University of South Alabama College of Nursing: The Complete Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
The University of South Alabama (USA) College of Nursing in Mobile is a large public institution known for its distance-friendly MSN and DNP options as well as traditional and accelerated BSN pathways. This guide walks through programs, NCLEX-RN performance snapshots, admissions expectations, and costs so you can decide if USA is the right fit for your nursing career plans.
Contents
The University of South Alabama College of Nursing combines a traditional campus-based BSN experience in Mobile with one of the most extensive online graduate nursing portfolios in the region. If you are looking for a public university option with distance-accessible MSN and DNP pathways plus local Gulf Coast clinical opportunities, USA is worth a close look.
Overview & Why Students Choose University of South Alabama College of Nursing
See the quick facts and key takeaway above for a snapshot of University of South Alabama College of Nursing’s nursing programs. The sections below cover programs, NCLEX outcomes, admissions, costs, and fit in detail.
Nursing Programs Offered
USA’s College of Nursing is best known for its combination of on-campus BSN education and one of the country’s larger lineups of online graduate programs. Whether you are just starting out as a pre-nursing student or already working as an RN or APRN, there is likely a pathway that aligns with your goals.
Undergraduate programs (BSN, accelerated pathways, RN to BSN)
The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program begins with core and science prerequisites followed by application to the upper-division nursing major. Once admitted, students complete intensive coursework and clinical rotations in and around Mobile, developing competencies in adult health, pediatrics, maternal–newborn, mental health, and community health nursing. This route is geared toward first-time college students and transfers who want a campus-based pre-licensure experience.
For students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field or who bring in significant prior coursework, USA offers accelerated or second-degree pathways that condense pre-licensure study into a more intensive, full-time sequence. These tracks are designed for highly motivated students who can handle fast-paced coursework and clinicals. The college also offers an online RN to BSN program for licensed registered nurses who want to complete a BSN while continuing to work, with flexible scheduling and credit for prior nursing education.
Graduate programs (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs at USA are primarily delivered online, with local preceptors used for clinical experiences. Concentration options include a range of nurse practitioner specialties and other advanced practice or leadership roles, allowing students to prepare for roles such as primary care NP, specialty NP, or nurse educator. Because specific tracks and admission criteria can change, all applicants should review the current MSN catalog and track pages for the most accurate list of specialties and course sequences.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and post-graduate certificates
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of South Alabama builds on the college’s strength in distance learning, offering BSN-to-DNP and post-master’s DNP options that are largely online with supervised clinical requirements arranged near the student’s home community. DNP tracks focus on advanced clinical practice, systems leadership, and quality improvement, giving experienced nurses the tools to influence care at the population and organizational level. USA also offers post-graduate APRN certificate programs for nurses who already hold a master’s degree and wish to add or change a specialty.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2025), University of South Alabama reported a 94.43% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its baccalaureate (BSN) program (CY2025, first-time testers). CY2024: 98.36%. Rates can differ by pathway, campus, and reporting year. Confirm the latest outcomes with the Alabama Board of Nursing and the school before you compare programs.
| Measure | Reported value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (BSN) | 94.43% per ABN CY2025 annual report (CY2024: 98.36%). | |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2025) (PDF); historical comparison: CY2023 by institutions (PDF). Confirm the row for University of South Alabama and your program type. |
Figures above are first-time pass rates from the Alabama Board of Nursing calendar year 2025 annual report unless another source and year are labeled. Confirm the latest NCLEX outcomes with the Alabama Board of Nursing and the school before you compare programs.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
The University of South Alabama enrolls international students and internationally educated nurses across undergraduate and graduate levels, but detailed requirements can vary by program and visa category. If you are applying from outside the United States—or completed your nursing education in another country—you will need to plan for a few extra steps.
Key checkpoints for international applicants
- English proficiency: USA requires proof of English-language proficiency for most international applicants (for example through TOEFL or IELTS), but exact test score minimums are Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide. Confirm the latest score requirements on the university’s international admissions pages.
- Credential and transcript evaluation: If you completed previous study outside the U.S., you may need a course-by-course evaluation from a recognized service (such as WES or a state-approved evaluator) so the College of Nursing can determine U.S. equivalencies.
- Visa and full-time enrollment: Students seeking an F-1 or J-1 visa must follow USA’s rules for full-time enrollment and financial documentation. Because many graduate nursing programs are online or hybrid, you must confirm which formats are eligible for your visa status.
- Board of Nursing requirements: Internationally educated nurses who plan to sit for the NCLEX-RN in Alabama may need to meet additional documentation or evaluation requirements set by the Alabama Board of Nursing.
- Clinical eligibility: Some clinical partners may have additional background check, immunization, or authorization requirements. Ask how these apply to international students before you start the program.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
USA’s College of Nursing uses a competitive, holistic review for upper-division BSN and graduate programs. While minimum criteria are important, successful applicants usually present a combination of strong academics, solid science grades, and evidence that they understand the realities of nursing work.
Typical elements of a BSN or graduate nursing application
- Completion (or near completion) of required prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, statistics, and other foundational subjects.
- A competitive overall and prerequisite GPA meeting or exceeding the minimums listed on the USA College of Nursing admissions pages (specific GPA ranges are Not publicly disclosed).
- Standardized test scores if required for your pathway (for example ACT, SAT, TEAS, or GRE, though the exact test mix is Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide).
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- A personal statement or essays describing your motivation for nursing, understanding of the profession, and alignment with USA’s mission.
- Professional or academic references, and a current resume for many graduate programs.
Competitiveness snapshot
| Admissions metric | Status for USA College of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Overall nursing acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA range for admitted BSN students | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS or other entrance exam required | Policies vary by pathway and are Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide; confirm for your track. |
| Clinical experience preferred for graduate applicants | Some MSN and DNP tracks expect recent RN experience; exact expectations are Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide. |
Practical tips by applicant type
If you are a high school or early college applicant: prioritize strong grades in biology, chemistry, and math, and look for volunteer or shadowing experiences in healthcare settings around Mobile or your hometown.
If you are a second-degree or accelerated BSN applicant: highlight how your first degree and work history will help you transition into nursing, and be realistic about the time commitment required for an intensive, accelerated program.
If you are an RN applying to RN to BSN, MSN, or DNP programs: emphasize your clinical experience, specialty areas, and any leadership, precepting, or quality improvement work you have done. Show that you understand how advanced education will change your role and responsibilities.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
As a public institution, the University of South Alabama charges separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, with additional fees and living expenses on top. The College of Nursing follows the university’s per-credit-hour structure, with higher rates for nursing courses.
| Category | Estimated amount (2025–26) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate in-state tuition (all colleges) | Approx. $10,116 per year | Based on 15 credit hours per semester for two semesters; additional fees may apply. |
| Undergraduate out-of-state tuition (all colleges) | Approx. $19,092 per year | Also based on 15 credit hours per semester; does not include housing, books, or personal expenses. |
| Nursing per-credit rate (undergraduate) | $423 in-state / $846 out-of-state per credit hour | Rates specific to the College of Nursing; see USA’s tuition tables for current amounts. |
| Fees, housing, meals, and other costs | Not publicly disclosed | Use the official Cost of Attendance tools on USA’s website for personalized estimates. |
Tuition figures above are drawn from University of South Alabama tuition and fee schedules and third-party cost summaries as of 2025–26. They are subject to change and should be confirmed on the official Student Accounting and College of Nursing pages before you budget for any term.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Graduates of the University of South Alabama College of Nursing enter a regional job market that includes hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health organizations across the Gulf Coast. While specific job placement percentages were Not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed, NCLEX performance and the breadth of USA’s graduate offerings suggest strong preparation for professional practice and advanced roles.
- Entry-level BSN roles: Most BSN graduates pursue bedside nursing positions in medical–surgical, critical care, emergency, maternal–child, or psychiatric units, often within Alabama and neighboring states.
- Advanced practice and leadership: MSN and DNP graduates may qualify for nurse practitioner roles, clinical leadership positions, and systems-level quality improvement work.
- Continuing education: USA’s stackable structure—BSN to MSN to DNP, plus post-graduate certificates—allows many nurses to extend their education without changing institutions.
- Alumni employers: Specific employer lists are Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide. For more detail, review USA’s career services and alumni materials or speak with program representatives.
For context on how USA’s NCLEX-RN outcomes compare to other Alabama nursing programs, review the Alabama Board of Nursing’s most recent annual report, which lists pass rates by school and program type. Use those official documents—not third-party summaries—as your primary source when comparing options.
Is University of South Alabama College of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
No single nursing program is right for everyone. USA’s College of Nursing can be a strong choice for some applicants and less ideal for others, depending on your career goals, learning preferences, and budget.
USA might be a good fit if you…
- Want a public university BSN with access to Gulf Coast clinical experiences and a traditional campus environment in Mobile.
- Are interested in online or hybrid graduate programs that allow you to remain in your community while advancing to MSN or DNP-level roles.
- Prefer a school with multiple pathways (BSN, RN to BSN, graduate study, post-graduate certificates) so you can progress over time without changing institutions.
- Are comfortable navigating a larger college of nursing with many tracks, faculty, and distance learners.
USA may not be ideal if you…
- Are looking for a very small, highly intimate nursing cohort with a rural campus setting.
- Need fully on-campus instruction for graduate study rather than the online or hybrid formats USA emphasizes.
- Are seeking the lowest possible in-state tuition in Alabama without prioritizing the breadth of graduate options or online delivery.
- Prefer a program that publishes extremely detailed, year-by-year NCLEX and job placement statistics on its website.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Mobile sits on the Gulf Coast and serves as a regional hub for healthcare, shipping, and industry. Nursing students at USA benefit from access to hospitals and clinics that serve both urban and coastal communities, exposing them to a wide range of patient populations.
While this guide does not list specific clinical sites—those details are Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide—the general environment includes acute-care hospitals, specialty centers, outpatient clinics, and community health organizations across Mobile and neighboring counties. For many students, this mix of settings provides valuable experience with medical–surgical, critical care, maternal–child, and primary care populations before graduation.
Student Experience & Campus Life
As a USA nursing student, your experience will blend classroom instruction, skills lab practice, simulation, and clinical rotations, plus access to the broader student life of a public university campus.
The College of Nursing uses skills and simulation labs to help students practice core procedures and clinical judgment in a controlled environment before entering high-acuity settings. Nursing-focused student organizations and honor societies give undergraduates and graduate students opportunities for leadership, service, and peer support, though specific organization names were Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide. Outside of academics, Mobile offers coastal recreation, regional festivals, and a relatively moderate cost of living compared with some larger metro areas.
Resources & Next Steps
Use the official University of South Alabama resources below to confirm details, ask questions, and map out your application timeline.
Official USA College of Nursing site
Visit the College of Nursing website for program overviews, admissions criteria, and contact details.
Undergraduate BSN & RN to BSN info
Review BSN program details and related undergraduate pathways directly from USA.
Graduate MSN & DNP programs
See graduate nursing programs for MSN, DNP, and certificate options.
Tuition & cost of attendance
Access current tuition tables and Cost of Attendance estimates.
Campus location & contact
- Campus location: Mobile, Alabama, United States
- Address: University of South Alabama College of Nursing, 5721 USA Drive N, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
- Telephone number: (251) 445-9400
- Contact email: Not publicly disclosed (use the contact forms on the College of Nursing website)
- Website: https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/con/
Your “next 7 days” checklist
- Day 1: Visit the USA College of Nursing website and download any BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, or DNP brochures that match your goals.
- Day 2: Review the prerequisite course list and compare it against your transcripts to identify any gaps.
- Day 3: Confirm whether your pathway requires an entrance exam (TEAS, ACT/SAT, GRE) on the official admissions page before registering.
- Day 4: Draft a list of detailed questions about clinical placements, NCLEX outcomes, and course formats, then email or call an advisor.
- Day 5: Connect with current students or alumni via LinkedIn or university-hosted events to hear first-hand experiences.
- Day 6: Start outlining your personal statement, focusing on why USA is a good fit for your educational and career plans.
- Day 7: Check application deadlines and build a timeline that includes transcripts, test dates (if needed), recommendations, and financial aid steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
This guide is based on publicly available information from the University of South Alabama and reputable third-party summaries at the time of writing. Because policies and data can change, always double-check details with official sources before making final decisions.
- University of South Alabama – College of Nursing main site: https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/con/
- University of South Alabama – BSN program information: https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/con/bsn/
- University of South Alabama – Graduate nursing programs: https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/con/graduateprograms.html
- University of South Alabama – Tuition and fee schedule 2025–26: https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/financialaffairs/studentaccounting/tuition.html
- University of South Alabama – Cost of Attendance: https://southalabama.edu/departments/finaid/costofattendance.html
- RN program overviews and NCLEX summary data for the University of South Alabama (for example RN careers and similar program profiling sites).
NCLEX pass rate data is summarized from external reporting and may not reflect the most current Alabama Board of Nursing statistics. Tuition data is sourced from official USA tuition pages accessed in 2026. Any metric marked “Not publicly disclosed” or “Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide” reflects the absence of that data in the official or secondary sources reviewed for this guide.
Editorial Standards & Review
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Apr 2, 2026· Last reviewed: Apr 2, 2026· Nursing Education Review Process · Editorial Policy