Oakwood University Nursing Program: A Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
Oakwood University’s Department of Nursing combines a Christ-centered BSN curriculum with small cohorts and recent NCLEX-RN highlights, including reported class pass rates of 91.7% (2022) and 100% (2023). This page summarizes what Oakwood and external sources publish about outcomes, admission standards, tuition, and international requirements so you can decide whether this Huntsville-based program fits your goals.
Contents
Quick facts for 2026 applicants
*Cost estimate based on 2025–2027 Schedule of Charges (tuition for 12–16 credits plus standard fees). Housing, meals, books, and health insurance are additional.
Key takeaway
Oakwood is a good fit if you want a faith-based, historically Black Seventh-day Adventist environment and are comfortable with a structured, GPA- and test-driven BSN admission process. For NCLEX-RN, treat school-reported class highlights as one data point and confirm multi-year, first-time pass rates with the Alabama Board of Nursing and Oakwood before deciding.
Overview & Why Students Choose Oakwood University Department of Nursing
Oakwood University is a private, historically Black institution in Huntsville, Alabama, operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Department of Nursing sits within the School of Nursing & Health Professions and emphasizes wholistic, Christ-centered care for diverse communities.
The generic BSN option is designed for students who are not yet registered nurses, while the RN-BSN track offers a completion pathway for working RNs. Compared with many Alabama programs, Oakwood’s BSN entry requirements lean more heavily on GPA, ACT/SAT, and HESI performance, which can appeal to students who prefer a clear, criteria-driven selection process.
Nursing Programs Offered
Catalog pages describe two primary nursing pathways at Oakwood. The summaries below are intentionally high-level and non-promotional; for full plans of study, always review Oakwood’s official catalog and advising materials.
BSN · Generic option (pre-licensure)
Four-year bachelor’s degree with lower-division pre-nursing and upper-division nursing coursework. Includes classroom, skills lab, and clinical experiences intended to prepare graduates for entry-level RN practice and NCLEX-RN eligibility. Students complete general education and prerequisite science/math courses before applying to the Department of Nursing.
RN to BSN completion program
Designed for licensed RNs with an associate degree or diploma who want to complete a BSN. Focuses on leadership, research, community health, and advanced concepts in holistic and faith-based care. Specific delivery format details (for example, fully online vs. hybrid) are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages and should be confirmed directly with Oakwood.
Oakwood University’s baccalaureate nursing program is listed by ACEN as accredited, with the most recent action dated April 2, 2026 and next visit Fall 2030. Oakwood’s nursing page also states initial ACEN accreditation until Fall 2030. The Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 report lists Oakwood’s BSN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate as 50.00%—review accreditation status and recent NCLEX outcomes separately before applying.
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), Oakwood University reported a 50% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its baccalaureate (BSN) program (CY2024, first-time testers). Oakwood reports 91.7% (Class of 2022) and 100% (Class of 2023) on its site; calendar-year Board data can differ from class-based school reports—compare both with the nursing department. 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.
Oakwood publishes school-reported pass rates for recent graduating classes. For licensing decisions, prioritize the Alabama Board of Nursing institutional reports and any official Oakwood outcomes that name the cohort year and first-time metric. Third-party aggregate sites are not primary sources for this page.
| Metric | Published value / comments |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (BSN) | 50% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 68.75%). |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024) (PDF); historical comparison: CY2023 by institutions (PDF). Confirm the row for Oakwood University and your program type. |
Before enrolling, ask Oakwood for the last 5 years of NCLEX-RN results (including cohort sizes and first-time vs. repeat testers) and compare that to the Alabama Board of Nursing’s annual program report. That official report should be treated as the single source of truth if school marketing and third-party summaries disagree.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Oakwood’s catalog has a dedicated section on admission of international applicants and an additional section on English as a Second Language (ESL) Support Services. These policies apply across the university, not just to nursing, but BSN applicants still need to meet any program-specific expectations on top of general admission.
| Requirement | Summary from Oakwood sources |
|---|---|
| English-language proficiency tests | Oakwood accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo scores. The ESL Support Services table classifies proficiency levels from Beginning to Exempt. |
| Example score ranges | Low Intermediate: TOEFL iBT 42–71 or IELTS 5.5–6; High Intermediate: TOEFL iBT 72–94 or IELTS 6.5; Exempt: TOEFL iBT 101+ or IELTS 7.5+ or Duolingo 131+. |
| Minimum acceptable level | Applicants scoring below the Low Intermediate level are not granted acceptance; they may retake exams to improve scores. |
| Nursing-specific expectations | Program-level English or score thresholds specifically for BSN admission are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. International applicants should confirm required test types and minimum scores directly with Oakwood admissions and the Department of Nursing. |
| Academic records & immigration | Oakwood’s international admissions section describes transcript evaluation, financial documentation, and SEVIS/I-20 processes; detailed step-by-step nursing-specific visa guidance was not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. |
Because state Board of Nursing rules, immigration policies, and institutional requirements can change, international and foreign-educated nurses should treat this section as guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Always verify details with Oakwood’s International Student Services, the Department of Nursing, and the Alabama Board of Nursing before making plans.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to Oakwood University does not automatically grant admission to the Department of Nursing. The generic BSN option has clearly published academic and testing thresholds; meeting the minimums still does not guarantee selection.
| Factor | What Oakwood publishes |
|---|---|
| University cumulative GPA | Minimum 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. |
| ACT / SAT | ACT composite score of 19 or higher, or SAT composite score of 960 or higher. Lower scores may require developmental coursework with at least a C grade. |
| HESI A2 with Critical Thinking | Cumulative score of 75% or higher on the Admission Assessment Exam, including Reading/Comprehension, Chemistry, Math, Anatomy & Physiology, and Grammar. |
| Intro to Professional Nursing | Grade of B- or better in NS 101 (typically in the second semester of the sophomore year). |
| Science coursework | No grade less than C in required science courses. |
| Completion of pre-nursing plan | All pre-nursing coursework completed with at least a C and a 3.00 GPA by the end of the fall semester before starting upper-division nursing. |
| Nursing program acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed; Oakwood does not publish the percentage of applicants admitted to the BSN each cycle. |
To stay safely above the floor, aim for a GPA higher than 3.0 in key sciences, take the HESI A2 early enough to allow a retake if needed, and treat NS 101 as both an introduction to the profession and a crucial admissions lever. Ask directly how Oakwood ranks candidates (for example, GPA weighting vs. HESI vs. ACT) and whether they publish a typical profile of admitted cohorts.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Oakwood’s tuition model differs from Alabama’s public universities and community colleges. The catalog Schedule of Charges lists flat full-time tuition for 12–16 credits per semester plus institutional fees, housing, meal plans, books, and health insurance.
| Cost component | Estimate from recent catalog |
|---|---|
| Tuition (12–16 credits) | Approximately $11,472 per semester. |
| Required fees | Catalog examples show around $418 per semester in technology/matriculation and similar fees. |
| Estimated tuition & fees (year) | Roughly $23,780 per academic year for full-time study, before housing, meals, and other costs. |
| Room and board | Room and meal plan options vary; ranges in recent schedules suggest several thousand dollars per semester. Exact current amounts are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. |
| Other expenses | Books, supplies, and health insurance are additional; Oakwood’s net price calculator and catalog provide the most current figures. |
Because nursing courses usually require full-time status and clinical fees, it is important to look at total cost of attendance over the full BSN, not just headline tuition. Use Oakwood’s official net price calculator and talk with financial aid about scholarships and SDA-specific aid.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
For employment, salary, and licensure outcomes tied to Oakwood 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 Oakwood University’s published cohort results; confirm reporting year and program track. |
| Job placement / employment | If Oakwood 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 · Oakwood University nursing or institutional research pages. |
Is Oakwood University Department of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
Oakwood may be a good fit if—
- You want a Christ-centered, Seventh-day Adventist campus culture and value faith integration in nursing courses.
- You are prepared to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and invest time in standardized test prep for the ACT/SAT and HESI A2.
- You prefer smaller cohorts and a department that highlights recent high NCLEX-RN class pass rates.
- You are comfortable with private-school tuition in exchange for a faith-based environment and smaller community.
Oakwood may not be ideal if—
- You need the lowest possible tuition and fees available in Alabama; a community college ADN with later RN-BSN might be more affordable.
- You want stronger recent NCLEX-RN outcomes than Oakwood’s ABN-reported BSN rate (50.00% in CY2024) before committing to a pre-licensure BSN.
- You prefer a large public university environment or want access to a wide range of in-house graduate nursing degrees immediately.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Clinical partnerships and community sites for Oakwood 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 Oakwood 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 Oakwood 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
Use this section to quickly contact the Department of Nursing, pull official information, and structure your next week of research.
- Campus location
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Address
- 7000 Adventist Boulevard NW, Huntsville, AL 35896, United States
- Telephone number
- Not published on the school’s public nursing pages (check Oakwood’s nursing contact page).
- Contact email
- Not published on the school’s public nursing pages (use Oakwood’s contact form or departmental directory).
- Website
- Oakwood University Department of Nursing
- Download Oakwood’s current catalog sections for the Department of Nursing, BSN generic option, and RN-BSN completion program, and map the sample plans of study against your previous coursework.
- Use the net price calculator and Schedule of Charges to estimate your total cost of attendance for all remaining semesters of the BSN, including clinical fees, room, board, books, and health insurance.
- Speak with an Oakwood nursing advisor or recruiter about how they rank BSN applicants (GPA vs. HESI vs. ACT/SAT) and ask for a sample profile of admitted students.
- Request the last 5 years of NCLEX-RN results and any available retention or graduation data from Oakwood, then compare those figures with Alabama Board of Nursing program reports.
- If you are an international or foreign-educated applicant, confirm up-to-date English-language score expectations, transcript evaluation requirements, and any extra Board of Nursing steps for NCLEX eligibility.
- Shadow a nurse in your preferred setting (hospital, community, long-term care) or talk with an Oakwood BSN or RN-BSN graduate about their experience balancing coursework, clinicals, and work.
- Compare Oakwood with at least two other Alabama BSN or ADN-plus-RN-BSN pathways on NCLEX outcomes, tuition, and culture before you submit a deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oakwood University a good school for nursing?
Oakwood combines a faith-based, historically Black campus with a BSN curriculum that emphasizes holistic care. Review recent school-reported class outcomes alongside official Alabama Board of Nursing program data before deciding.
What GPA do I need for Oakwood’s BSN?
The published minimum is a 3.00 cumulative GPA on a 4.00 scale, with at least a C in required sciences and a B- or better in NS 101. In practice, admitted students may present stronger GPAs, so treat 3.0 as a floor, not a target.
Does Oakwood require the HESI A2 or TEAS?
Oakwood’s BSN materials emphasize the HESI A2 Admission Assessment with Critical Thinking and specify a cumulative minimum of 75%. TEAS requirements are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages; if you see TEAS mentioned elsewhere, confirm directly with the Department of Nursing which exam is required for your application year.
Is the RN to BSN program online?
External descriptions refer to an RN-BSN completion pathway but do not clearly state whether delivery is fully online, hybrid, or primarily on-campus. Because program formats can change quickly, ask Oakwood for the current RN-BSN modality, schedule options, and any residency or clinical requirements.
What should international students know before applying?
International applicants need to satisfy Oakwood’s English-language proficiency requirements (for example, TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores at or above Low/High Intermediate ranges) and complete transcript evaluation and financial documentation. They must also ensure they can meet Alabama Board of Nursing requirements for NCLEX-RN eligibility, which may include additional credential review; these steps should be confirmed directly with the university and the Board.
How much does Oakwood cost compared with public options?
Recent schedules of charges suggest undergraduate tuition and fees of roughly $23,780 per year for full-time study, not including housing and meals, which is higher than in-state tuition at Alabama public universities and community colleges. Use Oakwood’s net price calculator and compare your personalized aid package with at least one public BSN or ADN-plus-RN-BSN route.
What is Oakwood’s accreditation status for nursing?
Oakwood University’s baccalaureate nursing program is listed by ACEN as accredited, with the next visit scheduled for Fall 2030.
References
- Oakwood University academic catalog · Nursing and BSN generic option sectionscatalog.oakwood.edu
- Oakwood University School of Nursing & Health Professions and Department of Nursingoakwood.edu/nursing
- Oakwood University Schedule of Charges and tuition/fees informationcatalog.oakwood.edu (Schedule of Charges)
- Oakwood University catalog · Admission of International Applicants and ESL Support Servicescatalog.oakwood.edu (International Applicants)
- Alabama Board of Nursing · program approval listings and NCLEX-RN resultsabn.alabama.gov
- Supplementary (non-primary): third-party NCLEX summary—verify with Alabama Board of Nursing and Oakwoodrncareers.org (secondary only)
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid A. Abdala Balal writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift, with a focus on NCLEX performance, admissions transparency, and practical decision-making for students comparing programs.
Medical/fact review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, against publicly available Oakwood University, catalog, and state-level data sources. Where exact numbers (for example, acceptance rates, cohort sizes, or full NCLEX trend tables) were not published, they are labeled ‘Not publicly disclosed’ or ‘Not published on the school’s public nursing pages’ instead of being estimated.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, immigration, financial, or admissions advice. Requirements, tuition, policies, and outcomes change; always verify details directly with Oakwood University, the Alabama Board of Nursing, and relevant agencies before making enrollment or licensing decisions.
Published: Apr 2, 2026Last reviewed: Apr 2, 2026