UMass Amherst Elaine Marieb Nursing: Programs, Costs & Requirements (2026)
At UMass Amherst, the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing combines a flagship public research campus with simulation, 100+ clinical partnerships across Western Massachusetts, and nationally visible online MSN and DNP programs. This guide reflects 2025–2026 tuition schedules on the Office of the Bursar website, the college’s published $1,000 per semester nursing fee for four-year BSN majors, and CCNE / Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing framing from UMass sources—confirm first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates with the Board and the college.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Differentiators include the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation, study-abroad options built into the undergraduate nursing sequence, a Western Massachusetts clinical footprint (the college cites partners such as Baystate Medical Center, Holyoke Medical Center, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital), and fully online MSN/DNP pathways for working RNs. Use the Office of the Bursar for tuition and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for authoritative NCLEX reporting.
Overview & Why Students Choose Elaine Marieb
In Amherst, the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing sits on the UMass Amherst flagship campus—the college markets a state-of-the-art simulation environment, 100+ clinical partnerships across the region, and the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation, which pairs nurses with engineers to tackle care-delivery problems. The Traditional BSN admits directly from high school only (no transfer or change-of-major); second-degree students historically looked to the Accelerated BSN (ABSN), which—per the official ABSN page—was paused with applications expected to reopen Fall 2026 for a Fall 2027 start (confirm current status before planning).
Post-licensure offerings are a strength: a fully online MSN with Nursing Education (MSNE) and Public Health Nursing (MS-PHN) tracks, online DNP concentrations (including FNP, PMHNP, and Public Health Nurse Leader), post-master’s PMHNP and graduate certificates, plus a PhD in Nursing. The Baystate Midwifery Education Program is a separate Baystate-led pathway with a concurrent UMass master’s option. CCNE accredits the baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP programs per the college’s accreditation statement; pre-licensure BSN is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
For the most current first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for UMass Amherst pre-licensure programs, use publications from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (nursing education / annual reporting) and confirm cohort-specific figures with the college. This page does not substitute for Board tables.
Reasons students choose Elaine Marieb
Public flagship + dedicated nursing facilities
Students earn a BSN (UMass uses “Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS)” on program pages; we use Traditional BSN here) within a large research university while accessing nursing-specific labs and supports in Skinner Hall.
Clinical network across Western Massachusetts
The college cites Baystate Medical Center, Holyoke Medical Center, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital among frequently used sites—see the clinical placements list for context.
Online MSN & DNP for working RNs
Online MSN and online DNP pathways allow registered nurses to advance without relocating; verify state authorization—DNP lists restrictions for residents of AL, MN, NY, OR, WA on the program page.
Engineering crossover & public-health partnerships
The Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation and the college’s work with Massachusetts DPH on public-health nursing initiatives differentiate the program from generic nursing pages.
Nursing Programs Offered
Listings follow the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing program pages and linked graduate bulletins.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN eligibility)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
Four-year pre-licensure program; direct admission from high school only—the FAQ states no transfer and no change-of-major. Early Action and Regular Decision deadlines appear on the BSN page. UMass is test-optional; the nursing FAQ notes a typical SAT around 1440 for submitted scores.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at UMass Amherst the program is branded as an Accelerated B.S. in Nursing—is a full-time, in-person 16-month second-degree pathway. Per the ABSN page, admissions were paused while the curriculum is revised; applications were expected to reopen Fall 2026 for Fall 2027—confirm before applying.
Post-licensure & graduate
Online Master of Science in Nursing
MSNE (Nursing Education) and MS-PHN (Public Health Nursing) tracks; Fall admission with a December 15 deadline (rolling thereafter) per the online MSN page.
Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Post-BSN concentrations include FNP, PMHNP, and Public Health Nurse Leader; Post-MS DNP completion is listed. Priority deadline October 15, 2026 on the DNP page. Cannot enroll DNP students residing in AL, MN, NY, OR, or WA per the program page.
PhD in Nursing
Research-focused doctorate; priority deadline December 1, 2026 for Fall 2027 admission per the PhD program page—apply through the UMass Amherst Graduate School.
Graduate certificates & PMHNP
PMHNP post-master’s certificate, Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, and Graduate Certificate in Population Health—confirm admission requirements on each program page.
Baystate Midwifery Education Program
Hybrid midwifery certificate with optional concurrent UMass MSN; admissions through Baystate Health—see Baystate’s midwifery education pages for start dates and ACME accreditation details referenced on UMass.
The college does not list a standalone RN-to-BSN completion track on its primary nursing landing page; post-licensure bachelor’s completion, if offered elsewhere at UMass, must be verified on the official program catalog. Always confirm current offerings in the nursing academics hub and Graduate School.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing publishes nursing education statistics and program-level outcomes information for approved Massachusetts programs. For University of Massachusetts Amherst pre-licensure graduates, use the Board’s public nursing education / NCLEX reporting resources to find the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate and testing volume for your pathway—figures change by cohort.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (published) | Look up UMass Amherst in the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing’s published nursing education / NCLEX materials for the reporting year you need—not stated as a single static percentage on this page. |
| ATI / preparation | The college’s undergraduate handbook materials describe ATI resources and an ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor requirement in the final semester—see the college’s NCLEX preparation and handbook pages for policies. |
| Source | Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing; confirm cohort-specific details with the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. |
NCLEX outcomes vary by cohort and pathway. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and UMass Amherst.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
International applicants should verify F-1 or other visa eligibility, clinical placement authorization, and English-proficiency requirements with UMass Amherst Undergraduate Admissions or the Graduate School and the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing—online graduate programs may have state authorization limits (for example, the online DNP page lists states where enrollment is not available). Internationally educated nurses seeking Massachusetts licensure should follow Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing guidance for transcripts, evaluations, and NCLEX eligibility. This checklist is not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: Follow UMass Amherst admissions for TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo requirements by program level.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Use evaluators and steps required by UMass and, separately, any steps required for Massachusetts RN licensure.
- Massachusetts Board of Nursing: Confirm NCLEX-RN eligibility, CGFNS, and endorsement rules for internationally educated nurses.
- Visas & clinical placements: Clinical nursing courses must align with program authorization; verify each term with the international office and program director.
Policies change frequently. Verify with UMass Amherst and the Board.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Traditional BSN: Apply through UMass Amherst undergraduate admissions; the BSN page lists Early Action (November 5, 2026 application; materials by November 20) and Regular Decision (January 15, 2027; materials by February 1). The program is highly competitive due to clinical placement capacity. No transfers or change-of-major into the four-year BSN per the FAQ.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN): For students with a prior bachelor’s in a non-nursing field—confirm whether applications have reopened and prerequisite rules on the ABSN page.
Graduate (MSN, DNP, PhD, certificates): Apply through the Graduate School; deadlines vary (for example, December 15 for Fall MSN, October 15, 2026 priority for DNP, December 1, 2026 priority for PhD—confirm on each program page).
Application deadlines (examples)
| Program | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Traditional BSN — Early Action | November 5, 2026 (all materials by November 20, 2026) |
| Traditional BSN — Regular Decision | January 15, 2027 (all materials by February 1, 2027) |
| Online MSN — Fall | December 15, 2026 strongly encouraged (rolling after) |
| Online DNP | October 15, 2026 priority (program page) |
| PhD in Nursing | December 1, 2026 priority for Fall 2027 (program page) |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| SAT/ACT | Test-optional institution; nursing FAQ cites typical SAT ~1440 when submitted |
| TEAS | Not publicly disclosed on the BSN overview page; confirm with the college if required for your cycle |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Undergraduate: The Office of the Bursar — Undergraduate Tuition publishes 2025–2026 per-semester tuition and fee tables for in-state, out-of-state/international, and other categories. Full-time status is typically 12+ credits per semester. The BSN Cost and Financial Aid page states an additional $1,000 per semester nursing program fee for four-year nursing majors.
Graduate: See Graduate Tuition for 2025–2026 per-semester rates (full-time commonly 9+ credits). Nursing graduate programs may bill at program-specific rates—confirm your plan of study with the Bursar and program office.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition & fees | Published by semester on the Bursar Undergraduate Tuition page (2025–2026) |
| Nursing program fee (4-yr BSN) | $1,000 per semester (Elaine Marieb BSN Cost and Financial Aid page) |
| Graduate tuition & fees | Published by semester on the Bursar Graduate Tuition page (2025–2026) |
| Additional costs | BSN page lists fingerprinting, shoes, stethoscope, watch; uniforms provided; students provide transportation to clinical sites |
| Source | Office of the Bursar; BSN Cost and Financial Aid |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
NCLEX-RN: Use the NCLEX section and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for cohort-level pass-rate context. Employment or salary percentages for Elaine Marieb graduates are not publicly disclosed on this page; check UMass career services or any consumer information the college publishes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (first-time) | See Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing publications and confirm with the college |
| Program completion / employment | Not publicly disclosed on this page—see official UMass disclosures if available |
Is UMass Amherst Elaine Marieb the Right Fit for You?
Elaine Marieb fits students who want a public flagship nursing education in Western Massachusetts, can meet direct-entry BSN competition from high school, or need flexible online MSN/DNP options as a licensed RN—while planning clinical commuting and, for some online programs, verifying state authorization.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Are high school seniors seeking a Traditional BSN at a major research university with regional clinical depth.
- Value the nurse–engineer innovation center and optional study abroad built into the undergraduate nursing pathway.
- Are licensed RNs needing online MSN, DNP, or certificates with UMass Amherst’s graduate nursing portfolio.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need to transfer into a traditional four-year BSN—UMass Amherst’s BSN does not accept transfers into that track per the FAQ.
- Live in AL, MN, NY, OR, or WA and are applying to the online DNP (program states it cannot accept residents of those states).
- Want a guaranteed published NCLEX percentage on this page without checking the Board—use Board sources for the official figure.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Western Massachusetts blends community hospitals, regional referral centers, and rural health routes that mirror many U.S. nursing labor markets. The BSN clinical placements page lists partners such as Baystate Medical Center (Springfield), Holyoke Medical Center, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital (Northampton), plus community and school-based sites—your rotation mix depends on semester and course.
Graduate students in online DNP and MSN tracks may arrange clinical experiences in approved sites across the region or country subject to program rules and state authorization.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Baystate Medical Center | Named on UMass BSN clinical placements; regional referral hub (Springfield area) |
| Holyoke Medical Center · Cooley Dickinson Hospital | Frequently cited examples on UMass BSN clinical materials |
| Community health & schools | BSN FAQ references community partnerships and public-school placements (e.g., fingerprinting) |
| Baystate Midwifery | Separate midwifery education pathway with Baystate Health—see Baystate’s midwifery program pages |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students use simulation labs and team-based learning spaces described on the BSN page. The Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation highlights interdisciplinary projects with engineers.
Study abroad: The BSN page notes that since 2019 the college has built study-abroad options that keep nursing students on track academically. Student organizations, campus wellness events, and volunteer opportunities (e.g., Boston Marathon support cited on the BSN page) supplement classroom learning.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus
- Amherst, MA
- Address
- Skinner Hall, 651 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01003, US
- Telephone
- (413) 545-2703 (main college line per Contact page)
- nursing@umass.edu
- Website
- umass.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the BSN FAQs and download the current Undergraduate Student Handbook from the college’s handbook pages if available.
- Confirm whether ABSN applications have reopened and note the Fall 2026 / Fall 2027 timeline communicated by the college.
- Review the 2025–2026 Bursar undergraduate tuition tables and add the $1,000/semester nursing fee for four-year BSN majors.
- Look up UMass Amherst in Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing NCLEX reporting for your target graduation year.
- If applying to the online DNP, verify you do not reside in a restricted state listed on the DNP page.
- Attend a virtual open house (the college lists MS/DNP/graduate certificate events on its events calendar) if available.
- Email nursing@umass.edu with program-specific questions after reviewing the official pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for UMass Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing?
Use the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing nursing education / NCLEX reporting for approved programs and confirm cohort details with the college.
What is the nursing program fee for UMass Amherst four-year BSN students?
The BSN Cost and Financial Aid page states a $1,000 per semester nursing program fee for four-year nursing majors, in addition to university tuition and fees.
Does UMass Amherst accept transfer students into the traditional four-year BSN?
No. The BSN FAQ states the program does not allow change-of-majors or transfers; it admits directly from high school. The ABSN is described for students who already hold a bachelor’s in another field.
Is the UMass Amherst Accelerated BSN (ABSN) accepting applications?
According to the ABSN page, admissions were paused while the curriculum is revised; applications were expected to reopen Fall 2026 for Fall 2027—verify before you plan.
What online programs does Elaine Marieb College offer for RNs?
The college lists online MSN (MSNE and MS-PHN), online DNP concentrations, PMHNP post-master’s certificate, and graduate certificates—see each program page for modality and prerequisites.
Are there U.S. state restrictions for UMass Amherst’s online DNP?
The online DNP page states the program cannot accept students residing in Alabama, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, or Washington.
Is UMass Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing CCNE-accredited?
The college’s accreditation statement lists CCNE accreditation for baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP nursing programs and Massachusetts Board approval for the pre-licensure baccalaureate program. Confirm effective dates on CCNE and UMass pages.
What are the application deadlines for UMass Amherst’s traditional BSN?
The BSN page lists Early Action (November 5, 2026; materials by November 20) and Regular Decision (January 15, 2027; materials by February 1). Confirm the cycle you are applying for.
What is the Baystate Midwifery Education Program?
It is a Baystate Medical Center hybrid midwifery certificate program with a concurrent UMass master’s option for eligible students; admissions and deadlines are managed by Baystate—see Baystate Health’s midwifery education pages.
References
- University of Massachusetts Amherst — Elaine Marieb College of Nursingumass.edu/nursing
- UMass Amherst — Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)umass.edu/nursing/academics/bachelor-science-nursing-bs
- UMass Amherst — Accelerated BSN (ABSN)umass.edu/nursing/academics/accelerated-bs-nursing
- UMass Amherst — BSN Cost and Financial Aid (nursing fee)umass.edu/nursing/…/cost-and-financial-aid
- UMass Amherst — Office of the Bursar (undergraduate tuition)umass.edu/bursar/tuition/undergraduate-tuition
- UMass Amherst — Office of the Bursar (graduate tuition)umass.edu/bursar/tuition/graduate-tuition
- UMass Amherst — Online MSNumass.edu/nursing/academics/online-ms-nursing-program
- UMass Amherst — Online DNPumass.edu/nursing/academics/online-doctor-nursing-practice-dnp
- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursingmass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-nursing
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
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 with UMass Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing program pages, 2025–2026 UMass Bursar tuition schedules, the published nursing program fee, and Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing resources.
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 Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Published: March 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy