Azusa Pacific University Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
BSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. 2026 admissions, NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
APU’s School of Nursing is ranked in the top five percent of nursing programs nationally and offers a full range of pathways from traditional BSN to PhD, with strong emphasis on faith-integrated care, simulation, and clinical experiences across Southern California. Confirm current NCLEX outcomes and tuition with the school and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Overview & Why Students Choose APU
Located in Azusa, California, in the San Gabriel Valley with easy access to Los Angeles and Greater Southern California, Azusa Pacific University’s School of Nursing prepares nurses to provide a deeper, Christ-inspired level of care in clinics, hospitals, schools, and beyond. Whether you are a first-time freshman, a second-degree seeker, or an RN advancing to MSN, DNP, or PhD, APU offers programs on campus, online, and at regional campuses across Southern California—all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for APU is not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide. For current statistics and how they compare to state averages, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing and the APU School of Nursing.
Five reasons students choose APU
🏆 National ranking
Ranked in the top five percent of nursing programs nationally (College Factual 2024) with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and cohort-based learning.
🩺 Full program range
BSN (traditional, RN-to-BSN, LVN-to-BSN, upper-division transfer), Entry-Level MSN, DNP, and PhD, plus post-master’s certificates and specialty tracks.
📍 Southern California reach
Main campus in Azusa plus regional campuses; clinical experiences across diverse healthcare settings in the Greater LA area and beyond.
💵 Financial aid
About 95% of students receive financial aid; average grant/scholarship support is substantial. Resources and scholarships are listed on the School of Nursing website.
🌍 Faith & mission
Christ-centered, servant-hearted care and mission-focused learning; international and community engagement opportunities.
Nursing Programs Offered
APU’s School of Nursing offers pathways from pre-licensure through doctoral-level study. All programs are CCNE-accredited. Program delivery (on campus, online, hybrid) and locations may vary; confirm current options on the official APU School of Nursing website.
Traditional BSN (Pre-Licensure)
Four to four-and-a-half year pathway with lower-division prerequisites and upper-division nursing coursework. On-campus with clinical and simulation. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility.
RN to BSN
For licensed RNs with an ADN or diploma. Offered online and on campus; ranked #1 in California (2024). Accelerated options and academic agreements with community colleges.
LVN to BSN & Upper-Division Transfer
LVN-to-BSN pathway and upper-division BSN transfer (e.g. two years at regional campuses). Confirm locations and requirements on the APU nursing website.
Entry-Level MSN (ELM)
Accelerated path for non-nurse bachelor’s degree holders to become RNs and earn an MSN. Combines pre-licensure and graduate coursework.
MSN — APRN & Other Tracks
Advanced practice tracks (e.g. FNP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Pediatric Primary Care NP), Healthcare Administration, and Nursing Education.
DNP (BSN-to-DNP & MSN-to-DNP)
Doctor of Nursing Practice with BSN-to-DNP and post-master’s options. Multiple APRN specializations. Unit-based tuition; confirm current cost per unit on APU’s website.
PhD in Nursing
Research-focused doctoral program for nurse scientists and faculty. Details on application and focus areas are on the School of Nursing doctoral studies page.
APU offers post-master’s certificates, including an Oncology Nurse Practitioner certificate and other specialty options. See APU Nursing Post-Master’s and continuing education for current offerings.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Azusa Pacific University’s pre-licensure graduates is not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job Placement (6 months) | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Source for latest data | APU School of Nursing; California BRN |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Before relying on any single statistic, confirm the latest first-time pass rates and cohort sizes with the APU School of Nursing and the California Board of Registered Nursing. Do not compare to a state average unless that average comes from the same official BRN report.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
APU admits international students and California licenses internationally educated nurses, but the exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by country, visa category, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with APU and the California Board of Registered Nursing—never as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether APU requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam, and the minimum scores for undergraduate vs. graduate nursing programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how APU wants those reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document translation requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa support: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, required financial documentation, and how clinical placements fit within your immigration status. APU has international programs; confirm current policy with the university.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Verify everything with APU’s International Admissions or School of Nursing and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
APU’s nursing programs are selective. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Requirements and deadlines vary by program (traditional BSN, upper-division transfer, RN-to-BSN, Entry-Level MSN, DNP, PhD). Confirm current criteria on the APU School of Nursing and admissions pages.
- Completed application and any program-specific forms
- Prerequisite courses and minimum GPA (varies by pathway; not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs)
- TEAS or other standardized test if required for your track—confirm on the official site
- Letters of recommendation, personal statement, or interview where applicable
Application timeline
Deadlines vary by program and entry term. Check the APU School of Nursing and admissions calendar for current dates.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | Varies by program; confirm on APU nursing admissions page |
| Interview Required | Varies by program |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Strengthen your application with strong grades in science and math prerequisites, clear reasons for pursuing nursing (especially for second-degree and ELM applicants), and any healthcare or volunteer experience. Contact the School of Nursing to clarify requirements for your specific pathway before applying.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 High school applicant
Focus on a strong GPA and completing required prerequisites. Explore APU’s traditional BSN and confirm application windows and any standardized test requirements.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
APU’s Entry-Level MSN (ELM) is an accelerated path for non-nurse bachelor’s degree holders. You can also consider the traditional BSN or upper-division transfer. Highlight motivation and any healthcare-adjacent experience in your materials.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
APU’s RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-master’s options are designed for working nurses. Emphasize clinical experience and career goals. Confirm GPA and license requirements for your chosen program on the APU nursing website.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition at APU varies by program and delivery format. Undergraduate and graduate rates are set per unit or per year; housing, fees, and books are not estimated here. For the most current figures, use the official APU cost and financial aid pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs; see APU website |
| Graduate / DNP (per unit, if published) | Confirm current per-unit cost on APU nursing and financial aid pages (e.g. BSN-to-DNP base cost may be in the $77,000–$82,000 range depending on units; verify) |
| Fees, Housing, Books | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs |
| Students Receiving Aid | About 95% receive financial aid |
| Average Grant/Scholarship | Substantial; see APU financial aid and nursing resources/scholarships |
Do not rely on estimates for fees, housing, or books. Visit the official APU cost of attendance and School of Nursing resources for current breakdowns and scholarship information.
Complete the FAFSA and check APU’s financial aid office and the School of Nursing’s resources and scholarships page. NURSE Corps and other external scholarships may be available; confirm eligibility on official sites.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job Placement Rate | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For information about outcomes and employers hiring APU nursing graduates, see the school’s outcomes or career services and the APU School of Nursing website.
Is APU the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, learning style, career goals, and life circumstances. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at APU and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want a faith-integrated, CCNE-accredited nursing education from a nationally ranked school
- Value a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and cohort-based learning
- Are seeking BSN through PhD pathways, including Entry-Level MSN and strong RN-to-BSN options
- Want access to Southern California clinical sites and regional campuses
- Are comfortable with private university tuition and rely on financial aid (95% receive aid)
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Prefer a low-cost public in-state option (APU is private)
- Want a fully online pre-licensure BSN from start to finish (confirm current APU options)
- Are not interested in a faith-based or mission-focused environment
- Need a program in a different state or region
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Azusa is in the San Gabriel Valley with easy access to Greater Los Angeles and Southern California. The region is one of the largest healthcare and employment markets in the United States, with major hospital systems, community hospitals, ambulatory care, and community health centers. APU nursing students complete clinical rotations across this diverse landscape; specific placement sites and partners are managed by the School of Nursing.
Southern California’s healthcare demand remains strong. Students benefit from exposure to varied patient populations, acuity levels, and settings. For a list of current clinical partners, contact the APU School of Nursing.
Student Experience & Campus Life
APU’s School of Nursing is headquartered in Building One on the Azusa campus, with state-of-the-art simulation labs and opportunities for hands-on learning. The university emphasizes faith integration, servant leadership, and community engagement; nursing students can participate in international programs, conferences, and symposiums, and connect with Sigma Theta Tau (Iota Sigma chapter) and other professional organizations.
Programs are offered on the main campus, online, and at regional campuses across Southern California, so delivery format and location vary by pathway. Contact the School of Nursing for current simulation facilities, student organizations, and campus-life details.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Azusa, CA
- Address
- 901 E. Alosta Ave., Azusa, CA 91702, US (Building One for School of Nursing)
- Telephone
- (626) 815-5386
- Contact email
- [email protected]
- Website
- www.apu.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official APU School of Nursing website and download the current program information.
- Review the prerequisite course list for your pathway and compare it to your transcripts.
- If required for your program, register for the TEAS or other exam. Confirm requirements on the official admissions page.
- Draft a list of questions for an APU admissions counselor or the School of Nursing.
- Reach out to current or former APU nursing students on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate/ELM) or prepare interview talking points (BSN applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target program and term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Azusa Pacific University a good school for nursing?
APU’s School of Nursing is CCNE-accredited, ranked in the top five percent of nursing programs nationally by College Factual (2024), and offers BSN through PhD pathways with strong clinical and faith-integrated education. Verify current NCLEX outcomes with the school and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
What GPA do you need for Azusa Pacific University nursing?
Minimum GPA requirements vary by program. The specific minimum and typical admitted GPA ranges are not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs. Check the official APU School of Nursing admissions page for your pathway.
Does Azusa Pacific University require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS or other standardized test requirements depend on the program. Confirm current requirements on the official APU School of Nursing admissions website before applying.
How competitive is admission to Azusa Pacific University’s nursing program?
Acceptance rates for APU’s nursing programs are not publicly disclosed. Admission is selective; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Contact the School of Nursing for advice specific to your applicant type.
Does Azusa Pacific University offer an accelerated BSN?
APU offers an Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELM) for non-nurse bachelor’s degree holders, which is an accelerated path to RN licensure and an MSN. The school also offers RN-to-BSN and upper-division BSN transfer options. Confirm current program names and formats on the APU nursing website.
What are the clinical placement sites for Azusa Pacific University nursing students?
APU nursing students complete clinical rotations at healthcare facilities across Southern California, including regional campuses. Specific placement sites are not fully listed in the provided inputs. Contact the School of Nursing for a list of current clinical partners.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Azusa Pacific University?
The most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for APU is not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide. For current statistics, consult the APU School of Nursing and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
References
- APU School of Nursingapu.edu/nursing
- APU Admissionsapu.edu/admissions
- APU Cost and Financial Aidapu.edu/financialaid/cost
- APU Nursing Resources and Scholarshipsapu.edu/nursing/resources
- California Board of Registered Nursingrn.ca.gov
- Data and tuition as provided in inputs or school website. NCLEX data: verify with APU and California BRN.
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid Balal, RGN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with publicly available institutional and government data.
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: Mar 15, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 15, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy