California State University San Marcos Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
California State University San Marcos ADN, BSN, and Accelerated BSN (ABSN) in San Marcos. Published tuition includes $8.5k In-State Tuition+Fees / Yr. 2026 admissions, NCLEX-RN pass rate and accelerated BSN.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
CSUSM’s location in North San Diego County puts students in one of the nation’s strongest healthcare regions. The School of Nursing partners with Palomar Health, Sharp, Scripps, UCSD Health, and military/VA systems—and offers a DNP with Family Nurse Practitioner and Psych/Mental Health NP tracks, plus an on-campus Simulation Center.
Overview & Why Students Choose CSUSM
California State University San Marcos sits in North San Diego County, a high-demand healthcare corridor. The School of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and California Board of Registered Nursing–approved for its baccalaureate programs, offering multiple entry points: traditional and accelerated BSN, LVN to BSN, RN to BSN, a Veteran BSN pathway, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice with FNP and PMHNP tracks.
Whether you are a first-time student, a second-degree seeker, an LVN or RN advancing your education, or a veteran, CSUSM’s programs and clinical partnerships with Sharp, Scripps, Palomar Health, UCSD, and military/VA systems make it a strong option for Southern California nursing education.
CSUSM does not publish a single NCLEX pass rate on its accreditation page. Current first-time pass rates by program are reported by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Confirm the latest statistics with the school and the BRN before relying on any single figure.
Five reasons students choose CSUSM
🏥 Southern California Clinicals
Partnerships with Palomar Health, Sharp, Scripps, UCSD Health, Rady Children’s, Kaiser, Tri-City, VA San Diego, Naval Medical Center San Diego, and community clinics across the region.
🧩 Multiple Pathways
Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, LVN to BSN, LVN to RN (30-unit), online ADN/RN to BSN, Veteran BSN pathway, and DNP with FNP and Psych/Mental Health NP tracks.
🎓 CCNE & CA BRN Approved
Baccalaureate and master’s programs accredited by CCNE; Traditional and Accelerated BSN approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
💵 CSU Tuition
State-supported CSU tuition and fees; 2025–26 resident undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees approximately $8,454 per year (full-time).
🩺 SoN Simulation Center
On-campus simulation center supports clinical readiness; DNP is hybrid with practice-focused preparation for advanced practice and leadership.
Nursing Programs Offered
CSUSM’s School of Nursing offers pre-licensure and post-licensure pathways. The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Traditional BSN and Accelerated BSN are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Traditional BSN
Full-time 4-year program; students enter as freshman or transfer as sophomore. Eight terms of nursing coursework. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility. Follows CSU State-support tuition.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Full-time, five consecutive semesters for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. Offered through CSUSM Extended Learning. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility.
LVN to BSN
For California-licensed LVNs seeking a first bachelor’s degree as transfer students. See school for prerequisite and unit requirements.
LVN to RN (30-Unit)
Non-degree pathway for LVNs who wish to qualify to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Space-available basis; not a degree program.
ADN/RN to BSN
Fully online, part-time; three consecutive semesters (six 8-week sessions). For California-licensed RNs and recent ADN graduates. RN license required before the last session. Palomar College nursing students eligible for concurrent enrollment. Offered through Extended Learning.
Veteran BSN Pathway (VBSN)
Five-semester, cohort-based program for veterans; prepares students for RN licensure and nursing career entry.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
79 semester units in 8 sequential semesters. Tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Hybrid format; prepares for advanced practice and teaching roles.
All nursing students must meet pre-nursing core requirements, pass background check and drug test, and comply with nursing student Covid-19 vaccination requirements. Use ASSIST to check course articulation. See the school’s program expectations and licensure disclosure.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
CSUSM’s School of Nursing does not publish a single NCLEX-RN pass rate on its accreditation page. The school directs readers to the California Board of Registered Nursing pass rates page to view CSUSM student NCLEX pass rates by program and year.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (this guide) | Not publicly disclosed on the school’s accreditation page |
| Official Source | California BRN Pass Rates |
| School Page | CSUSM Accreditation & NCLEX |
For the most current NCLEX statistics and any state or cohort benchmarks, confirm with the CSUSM School of Nursing and the California Board of Registered Nursing. Do not rely on this guide alone for licensure or admission decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
CSUSM admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses. Exact requirements vary by visa status, program level, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to verify with the school and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a substitute for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether CSUSM 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 reports are submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, credential evaluation (e.g., CGFNS), and document requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements align with your immigration status.
Requirements change. Always verify with CSUSM’s International Admissions and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
CSUSM’s nursing pathways are limited-access; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Requirements and deadlines vary by program (Traditional BSN, ABSN, LVN to BSN, RN to BSN, DNP). Always confirm current criteria with the School of Nursing and CEHHS Student Services.
- Meet Pre-Nursing Core Requirements (use ASSIST to check course articulation)
- Pass Background Check & Drug Test
- Comply with Nursing Student Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements
- Understand the program’s expectations of nursing students
Application timeline
Application deadlines and notification dates vary by program and term. Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs. Check the specific program page (Traditional BSN, ABSN, RN to BSN, DNP, etc.) and the School of Nursing FAQ for current dates.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS / GRE Required | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Confirm whether your target program requires the TEAS or GRE and what prerequisite GPA or science grades are used in selection. For Traditional BSN and ABSN, strong performance in pre-nursing and science courses matters. For RN to BSN and DNP, highlight your clinical experience and career goals. Contact CEHHS Student Services (760-750-4277) for program-specific advising.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 High school or transfer applicant
Complete pre-nursing core requirements and use ASSIST to verify course articulation. Focus on strong grades in science and math. Check the Traditional BSN or LVN to BSN pages for admission cycles and criteria.
🔄 Second-degree applicant
CSUSM offers an Accelerated BSN (five semesters) through Extended Learning for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Confirm prerequisites and application windows on the ABSN program page.
🩺 RN or LVN seeking advancement
RN to BSN is fully online (three semesters); DNP offers FNP and PMHNP tracks in a hybrid format. Verify RN license and GPA requirements with the school. LVN to BSN and LVN to RN (30-unit) have separate criteria; confirm with the School of Nursing.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
The Traditional BSN follows CSU State-support tuition. Below are 2025–26 figures from CSUSM’s Cost of Attendance. Nursing programs may have additional one-time or per-term fees.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (Resident, Full-Time) | $6,450 |
| Mandatory Fees (Undergraduate) | $2,004 |
| Total Tuition & Fees (Resident, Full-Time) | ~$8,454/year |
| Undergraduate (Non-Resident, Full-Time) | $16,530 tuition + $2,004 fees |
| Graduate (Resident, Full-Time) | ~$7,608 tuition + $1,998 fees |
| Graduate (Non-Resident, Full-Time) | ~$17,688 tuition + $1,998 fees |
| Traditional BSN Program | 8 terms; one-time nursing fees $2,000+ (e.g., orientation, ATI, first-semester books) |
| Housing, Books, Other | Not publicly disclosed here; see Cost of Attendance |
Do not purchase additional start-up items before Nursing Orientation. For a full breakdown of nursing program costs, see the school’s Estimate of Costs and Cost of Attendance.
Complete the FAFSA. CSUSM offers nursing scholarships; see the School of Nursing Scholarships page. NURSE Corps and other state/federal programs may apply.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed on the school’s accreditation page; see California BRN pass rates |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For outcomes and where graduates work, see the school’s Nursing Alumni and career services.
Is CSUSM the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, location, career goals, and preferred pathway. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at CSUSM and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want CCNE-accredited, California BRN–approved programs at a public CSU
- Prefer Southern California and North San Diego County clinical access
- Are considering Traditional BSN, ABSN, LVN/RN pathways, or DNP (FNP/PMHNP)
- Value strong hospital and community partnerships (Sharp, Scripps, Palomar, UCSD, VA)
- Are veterans or second-degree seekers (VBSN and ABSN available)
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Need a PhD in Nursing (CSUSM offers DNP, not PhD)
- Want a fully online pre-licensure BSN (Traditional and ABSN have in-person components)
- Prefer a school outside California or outside the CSU system
- Require the lowest possible cost without regard to location
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
The School of Nursing partners with numerous entities across Southern California. North San Diego County and the greater San Diego region are among the nation’s strongest healthcare and life-sciences markets, with high demand for nurses.
| Facility / Partner | Details |
|---|---|
| Palomar Health | Regional health system serving North San Diego County. |
| Sharp Healthcare | Major San Diego system; acute and outpatient care. |
| Scripps Health | Multi-site system across San Diego County. |
| UCSD Health System | Academic medical center; tertiary and quaternary care. |
| Rady Children’s Hospital | Pediatric specialty; regional referral center. |
| Kaiser Permanente, Tri-City, VA, Naval | Kaiser Medical Centers; Tri-City Medical Center; VA San Diego; Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton & Naval Medical Center San Diego. |
| Community & Public Health | Vista Community Clinic, TrueCare, San Diego County Public Health, Oceanside/Escondido Public Health, Migrant Health, school districts. |
Students gain clinical experience across acute care, pediatric, veteran, military, and community settings. California’s demand for RNs and advanced practice nurses remains high; confirm current job market and licensure requirements with the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Student Experience & Campus Life
CSUSM’s School of Nursing Simulation Center (SoN Simulation Center) supports clinical readiness with simulation-based learning. The campus is in San Marcos, North San Diego County, with access to the region’s healthcare systems and community partners.
Nursing students can participate in honor societies and associations, and the school offers scholarships and resources for NCLEX preparation. Clinical partnerships span hospitals, hospice (e.g., VITAS, Elizabeth Hospice), behavioral health, and school districts.
For housing and campus life, see CSUSM Housing and the university’s student life and diversity resources.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- San Marcos, CA
- Address
- 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92096-0001
- Telephone
- (760) 750-4277 (CEHHS Student Services)
- Contact email
- See Faculty & Staff Directory and program pages
- Website
- www.csusm.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official CSUSM School of Nursing website and open the program you’re interested in (Traditional BSN, ABSN, RN to BSN, DNP, etc.).
- Review Pre-Nursing Core Requirements and use ASSIST to compare your transcripts.
- If required for your program, register for the TEAS or GRE and confirm current requirements on the program’s admissions page.
- Draft questions for CEHHS Student Services (760-750-4277) or the School of Nursing.
- Reach out to current CSUSM nursing students or alumni (e.g., LinkedIn) to ask about clinical placements and experience.
- Begin your personal statement or application materials; note any background check, drug test, and vaccination requirements.
- Check the application deadline for your target program and term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University San Marcos a good school for nursing?
CSUSM’s School of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and California BRN-approved for its Traditional and Accelerated BSN programs. It offers multiple pathways (Traditional BSN, ABSN, LVN to BSN, RN to BSN, DNP) and strong clinical partnerships across Southern California (Sharp, Scripps, Palomar, UCSD, VA, and others).
What GPA do you need for CSUSM’s nursing program?
CSUSM does not publish a single minimum GPA in the sources reviewed. Applicants must meet pre-nursing core requirements. Confirm current GPA and prerequisite requirements with the School of Nursing and CEHHS Student Services.
Does CSUSM require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS requirement is not specified in the provided inputs. Confirm current admission requirements (TEAS, GRE, or other) on the official CSUSM School of Nursing and program pages.
How competitive is admission to CSUSM’s nursing program?
Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Nursing is limited-access; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Verify selection criteria and deadlines with the school.
Does CSUSM offer an accelerated BSN?
Yes. CSUSM offers a full-time Accelerated BSN over five consecutive semesters for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. It is offered through CSUSM Extended Learning.
What are the clinical placement sites for CSUSM nursing students?
Partners include Palomar Health, Sharp Healthcare, Scripps Health, UCSD Health System, Rady Children’s Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Tri-City Medical Center, VA San Diego, Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Naval Medical Center San Diego, and community clinics (e.g., Vista Community Clinic, TrueCare).
What is the NCLEX pass rate for CSUSM?
CSUSM does not publish NCLEX pass rates on its accreditation page; it directs readers to the California Board of Registered Nursing pass rates page. Confirm current NCLEX statistics with the school and the California BRN.
References
- CSUSM School of Nursing — Programscsusm.edu/nursing/programs
- CSUSM School of Nursing — Accreditation & NCLEX Pass Ratescsusm.edu/nursing/aboutus/accreditation.html
- CSUSM Traditional BSN — Program Costscsusm.edu/nursing/programs/traditional-bsn/costs.html
- CSUSM Financial Aid — Cost of Attendance (2025–26)csusm.edu/finaid/costofattendance
- CSUSM Nursing — Clinical Partnershipscsusm.edu/nursing/community/partnerships.html
- California Board of Registered Nursing — Pass Ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- All other data as provided in inputs. Data marked “Not publicly disclosed” was unavailable in the sources reviewed. Verify with the institution and the California BRN.
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 before making decisions.
Published: Mar 15, 2026· Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy