semester. State universities like WVSU, UP Manila, and Gordon College offer quality education at a fraction of the cost.
Think about location and board exam review. Being near quality NLE review centers in Manila or major cities can be an advantage when it's time to prepare for the boards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NLE passing rate in the Philippines?
The November 2025 PNLE posted a record 90.04% national passing rate. However, passing rates vary by exam cycle — the May 2025 exam had a 64.40% rate, and the February 2026 exam posted 44.24%.
Which nursing school has the highest NLE passing rate?
Several schools achieved 100% in recent NLE exams, including Silliman University, Saint Louis University, WVSU, CPU, and St. Paul University Iloilo. For schools with 100+ examinees, the University of Pangasinan led with 99.16% in May 2025.
Is nursing school expensive in the Philippines?
Private nursing schools charge PHP 60,000-150,000+ per semester. State universities like WVSU, UP Manila, and Gordon College are significantly more affordable, often under PHP 20,000 per semester. Many schools offer scholarships.
How long is nursing school in the Philippines?
The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program takes four years, including clinical rotations. After graduation, you need to pass the NLE to become a Registered Nurse.
Which school produces the most nurses in the Philippines?
OLFU produced the most NLE passers in the November 2025 exam with 3,467 newly licensed nurses — the highest among 477 participating schools.
Is it worth attending an NLE review center after nursing school?
Most nursing graduates enroll in review centers to prepare for the boards. Top review centers like CEVAS, Carl Balita Review Center, and Ray A. Gapuz Review Center offer structured programs that boost confidence and passing rates.
Can I work abroad with a Philippine nursing degree?
Yes. Philippine nursing graduates are in demand worldwide. Many pass the NCLEX (US), NMC (UK), or other international licensing exams. Schools like UST, Silliman, and UP Manila have strong track records of producing nurses who work internationally.
What is the difference between PNLE and NLE?
They refer to the same exam. PNLE stands for Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination, while NLE stands for Nurse Licensure Examination. Both terms are used interchangeably.
Ready to start your nursing career? Explore nursing schools near you on SchoolFinderPH — browse schools in Manila, Cebu City, Iloilo City, and more.