Nursing education has both theoretical and practical components as well as many stressors. The stress levels of students might be affected by clinical environment, nursing practices, patients, and team members. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of stress on nursing students’ academic achievement related to three different education methods. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 571 nursing students at three universities. A different education method was used at each university. Data were collected by researchers using the Individual Identity Form and Stress in Nursing Education Questionnaire. According to the education methods, there is a difference between the academic achievement mean score and the academic stress score of the students. Academic stress was weakly correlated with academic achievement in the integrated model and Problem Based Learning. Problem Based Learning decreases stress level and increases the academic achievements of students by enabling them to realize the different capabilities of the study.