University of California, Irvine: BSN, DNP & PhD Review (2026)
University of California, Irvine in Irvine: BSN, DNP, and PhD. First-time NCLEX-RN was 91.3% (BSN NCLEX-RN (CA BRN). Admissions requirements for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing combines a top-ranked BSN (U.S. News top 4% nationally, #3 in California) with 50%+ of clinical placements at UCI Medical Center, a Level I trauma center, and a curriculum that weaves planetary health, justice, and community impact into nursing education.
Overview & Why Students Choose UC Irvine
In the heart of Orange County, the UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing offers a research-intensive, justice-oriented nursing education with direct access to UCI Health—including UCI Medical Center, a Level I trauma center. U.S. News & World Report ranks the school’s bachelor’s program in the top 4% nationally and #3 among California BSN programs (2025).
Whether you are a first-time degree seeker, a second-degree applicant considering the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), or an RN or APRN pursuing a DNP or PhD, the school offers CCNE-accredited pathways from pre-licensure through doctoral study, with a shared focus on reducing human vulnerability and advancing health equity.
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates for first-time CA-educated exam testers: the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for UC Irvine BSN was 91.30% (2024/2025, 46 test takers) and for UC Irvine MSN (MEPN) was 100% (2024/2025, 21 test takers). For the latest data, see the California BRN pass rates page.
Five reasons students choose UC Irvine
📈 Rankings & NCLEX
Top 4% BSN nationally, #3 in California (U.S. News 2025). Strong first-time NCLEX outcomes reported by the California BRN for both BSN and MEPN.
🏥 UCI Medical Center Clinicals
50% or more of BSN clinical placements are at UCI Medical Center (Level I trauma). Students gain experience in a major academic health system in Orange County.
🌍 Planetary Health & Justice
Curriculum weaves social, racial, and environmental justice and planetary health into nursing education, with community partnerships and over 10,000 hours of community engagement annually.
🎓 MEPN for Second-Degree Seekers
Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) is a two-year full-time pathway for non-nursing bachelor’s holders to become RNs with a master’s degree.
🔬 Research & Faculty Practice
School has received over $17 million in research funding; only UC school of nursing with a faculty practice, integrating discovery and clinical care.
Nursing Programs Offered
The UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing offers pre-licensure through doctoral programs and a UC-wide PMHNP certificate. All degree programs are CCNE-accredited.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science (BSN)
Pre-licensure BSN; ~4 years. Strong clinical focus with 50%+ of placements at UCI Medical Center, leadership development, simulation, and eligibility for NCLEX-RN and public health nurse certification.
Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN)
Two-year, full-time master’s degree for applicants who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s. Provides education and clinical hours needed for RN licensure; accelerated graduate-level pathway to nursing.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Two tracks: DNP Post-Master’s for leadership in administration, healthcare delivery, and policy; DNP-FNP for family nurse practitioner practice in California.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD)
Prepares nurse scientists with expertise in clinical-translational research to advance the discipline and contribute to nursing science.
UC Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certificate
Online PMHNP certificate in collaboration with UC Davis, UCSF, and UCLA. For APRNs (NPs, CNSs, CNMs, CRNAs) seeking to serve psychiatric patient populations in California.
Programs listed are those explicitly offered per the official degrees and programs page. The school does not offer RN-to-BSN; MEPN and DNP/PhD serve graduate and post-licensure pathways.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates for first-time CA-educated exam testers (annual period July 1–June 30), the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for UC Irvine are as follows.
| Program | Period | Pass Rate | Test Takers |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Irvine – BSN | 2024/2025 | 91.30% | 46 |
| UC Irvine – MSN (MEPN) | 2024/2025 | 100% | 21 |
| Source | California BRN Pass Rates | ||
NCLEX outcomes can change by cohort. Always confirm the most current first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for UC Irvine with the California BRN pass rates page or annual report and with the school before relying on any single statistic.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
UC Irvine admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; exact requirements vary by visa status, degree level, and whether you are seeking admission or RN/APRN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with UCI and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a substitute for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether the School of Nursing requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam, and minimum scores for BSN, MEPN, or graduate programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how UCI wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN): For internationally educated nurses seeking RN or APRN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, credential evaluation (e.g., CGFNS), and document requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa: Which programs support F-1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements fit within your immigration status.
Requirements change frequently. Verify all steps with UCI’s admissions or international office and the California BRN. This is guidance only, not legal or licensing advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
UC Irvine’s nursing programs are competitive; admission is selective and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. The BSN and MEPN have separate application processes and deadlines from general UC admission.
- Application opens: August 1; deadline: November 30 (for Fall 2026 start)
- Prerequisites and minimum GPA as set by the School of Nursing; confirm current requirements on the BSN admissions page
- TEAS or other exam requirements: confirm on the official admissions page
Application timeline (BSN)
| Entry Term | Applications Open | Deadline | Program Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | August 1 | November 30 | Fall 2026 |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS / Exam Required | Confirm on official BSN/MEPN admissions pages |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Complete prerequisites with strong grades and confirm the exact requirements (GPA, exams, essays) for your target program and entry term on the School of Nursing website. Second-degree seekers should consider the MEPN pathway; RNs and APRNs should look at the DNP or PhD pages for graduate admission criteria.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / high school applicant
Apply to UC Irvine for the BSN pathway. Focus on strong grades in prerequisite sciences and math. Check the BSN admissions page for prerequisite courses and deadlines.
🔄 Second-degree applicant
UC Irvine’s Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) is designed for applicants who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. It is a two-year full-time path to RN licensure with a master’s degree.
🩺 RN or APRN seeking advancement
The DNP (Post-Master’s and FNP tracks) and PhD in Nursing Science are for nurses seeking doctoral preparation. Confirm application cycles and requirements on the graduate program pages.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
UC Irvine follows the University of California systemwide tuition and fee schedule. Below are approximate figures for the 2025–2026 academic year (systemwide tuition and student services fees plus UCI campus fees).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Full-Time Undergraduate (In-State) Tuition & Fees | ~$20,268/year (systemwide + campus fees) |
| Full-Time Undergraduate (Out-of-State) | ~$57,870/year (includes nonresident supplemental tuition) |
| Graduate Tuition & Fees | Varies by program; confirm on UCI Registrar Fees |
| Housing, Books, Other | Not publicly disclosed in inputs; see UCI Cost of Attendance |
Tuition is set by the UC Regents and may change. Fees, housing, and books are not fully detailed here. For the most current breakdown, visit the UCI Registrar Tuition and Fees and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships cost of attendance pages.
Complete the FAFSA (UCI school code: 001314). The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other aid may be available. See UCI Financial Aid and the School of Nursing for program-specific opportunities.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (BSN) | 91.30% (CA BRN 2024/2025, 46 test takers) |
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (MEPN) | 100% (CA BRN 2024/2025, 21 test takers) |
| Job Placement / Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For employer and job-placement information, see the school’s outcomes or career services pages at nursing.uci.edu.
Is UC Irvine 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 UC Irvine and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want a research-intensive, CCNE-accredited nursing education at a top-ranked UC
- Value clinical time at a Level I trauma center (UCI Medical Center)
- Are second-degree seekers interested in the MEPN pathway
- Care about planetary health, justice, and community engagement in the curriculum
- Are considering a PhD or DNP in addition to pre-licensure or APRN roles
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Need a traditional RN-to-BSN program (UCI does not offer RN-to-BSN)
- Want a fully online pre-licensure BSN
- Are seeking the lowest-cost option without regard for location or ranking
- Prefer a very small or non-competitive admission environment
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Orange County and the greater Los Angeles region form one of the nation’s largest healthcare markets. UCI Health includes UCI Medical Center (Level I trauma center) in Orange, with additional facilities and partnerships across the region. The school reports that 50% or more of BSN clinical placements are at UCI Medical Center.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| UCI Medical Center | Level I trauma center; primary clinical partner for the School of Nursing. Major academic medical center in Orange County. |
| UCI Health | Health system spanning Orange County with hospitals, ambulatory care, and community partnerships. |
Students gain substantial clinical experience at a Level I trauma center and in one of the country’s most diverse and demand-rich healthcare regions. California’s need for RNs and APRNs remains strong; confirm current workforce data with the California BRN and state labor sources.
Student Experience & Campus Life
The Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing is part of UC Irvine’s health sciences campus, with simulation and teaching resources aligned to the curriculum. The school emphasizes community engagement and reports over 10,000 hours of faculty and student time annually in local communities, including underserved schools, homeless populations, older adults, and mental health settings.
UCI is an AAU member and ranks among the nation’s top public research universities. Campus life includes professional and student organizations; nursing students can engage in advocacy, research, and interprofessional activities. Irvine is one of the safest and most economically vibrant communities in the U.S., with access to Los Angeles and San Diego.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Irvine, CA
- Address
- 839 Health Sciences Road, Irvine, CA 92697, US
- Telephone
- (949) 824-1514
- Contact email
- [email protected] (confirm on nursing.uci.edu)
- Website
- nursing.uci.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official UC Irvine School of Nursing website and review the program pages for BSN, MEPN, DNP, or PhD as applicable.
- Review the prerequisite course list for your target program and compare it to your transcripts.
- Confirm on the official admissions page whether TEAS or another exam is required for your target program and register if needed.
- Draft a list of questions for the School of Nursing admissions or advising office.
- Reach out to current UCI nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare application materials for BSN/MEPN.
- Check the application deadline for your target entry (e.g., BSN Fall: Nov 30) and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UC Irvine a good school for nursing?
UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing is CCNE-accredited, ranked in the top 4% of BSN programs nationally and #3 in California by U.S. News & World Report (2025). According to the California BRN, the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for the BSN was 91.30% (2024/2025) and for the MEPN was 100% (2024/2025).
What GPA do you need for UC Irvine nursing?
Minimum GPA requirements for the BSN and MEPN are set by the school; exact thresholds are not always published. Competitive applicants typically have strong GPAs and complete prerequisites. Confirm current requirements with the School of Nursing admissions office.
Does UC Irvine require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS requirement for the BSN or MEPN is determined by the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing. Check the official admissions pages for the current exam and score requirements.
How competitive is admission to UC Irvine’s nursing program?
Admission to UC Irvine’s nursing programs is competitive; the school does not publish a nursing-specific acceptance rate. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants are evaluated on GPA, prerequisites, and other factors per program.
Does UC Irvine offer an accelerated BSN?
UC Irvine does not offer a traditional accelerated BSN (ABSN). It offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science (BSN) and a Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) for applicants who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree—MEPN is a two-year full-time master’s pathway to RN licensure.
What are the clinical placement sites for UC Irvine nursing students?
At least 50% of BSN clinical placements are at UCI Medical Center. Students also gain experience with diverse populations in local community and healthcare settings in Orange County.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for UC Irvine?
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates for first-time CA-educated exam testers: UC Irvine BSN had a 91.30% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024/2025 (46 test takers), and UC Irvine MSN (MEPN) had 100% (21 test takers). For the latest data see the California BRN pass rates page.
References
- UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing — Degrees and programsnursing.uci.edu/degrees-and-programs
- UC Irvine BSN — Admissionsnursing.uci.edu
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX-RN pass rates (first-time CA-educated exam testers)rn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- UCI Registrar — Tuition and feesreg.uci.edu/fees
- UCI Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships — Cost of attendanceofas.uci.edu
- All other data as provided in inputs. NCLEX data from California BRN; confirm latest with board and school.
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 17, 2026· Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy