Sherry Lesar Nursing School Ranks Top in Montana
The school secured the state's leading position for the second year in a row in the latest Niche.com rankings.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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Niche.com has named the Sherry Lesar School of Nursing as the top nursing program in Montana for the second consecutive year. The institution placed 178th among 796 colleges evaluated nationwide.
Why it matters
These rankings provide prospective students with an assessment of academic quality and student experiences by utilizing data from the U.S. Department of Education. The recognition distinguishes the school within the state, where Montana State University currently holds the 203rd national rank.
The school achieved a national rank of 178th out of 796 institutions. This marks the second year the program has held the top spot among all nursing schools in Montana.
The players
Sherry Lesar School of Nursing
This educational institution provides clinical nursing training and is currently recognized as the top-rated nursing school in Montana.
Montana Technological University
This university hosts the Sherry Lesar School of Nursing and administers the Nursing Scholars Edge Direct Entry Program.
Montana State University
This is a public research university that operates its own nursing program, which ranked 203rd in the latest national listings.
The details
The institution manages the Nursing Scholars Edge Direct Entry Program, which selects 25 high school seniors annually. Admitted students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 and are eligible for a $500 scholarship.
Timeline
The school earned the top state ranking for the 2027 academic year.
The application deadline for the Nursing Scholars Edge program is Jan. 15 at 4 p.m.
Market Landscape
The school continues to capture the top regional position as part of an ongoing trend where specialized nursing programs compete for high-achieving applicants. This ranking positions the university favorably against other institutions like Montana State University in the state nursing education market.
High school seniors interested in the program must maintain a 3.5 GPA to be eligible for admission and the $500 scholarship. Students aiming for nursing careers in Montana should note the January application deadline to secure a spot in the incoming cohort.
The takeaway
Prospective nursing students should prioritize maintaining high academic standards to qualify for direct entry programs. This competitive landscape highlights the importance of early application planning for those seeking to enter top-ranked clinical training paths.
What happens next
The application deadline for the Nursing Scholars Edge Direct Entry Program is Jan. 15 at 4 p.m.
Further reading
For more information on the local healthcare employment landscape, visit Montana Nursing Jobs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Montana.
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