California State University Fullerton Nursing: Programs & Requirements (2026)
BSN, Accelerated BSN (ABSN), and RN-to-BSN in Fullerton at California State University Fullerton. Published tuition includes ~$7,470 In-State Tuition / Yr. 2026 admissions, NCLEX-RN pass rate and accelerated BSN.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
CSUF’s School of Nursing stands out for its nationally ranked RN-BSN, Accelerated BSN for second-degree students, and graduate options including nurse-midwifery (ACME-accredited) and nurse anesthesia (with Kaiser Permanente). Located in Orange County, students benefit from one of the nation’s largest healthcare markets for clinical placements and employment.
Overview & Why Students Choose CSUF
Located in Fullerton in the heart of Orange County, California State University Fullerton places nursing students in one of the nation’s largest and most diverse healthcare markets. The School of Nursing offers CCNE-accredited programs from BSN through DNP, including an Accelerated BSN for second-degree students and nationally recognized graduate tracks in nurse-midwifery and nurse anesthesia.
Whether you are a first-time college student, a second-degree seeker, or an RN advancing with an MSN or DNP, CSUF provides pathways at every level. Prelicensure programs and Women’s Health NP/Nurse Midwifery concentrations are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
NCLEX pass rates by institution are published by the California Board of Registered Nursing. For the most current CSUF data and state comparisons, consult the official BRN report.
Five reasons students choose CSUF
📈 Ranked Programs
RN-BSN ranked #1 in 2024 by allnurses.org. Graduate programs in Nurse-Midwifery and Nurse Anesthesia (with Kaiser Permanente) ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report.
🎓 Multiple BSN Pathways
Traditional BSN, Upper Division Transfer BSN, Accelerated BSN (two years, for those with a prior bachelor’s), and RN-to-BSN to fit different backgrounds and schedules.
🩺 Orange County & LA Clinicals
Clinical placements across Orange County and the greater Los Angeles region, with access to major health systems and diverse patient populations.
💵 Affordable Public Tuition
CSUF reports in-state tuition about 32% below the national average for public four-year schools, with financial aid and nursing scholarships available.
🏥 Advanced Practice Options
MSN Women’s Health (CNM/WHNP), School Nurse credential, and DNP options including Post-Master’s DNP and DNP Nurse Anesthesia in partnership with Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia.
Nursing Programs Offered
CSUF’s School of Nursing offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. Undergraduate and graduate nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Prelicensure pathways and Women’s Health NP/Nurse Midwifery are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Traditional BSN
Pre-licensure pathway for first-time freshmen. Lower-division prerequisites followed by upper-division nursing coursework and clinicals. On-campus. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Upper Division Transfer BSN
For students who complete prerequisites elsewhere and transfer into CSUF for upper-division nursing. Leads to BSN and RN licensure eligibility.
Accelerated BSN
For students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. Two years in length, begins each fall. Leads to BSN and California RN licensure eligibility.
RN to BSN
For licensed RNs with an ADN or diploma. Ranked #1 in 2024 by allnurses.org. Flexible format for working nurses. CCNE-accredited.
MSN — Women’s Health Care
Certified Nurse-Midwife & Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, or Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner only. Approved by NCC; graduates eligible for BRN certification. Nurse-midwifery program accredited by ACME.
School Nurse Services Credential
Approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). For RNs seeking the school nurse credential.
DNP — Post-Master’s
For nurses who hold an MSN. CSU Southern California DNP Consortium program; CCNE-accredited. CSUF DNP underwent initial CCNE visit March 2025.
DNP — Nurse Anesthesia
Offered in partnership with Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia. Accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
Admission into programs leading to licensure or credentialing does not guarantee that you will obtain a license or credential. Requirements are set by the BRN, CCTC, and other agencies; confirm current requirements with the school and the relevant board.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
NCLEX pass rates by California nursing programs are published by the California Board of Registered Nursing for the past five years. CSUF’s School of Nursing does not publish a single aggregate NCLEX-RN pass rate on its site; the BRN report is the authoritative source for first-time pass rates by institution.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (CSUF) | For the latest pass rates consult the California BRN report. |
| Nurse-Midwifery AMCB Pass Rate | 100% of CSUF nurse-midwifery graduates have passed the AMCB examination (per CSUF accreditation page) |
| Source | California BRN — NCLEX pass rates |
Before relying on any single percentage, confirm the latest NCLEX statistics with the California Board of Registered Nursing and the CSUF School of Nursing. An official state average from the same BRN report was not used in this guide; the BRN report provides comparative context.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
CSUF admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; however, the exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by country, visa category, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with CSUF and the California Board of Registered Nursing—never as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether CSUF requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam, and the minimum scores for undergraduate vs. graduate nursing programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how CSUF wants those reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, any CGFNS or other evaluations, and document translation requirements with the BRN.
- Immigration & visa support: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements fit within your immigration status.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Before you rely on any single source, verify everything with CSUF’s International Admissions and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
CSUF’s nursing programs are competitive; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Each pathway (Traditional BSN, Upper Division Transfer, Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP) has its own criteria and deadlines. Apply to the university and complete the School of Nursing application process for your chosen program.
- Admission to Cal State Fullerton (and completion of prerequisites where applicable)
- GPA and prerequisite course requirements as set by the School of Nursing for each pathway
- TEAS or other standardized exam where required for the specific BSN pathway
- Application and supporting materials by the program deadline
Confirm current requirements, deadlines, and TEAS/GRE policy on the official CSUF School of Nursing and CSUF admissions pages.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | Varies by BSN pathway; confirm on school site |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Schedule an advising appointment or attend an information session before applying. Prerequisites and deadlines differ for Traditional, Accelerated, and Upper Division Transfer BSN; RN-to-BSN and graduate programs have separate criteria. Strong grades in science and math, and clear alignment between your goals and the program, strengthen your application.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 High school applicant
Plan for the Traditional BSN path: complete lower-division prerequisites (at CSUF or a community college) with strong grades, then apply for upper-division nursing. Confirm prerequisite list and application windows on the CSUF nursing website.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
CSUF’s Accelerated BSN is designed for you—two years, starting each fall, for those with a prior bachelor’s. Ensure prerequisites are met and apply by the program deadline. If you already have an RN license, the RN-to-BSN may be an alternative.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
CSUF’s RN-to-BSN, MSN (Women’s Health CNM/WHNP), and DNP (Post-Master’s and Nurse Anesthesia) serve working nurses. Check GPA and license requirements for each; emphasize clinical experience and career goals in your application.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
CSUF reports affordable public university tuition, about 32% below the national average for in-state public four-year schools. Below are key figures for 2024–2025 (semester-based; confirm current rates with the university).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Full-Time (7+ units) per Semester (In-State) | $3,736.81 |
| Undergraduate Part-Time (0–6 units) per Semester (In-State) | $2,458.81 |
| Graduate Full-Time (7+ units) per Semester (In-State) | $4,498.81 |
| Graduate Part-Time (0–6 units) per Semester (In-State) | $2,902.81 |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) per Semester | $8,788.81 |
| Non-Resident Tuition (Additional) | $420 per semester unit |
| Approx. Annual In-State Tuition (Undergrad, 2 semesters full-time) | ~$7,474 |
| Fees, Housing, Books | Not publicly disclosed in provided sources; see CSUF Cost of Attendance |
| Financial Aid | 59.2% of students receive financial aid (fall 2024); complete FAFSA |
Tuition and fees are set by the CSU Board of Trustees and may change. For current tuition, campus fees, and cost of attendance, visit CSUF Costs and Aid and Student Business Services.
Complete the FAFSA for federal and state aid. CSUF offers scholarships and the School of Nursing has funding such as the RN-BSN Stipend Program ($10,000 for qualified RN-BSN students). The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | For the latest pass rates consult the California BRN report. |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For information about employers hiring CSUF nursing graduates, see the school’s outcomes or career services and the CSUF School of Nursing website.
Is CSUF the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, learning style, career goals, and life circumstances. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at CSUF and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want CCNE-accredited, affordable public university nursing education in Southern California
- Are second-degree seekers interested in an Accelerated BSN (two years, fall start)
- Are working RNs seeking a top-ranked RN-to-BSN or MSN/DNP (Women’s Health, Nurse Anesthesia)
- Want access to Orange County and greater LA clinical placements and job markets
- Are interested in nurse-midwifery or nurse anesthesia at a CSU
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Need a fully online pre-licensure BSN (CSUF’s pre-licensure pathways are on-campus)
- Prefer a small, rural campus over a large SoCal commuter school
- Are seeking a PhD in Nursing (CSUF offers DNP, not PhD)
- Require a Family Nurse Practitioner MSN (CSUF offers Women’s Health NP/CNM, not FNP)
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Fullerton sits in Orange County, part of the greater Los Angeles metro—one of the largest healthcare markets in the United States. Students have access to major health systems, academic medical centers, community hospitals, and outpatient settings across the region, with strong demand for RNs and advanced practice nurses.
Clinical placements and post-graduation employment opportunities are abundant in Orange County and the greater LA area. CSUF nursing students benefit from exposure to diverse populations, specialty care, and a competitive job market. Confirm current clinical partnership details with the School of Nursing.
Student Experience & Campus Life
The School of Nursing is located in Education Classroom (EC) building, EC-190, on the Cal State Fullerton campus, just west of the 57 Freeway between Yorba Linda Blvd and Nutwood Ave in Fullerton. The campus serves a large, diverse student body and offers advising, simulation and skills labs, and connections to clinical partners across the region.
CSUF nursing students can take advantage of the Writing Center, DAISY Award recognition for faculty and students, and program-specific resources. The university offers a wide range of student organizations, and the School of Nursing encourages engagement with professional and community initiatives. For simulation and clinical details, contact the School of Nursing directly.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Fullerton, CA
- Address
- School of Nursing, EC-190, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92831
- Telephone
- (657) 278-3336
- Contact email
- nursing@fullerton.edu
- Website
- nursing.fullerton.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official CSUF School of Nursing website and download or review program information for your pathway.
- Review the prerequisite course list for your chosen program (Traditional, Accelerated, Upper Division Transfer, RN-BSN, or graduate) and compare it to your transcripts.
- If required for your pathway, register for the TEAS or other exam; confirm requirements on the School of Nursing admissions pages.
- Schedule an advising appointment or attend an information session via the CSUF School of Nursing site.
- Reach out to current CSUF nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- Begin outlining your personal statement or application materials (graduate programs) or prepare for interviews (BSN applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target program and semester and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University Fullerton a good school for nursing?
CSUF’s School of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs including a nationally ranked RN-BSN and graduate tracks in nurse-midwifery and nurse anesthesia. Prelicensure programs are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
What GPA do you need for CSUF’s nursing program?
Requirements vary by pathway. Minimum GPA and prerequisite criteria are set by the School of Nursing; consult the official CSUF nursing admissions pages for current thresholds. Meeting minimums does not guarantee acceptance.
Does CSUF require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS or other standardized exam requirements depend on the specific BSN pathway (Traditional, Accelerated, Upper Division Transfer). Confirm current requirements on the CSUF School of Nursing admissions website.
How competitive is admission to CSUF’s nursing program?
Admission to CSUF nursing is competitive; the program does not publicly disclose acceptance rates. Selection is based on GPA, prerequisites, and other criteria. Verify current criteria with the School of Nursing.
Does CSUF offer an accelerated BSN?
Yes. CSUF offers an Accelerated BSN pathway for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. The program is two years in length and begins each fall semester.
What are the clinical placement sites for CSUF nursing students?
CSUF nursing students complete clinical rotations at healthcare facilities across Orange County and the greater Los Angeles region. Specific sites are arranged by the School of Nursing; contact the school for current partnership information.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for CSUF?
NCLEX pass rates by institution are published by the California Board of Registered Nursing. For the most current CSUF pass rate data, consult the official BRN pass rates page.
References
- CSUF School of Nursing — Programs and accreditationnursing.fullerton.edu
- CSUF School of Nursing — Accreditation and Approvalsnursing.fullerton.edu/about/accreditation.html
- CSUF School of Nursing — Contactnursing.fullerton.edu/contact
- CSUF Tuition and Costs (2024–2025)fullerton.edu/prospective-students/costs
- CSUF Student Business Services — Tuition and Campus Feessbs.fullerton.edu
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX pass ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- All other data as provided in inputs. Data marked “Not publicly disclosed” is unavailable in the sources reviewed for this guide.
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid Balal, RGN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with publicly available institutional and government data.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice and does not guarantee admission, eligibility, or any particular outcome. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and relevant boards (including the California BRN) before making decisions.
Published: Mar 15, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 15, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy