Northwest Nazarene University College of Nursing: What to Know (2026)
The College of Nursing at Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) offers an on-campus Traditional BSN with a five-semester nursing sequence, plus online MSN tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner and Leadership and Education for BSN-prepared RNs. Clinical learning spans the Boise Valley; simulation and skills labs are housed in the Thomas Family Health and Science Center. This guide cites Idaho Board of Nursing first-time NCLEX-RN rates for the BSN program and NNU’s published 2026–27 tuition—confirm every detail with NNU and the Board before you apply.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
NNU’s BSN highlights a five-semester nursing sequence, 45–90+ clinical hours per semester (plus simulation), and a Student Nursing Association chapter—set inside the Thomas Family Health and Science Center in Nampa, with Boise Valley hospital and community placements for real-world practice.
Overview & Why Students Choose NNU
Set in Nampa in Idaho’s Boise Valley, Northwest Nazarene University’s College of Nursing pairs a Christian liberal-arts foundation with a hands-on BSN curriculum. The Idaho Board of Nursing lists NNU’s approved programs as BSN (pre-licensure), MSN Leadership and Education, and MSN FNP—matching the public program pages reviewed for this guide.
Undergraduate nursing is delivered on campus; graduate nursing is online with cohorts, including FNP clinicals in your home state and required NNU campus residencies for that track. The school states that the baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree program in nursing are accredited by CCNE (per NNU’s public accreditation statements).
According to the Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX first-time pass rate publication for Idaho programs (PDF covering 2023–2025 calendar years), NNU’s BSN graduates had a 85.45% first-time pass rate in 2025 (55 first-time testers). Prior years in the same table: 86.36% (2024, 44 testers) and 91.67% (2023, 48 testers). Confirm the latest figures with the Idaho Board of Nursing and NNU College of Nursing.
Reasons students choose Northwest Nazarene University
Five-semester BSN sequence
After prerequisites, the nursing major is organized as a five-semester sequence so many students finish a traditional BSN in about four years total—aligning with NNU’s published structure.
Boise Valley clinicals
Clinical practice takes place across healthcare facilities throughout the Boise Valley, with substantial semester hours offsite plus simulation on campus.
Thomas Family Health and Science Center
Undergraduate skills and simulation labs are located in the Thomas Family Health and Science Center, supporting high-fidelity practice before and alongside clinical rotations.
Online MSN for working RNs
MSN tracks in Leadership and Education (fully online) and FNP (online with campus residencies and home-state clinicals) support BSN-prepared nurses advancing without relocating.
Student Nursing Association
NNU advertises an active Student Nursing Association (SNA) chapter for professional engagement and peer community.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following aligns with NNU’s BSN page, the Idaho Board of Nursing approved-program list, and NNU’s graduate nursing program pages. NNU does not list a separate RN-to-BSN or DNP nursing program on the graduate nursing index reviewed—if you need those pathways, confirm the current GPS catalog.
Pre-licensure
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), on-campus
Pre-licensure BSN preparing graduates for NCLEX-RN eligibility. NNU describes a five-semester nursing program after general education/prerequisites, rolling admission, and holistic review of academics and attributes. Prerequisites require C or better and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for BSN admission; applicants must be 18+ before the program starts. See the BSN requirements and BSN student handbook.
Graduate (post-licensure)
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Online MSN FNP for BSN-prepared RNs; 48 credits for BSN entry per NNU. Includes online cohort coursework, clinicals in your home state, and campus residency hours. Published tuition: $850 per credit plus $150 per semester technology fee on the program page.
MSN — Leadership and Education
100% online MSN for BSN-prepared RNs emphasizing nurse leadership and education; 36 credits. Full-time students often take 6–9 credits per semester, one course at a time. Published tuition: $650 per credit plus $150 per semester technology fee.
Tracks, admission dates, and credit totals change. Confirm every pathway on nnu.edu nursing pages and the official catalog before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Idaho Board of Nursing (within the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses), NCLEX first-time pass rates in the Board’s published table are categorized by calendar year and reflect the results of Idaho nursing program graduates who tested for the first time. For Northwest Nazarene University — BSN, the table reports:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 2025 calendar year | 85.45% first-time pass (55 tested) |
| 2024 calendar year | 86.36% first-time pass (44 tested) |
| 2023 calendar year | 91.67% first-time pass (48 tested) |
| Source | Idaho Board of Nursing — NCLEX first-time pass rates (PDF). The Board also publishes program lists on dopl.idaho.gov/bon. Confirm the latest cohort data with the Board and NNU. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and program. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with the Idaho Board of Nursing and Northwest Nazarene University.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
NNU enrolls students from many countries and publishes NC-SARA and professional licensure disclosure materials for programs that lead to licensure. Requirements for international applicants and internationally educated nurses depend on visa type, prior nursing education, and Idaho licensure rules. Use the checklist below as orientation only; it is not legal, immigration, or licensing advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm TOEFL/IELTS or other minimum scores for your program with NNU admissions and the Graduate Professional Studies office if applicable.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Follow NNU’s requirements for international transcripts and any nursing-specific evaluation steps.
- Idaho Board of Nursing: For RN or APRN licensure eligibility, NCLEX or certification exams, and endorsement, review Idaho Board of Nursing rules and publications.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical courses may have restrictions for certain visa categories; verify with NNU’s international office and your program.
Policies change frequently. Verify with NNU’s international office, the College of Nursing, and the Idaho Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
BSN admission at NNU is rolling (no single annual deadline on the public BSN page) and not guaranteed after university admission. The College of Nursing reviews prerequisites, cumulative GPA, and holistic attributes. MSN programs have separate graduate admissions and timelines—use the graduate nursing info request flow.
Application timeline (BSN)
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| University admission | Apply to NNU first; submit transcripts to admissions@nnu.edu per the school’s published process. |
| Nursing application | After your nursing advisor confirms eligibility, submit the BSN application and complete background check, compliance, and deposit steps outlined by the College of Nursing. |
| Rolling admission | BSN program materials describe rolling admission rather than one fixed cohort deadline—confirm seat availability for your target term. |
BSN academics (snapshot)
NNU’s published BSN criteria require prerequisite courses with grades of C or better, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and age 18+ before the program starts. Prerequisite science courses must carry letter grades (no pass/fail for those courses). See the BSN requirements page.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (BSN) | Not publicly disclosed on the pages summarized here |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed on the summarized BSN requirements page; confirm for your entry term with the College of Nursing |
| Background & compliance | Background check, clinical compliance documentation, and other requirements apply per the BSN application process and handbook |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come from NNU’s published 2026–27 undergraduate tuition schedule and the graduate MSN program pages. NNU is a private university; traditional undergraduate tuition is typically listed as a block rate for full-time semesters rather than separate in-state/out-of-state bands on the public schedule reviewed. Student fees, housing, meal plans, course fees, and the Nighthawks Book Bundle are additional—see the official pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition (12–18 credits per semester, block rate) | $21,215 per semester · $42,430 per academic year (Fall & Spring)—2026–27 schedule on NNU’s Tuition & Fees page |
| Part-time / overload | Less than 12 credits: $1,928 per credit; more than 18 credits: block rate plus $884 per additional credit (per NNU) |
| Student fees (full-time, 12+ credits) | $375 per semester ($750 academic year) plus mandatory Health Services Fee ($75 per semester) on the 2026–27 schedule |
| MSN — Leadership & Education | $650 per credit + $150 per semester technology fee (per program page) |
| MSN — FNP | $850 per credit + $150 per semester technology fee (per program page) |
| Post-baccalaureate / graduate per-credit (general) | NNU’s tuition page also lists $881 per credit for some post-baccalaureate/graduate coursework—confirm which rate applies to your specific nursing courses with the Bursar or program office. |
| Source | NNU Tuition & Fees; MSN FNP tuition; MSN Leadership & Education tuition. Confirm current amounts with Student Financial Services. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
For pre-licensure BSN graduates, combine Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX first-time pass rate tables with any NNU-published outcomes. For MSN graduates, relevant outcomes include certification exam pass rates and employment—confirm whether NNU publishes cohort-specific reports for your track.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (BSN) | See NCLEX section and Idaho Board PDF; 2025: 85.45% (55 testers) |
| Job placement / employment | Not publicly disclosed on this page with a single percentage; confirm with NNU career services or program outcomes |
Is Northwest Nazarene University the Right Fit for You?
NNU fits students who want a private Christian university in the Boise Valley with an on-campus pre-licensure BSN and clearly described clinical immersion, plus online MSN options for BSN-prepared RNs. It may be less ideal if you need guaranteed admission without prerequisite GPA thresholds or the lowest-cost public tuition in Idaho.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Value a faith-informed, holistic nursing curriculum with liberal arts breadth and Boise Valley hospital/community clinicals.
- Are licensed RNs seeking an online MSN in FNP or Leadership and Education with NNU’s published per-credit tuition and cohort structure.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Require a public in-state tuition rate or a separate RN-to-BSN completion track—those paths are not listed on the NNU nursing pages summarized here.
- Want a fully online entry-level pre-licensure BSN (NNU’s BSN is on-campus).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Nampa sits in the Boise metropolitan area, where major health systems and community hospitals support a broad range of acute, ambulatory, and outpatient experiences. NNU states that BSN students complete clinicals in a variety of healthcare facilities throughout the Boise Valley—exact sites rotate by semester. Regional employers include systems such as St. Luke’s and St. Alphonsus, plus community clinics and long-term care; confirm the school’s current affiliation list.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| St. Luke’s Health System | Major Idaho-based system with Boise-area hospitals and specialty services; common destination for Treasure Valley clinical experiences. |
| Saint Alphonsus Health System | Regional Catholic health system with Boise and Nampa-area campuses; large employer and clinical partner. |
| Community & rural partners | Community clinics, home health, schools, and rural outreach may appear in rotations depending on program placement. |
| VA Boise Healthcare System | Federal healthcare system serving veterans; may appear in selected experiences depending on program placement. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students use the Thomas Family Health and Science Center for labs and simulation. Campus life reflects NNU’s Christian mission and Nighthawks athletics; nursing students can participate in the Student Nursing Association and other campus activities. Nampa offers a smaller-city feel with access to Boise’s employers and outdoor recreation.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Nampa, ID
- Address
- 623 S University Blvd, Nampa, ID 83686, US
- Telephone
- Main: (208) 467-8800 · Undergraduate nursing: (208) 467-8685 · Graduate nursing: (208) 467-8492
- Contact email
- BSN: nursing@nnu.edu · Graduate MSN: nursinginfo@nnu.edu
- Website
- nnu.edu — Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official NNU BSN page and download the current BSN requirements and student handbook PDF.
- Compare your transcripts to NNU’s prerequisite list (A&P, microbiology, pathophysiology, etc.) and plan any remaining courses.
- Ask the College of Nursing whether TEAS, HESI, or other tests apply to your entry term.
- Email nursing@nnu.edu to schedule a nursing advising appointment if you are a prospective BSN student.
- If you are an RN targeting MSN, review the FNP and Leadership & Education pages for tuition and residency requirements.
- Bookmark the Idaho Board of Nursing for NCLEX and licensure questions.
- Complete the FAFSA (NNU school code 001624) if you will use federal aid—see NNU financial aid pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest Nazarene University a good school for nursing?
NNU’s College of Nursing publishes CCNE accreditation for its baccalaureate and master’s nursing programs and offers an on-campus BSN plus online MSN tracks. For licensure exam performance, use Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX publications alongside any school outcomes.
What GPA do you need for Northwest Nazarene University nursing?
NNU’s published BSN application criteria require a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and grades of C or better in prerequisites. Confirm current rules in the admission criteria guide.
Does Northwest Nazarene University require the TEAS exam?
The summarized BSN requirements page does not list TEAS or HESI. Confirm whether any standardized test is required for your entry term with the College of Nursing.
How competitive is admission to Northwest Nazarene University nursing?
BSN admission is rolling and not guaranteed; the program uses holistic review. A program-specific acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed on the pages summarized here—ask the College of Nursing for recent statistics.
Does Northwest Nazarene University offer an accelerated BSN (ABSN)?
NNU’s public BSN materials emphasize a traditional on-campus pathway with a five-semester nursing sequence rather than a separate ABSN brand. Ask whether a second-degree or accelerated option exists in the current catalog if that is your situation.
What are clinical placement sites for Northwest Nazarene University nursing students?
NNU states clinical experiences occur in facilities throughout the Boise Valley; specific sites rotate—confirm the current list in the BSN handbook or clinical office.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Northwest Nazarene University?
According to the Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX table (calendar-year data), NNU’s BSN program had an 85.45% first-time pass rate in 2025 (55 testers), 86.36% in 2024 (44 testers), and 91.67% in 2023 (48 testers). Confirm the latest figures with the Board’s PDF on dopl.idaho.gov and with NNU.
References
- Northwest Nazarene University — Bachelor of Science in Nursingnnu.edu/academics/programs/nursing-bs
- NNU — BSN admission requirementsnnu.edu/admissions-aid/nursing-bs-requirements
- NNU — Tuition & Fees (2026–27 undergraduate costs)nnu.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-fees
- NNU — MSN Family Nurse Practitionernnu.edu/academics/programs/family-nurse-practitioner-ms
- NNU — MSN Leadership and Educationnnu.edu/academics/programs/nursing-leadership-education-ms
- Idaho Board of Nursing — NCLEX first-time pass rates (PDF)BON-NCLEX-Scores-2023-25.pdf
- Idaho Board of Nursing (DOPL)dopl.idaho.gov/bon
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for program-list alignment with NNU’s public nursing pages and the Idaho Board of Nursing approved-program list, tuition figures against NNU’s 2026–27 tuition schedule and MSN program pages, and NCLEX statistics against the Idaho Board of Nursing NCLEX PDF (2023–2025 calendar years).
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Idaho Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-23 · Last reviewed: March 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy