Sherry Lesar School of Nursing ranked best nursing school in Montana by Niche.com
Montana Technological University’s Sherry Lesar School of Nursing is the top nursing school in Montana, according to the latest 2026 rankings from Niche.com of Best Colleges for Nursing in America.
The Sherry Lesar School of Nursing ranks #160 of 780 colleges. The only other nursing school in Montana ranked in the top half of Niche’s list is Montana State University (#237).
“We are so excited and proud that the Sherry Lesar School of Nursing continues to be ranked the number one nursing program in the state of Montana,” Dean of the College of Letters, Sciences and Professional Studies Dr. Michele Hardy said. “Our nursing faculty are tireless in their commitment to student success, illustrating a prime example of a program that operates with a student-centered ethos.”
Niche.com’s Best Colleges for Nursing rankings draw on a combination of academic and student-life factors to evaluate programs. The methodology incorporates data from the U.S. Department of Education. In addition, student reviews play a role, offering insight into real experiences within nursing programs. The result is a holistic picture that highlights not just academic rigor, but also the support and environment nursing students can expect at each institution.
“It is such an honor to receive this recognition which is an amazing reflection of the hard work, dedication, and collaboration between our nursing faculty and students,” Director of Nursing Janet Coe, MSN,RN,CHSE said. “Receiving a ranking that considers student reviews is a testament to the Montana Tech community and our faculty’s dedication to student success.”
There are now more opportunities than ever for students to attend the Sherry Lesar School of Nursing. Montana high school seniors with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher are able to apply for the Nursing Scholars Edge Direct Entry Program. The Nursing Scholars Edge Program is a direct entry opportunity that selects 25 top Montana high school seniors every year from a pool of qualified applicants. Additionally, applicants will be considered for a $500 scholarship. All incoming freshmen selected for the Nursing Scholars Edge Program secure clinical spots earlier than the traditional entry pathway. The deadline for the Fall 2025 cohort is January 15. For more information click here.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Montana Tech by clicking here. The Sherry Lesar School of Nursing, in conjunction with the Montana Tech Admissions Office, offers tours of its facilities, consultation with faculty members, and transcript evaluations to prospective students. To sign up for a virtual or in-person visit, click here.