California State University East Bay Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
California State University East Bay BSN and MSN in Hayward. Compare NCLEX-RN pass rate and admissions requirements in Hayward.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Cal State East Bay’s nursing program prepares a nurse generalist with a curriculum that integrates general and professional education and emphasizes culturally sensitive care across socioeconomic backgrounds. Post-licensure BSN graduates are eligible to apply for the California Public Health Nursing Certificate.
Overview & Why Students Choose Cal State East Bay
Located in the East Bay with campuses in Hayward and Concord, California State University East Bay offers nursing students access to one of the nation’s largest and most diverse healthcare markets. The Department of Nursing prepares nurse generalists who can provide culturally sensitive care to clients from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Whether you are a first-time college student, an LVN seeking a BSN, an RN with an ADN completing a post-licensure BSN, or a nurse advancing with an MSN in Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership and Administration, Cal State East Bay offers CCNE-accredited pathways and is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Current NCLEX-RN pass rates for Cal State East Bay are published by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Confirm the latest statistics with the BRN and the school before relying on any single figure.
Five reasons students choose Cal State East Bay
🎓 CCNE & BRN Approved
BSN and MSN are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; the BSN is approved by the California BRN for NCLEX-RN eligibility and California Public Health Nursing Certificate.
📍 Hayward & Concord
Programs offered at two campuses, with the Concord campus offering nursing options that serve the broader East Bay and Contra Costa area.
🩺 Simulation & Clinicals
Pre-licensure curriculum includes simulation, interventions lab, community engagement, and clinical experiences in local hospitals, community health agencies, and retirement communities.
💵 CSU Affordability
As part of the California State University system, in-state undergraduate tuition and fees are relatively affordable; 2025–2026 resident tuition and fees are approximately $7,993 per year.
📚 MSN Pathways
MSN in Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership and Administration provides a seamless pathway to practice or research doctoral education for those interested in a doctoral degree.
Nursing Programs Offered
Cal State East Bay’s Department of Nursing offers pre-licensure and post-licensure BSN programs and a Master of Science in Nursing with two tracks. All programs are CCNE-accredited; the BSN is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Pre-Licensure BSN
Two years of prerequisite requirements plus two and one-half years of nursing courses. Full-time daytime format. Curriculum includes on- and off-campus experiences, simulation, interventions lab, community engagement, and clinical experiences in local hospitals, community health agencies, and retirement communities. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for the California Public Health Nursing Certificate.
Post-Licensure BSN
For students who already have a California RN license and an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Mostly online; one year full-time or two years part-time. Includes health assessment, research, leadership, critical thinking, and one off-campus community experience course. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for the California Public Health Nursing Certificate.
LVN-BSN Pathway
Pathway for licensed vocational nurses within the Pre-Licensure BSN program. LVNs may apply to this pathway; structure and credit vary. Contact the Department of Nursing for current requirements.
MSN — Nursing Education
Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Nursing Education. Prepares graduates for roles in academic and clinical education. Provides a seamless pathway to practice or research doctoral education.
MSN — Nursing Leadership and Administration
MSN track focused on leadership and administration. Prepares nurses for advanced roles in management and organizational leadership, with a pathway to doctoral study.
Cal State East Bay’s nursing website links to CSU DNP program options. The university does not offer a DNP on its own campus; students interested in a practice doctorate may explore CSU system partnerships or other institutions.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
For the latest NCLEX pass rates for California State University East Bay, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing report.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | For the latest pass rates consult the California BRN report. |
| Official Source | California Board of Registered Nursing — Pass Rates |
For the most current NCLEX-RN pass rates and how they compare to state or national averages, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing report and the school’s outcomes or nursing department page.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Cal State East Bay admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; however, 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 Cal State East Bay and the California Board of Registered Nursing—never as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether Cal State East Bay 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 the university wants those reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure in California, confirm NCLEX eligibility, any CGFNS or credential evaluation requirements, and document translation requirements directly with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa support: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements fit within your immigration status. Contact Cal State East Bay’s international admissions or designated office.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Before you rely on any single source, verify everything with Cal State East Bay’s international admissions team and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Nursing programs in the CSU system are typically impacted (limited space). Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Cal State East Bay’s Department of Nursing may have a separate or supplemental application process; confirm current steps on the official nursing and university admissions pages.
- Admission to Cal State East Bay (general CSU application)
- Completion of prerequisite courses (specific GPA and course requirements are not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed; confirm with the Department of Nursing)
- TEAS or other standardized exam: Not publicly disclosed—confirm on the official admissions page
- Letters, statement, or interview: Confirm current requirements with the nursing department
Application timeline
Application deadlines for the nursing program were not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. CSU system applications for undergraduate admission typically open in October for fall and have campus-specific deadlines. Contact the Department of Nursing and Office of Admissions for current dates.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | Not publicly disclosed |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
For impacted programs, strong grades in prerequisite science and math courses matter. If the program uses a point system or ranking, understand how GPA, test scores, and other factors are weighted. Reach out to the nursing department early to confirm requirements and deadlines.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 High school applicant
Complete CSU eligibility requirements and any pre-nursing prerequisites. Focus on strong grades in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and math. Healthcare volunteer work or shadowing can strengthen your application and confirm your interest.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
Cal State East Bay offers a traditional pre-licensure BSN (prerequisites plus 2.5 years of nursing) and an LVN-BSN pathway. There is no accelerated BSN (ABSN) in the sources reviewed. If you already have an RN license, the post-licensure BSN (mostly online) may be an option.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
The post-licensure BSN is designed for California RNs with an ADN (one year full-time or two years part-time, mostly online). The MSN in Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership and Administration suits RNs seeking graduate roles. Emphasize clinical experience and career goals in your materials.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Cal State East Bay follows CSU system tuition. Below are key cost figures for the 2025–2026 academic year (resident, full-time undergraduate and graduate).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (In-State, 2025–2026) | ~$7,993/year (6.1+ units, two semesters) |
| Graduate Tuition & Fees (In-State, 2025–2026) | ~$9,607/year (6+ units, two semesters) |
| Non-Resident Tuition | In addition to base tuition; see CSU campus cost of attendance |
| Books, Supplies, Equipment | ~$1,054 (estimate) |
| Living Expenses (On-Campus) | ~$17,714 (housing and food, estimate) |
| Total Cost of Attendance (UG, With Parents) | ~$26,665 (estimate) |
| Source | CSU East Bay Cost of Attendance |
Amounts are subject to change. Fees, housing, and books vary. For the most current breakdown, visit the official Cal State East Bay Cost of Attendance page.
Complete the FAFSA or CADAA (California Dream Act). Cal State East Bay participates in federal and state aid programs. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may be available to qualifying nursing students. See the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | For the latest pass rates consult the California BRN report. |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
Alumni employers were not available in the provided inputs/sources. See the school’s outcomes or career services page at csueastbay.edu/nursing.
Is Cal State East Bay 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 Cal State East Bay and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want CCNE-accredited, BRN-approved nursing education at a public CSU
- Prefer the East Bay (Hayward/Concord) and access to Bay Area clinical sites
- Are RNs with an ADN seeking a mostly online post-licensure BSN
- Are interested in MSN tracks in Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership and Administration
- Value culturally sensitive, generalist-focused curriculum
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Are looking for an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program
- Want a DNP or PhD in Nursing on the same campus
- Need an FNP or other APRN clinical track (MSN at CSUEB is Education or Leadership/Admin)
- Prefer a fully online pre-licensure BSN
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
The East Bay and greater San Francisco Bay Area form one of the nation’s largest healthcare markets. Hayward and Concord are within reach of major systems including Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, John Muir Health, Stanford Health Care, UCSF, and numerous community hospitals and community health agencies. California has strong demand for registered nurses statewide.
Cal State East Bay nursing students gain clinical experiences in local hospitals, community health agencies, and retirement communities. The diversity of settings and patient populations in the Bay Area supports a generalist education and prepares graduates for a range of roles.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Cal State East Bay’s Department of Nursing operates from Hayward (Student and Faculty Support Building, Room 502) and Concord (Library Building, Room 143). The pre-licensure curriculum includes simulation, interventions lab, community engagement, and clinical experiences in local hospitals, community health agencies, and retirement communities.
The program emphasizes culturally sensitive care and preparation of a nurse generalist. The university offers a range of student organizations and support services. For current student handbooks, roadmaps, and DEI initiatives, see the Department of Nursing website.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Hayward, CA (main); Concord, CA
- Address (Hayward)
- 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Student and Faculty Support Bldg, Rm 502, Hayward, CA 94542
- Address (Concord)
- 4700 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Library Bldg, Rm 143, Concord, CA 94521
- Telephone (Hayward)
- (510) 885-3481
- Telephone (Concord)
- (925) 602-6753
- Contact email
- nursing@csueastbay.edu
- Website
- www.csueastbay.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Cal State East Bay Nursing website and download the current program brochure and student handbook.
- Review the prerequisite course list and compare it to your transcripts (see nursing roadmaps and handbooks on the department site).
- If required, register for the TEAS or other exam—confirm requirements on the official nursing admissions page.
- Draft a list of questions for the Department of Nursing or admissions.
- Reach out to current Cal State East Bay nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare application materials (BSN applicants).
- Check application deadlines for the CSU application and any nursing supplemental deadline; set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University East Bay a good school for nursing?
Cal State East Bay’s Department of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and BRN-approved. It offers pre-licensure and post-licensure BSN programs and MSN tracks in Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership and Administration, with locations in Hayward and Concord.
What GPA do you need for Cal State East Bay nursing?
Minimum GPA requirements were not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. Contact the Department of Nursing or review current application materials on the official website.
Does Cal State East Bay require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS requirement for the pre-licensure BSN was not publicly disclosed. Confirm current admission requirements on the official Cal State East Bay nursing admissions page.
How competitive is admission to Cal State East Bay’s nursing program?
Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. CSU nursing programs are typically impacted; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Verify current criteria with the Department of Nursing.
Does Cal State East Bay offer an accelerated BSN?
Cal State East Bay offers a traditional pre-licensure BSN (two years prerequisites plus 2.5 years nursing), an LVN-BSN pathway, and a mostly online post-licensure BSN for RNs. An accelerated BSN (ABSN) was not listed in the sources reviewed.
What are the clinical placement sites for Cal State East Bay nursing students?
Pre-licensure students complete clinicals in local hospitals, community health agencies, and retirement communities; specific site names were not provided. Contact the Department of Nursing for a current list of clinical partners.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Cal State East Bay?
For the latest pass rates consult the California Board of Registered Nursing report.
References
- Cal State East Bay Department of Nursingcsueastbay.edu/nursing
- Cal State East Bay BSN Programscsueastbay.edu/nursing/bsn-programs
- Cal State East Bay MSN Programscsueastbay.edu/nursing/msn-programs
- Cal State East Bay 2025–2026 Cost of Attendancecsueastbay.edu/financialaid
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX pass ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- All other data as provided in our inputs. Data points marked “Not publicly disclosed” are based on unavailability in the official sources reviewed.
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 the California Board of Registered Nursing before making decisions.
Published: Mar 15, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 15, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy