University of San Francisco Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
BSN, MSN, and DNP at University of San Francisco in San Francisco, California. First-time NCLEX-RN was 89.55% (BSN (2024/25). 2026 admissions, nursing programs.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
USF stands out as the first private nursing school in California, with 70 years of nursing education, 200+ Bay Area clinical partners (Kaiser, Stanford, UCSF, SF General, county health), and U.S. News top 3% undergraduate nursing and #27 master’s nursing. Programs span BSN through DNP on San Francisco, Sacramento, and Orange County campuses.
Overview & Why Students Choose USF
In the geographic center of San Francisco, the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions has been educating nurses since 1954—the first private nursing school in California. Today it offers BSN through DNP with campuses in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Orange County, and clinical partnerships with more than 200 Bay Area health care organizations.
Whether you are a first-time college student, an RN advancing to MSN or DNP, or a professional seeking a career in nursing leadership or advanced practice, USF’s CCNE-accredited programs combine Jesuit values with strong NCLEX outcomes and U.S. News recognition (top 3% undergraduate nursing, #27 master’s nursing in 2026).
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates for first-time CA-educated exam testers, the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for University of San Francisco BSN was 89.55% (2024/2025, 268 test takers). For the latest data, see the California BRN pass rates page.
Five reasons students choose USF
📈 Rankings & Reputation
U.S. News 2026: top 3% undergraduate nursing, #27 best nursing schools (master’s), best value among national universities, #1 campus diversity (2025).
🏥 200+ Clinical Partners
Graduate students gain clinical practice at John Muir, Kaiser Permanente, Stanford, SF General, UCSF Medical Center, Alameda County and SF Department of Public Health, and more.
🎓 BSN Through DNP
Pre-licensure BSN, RN-MSN, MSN (Clinical Nurse Leader and other tracks), DNP (FNP, Health Systems Leadership, PMHNP), plus certificates. Campuses in SF, Sacramento, and Orange County.
🏛️ Jesuit Mission
Focus on health equity, health justice, and caring for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. 70 years of nursing education and community engagement.
🌉 San Francisco & Beyond
Hilltop campus in the heart of San Francisco; additional locations in Sacramento and Orange County for graduate and professional programs.
Nursing Programs Offered
The University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions offers undergraduate through doctoral nursing programs, all CCNE-accredited. Undergraduate programs are on the San Francisco Hilltop campus; graduate programs are offered in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Orange County.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Pre-licensure BSN on the San Francisco Hilltop campus. Prepares students to care for the whole patient—mind, body, spirit—and leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility. For details on length, prerequisites, and clinical hours, see the USF Nursing BSN page.
Clinical Nurse Leader (4+1) BSN/MSN
Combined pathway earning BSN and MSN in five years. See USF Clinical Nurse Leader 4+1 for requirements and structure.
RN to MSN
Pathway for registered nurses to earn a Master of Science in Nursing. Offered at San Francisco, Sacramento, and Orange County campuses.
MSN — Clinical Nurse Leader (ME)
Master’s entry Clinical Nurse Leader track. Prepares graduates for leadership in care coordination and outcomes. Offered at San Francisco, Sacramento, and Orange County.
MSN — Nursing
General MSN for leadership, education, informatics, and management roles. Multiple campus options.
DNP — Family Nurse Practitioner
Prepares advanced practice nurses for primary care across the lifespan. Post-master’s FNP certificate also available.
DNP — Health Systems Leadership
Focus on health care administration, management, and executive leadership.
DNP — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Prepares PMHNPs for mental health care. Post-master’s PMHNP certificate also available.
USF also offers an MS in Digital Health Informatics and an MPH in Public Health through the School of Nursing and Health Professions. Non-degree FNP and PMHNP certificates are available. For current program details and application deadlines, see USF Nursing Programs.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates for first-time CA-educated exam testers, the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for University of San Francisco — BSN was 89.55% (2024/2025, 268 test takers). For University of San Francisco — MSN (pre-licensure MSN testers), the rate was 82.88% (2024/2025, 111 test takers).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN BSN First-Time Pass Rate (2024/2025) | 89.55% (268 first-time testers) |
| NCLEX-RN MSN First-Time Pass Rate (2024/2025) | 82.88% (111 first-time testers) |
| Source | California BRN Pass Rates |
NCLEX pass rates vary by cohort and year. Before relying on any single percentage, confirm the latest statistics with the USF School of Nursing and Health Professions and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
USF admits international students; the exact steps, documents, and test scores for English proficiency, credential evaluation, and California RN licensure vary by country and visa category. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with USF and the California Board of Registered Nursing—never as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether USF requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, or another exam for undergraduate or graduate nursing, and minimum scores.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how USF wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, any CGFNS-type reports, and document translation requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa: Which programs are approved for F-1 or other visa types, financial documentation required, and how clinical placements fit within your immigration status.
Policies change frequently. Verify everything with USF’s Office of Admission and the California Board of Registered Nursing. This is guidance only, not legal or licensing advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
USF’s nursing program is competitive; the university ranks among the top national institutions and the School of Nursing and Health Professions is highly selective. Undergraduate applicants apply through USF Admission; graduate applicants use the graduate application. Specific GPA, prerequisite, and test requirements vary by program and were not fully detailed in the sources reviewed—confirm all requirements on the official USF Nursing Admission & Aid page.
- Undergraduate: Apply via USF Undergraduate Admission; confirm prerequisite courses and minimum GPA on the nursing site.
- Graduate: Apply via the graduate application; RN-MSN, MSN, and DNP have program-specific requirements and deadlines.
- Confirm whether TEAS, GRE, or other exams are required for your program.
- Request information or contact nursing@usfca.edu for current criteria.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS / GRE Required | Confirm on official admissions page |
| Application Deadlines | Vary by program; see school website |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
USF values Jesuit mission and health equity; your materials should reflect fit with that mission. For BSN, strong science and prerequisite grades matter. For RN-MSN and DNP, highlight clinical experience and career goals. Reach out to Graduate Enrollment Managers at nursing@usfca.edu for program-specific advice.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / high school applicant
Apply through USF Undergraduate Admission. Review the BSN and Clinical Nurse Leader 4+1 pages for prerequisites and deadlines. Focus on strong grades in science and math.
🩺 RN seeking MSN or DNP
USF’s RN-MSN, MSN, and DNP programs are designed for working nurses. Campuses in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Orange County offer flexibility. Confirm GRE or other test requirements and application windows on the graduate nursing pages.
🌍 International applicant
Verify English proficiency, credential evaluation, and visa requirements with USF Admission and the California Board of Registered Nursing. Requirements change; get current information from the school.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
USF is a private university. Tuition and cost of attendance vary by program (undergraduate vs. graduate) and campus. Specific tuition figures for the School of Nursing and Health Professions were not provided in the sources reviewed for this guide.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Not publicly disclosed in inputs |
| Graduate Tuition (MSN / DNP) | Not publicly disclosed in inputs |
| Fees, Housing, Books | Not publicly disclosed; see official Cost of Attendance |
| Financial Aid | USF offers financial aid; complete FAFSA and check nursing scholarships |
Do not estimate tuition or fees. For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, visit the official USF Admission & Aid or tuition pages and the School of Nursing and Health Professions Admission & Aid section.
Complete the FAFSA and contact USF Financial Aid. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other nursing-specific aid may be available to qualifying students. USF ranks among Best Value national universities (U.S. News 2026).
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN BSN First-Time Pass Rate (2024/2025) | 89.55% (268 testers) — California BRN |
| NCLEX-RN MSN First-Time Pass Rate (2024/2025) | 82.88% (111 testers) — California BRN |
| Job Placement at Graduation | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
Graduate students complete clinical practice at 200+ Bay Area organizations including John Muir Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Stanford University Medical Center, San Francisco General Hospital, UCSF Medical Center, and county public health departments. For job placement and employer data, see the school’s School of Nursing and Health Professions and career services.
Is USF the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, location, and goals. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at USF and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want a Jesuit mission focused on health equity and the whole person
- Value top U.S. News rankings (top 3% undergrad nursing, #27 master’s) and 200+ Bay Area clinical partners
- Are seeking BSN through DNP with campuses in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Orange County
- Want urban San Francisco or multi-campus options for graduate study
- Are comfortable with competitive admission and private university tuition
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Need the lowest possible tuition (USF is private; verify cost of attendance on the school site)
- Are looking for an accelerated BSN (ABSN) or fully online pre-licensure BSN
- Prefer a single small-campus experience (USF has multiple locations)
- Want a PhD in Nursing (USF offers DNP and PsyD, not a nursing PhD)
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
San Francisco and the greater Bay Area form one of the nation’s largest healthcare and biotechnology hubs. USF graduate students gain clinical practice at more than 200 organizations, including John Muir Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Stanford University Medical Center, San Francisco General Hospital, UCSF Medical Center, the Alameda County Public Health Department, and the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
Demand for RNs and advanced practice nurses in California remains strong. USF’s multi-campus presence (San Francisco, Sacramento, Orange County) places students in diverse markets with major health systems, community health agencies, and public health departments.
Clinical placements at 200+ sites expose students to complex patient populations, leading research and teaching hospitals, and a wide variety of settings. For program-specific placement information, contact the School of Nursing and Health Professions.
Student Experience & Campus Life
The School of Nursing and Health Professions is on USF’s San Francisco Hilltop Campus (the geographic center of San Francisco). Undergraduate BSN and Clinical Nurse Leader 4+1 are offered there; graduate programs are offered in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Orange County, giving students flexibility and access to multiple healthcare markets.
USF celebrates 70 years of nursing education (since 1954) and emphasizes health equity, health justice, and caring for the whole person. The school hosts events such as the Florence Stroud Conference Series and supports student groups including the Male Student Nurses Society (MSNS). State-of-the-art facilities and more than 200 Bay Area clinical partners support hands-on learning.
For campus details, events, and student life, see USF Nursing events and USF locations.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- San Francisco, CA (Hilltop); also Sacramento and Orange County for graduate programs
- Address
- 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94117, US
- Telephone
- (415) 422-5555
- Contact email
- nursing@usfca.edu
- Website
- www.usfca.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official USF School of Nursing and Health Professions and download or review program brochures for BSN, MSN, or DNP.
- Review prerequisite and degree requirements for your target program and compare them to your transcripts.
- Confirm on the official admissions page whether TEAS, GRE, or other exams are required for your program.
- Draft a list of questions for the Graduate Enrollment Managers or admissions (nursing@usfca.edu).
- Reach out to current USF nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin your 500-word personal statement (why nursing and what contributions you see yourself making to the profession).
- Note your deadline: February 1 (first-year fall), March 1 (transfer fall), or September 1 (transfer spring) and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of San Francisco a good school for nursing?
USF’s School of Nursing and Health Professions is CCNE-accredited, ranks in the top 3% for undergraduate nursing and #27 for master’s nursing in U.S. News 2026, and offers BSN through DNP with clinical placements at 200+ Bay Area health care organizations.
What GPA do you need for USF’s nursing program?
Minimum GPA requirements are not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. Contact USF School of Nursing and Health Professions or visit the admissions page for current BSN and graduate nursing requirements.
Does USF require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS requirement for the BSN program was not specified in the sources reviewed. Confirm current admission requirements (TEAS, GRE, or other exams) on the official USF nursing admissions page.
How competitive is admission to USF’s nursing program?
Admission is competitive. USF ranks among top national universities and has a selective nursing program. The specific acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed; verify with the School of Nursing and Health Professions.
Does USF offer an accelerated BSN?
USF offers a traditional pre-licensure BSN and a Clinical Nurse Leader (4+1) BSN/MSN pathway. An accelerated BSN (ABSN) is not listed in the provided sources; confirm with the school for current options.
What are the clinical placement sites for USF nursing students?
Graduate students gain clinical practice at 200+ Bay Area organizations including John Muir Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Stanford University Medical Center, San Francisco General Hospital, UCSF Medical Center, and county public health departments.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for University of San Francisco?
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing, USF’s BSN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024/2025 was 89.55% (268 first-time testers). For the latest data see the California BRN pass rates page.
References
- University of San Francisco — School of Nursing and Health Professionsusfca.edu/nursing
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX-RN pass rates (first-time CA-educated exam testers)rn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- USF Nursing Programs (undergraduate and graduate)usfca.edu/nursing/programs
- USF Nursing Admission & Aidusfca.edu/nursing/admission-aid
- All other data as provided in inputs. Items marked “Not publicly disclosed” are unavailable in the 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 17, 2026· Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy