University of Maine School of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
The flagship University of Maine campus in Orono runs a competitive pre-licensure BSN (including Machias and military pathways) plus CCNE-accredited MS in Nursing Leadership options for Maine RNs. NCLEX data below comes from Maine State Board of Nursing tables for “University of Maine at Orono”; tuition uses College Scorecard benchmarks—confirm everything with the School of Nursing and Student Financial Services.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Expect a holistic, highly selective BSN process—roughly 80 seats against 1,400+ annual applicants—paired with nationally recognized graduate tracks that embed rural primary-care and nurse-educator missions. Pair those realities with transparent Maine Board of Nursing NCLEX tables for the Orono BSN program and proactive budgeting through Student Financial Services.
Overview & Why Students Choose UMaine Nursing
The University of Maine School of Nursing sits on the Orono campus between Maine’s interior forests and the commercial healthcare hub of Bangor. That location lets undergraduates draw clinical experiences from the Penobscot River corridor’s hospitals and community agencies while graduate students—already licensed RNs—blend online coursework with supervised practicum hours mapped to rural and underserved priorities.
Distinct tracks such as the Machias Nursing Pathway (partnering with UMaine Machias) and Army or Navy Nurse pathways differentiate the program from generic BSN templates, while the graduate MS in Nursing Leadership pairs FNP preparation with public-service grants highlighted on the School’s news feed. If you want a flagship land-grant environment with documented NCLEX outcomes in Maine Board tables, UMaine belongs on your short list.
According to the Maine State Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN first-time pass-rate report (January 1–December 31, 2025), University of Maine at Orono BSN graduates posted a 94.29% first-time pass rate (33 of 35 candidates). The narrative section of that PDF reports an 89.74% aggregate pass rate for all first-time, Maine-educated RN candidates that calendar year (840 of 936). Confirm newer publications via Maine’s NCLEX index.
Reasons students choose the School of Nursing
Mission-driven pathways
Machias partnership routes, “Not Just a Student” flexibility, and Army/Navy nursing pathways give structured options beyond a single lock-step timetable.
Published NCLEX outcomes
Maine Board PDFs label the program explicitly as University of Maine at Orono, making year-by-year benchmarking straightforward.
MS in Nursing Leadership depth
Rural-health FNP and Nurse Educator concentrations pair online learning with clinical or teaching practica tailored to Maine’s workforce gaps.
Holistic admissions philosophy
The School centers story-based review tied to diversity, belonging, and ethical communication rather than test-score monoculture.
Grant-funded graduate growth
Recent Helene Fuld Trust and other foundation or federal awards highlighted on the School site expand scholarship support for MSN students—confirm active funding with the graduate office.
Nursing Programs Offered
Program listings here mirror the University of Maine School of Nursing’s public undergraduate and graduate pages as reviewed in March 2026. Always cross-check the catalog and admissions PDFs before applying.
Pre-licensure (BSN)
Traditional BSN pathway
Four-year fall/spring progression for students who want to stay on a classic semester rhythm without off-term classes.
“Not Just a Student” pathway
Lighter semester loads with winter, May, or summer courses when available—designed for student-athletes or employment schedules.
BSN with Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies minor
Adds nine credits of WGS coursework beyond built-in nursing classes for an interdisciplinary credential.
Machias Nursing Pathway
Combines UMaine Machias student experiences with the Orono-based BSN curriculum; apply through Machias admissions per the School’s link.
Army & Navy Nurse pathways
Add ROTC-aligned naval science coursework for students commissioning as Army or Navy nurses—expect heavier semester credit loads.
Post-licensure graduate nursing
MS in Nursing Leadership | Rural Health FNP
Primary-care APRN track emphasizing rural and underserved populations; requires two years of full-time RN experience before the FNP deadline, Maine RN licensure, B average prerequisites, and faculty meeting.
MS in Nursing Leadership | Nurse Educator
Prepares academic and staff-development educators; mostly online with onsite health assessment lab days and practicum hours arranged near the student.
Certificate of Advanced Study (FNP)
For MSN- or DNP-prepared RNs seeking FNP eligibility; rolling admission and individualized program of study (minimum 33 graduate credits).
Graduate Certificate | Nurse Educator (11 credits)
Stackable credential; credits may apply toward the MSNL Nurse Educator degree with separate admission.
The pages reviewed for this guide do not list a stand-alone Accelerated BSN or an online RN-to-BSN completion program at the Orono School of Nursing. If you need those formats, confirm with an advisor or explore other University of Maine System campuses that publish them.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Maine publishes annual PDF tables for each approved pre-licensure program. The row title reads “University of Maine at Orono” but corresponds to the flagship BSN preparing first-time NCLEX testers from the School of Nursing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| BSN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (Jan–Dec 2025) | 94.29% (33 passed / 35 first-time candidates) |
| Maine statewide first-time RN pass rate (same PDF narrative) | 89.74% (840 passed / 936 Maine-educated first-time candidates)—benchmark from the same report |
| Source | Maine State Board of Nursing — 2025 NCLEX pass rates (PDF) and NCLEX publication index. Confirm the latest cohort with the Board and UMaine. |
NCLEX outcomes swing by cohort size. Always corroborate percentages using the newest Maine Board PDF and the School of Nursing’s consumer disclosures.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Policies diverge between the undergraduate and graduate nursing units. Use the checklist below as a starting point, then verify every requirement with UMaine admissions, the School of Nursing, and the Maine State Board of Nursing.
- Undergraduate English proficiency: School materials list Duolingo 115, TOEFL 82–86, or IELTS 6.5 for international Bachelor of Science in Nursing applicants.
- Graduate international status: Graduate program text states international student applications are not accepted at this time—confirm if that policy updates.
- Credential evaluation: Plan for transcript reviews (WES or other board-approved vendors) if prior coursework was completed outside the United States.
- Clinical & visa compliance: Clinical agencies require immunizations, background checks, and legal authorization to participate in patient care; F-1 students should map clinical days against visa work rules.
- Maine Board of Nursing: Foreign-educated nurses seeking licensure by examination or endorsement must satisfy separate board documentation—distinct from university admission.
This section is guidance, not legal advice. Double-check every point with official university and board offices because immigration and nursing regulations change frequently.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Nursing at UMaine uses holistic review: essays (250-word prompts), prerequisites, volunteer or healthcare exposure, and committee judgment weighted against seat availability. Internal and external transfer applicants submit transcripts documenting BIO100, BMB207/209, BIO208 or FSN101, and ENG101—or equivalents—with minimum grades (C or better for external STEM courses, 77% equivalent for transfers) and repeat-course caps described on the admissions page.
Application timeline
| Applicant type | Deadlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First-year & transfer nursing (standard cycle) | November 1 & May 1 | School forms and essay prompts are linked from the official undergraduate admissions page. |
| Graduate MSNL / certificates | Rolling (per graduate program materials) | Requires nursing faculty pre-admission meeting, two recommendations, CV, essay, and active Maine RN license prior to the first class unless otherwise noted. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicants vs. seats | School reports 1,400+ applicants annually for ~80 seats—treat as ultra-competitive. |
| Acceptance rate (single %) | Not publicly disclosed |
| First-year GPA guideline | High school cumulative GPA 3.3+ plus science/math coursework expectations listed holistically. |
| SAT / ACT / TEAS | SAT/ACT not required per admissions page; TEAS not listed in materials reviewed. |
| Graduate RN experience | FNP applicants need two years of full-time RN practice by the application deadline; Nurse Educator track emphasizes teaching practica but repeats some FNP boilerplate—confirm experience rules with the graduate coordinator. |
Craft your narrative around service, resilience, and ethical courage—the School explicitly cites Brené Brown’s story stewardship concept. Transfers should highlight strong science performance and limited course repeats because more than two STEM repeats or multiple nursing-program withdrawals can disqualify applicants.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Published nursing fees, differential tuition, and clinical equipment costs can exceed generic university estimates. Start with the snapshots below, then open Student Financial Services (“Money Matters,” net price calculator, and aid offer letters) for the academic year you intend to enroll.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition & required fees (undergraduate benchmark) | $13,326 in-state & $36,756 out-of-state—U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (University of Maine Orono totals, latest API values retrieved March 2026) |
| Graduate nursing tuition | Not broken out in this guide; request a graduate cost sheet from Student Financial Services and the Graduate School. |
| Source | College Scorecard — University of Maine; UMaine Student Financial Services; Money Matters overview; Net Price Calculator. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The strongest publicly sourced metric for pre-licensure applicants remains the Maine Board of Nursing NCLEX table cited above. Employment or placement percentages are not cited here because consolidated, school-published rates with methodology were not confirmed in the materials reviewed.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate | 94.29% (2025 calendar year, Maine BON PDF) for University of Maine at Orono BSN |
| Job placement within six months | Not publicly disclosed in sources reviewed—ask Career Services or the School for current alumni surveys. |
| Source | Maine Board of Nursing NCLEX publications; UMaine School of Nursing. |
Is the University of Maine School of Nursing Right for You?
UMaine fits students who thrive in competitive, mission-driven cohorts tied to Maine’s rural health realities.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a flagship public university with transparent Maine Board NCLEX data.
- Benefit from structured pathway choices (flex pacing, Machias, military ROTC).
- Plan to stay in New England and leverage Bangor-area clinical density.
- Are licensed RNs ready for MSNL FNP or Educator immersion.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a guaranteed seat—80-student cohorts cannot absorb every qualified applicant.
- Expect a fully online pre-licensure program (Orono BSN remains campus-centered).
- Require an advertised Accelerated BSN or RN-to-BSN track that is not listed on School pages.
- Are international graduate applicants while the graduate program’s “not accepting” policy remains in effect.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Greater Bangor anchors Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center and other multispecialty hospitals within a 30-minute drive of Orono, while smaller critical-access hospitals and federally qualified health centers dot Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Hancock counties. Those employers create steady demand for generalist RNs, behavioral health nurses, and public-health extenders—the same roles many UMaine clinical rotations emphasize.
| Theme | Details |
|---|---|
| Urban-rural balance | Students experience both tertiary referral centers (Bangor) and rural sites addressing primary-care deserts. |
| Community health | Home health, school nursing, and tribal health partners align with population-health competencies in the BSN curriculum. |
| Placement verification | Affiliation agreements rotate; always request the current agency list from the School’s clinical placement office. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students learn in Dunn Hall and affiliated simulation spaces, follow standardized uniforms for each clinical course, and join the broader Black Bear student life spanning NCAA athletics, research symposia, and outdoor recreation across Stillwater Avenue’s trails.
Student organizations such as the Student Nurses Association (confirm active status each year) help build community, while the School’s emphasis on “courageous and inclusive” culture shows up in admissions language and graduate policy manuals covering professional behavior and social media.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- School
- University of Maine School of Nursing
- Address
- 5724 Dunn Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5724, US
- Telephone
- (207) 581-2592
- nursing@maine.edu
- Website
- umaine.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the holistic admissions rubric and download prerequisite worksheets from the School of Nursing admissions hub.
- Compare your transcripts to BIO, chemistry, A&P, and English requirements—including repeat policies—for your applicant type.
- Draft your 250-word nursing essays early; align stories with the School’s values chart if referenced.
- Bookmark the newest Maine Board NCLEX PDF relevant to your enrollment year.
- Run the UMaine net price calculator and note potential nursing fees.
- If graduate-bound, schedule the required faculty meeting and gather RN license verification.
- Plan a campus or enhanced nursing tour via Undergraduate Admissions visit resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for University of Maine at Orono?
According to the Maine State Board of Nursing NCLEX publication covering January 1 through December 31, 2025, the University of Maine at Orono BSN program reported a 94.29 percent first-time pass rate (33 of 35 candidates). Confirm newer cohorts on Maine’s NCLEX download page and with the School of Nursing.
How competitive is University of Maine School of Nursing?
The School states it receives more than 1,400 applicants per year for roughly 80 seats, using holistic admissions with November 1 and May 1 deadlines. Treat planning timelines and academics accordingly.
Does UMaine nursing require TEAS or SAT scores?
Undergraduate materials say SAT/ACT scores are not required and do not list TEAS. Policies may change, so verify before you submit.
Does UMaine Orono offer Accelerated BSN?
The public undergraduate pages emphasize Traditional BSN schedules, flexible pacing, Machias, and military pathways rather than a second-degree Accelerated BSN. Contact the School directly if you already hold a bachelor’s degree.
What graduate nursing credentials can I earn at UMaine?
You can pursue the MS in Nursing Leadership (FNP or Nurse Educator), the FNP Certificate of Advanced Study after a master’s or DNP, or the Nurse Educator graduate certificate.
Are international students accepted to graduate nursing?
Graduate program statements say international applications are not accepted at this time, while undergraduate nursing lists English proficiency minimums. Confirm updates with the Graduate School.
What GPA does holistic first-year admissions highlight?
Guidelines cite a 3.3 high school GPA alongside coursework and volunteer expectations. Transfer routes publish separate prerequisite standards.
How should I budget tuition at University of Maine?
Use College Scorecard figures ($13,326 in-state / $36,756 out-of-state tuition & fees) as a federal benchmark, then refine with Student Financial Services, Money Matters, and your aid offer.
Where do clinical rotations happen?
The School states experiences are coordinated to meet outcomes; affiliation lists evolve each term—request the official roster instead of relying on informal lists.
Does UMaine list RN-to-BSN at Orono?
The pages consulted do not advertise RN-to-BSN completion in Orono; ask an advisor if your goal is completion-only or explore other campuses that publish RN-to-BSN online.
References
- University of Maine — School of Nursinghttps://umaine.edu/nursing/
- University of Maine — Undergraduate nursing admissionshttps://umaine.edu/nursing/admissions/
- University of Maine — Graduate nursing programshttps://umaine.edu/nursing/graduate/programs/
- Maine State Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass-rate indexhttps://www.maine.gov/boardofnursing/education/nclex-pass-rates.html
- Maine State Board of Nursing — 2025 NCLEX pass rates (PDF)NCLEX Pass Rates Jan thru Dec 2025 (PDF)
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard — University of Mainehttps://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?161253-University-of-Maine
- UMaine Student Financial Serviceshttps://umaine.edu/sfs/
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)aacnnursing.org/CCNE
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 between Maine Board of Nursing NCLEX tables and on-page claims, verification of School of Nursing program scope (undergraduate pathways and MSNL offerings), and College Scorecard tuition mapping to the flagship Orono campus.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, accreditation language, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the University of Maine School of Nursing and the Maine State Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-24 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy