Auburn University Nursing Program: A Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
Auburn University’s School of Nursing in Auburn, Alabama, offers a traditional BSN, an RN to BSN completion option, and graduate pathways including MSN and DNP. This condensed guide gives you a high-level look at programs, estimated tuition, clinical experience, and what to expect from the admissions process.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
This page gives you a high-level orientation to Auburn University’s nursing options—in particular the traditional BSN, online RN to BSN, and graduate programs. Because detailed NCLEX data and selection criteria can change from year to year, always verify the most current figures directly with the School of Nursing and official Auburn publications before making final decisions.
Overview & Why Students Choose Auburn University
Located in Auburn, Alabama, Auburn University is a flagship public institution with a large campus, Division I athletics, and a broad range of majors. The School of Nursing offers a traditional four‑year BSN and pathways for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses through RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP programs.
Students often place Auburn on their list because they want a full residential university experience at a large campus, with access to labs, simulation, student organizations, and clinical placements in the broader East Alabama healthcare region.
Nursing Programs Offered
The official Auburn catalog and School of Nursing website are the authoritative sources for prerequisites, degree requirements, and course sequencing. Below is a simplified snapshot to help you frame your research.
Traditional BSN
Four‑year pre‑licensure pathway combining university core classes and upper‑division nursing coursework with clinical and simulation experiences. Leads to eligibility for the NCLEX‑RN exam once you graduate and are cleared by the state board.
RN to BSN
Designed for licensed RNs who completed an associate degree or diploma and now want to earn a BSN. Coursework is typically online and structured so that working nurses can complete it while employed.
MSN (Overview)
Auburn has offered MSN pathways (for example, advanced practice or nurse educator options) in recent years. Specific tracks, formats (online vs. hybrid), and admission requirements can change—always confirm directly with the School of Nursing.
DNP (Overview)
The DNP is a practice‑focused terminal degree for advanced nurses who want to lead at the highest clinical and systems level. Check the Auburn nursing website to see which DNP concentrations are currently accepting applications.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The Alabama Board of Nursing publishes first-time NCLEX examination pass rates by approved program in the Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024) PDF (see also abn.alabama.gov). In that workbook, find this institution and the column for your program type (for example, Practical Nursing, Associate Degree, or Baccalaureate Degree). Rates can differ by pathway and reporting period.
CY2025 annual workbook: During an April 2026 editorial review, a public CY2025 file with the same “approved annual programs” layout was not confirmed on the Board’s site. Always check the Board for the latest posted year before comparing schools.
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024), Auburn University reported a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its baccalaureate (BSN) program (CY2024, first-time testers). Rates can differ by pathway, campus, and reporting year. Confirm the latest outcomes with the Alabama Board of Nursing and the school before you compare programs.
Public updates from Auburn University and third‑party summaries consistently describe very strong NCLEX‑RN results for recent BSN cohorts. Because detailed year‑by‑year numbers can change and are sometimes presented in different formats (university releases vs. Alabama Board of Nursing reports), treat the table below as a high‑level snapshot, not a replacement for official data.
| Metric | Summary |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (BSN) | 100% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 100%). |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024) (PDF); historical comparison: CY2023 by institutions (PDF). Confirm the row for Auburn University and your program type. |
For the most current and precise NCLEX‑RN statistics—including the exact number of test‑takers and pass rates by year—check Auburn University College of Nursing announcements, accreditation or outcomes pages, and the Alabama Board of Nursing’s official reports before relying on any single percentage in your decision‑making.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Auburn regularly enrolls international students and the Alabama Board of Nursing licenses internationally educated nurses, but the path is more complex than for U.S. high‑school graduates. This section gives you a question framework so you can confirm the right steps with Auburn and the Board before you invest time or money.
- University‑level requirements: English‑language tests (TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.), minimum scores, financial documentation, and whether nursing has higher standards than general admission.
- Foreign transcript evaluation: Whether Auburn requires WES, SpanTran, CGFNS, or another evaluation service for secondary and prior college coursework, and how those credits apply to pre‑nursing and core requirements.
- Licensure pathway for foreign‑educated nurses: If you already hold a nursing credential outside the U.S., verify with the Alabama Board of Nursing which credential evaluations, English tests, and documents are needed for NCLEX‑RN eligibility, and how that interacts with Auburn’s programs.
- Visa, work, and clinicals: How clinical placements, on‑campus work, CPT/OPT, and post‑graduation employment options intersect with your visa category.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses can shift quickly. Before you rely on any summary (including this one), cross‑check everything with Auburn’s International Programs office, the School of Nursing, and the Alabama Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Selective public universities like Auburn manage large applicant pools and multiple layers of admission (university admission, then competitive entry into upper‑division nursing). The information below is meant to help you ask better questions—not to replace official criteria.
- Required GPA for upper‑division BSN admission (overall, science, and pre‑nursing).
- Whether a standardized test (ACT/SAT, TEAS, or another exam) is required for your application cycle.
- List of prerequisite courses and whether they must be completed at Auburn vs. a community college.
- Any interview, essay, or documented hours (e.g., healthcare experience or volunteer work) used in ranking applicants.
Because requirements change over time, always refer to the most recent Auburn University Bulletin and School of Nursing admission pages for year‑specific details.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Cost figures below are based on publicly available 2024–2025 Auburn University estimates for full‑time undergraduates and are rounded for clarity. Exact totals will depend on your residency, number of credits, housing, and fees—including any nursing‑specific clinical fees.
| Item | Approximate Amount (2024–2025) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (In‑State) | ~$12,890 per academic year* |
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Out‑of‑State) | ~$34,922 per academic year* |
| Estimated Total Cost of Attendance (In‑State) | Includes tuition, housing, meals, books, and other expenses; can exceed $28,000/year depending on living situation. |
| Estimated Total Cost of Attendance (Out‑of‑State) | Higher than in‑state; some estimates approach or exceed ~$58,000/year for full‑time on‑campus students. |
*Figures summarized here are for orientation only and may not include nursing‑specific clinical or lab fees. Always consult Auburn’s official financial aid and tuition pages for the latest numbers.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
For employment, salary, and licensure outcomes tied to Auburn University, use the program’s official disclosures, the Alabama Board of Nursing, and direct questions to admissions and career services. Results vary by cohort and how “placement” or “employment” is defined.
| Metric | How to verify |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN / NCLEX-PN | Use ABN program data and Auburn University’s published cohort results; confirm reporting year and program track. |
| Job placement / employment | If Auburn University publishes rates, note the source year and methodology; otherwise ask the school for the latest consumer or accreditation disclosures. |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing · Auburn University nursing or institutional research pages. |
Is Auburn University the Right Fit for You?
Choosing between Auburn, a community college, or another four‑year university often comes down to the style of campus you want, your budget, and how much support you need in a large‑university environment.
🌐 Large‑campus experience
Auburn is a big, residential campus with athletics, Greek life, and many student organizations. That’s a plus if you want a classic university experience—but can feel overwhelming if you prefer a smaller setting.
💰 Cost vs. alternatives
In‑state tuition is lower than many private universities but higher than Alabama’s community colleges. Some students start at a community college for pre‑nursing, then transfer later.
📍 Location & clinicals
Clinical experiences are typically arranged with hospitals and agencies in the broader region around Auburn. If you strongly prefer a major metro area (e.g., Birmingham, Mobile), weigh that in your decision.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Clinical partnerships and community sites for Auburn University change over time. Check the school’s nursing pages for current affiliates and use this section as a reminder to compare employer demand where you plan to work.
| Topic | Next step |
|---|---|
| Clinical sites | Confirm with Auburn University which facilities host students for your program and term. |
| Regional employers | Review local health system career pages and state workforce summaries alongside ABN licensure trends. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Campus location, nursing facilities, simulation labs, student groups, and support services are specific to Auburn University. Review the official nursing and student life pages—or visit—before assuming amenities match another school.
- Ask about simulation access, tutoring, and advising for nursing students.
- Confirm housing, transportation, and wellness resources on the main college or university site.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Auburn, AL
- Address
- 710 S Donahue Dr, Auburn, AL 36849, US
- Telephone
- Not publicly disclosed; see School of Nursing for contact
- Contact email
- Not publicly disclosed; see School of Nursing
- Website
- www.auburn.edu
Official links to review
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Auburn University School of Nursing website and skim the BSN and RN‑to‑BSN pages to understand the basic pathways.
- Open the current Auburn Bulletin entry for nursing and list out the prerequisite science and math courses you still need.
- Look up the most recent estimated cost of attendance for your residency status and note how it compares to at least one community college and one other university.
- Draft 3–5 questions you would ask an Auburn nursing advisor (about GPA thresholds, test requirements, and transfer policies).
- Reach out to a current Auburn nursing student or recent graduate via LinkedIn to ask about clinical placements and workload.
- Map out a semester‑by‑semester plan showing how you would complete prerequisites by your target application term.
- Set calendar reminders for Auburn’s university and nursing application deadlines once you confirm them on the official sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Auburn publish an official NCLEX pass rate for BSN graduates?
Most schools of nursing share NCLEX outcomes in accreditation reports, state board data, or program materials. To see Auburn’s most recent NCLEX performance, check the School of Nursing site and the Alabama Board of Nursing or contact the school directly.
Is admission to the upper‑division BSN at Auburn very competitive?
At many large universities, admission to upper‑division nursing is more competitive than admission to the university itself. Expect GPA, prerequisite performance, and possibly test scores or holistic factors to play a role. Because the exact formula can change, ask Auburn’s advisors what has been competitive in recent cycles.
Can I start at a community college and later transfer to Auburn’s nursing program?
Some students complete prerequisites at community colleges and then apply to four‑year institutions. Whether Auburn will accept specific transfer courses or how they affect competitiveness is something you should confirm with both the School of Nursing and Auburn’s transfer admissions office.
Does Auburn offer an accelerated BSN for second‑degree students?
Program line‑ups evolve. If you already have a bachelor’s degree and want an accelerated BSN, verify on the Auburn nursing site whether such a track currently exists or if Auburn recommends alternative pathways (like traditional BSN or graduate‑entry options elsewhere).
References
- Auburn University — Estimated Cost of Attendance 2024–2025auburn.edu/enrollment/financial-aid/cost/estimates.php
- Auburn University Bulletin — Nursing, Traditional BSN (NURS)bulletin.auburn.edu
- Auburn University School of Nursingauburn.edu/academic/health/nursing
- Any data points labeled as estimates or examples here should be confirmed directly with Auburn before you rely on them for financial or admission planning.
Editorial Standards & Review
Important: Unlike some NurseOnShift school pages, this Auburn University School of Nursing guide is intentionally high‑level and does not attempt to reconstruct detailed NCLEX statistics or year‑specific selection formulas from multiple sources. Always treat it as a starting point and confirm every number and requirement with official Auburn resources.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice and does not guarantee admission, eligibility, or any particular outcome. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Apr 2, 2026· Last reviewed: Apr 2, 2026· Nursing Education Review Process · Editorial Policy