San Diego State University Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
San Diego State University reported 91% first-time NCLEX-RN (Pass Rate). BSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN in San Diego. 2026 admissions, nursing programs.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
SDSU’s School of Nursing sits in California’s capital with strong clinical partnerships across the region. If you want a CSU-value BSN through DNP education with access to UC Davis Health, Sutter, and other San Diego-area hospitals, SDSU deserves a close look—and admission is competitive, so prepare early.
Overview & Why Students Choose SDSU
Located in San Diego, a major healthcare and biotech hub, San Diego State University (SDSU) gives nursing students access to 100+ community partners—hospitals, clinics, and healthcare agencies across San Diego and Imperial Valley Counties.
Whether you are a first-time college student, a second-degree seeker, or an RN advancing with an MSN or DNP, the School of Nursing offers BSN through DNP pathways, all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
SDSU’s School of Nursing highlights a 91% NCLEX-RN pass rate and 89% graduation rate on its website. For comparison to state averages, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates.
Five reasons students choose SDSU
📈 NCLEX & graduation
91% NCLEX-RN pass rate and 89% graduation rate (school-reported). BSN program requires 900 clinical hours, including 500 in direct patient care.
🏥 100+ community partners
Clinical and community engagement with regional hospitals, clinics, schools, and healthcare agencies in San Diego and Imperial Valley.
🎓 BSN through DNP
Pre-licensure BSN (Transfer and Direct Entry), RN-BS, MSN (Advanced Practice Adults & Elderly, Leadership), and DNP with multiple tracks. Imperial Valley campus also offers nursing programs.
💵 CSU value
Public CSU tuition; in-state undergraduates pay a fraction of private school costs. Federal Nurse Traineeship and other aid available for graduate students.
🌉 San Diego & Imperial Valley
Main campus in San Diego plus SDSU Imperial Valley; diverse patient populations and strong regional demand for nurses.
Nursing Programs Offered
SDSU’s School of Nursing offers pathways from pre-licensure through doctoral-level study. The school reports 900 clinical hours for the BSN (500 direct patient care) and secures all clinical placements. DNP is approved by the California BRN and pending CCNE accreditation (March 2026).
Pre-Licensure BSN (Transfer & Direct Entry)
Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts & Sciences in Nursing. Transfer and Direct Entry options; prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. 900 clinical hours (500 direct patient care). School secures all placements.
RN-BS in Nursing
For licensed RNs with an ADN or diploma seeking a bachelor’s degree. Program details and format on nursing.sdsu.edu.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Tracks: Advanced Practice Nursing of Adults & the Elderly; Leadership in Health Care Systems. GRE/GMAT no longer required. Two-part application (Cal State Apply + School of Nursing). Minimum 3.0 GPA; California RN license required.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Tracks: Adult Gerontology Acute Care CNS, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Family NP, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care NP, Post-Master’s DNP. California BRN-approved; CCNE accreditation pending March 2026. Applications Oct 1–Apr 1 for fall.
Concentrations, delivery mode, and application cycles for MSN and DNP may change. Always confirm current program structure, deadlines, and requirements on the SDSU School of Nursing website.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for SDSU’s pre-licensure BSN program are reported by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Rates and cohort sizes vary by academic year.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 91% (school-reported on nursing.sdsu.edu) |
| Job Placement (BSN) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source | California BRN NCLEX Pass Rates |
Do not rely on a single percentage without checking the current academic year. Confirm the latest NCLEX statistics with the California Board of Registered Nursing and the SDSU School of Nursing before making decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
SDSU admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by country, visa type, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with SDSU and the California Board of Registered Nursing—never as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether SDSU 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 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, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements fit within your immigration status.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Cross‑check everything with SDSU’s International Admissions or Global Education office and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
SDSU’s nursing program is impacted and highly competitive. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. The School of Nursing uses a point-based selection system and has a separate application process from general university admission.
- Admission to SDSU as a pre-nursing or eligible major
- Completion of prerequisite courses with required grades
- TEAS score submitted by deadline
- Point-based selection; criteria and minimums set by the School of Nursing
Application timeline
Fall and spring cohorts; application windows and deadlines are set by the School of Nursing. Confirm current dates on the official SDSU School of Nursing website.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed (impacted program; ~74–80 enrolled per semester) |
| Typical Admitted GPA (reported cohort) | High (e.g. adjusted GPA ~3.99 for recent cohorts); minimum set by school |
| TEAS Required | Yes |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Selection is point-based; strong prerequisite grades and TEAS scores matter. Prepare thoroughly for the TEAS and complete prerequisites with the best grades possible. Confirm current criteria and deadlines on the School of Nursing website.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 High school applicant
Apply to SDSU as a pre-nursing or eligible major. Focus on strong grades in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and math. Healthcare volunteer work or shadowing can help confirm your interest before applying to the nursing program.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
SDSU does not offer an accelerated BSN (ABSN) in the provided sources; you would follow the traditional BSN path after prerequisites. If you already have an RN license, the RN to BSN or MSN may be a better fit.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
SDSU’s RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP pathways are designed for working nurses. Check current GPA and license requirements for RN to BSN and MSN on the school’s website. Emphasize clinical experience and career goals in your materials.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
SDSU is part of the California State University system, with in-state tuition and fees that are typically lower than private and out-of-state options. Below are approximate figures; confirm current amounts on the university website.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (In-State, Annual) | ~$7,392 (estimate; confirm on sdsu.edu) |
| Out-of-State Undergraduate | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| RN to BSN (12-month program) | ~$9,014 (estimate from available sources; confirm with school) |
| Graduate Tuition | Confirm on SDSU Fees |
| Fees, Housing, Books | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources. See official Cost of Attendance page. |
Tuition and fees change annually. For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance (including housing and books), visit the official SDSU Enrollment Costs & Fees page.
Complete the FAFSA and check SDSU’s financial aid and scholarship options. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other state/federal aid may be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | See California BRN report (rn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml) |
| Job Placement (BSN) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For information about employers hiring SDSU nursing graduates, see the school’s outcomes or career services page at sdsu.edu/college/health-human-services/nursing.
Is SDSU 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 SDSU and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want CCNE-accredited BSN through DNP education at CSU in-state tuition
- Want clinical access to San Diego-area hospitals (UC Davis Health, Sutter, Dignity Health)
- Are comfortable with highly competitive, point-based admission
- Are working RNs considering RN to BSN, MSN, or DNP
- Prefer a capital-city campus with strong regional healthcare demand
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Are looking for an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program
- Need a fully online pre-licensure BSN
- Prefer a smaller or less competitive admission pool
- Want a PhD in Nursing (SDSU offers BSN–DNP, not PhD)
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
San Diego is California’s capital and a major healthcare hub. UC Davis Health, Sutter Health, Dignity Health, and Kaiser Permanente all have a strong presence, offering level I trauma, academic medical center, and community hospital settings.
| Facility / System | Details |
|---|---|
| UC Davis Health | Academic medical center; Level I trauma; teaching hospital for UC Davis School of Medicine and nursing. |
| Sutter Health | Multiple San Diego-area hospitals and medical groups; broad clinical placements. |
| Dignity Health | Hospitals and clinics across the region; diverse patient populations. |
| Kaiser Permanente | Integrated system with hospitals and outpatient care in the San Diego area. |
SDSU nursing students benefit from clinical placements across these systems, gaining experience in acute care, primary care, and community settings. California’s demand for RNs remains strong; the capital region offers many employment options for new graduates.
Student Experience & Campus Life
SDSU’s School of Nursing is part of the College of Health & Human Services. Students use simulation labs and complete clinical rotations at partner facilities across the San Diego region. Campus life includes student organizations, including nursing-related clubs and honor societies; confirm current offerings on the university and School of Nursing websites.
The SDSU campus is in the capital city with access to state government, healthcare employers, and community health settings. For details on simulation facilities, student organizations, and support services, visit the School of Nursing and SDSU official pages.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- San Diego, CA
- Address
- 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-4158, US
- Telephone
- (619) 594-2540
- Contact email
- nursing@sdsu.edu
- Website
- nursing.sdsu.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official SDSU School of Nursing website and download the current program information and application materials.
- Review the pre-nursing prerequisite course list and compare it to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS exam and confirm current TEAS/admissions requirements on the official nursing admissions page.
- Draft a list of questions for a SDSU admissions counselor or the School of Nursing advising office.
- Reach out to current SDSU nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare application materials (BSN applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target semester and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego State University a good school for nursing?
SDSU’s School of Nursing reports a 91% NCLEX-RN pass rate and 89% graduation rate, with BSN, RN-BS, MSN, and DNP programs and connections to 100+ community partners in San Diego and Imperial Valley. Admission is competitive; confirm current NCLEX and outcomes on the school and California BRN websites.
What GPA do you need for SDSU’s nursing program?
Admission is point-based; minimum and typical GPAs are set by the School of Nursing. Recent admitted cohorts have had high average adjusted GPAs. Confirm current criteria on the official SDSU nursing admissions page.
Does SDSU require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Yes. The traditional BSN program requires the TEAS. Confirm current requirements and deadlines on the School of Nursing admissions page.
How competitive is admission to SDSU’s nursing program?
Admission is highly competitive with a point-based selection system and limited seats per semester (~74–80 enrolled). Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Check the school website for current criteria.
Does SDSU offer an accelerated BSN?
SDSU offers a traditional pre-licensure BSN and an RN to BSN pathway. An accelerated BSN (ABSN) is not offered in the provided sources; confirm current program options on the school website.
What are the clinical placement sites for SDSU nursing students?
Students complete clinical rotations at regional hospitals, clinics, and healthcare agencies across San Diego and Imperial Valley Counties; the school reports 100+ community partners. Confirm current sites with the School of Nursing.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for SDSU?
For the most current first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates and cohort data, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing pass rates and the SDSU School of Nursing website.
References
- SDSU School of Nursingsdsu.edu/college/health-human-services/nursing
- SDSU Admissionsadmissions.sdsu.edu
- SDSU Financial Aidsacd.sdsu.edu/financial-aid
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX pass ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- All other data as provided in inputs. Any data marked “Not publicly disclosed” is based on unavailability in the sources reviewed for this guide.
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 16, 2026· Last reviewed: Mar 15, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy