Quick Answer: Based on recent PRC data, the top nursing schools with 100+ examinees include Saint Louis University (100%), West Visayas State University (100%), Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan (100%), Cebu Doctors' University (100%), and University of Santo Tomas (100%) from the November 2025 NLE. University of Pangasinan led the May 2025 exam with a 99.16% rate.
Introduction
Choosing a nursing school is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your healthcare career. While campus facilities, tuition costs, and location all matter, there is one metric that cuts through the noise: the NLE passing rate.
The Professional Regulation Commission publishes performance-of-schools data after every Nursing Licensure Examination, ranking institutions by how many of their graduates passed. Schools that consistently post high passing rates tend to have rigorous curricula, experienced faculty, strong clinical partnerships, and effective board exam preparation programs.
This guide compiles actual PRC data from the most recent NLE administrations to rank the Philippines' top-performing nursing schools. We focus on schools with at least 100 examinees, per PRC's recognition criteria, to filter out statistical flukes from small sample sizes.
November 2025 NLE: Record-Breaking Results
The November 2025 PNLE posted a historic 90.04% national passing rate — the highest in NLE history — with 40,692 out of 45,192 examinees passing. Twenty-one schools achieved a perfect 100% passing rate with at least 100 examinees.
Top Performing Schools (November 2025 NLE — 100+ Examinees)
| Rank | School | Passers/Takers | Passing Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saint Louis University | 242/242 | 100% |
| 1 | West Visayas State University | ~300/~300 | 100% |
| 1 | Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan | ~200/~200 | 100% |
| 1 | Cebu Doctors' University | ~150/~150 | 100% |
| 1 | University of Santo Tomas | ~400/~400 | 100% |
| 1 | Angeles University Foundation | ~120/~120 | 100% |
| 1 | Velez College | ~100/~100 | 100% |
| 1 | Bicol University – Legazpi | ~100/~100 | 100% |
| 1 | Central Mindanao University | ~100/~100 | 100% |
| 1 | Saint Paul University – Iloilo | ~100/~100 | 100% |
| 11 | Far Eastern University – Manila | ~590/~593 | 99.82% |
| 12 | Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila | 197/198 | 99.49% |
| 13 | Our Lady of Fatima University | 3,467/3,714 | 93.32% |
Note: Exact taker counts for some 100% schools are approximate based on available PRC data. OLFU produced the largest total number of passers (3,467) among all 477 participating schools.
May 2025 NLE: Top Schools
The May 2025 exam had a tougher 64.40% national passing rate (6,935 out of 10,769 passers), making top school performance even more impressive:
| Rank | School | Passers/Takers | Passing Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pangasinan | 354/357 | 99.16% |
| 2 | Saint Paul University – Tuguegarao | 186/188 | 98.94% |
| 3 | Gordon College | 115/117 | 98.29% |
| 4 | FEU-NRMF | ~100/~102 | 98.00% |
| 5 | Holy Trinity University | ~70/~73 | 95.89% |
| 6 | Universidad de Zamboanga | ~80/~85 | 94.12% |
| 7 | Medical College of Northern Philippines | ~105/~116 | 90.52% |
| 8 | Lyceum Northwestern University | ~87/~102 | 85.29% |
Consistently Top-Performing Schools (Multi-Year Analysis)
Some schools perform well in a single exam cycle but falter in others. The truly elite nursing programs deliver consistent results across multiple years. Based on data from 2023-2025 NLE administrations, these schools stand out:
Tier 1: Near-Perfect Consistency
- West Visayas State University — 100% passing rate for six consecutive years. WVSU also produces a disproportionate number of topnotchers, including 36 in November 2025 alone. Widely considered the premier state university for nursing in the Philippines.
- Saint Louis University — Consistently posts 95-100% passing rates with 8 topnotchers in November 2025. Baguio-based institution known for its rigorous nursing program.
- University of Santo Tomas — Asia's oldest university maintains a nursing program that regularly achieves 95%+ passing rates.
Tier 2: Excellent and Reliable
- Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan — Strong performance in Mindanao, regularly achieving 95-100%.
- Cebu Doctors' University — Visayas leader with consistent top performance.
- Far Eastern University – Manila — Regularly posts 95%+ with a large examinee pool.
- University of Pangasinan — Emerged as a powerhouse, especially in the May exam cycle.
Tier 3: High Volume, High Performance
- Our Lady of Fatima University — The largest nursing school in the Philippines by examinee count. While its percentage may not always be the highest, OLFU produces more licensed nurses than any other school in the country (3,467 in November 2025) and consistently beats the national passing rate.
What Top Nursing Schools Have in Common
- Rigorous clinical training — Top schools maintain strong hospital partnerships that give students extensive hands-on experience before graduation.
- Integrated board exam prep — Many top schools build NLE preparation into the senior year curriculum rather than treating it as an afterthought.
- Low student-to-faculty ratios — Smaller class sizes in clinical and lab courses allow for more personalized instruction.
- Experienced nurse-educators — Faculty who have worked in clinical settings bring real-world knowledge to the classroom.
- Strong alumni networks — Graduates of top schools often come back as preceptors, creating a virtuous cycle of mentorship.
How to Use This Data
When choosing a nursing school, NLE passing rate is critical — but it is not the only factor. Consider these alongside the numbers:
- Location and cost — A 100% school in Baguio may not make sense if you live in Davao and cannot afford the relocation.
- Clinical affiliations — Which hospitals does the school partner with? Government hospitals? Private tertiary hospitals?
- Tuition — State universities like WVSU and Bicol University offer free tuition under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, while private schools like UST and CDU charge significantly more.
- Exam volume — A school with 100% on 100 takers is impressive. A school with 93% on 3,700 takers (like OLFU) is a logistical achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which nursing school has the highest NLE passing rate?
Based on the November 2025 NLE, 21 schools achieved 100% passing rates, including Saint Louis University, West Visayas State University, Xavier University, UST, and Cebu Doctors' University.
Does a high NLE passing rate guarantee I will pass?
No. The passing rate reflects the school's overall performance, but your individual result depends on your preparation. Even at a 100% school, you need to put in the study hours.
Are state universities or private universities better for nursing?
Both can be excellent. WVSU (state) and UST (private) both consistently achieve 100%. State universities offer free tuition; private universities may offer more resources and smaller class sizes.
What is the national NLE passing rate?
It varies by exam cycle. Recent rates range from 44.24% (February 2026) to 90.04% (November 2025). Fresh graduates consistently outperform repeat takers.
How do I find a nursing school near me?
Use SchoolFinderPH to filter nursing schools by city and compare their NLE passing rates.
Does PRC publish school-level data after every exam?
Yes. The PRC releases a Performance of Schools report after each NLE administration, listing every school's passing rate.
Should I choose a school with a high passing rate or one close to home?
Ideally, both. But if you must choose, a school with strong academic support and high passing rates is worth the relocation investment. Your four-year education directly determines your licensure chances.
Regional Breakdown: Best Nursing Schools by Area
If location is a deciding factor, here are the standout schools in each major region:
National Capital Region (NCR)
University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, Our Lady of Fatima University, and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila are the strongest Manila-based options. UST and FEU regularly achieve 99-100%, while OLFU produces the highest volume of passers in the country.
Cordillera Administrative Region
Saint Louis University in Baguio is the clear leader — 100% in November 2025 with 8 topnotchers. A cold-weather campus with a rigorous nursing program.
Western Visayas
West Visayas State University in Iloilo is arguably the best nursing school in the Philippines by consistency, posting 100% for six consecutive years. As a state university, WVSU offers free tuition.
Central Visayas
Cebu Doctors' University and Velez College lead in Cebu. Both achieved 100% in the November 2025 NLE.
Northern Mindanao
Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro achieved 100% in November 2025, making it the top nursing school in Mindanao.
Davao Region
University of Mindanao in Davao consistently performs above the national average and is the largest nursing program in Mindanao.
Pangasinan
University of Pangasinan emerged as a surprise top performer, leading the May 2025 NLE with an extraordinary 99.16% passing rate.
Find Your Nursing School
Your nursing school choice will shape the next four years of your life and your NLE outcome. Use real data — not rumors — to make your decision.
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