1. Strong Nursing Program: Look at rankings (US News & World Report, NursingCAS, etc.), accreditation (CCNE or ACEN), NCLEX-RN pass rates, and program features (specializations, clinical opportunities).
2. NCAA Softball Team (or strong club team): Check the college's athletics website to see if they have a varsity NCAA softball team, or a competitive club team. The level of competition will vary.
3. Other Factors: Consider location, campus size, cost of attendance, and overall campus culture.
To find colleges that meet these criteria, I recommend doing the following:
* Start with a list of colleges known for strong nursing programs: Research schools highly rated in nursing.
* Check each school's athletics website: Look for their softball program.
* Use a college search engine: Websites like CollegeBoard, Peterson's, and Niche allow you to filter your search by major (nursing) and athletic offerings (softball).
Remember to explore beyond just the top-ranked schools. A smaller college might offer a more personalized education and a more prominent role on the softball team. Good luck with your search!