Stanbridge University Earns National Recognition Among the Nation’s Most Selective Colleges
Basic Overview
Stanbridge University has been recognized among the nation’s most selective colleges in a national ranking featured by Business Insider and based on data compiled by Degree Choices.¹ Ranked #35 nationally, Stanbridge University appeared alongside California’s Pomona College and Claremont McKenna College. The recognition reflects increasing interest in healthcare education as demand for nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapy programs continues to grow.¹
Stanbridge University Recognized Among the Nation’s Most Selective Colleges
Stanbridge University was recognized in a national ranking highlighting some of the most selective colleges in the United States.
Featured by Business Insider and based on data compiled by Degree Choices, the ranking identified institutions using admissions data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator. Stanbridge University ranked #35 nationally, appearing alongside a number of well-known colleges and universities.¹
The recognition reflects increasing interest in healthcare education and the growing demand for programs that prepare students for careers in nursing and allied health.
This also builds on several recent honors received by Stanbridge University. In 2026, Niche ranked Stanbridge University’s undergraduate nursing programs the #1 Best College for Nursing in California. The university was also ranked among the top 5% of colleges nationwide for 10-year return on investment by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, highlighting the long-term value of higher education for graduates.² ³
Which Colleges Were Included in the Ranking?
The national ranking featured colleges and universities from across the country representing a variety of academic disciplines and institutional models.
Stanbridge University appeared alongside California’s Pomona College and Claremont McKenna College. ¹
Although selectivity rankings use different methodologies, they commonly consider admissions-related factors such as applicant demand, acceptance rates, and enrollment capacity.¹
Why Is Interest in Healthcare Education Growing?
Healthcare continues to be one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the United States.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2023 and 2033, adding approximately 1.9 million new jobs nationwide.²
California also continues to project strong demand across many healthcare professions. According to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), employment is projected to grow by:
- 58.6% for Nurse Practitioners
- 41.8% for Physical Therapist Assistants
- 33.3% for Occupational Therapy Assistants
- 20.5% for Occupational Therapists
- 17.8% for Licensed Vocational Nurses³
These workforce trends contribute to continued interest in healthcare education and career preparation.
Healthcare Education at Stanbridge University
Stanbridge University offers degree programs designed to prepare students for careers across a variety of healthcare disciplines, including:
- Associate of Occupational Science in Vocational Nursing (LVN/AVN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN-Ed)
- Associate of Occupational Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
- Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
Programs combine classroom instruction with simulation-based learning, laboratory experiences, and supervised clinical or fieldwork education that help students apply concepts in real-world healthcare settings.
Stanbridge University has also earned recognition for its commitment to student success and educational quality. The university was designated an Opportunity College in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications, recognized in the 2025 Best Healthcare Degree Programs Ranking in America by Research.com, accredited by Investors in People in London, and certified as a Great Place to Work.
How Does Stanbridge University Support Hands-On Learning?
Hands-on learning is an important part of healthcare education.
Students have access to educational technologies and learning environments that complement classroom instruction and help reinforce clinical concepts, including:
- Nursing Simulation Laboratories
- High-Fidelity Simulations
- Virtual Reality learning environments
- SynDaver Synthetic Cadavers
- Rehabilitation Robotics
- Interactive Learning Modules
These resources provide opportunities to practice clinical skills, strengthen critical thinking, and gain experience in simulated healthcare environments before entering clinical or fieldwork experiences.
Looking Ahead
Healthcare continues to evolve, creating new opportunities for nurses and allied health professionals across California and the United States.
Stanbridge University’s recognition among the nation’s most selective colleges adds to a growing list of national honors that reflect its focus on healthcare education, student success, and workforce preparation. As demand for nurses and allied health professionals continues to grow, the university remains committed to providing hands-on learning experiences that prepare graduates for careers in healthcare.
If you’d like to learn more about Stanbridge University’s nursing and allied health programs, explore the university’s program offerings or contact Stanbridge University for additional information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stanbridge University was recognized in a national ranking featured by Business Insider and based on data compiled by Degree Choices. The university ranked #35 among the nation’s most selective colleges using admissions data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator.¹
College selectivity generally refers to admissions-related factors such as applicant demand, acceptance rates, enrollment capacity, and admissions criteria. Methodologies vary by organization. In this ranking, Degree Choices analyzed NCES College Navigator data for institutions that admitted 10% or fewer of applicants during the 2024-2025 academic year.¹
Stanbridge University offers healthcare-focused degree programs in vocational nursing, nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. You can explore all available programs by visiting the Stanbridge University website.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2023 and 2033, adding approximately 1.9 million new jobs nationwide.² California also projects continued employment growth across many nursing and allied health professions.³
Growing demand for healthcare services, an aging population, advances in medical treatment, and the need for rehabilitation professionals continue to increase interest in healthcare education and patient care careers.² ³
Footnotes
¹ Degree Choices. The 35 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America. Featured by Business Insider. Based on National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator admissions data for the 2024-2025 academic year. https://archive.ph/OirWa
² U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Healthcare Occupations. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm
³ California Employment Development Department. Occupational Employment Projections. https://labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/