University of Louisiana at Lafayette Nursing in 2026: Programs, Costs & LSBN Outcomes
The LHC Group · Myers School of Nursing anchors pre-licensure and graduate nursing in Acadiana—including the UL Lafayette · Ochsner Accelerated BSN partnership and ICMSN MSN tracks. This guide cites the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) annual report for official NCLEX-RN tables, UL Lafayette’s tuition and fee schedules (Fall 2025 / Spring 2026), and school pages for admissions rules.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
UL Lafayette combines a large undergraduate nursing footprint in Acadiana with a named Ochsner Lafayette General Accelerated BSN track (contract tuition and guaranteed employment commitment for cohort students) and graduate nursing delivered largely online—including ICMSN MSN concentrations shared across four Louisiana universities.
Overview & Why Students Choose UL Lafayette
In Lafayette, the LHC Group · Myers School of Nursing sits inside the College of Nursing & Health Sciences and trains nurses for Acadiana and the Gulf Coast. The school publicizes national recognitions—such as NLN Center of Excellence designation and simulation program re-accreditation—and runs the UL Lafayette · Ochsner Accelerated BSN partnership with contracted clinical placement at Ochsner Lafayette General.
Pre-licensure students compete for seats in upper-division nursing after meeting prerequisite and GPA thresholds; graduate students access ICMSN MSN tracks shared with other University of Louisiana System nursing programs, plus a DNP with mostly online coursework.
For calendar-year first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes, use the Louisiana State Board of Nursing annual report Appendix B1. A university news release citing LSBN reported 100% first-time passage among 106 testers for data covering the first two quarters of 2024—a partial-year slice, not a substitute for the full Appendix B1 row.
Reasons students choose UL Lafayette
Ochsner Accelerated BSN partnership
The UL Lafayette · Ochsner Accelerated BSN offers a 15-month second-degree path with rotations at Ochsner Lafayette General; selected students receive contractually supported nursing-course tuition and a three-year employment commitment per the ABSN page.
ICMSN graduate network
MSN students join the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing alongside McNeese, Nicholls, and Southeastern—centralizing FNP, PMHNP, and Nursing Education tracks with Louisiana clinical requirements.
Competitive clinical progression
BSN Special Policies describe 2.800 minimum GPA for Nursing 208 and GPA-based selection when seats are limited; student media have referenced roughly 110 seats—confirm current capacity with Student Services.
Online completion & doctoral path
RN-to-BSN is 100% online with published package tuition; MSN and DNP pages list flat per-credit online graduate rates and mostly online delivery with limited on-campus DNP requirements.
Nursing Programs Offered
Programs below are drawn from the Myers School of Nursing academic programs hub, ICMSN, and related pages.
Pre-licensure (BSN)
Traditional BSN
Four-year pre-licensure curriculum leading to NCLEX-RN eligibility; progression into clinical nursing requires meeting Nursing 208 application criteria (minimum 2.800 GPA, applications due April 1 for Fall entry and November 1 for Spring entry per BSN Special Policies).
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—UL Lafayette · Ochsner
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at UL Lafayette the program is the UL Lafayette · Ochsner Accelerated BSN Program: ~15 months, non-nursing bachelor’s required, minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, in-person interview, and clinical rotations with Ochsner Lafayette General.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN to BSN (online)
Thirty credit hours of nursing coursework delivered in accelerated 8-week terms; ADN or diploma from an ACEN/NLN CNEA-accredited program with GPA ≥ 2.4 on applicable coursework per RN-to-BSN online page.
Graduate
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations listed on the MSN page: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner; coursework online at $480 per credit hour with all clinical experiences in Louisiana.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Post-MSN DNP with mostly online coursework, on-campus orientation and final synthesis presentation; same $480/credit online graduate rate cited on the DNP page.
The RN-to-BSN page includes a CCNE accreditation statement for the baccalaureate program. Confirm CCNE scope for every track you pursue (BSN, MSN, DNP) and maintain LSBN clearance for clinical courses.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) annual report, Appendix B1—Performance of First Time Candidates of Nursing Education Programs in Louisiana on NCLEX-RN … January 1 – December 31, 2024—lists first-time pass rates and candidate counts by program. Locate the baccalaureate row for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (or the exact wording used in that table) for the authoritative full calendar-year 2024 first-time rate and denominators.
A university news article states that LSBN first-time passage data for the first two quarters of 2024 showed 106 nursing students passing the NCLEX-RN as first-time test takers at a 100% first-time rate (graduates from Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters) and cites Louisiana (94.7%) and national (93.3%) comparators from that communication. Treat this as a partial-year disclosure tied to the news piece, not a replacement for Appendix B1.
Separately, a news release on the first Ochsner ABSN cohort reported 16 accelerated BSN graduates passing as first-time test takers at 100%.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (calendar year 2024) | See Appendix B1 in the LSBN annual report 2024 PDF for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette baccalaureate row. |
| LSBN-cited disclosure (partial 2024, university news) | 100% first-time pass rate among 106 first-time testers per LSBN data described for the first two quarters of 2024 (Louisiana.edu news). |
| Source | Louisiana State Board of Nursing annual reports; confirm current cohorts with LSBN and UL Lafayette. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and reporting window. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates and candidate counts in the current LSBN annual report and with the Myers School of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Graduate nursing pages note that MSN clinical experiences must be completed in Louisiana and that F-1 students cannot pursue online degrees under federal regulations, with limited exceptions for other visa categories. RN-to-BSN and DNP pages include similar online-program eligibility and state-authorization language. Use the checklist below as guidance—not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS or other scores required for University of Louisiana at Lafayette admission.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Follow graduate or undergraduate admissions instructions for international coursework.
- Louisiana State Board of Nursing: For RN or APRN licensure, confirm NCLEX or certification eligibility, background checks, and any CGFNS-related steps.
- Immigration & visa: Online-heavy programs may be restricted for certain visa types; clinical courses require U.S. placement compliance.
Policies change frequently. Verify with UL Lafayette’s international office, the Myers School of Nursing, and LSBN.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
University admission does not automatically guarantee progression into the clinical nursing major. BSN Special Policies describe minimum grades, repeat limits, and GPA thresholds.
Traditional BSN progression highlights
- Before Nursing 104: English ACT ≥ 18 and Math ACT ≥ 21 (or prescribed math placement sequence).
- For Nursing 208 application: minimum 42 semester hours completed as specified, minimum 2.800 cumulative GPA, application by April 1 (Fall clinical entry) or November 1 (Spring clinical entry).
- When enrollment is limited, students are ranked by overall GPA; repeats may not be honored for ranking.
Accelerated BSN (Ochsner)
Non-nursing bachelor’s degree, cumulative GPA ≥ 3.0, UL Lafayette undergraduate admission, interview, and 50 hours of general education prerequisites before nursing courses begin—per the ABSN page.
Application timeline (Nursing 208)
| Clinical entry | Application deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | April 1 | Receipt of application by Nursing Student Services (BSN Special Policies). |
| Spring semester | November 1 | Same source; confirm any updates in the current handbook. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing clinical) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (Nursing 208) | 2.800 overall (minimum only; higher GPAs typically needed when seats are limited) |
| TEAS / HESI | Not publicly disclosed on the BSN Special Policies excerpt used for this guide—confirm with Undergraduate Student Services |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Undergraduate nursing sits in Tier 2 (high-cost) programs on UL Lafayette’s differential tuition list. Amounts below come from the Fall 2025 Schedule of Fees and RN-to-BSN online / graduate nursing pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tier 2 undergraduate (Nursing, pre-licensure)—LA resident, 12 credit hours | $5,736 per semester (mandatory tuition & fees combined, Fall 2025 schedule) |
| Tier 2 undergraduate—non-LA resident, 12 credit hours | $12,600 (Fall 2025 schedule, US citizen column) |
| RN-to-BSN online (30 nursing credits) | $9,500 total ($316.67/credit); $8,500 partner tuition ($283.33/credit) for qualifying affiliations |
| MSN / DNP (online graduate rate stated on program pages) | $480 per credit hour (plus fees/materials as noted on MSN/DNP pages) |
| Source | Schedule of Fees Fall 2025; Differential Tuition; RN-to-BSN Online; MSN / DNP |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Anchor pre-licensure outcomes to LSBN Appendix B1 and the university communications cited in the NCLEX section. The ABSN page describes contractually guaranteed employment with Ochsner for three years for participating cohort students—review the contract details before enrolling.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass | See LSBN annual report Appendix B1; supplemental LSBN-cited disclosures in university news (partial 2024 window described above). |
| Job placement / employment | ABSN materials reference contractual Ochsner employment—confirm current obligations with the program. |
Is UL Lafayette the Right Fit for You?
Choose UL Lafayette if you want a public university hub in Acadiana with multiple BSN entry points, a structured Ochsner-backed accelerated option, and ICMSN graduate pathways. Look elsewhere if you need a guaranteed clinical seat without GPA-based ranking, or if you cannot meet Louisiana clinical requirements for online MSN study.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want Ochsner-integrated ABSN clinicals and can meet partnership requirements.
- Thrive in competitive, GPA-ranked progression into Nursing 208.
- Plan MSN/DNP study with Louisiana-based clinical placement.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need assurance of nursing major placement at lower than a ~2.8 cumulative prerequisite GPA.
- Require fully on-campus graduate nursing (most MSN/DNP coursework is online).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Lafayette is the heart of Acadiana, with regional referral centers, community hospitals, and specialty clinics serving south Louisiana. UL Lafayette publicly emphasizes partnerships such as Ochsner Lafayette General for the accelerated BSN track; traditional BSN clinicals span agencies across the region per standard baccalaureate nursing education—confirm your semester’s agency list with Student Services.
| Facility / region | Details |
|---|---|
| Ochsner Lafayette General | Named partner for UL Lafayette · Ochsner Accelerated BSN clinical rotations. |
| Acadiana hospitals & community agencies | Traditional BSN clinical placements rotate through regional providers—sites vary by term. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing offices are housed in V.L. Wharton Hall (Undergraduate Student Services, Room 254). The school highlights simulation and learning labs and national honors such as NLN Center of Excellence designation. Student media note accredited simulation programming and active nursing cohort culture; organizations and wellness programming (for example Wellness Wednesday) appear on the nursing site.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Lafayette, LA
- Main campus address
- 104 E University Circle, Lafayette, LA 70503, US
- Undergraduate nursing office
- V.L. Wharton Hall, Room 254
- Telephone
- (337) 482-5604 (Undergraduate Student Services)
- Contact email
- nursing_student_services@louisiana.edu
- Graduate nursing
- (337) 482-5601 · graduate_nursing@louisiana.edu
- Website
- nursing.louisiana.edu (LHC Group · Myers School of Nursing)
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read BSN Special Policies for GPA, repeat, and Nursing 208 deadlines.
- Open LSBN annual report Appendix B1 and locate the University of Louisiana at Lafayette row for your target reporting year.
- If considering ABSN, review Ochsner partnership obligations and interview steps.
- Compare Tier 2 tuition bands with your expected credit load.
- Email nursing_student_services@louisiana.edu to confirm whether TEAS/HESI or other exams apply.
- For RN-to-BSN, verify partner tuition eligibility on the online RN-BSN page.
- For MSN, read ICMSN consortium expectations and Louisiana clinical rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for University of Louisiana at Lafayette?
Use the LSBN annual report Appendix B1 for the full calendar year 2024 first-time rate for UL Lafayette. A university news piece citing LSBN described 106 first-time testers at 100% for LSBN data covering the first two quarters of 2024. Confirm newer years in the latest LSBN PDF.
Does University of Louisiana at Lafayette offer an Accelerated BSN (ABSN)?
Yes—the UL Lafayette · Ochsner Accelerated BSN Program is a ~15-month second-degree track with Ochsner Lafayette General clinicals and a 3.0 GPA minimum per the ABSN page.
What GPA do I need for Nursing 208 at UL Lafayette?
BSN Special Policies require a minimum 2.800 cumulative GPA for progression; when seats are limited, students are selected by overall GPA ranking.
When are Nursing 208 applications due?
Applications must be received by April 1 for Fall clinical entry and November 1 for Spring entry per BSN Special Policies.
How much is Tier 2 nursing tuition at UL Lafayette?
The Fall 2025 schedule lists $5,736 per semester for Louisiana residents at 12 credit hours in Tier 2 undergraduate programs (including Nursing).
What does the online RN-to-BSN program cost?
The RN-to-BSN online page lists $9,500 total for 30 nursing credits ($8,500 partner rate for qualifying affiliations).
Is UL Lafayette’s MSN part of ICMSN?
Yes—the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing includes UL Lafayette together with McNeese, Nicholls, and Southeastern.
Does UL Lafayette require TEAS for nursing?
The BSN Special Policies excerpt used for this guide does not list TEAS or HESI—confirm with Undergraduate Student Services.
References
- LHC Group · Myers School of Nursing — University of Louisiana at Lafayettehttps://nursing.louisiana.edu/
- BSN Special Policies and Proceduresnursing.louisiana.edu — BSN policies
- UL Lafayette · Ochsner Accelerated BSNnursing.louisiana.edu/absn
- RN to BSN Online — tuition and curriculumlouisiana.edu/online/majors-minors/rn-bsn-online
- Schedule of Fees — Fall 2025louisiana.edu/studentcashier/schedule-fees-fall-2025
- Differential Tuition (Tier 2 programs)louisiana.edu/studentcashier/differential-tuition
- Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursingnursingconsortium.org
- Louisiana State Board of Nursing — Annual Report 2024 (NCLEX Appendix B1)annualreport2024.pdf
- Louisiana State Board of Nursinghttps://www.lsbn.state.la.us/
- 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 alignment of program lists with UL Lafayette Myers School of Nursing and ICMSN sources, tuition with the Student Cashier schedules and online program pages, NCLEX context with LSBN reporting and university news citations, and admissions rules with BSN Special Policies.
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 Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
Published: March 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy