University of San Diego, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
BSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN in San Diego at University of San Diego, Hahn. First-time NCLEX-RN was 91% (Pass Rate). Admissions requirements for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
USD Hahn delivers strong first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes (96.43% per California BRN) and a full ladder from pre-licensure (MEPN) through PhD, all CCNE-accredited. If you want graduate-focused nursing education in San Diego with multiple APRN and leadership tracks, Hahn deserves a close look—admission is competitive, so verify deadlines and requirements early.
Overview & Why Students Choose USD Hahn
The University of San Diego’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science is located in San Diego, a major healthcare and biotech hub. Hahn offers graduate-focused nursing education from pre-licensure (MEPN) through PhD, all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Whether you are a non-nurse with a bachelor’s degree considering the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), an RN pursuing an MSN or DNP, or a nurse researcher aiming for a PhD, Hahn provides pathways and strong first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes reported by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
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 University of San Diego/Hahn was 96.43% (2024/2025, 28 testers). For the latest data, see the California BRN pass rates page.
Five reasons students choose USD Hahn
📊 NCLEX performance
California BRN reports 96.43% (2024/2025) and 100% (2023/2024) first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for USD/Hahn. Strong outcomes for the pre-licensure (MEPN) pathway.
💡 MEPN through PhD
Pre-licensure MEPN for non-nurses; MSN with FNP, AG-CNS, PMHNP, dual NP, and Leadership tracks; BSN-to-DNP and post-MSN DNP; PhD; and Health Care Informatics.
✓ CCNE-accredited
MSN and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Verify current accreditation status on the school and CCNE websites.
🏥 San Diego clinical access
Located in San Diego with access to major health systems and diverse clinical placements. Confirm current partner sites with the Hahn School of Nursing.
💡 APRN & leadership tracks
MSN and DNP specializations include Family NP, Adult-Gerontology, PMHNP, Health Systems Leadership, and Nursing Informatics and Data Science.
Nursing Programs Offered
The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science offers only graduate-level nursing programs: a pre-licensure Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), MSN, DNP, and PhD. There is no traditional undergraduate BSN. All programs listed here are as reported by the school; confirm current offerings on the official Hahn School of Nursing website.
Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN)
For non-nurses with a bachelor’s degree. Leads to MSN and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Full-time; campus-based. Prepares graduates for RN licensure and advanced study.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Specializations: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist; Family Nurse Practitioner; Dual Adult-Gerontology/Family NP; Dual Pediatric/Family NP; Psychiatric-Mental Health NP; Nursing Leadership. Format and delivery (on-campus/hybrid/online) vary by track.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
BSN-to-DNP (78–83 units) and post-MSN DNP. Specializations: FNP, Adult-Gerontology/Family NP, Pediatric/Family NP, PMHNP, Health Systems Leadership, Nursing Informatics and Data Science. CCNE-accredited.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
Research-focused doctoral program for nurse scientists. Confirm focus areas and admission requirements on the Hahn School of Nursing website.
MS Health Care Informatics & Certificates
Master of Science in Health Care Informatics and certificate programs are also offered. See the school’s academic programs page for current options.
Concentrations, delivery mode, and application cycles for MSN and DNP may change. Always confirm current program structure, deadlines, and requirements on the Hahn School of Nursing website.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
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 University of San Diego/Hahn was 96.43% (2024/2025, 28 testers). The prior year (2023/2024) was 100% (35 testers).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 96.43% (2024/2025, 28 testers) · California BRN |
| Prior Year | 100% (2023/2024, 35 testers) |
| Source | California BRN NCLEX Pass Rates |
Rates are published annually by the California BRN. Confirm the latest NCLEX statistics with the California Board of Registered Nursing and the Hahn School of Nursing before making decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
USD admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses. Exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by country, visa type, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with USD and the California Board of Registered Nursing—never as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether USD Hahn requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam, and the minimum scores for MEPN vs. graduate nursing programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how the university wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document translation requirements with the California 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 change frequently. Cross-check everything with USD’s International Admissions or Graduate Admission office and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to the Hahn School of Nursing is competitive. Requirements and deadlines differ by program (MEPN, MSN, DNP, PhD). Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Confirm all criteria and application steps on the official Hahn School of Nursing Admission and Aid pages.
- MEPN: Bachelor’s degree (non-nursing); prerequisite courses; program-specific application and deadlines.
- MSN / DNP: RN license (where applicable), GPA requirements, possible GRE; application cycles and deadlines vary by track.
- TEAS or GRE requirements depend on the program; confirm on the official admissions page.
Application timeline
Application windows and deadlines are set by program. Confirm current dates on the official Hahn School of Nursing Admission and Aid website.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed; verify by program |
| TEAS / GRE | Confirm by program on official admissions page |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Prepare a strong application: clear goals, strong grades, and any healthcare or leadership experience. For MEPN, emphasize your motivation for a career change. For MSN/DNP, highlight clinical experience and how the chosen track fits your goals. Confirm TEAS/GRE and deadline requirements for your program.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 Second-degree / career-change (non-nurse)
USD Hahn’s MEPN is designed for you: a bachelor’s degree in another field leads to an MSN and RN eligibility. Complete prerequisites, confirm application deadlines, and highlight motivation and any relevant experience.
💡 RN seeking MSN or DNP
Hahn’s MSN and DNP tracks (FNP, PMHNP, Leadership, Informatics, etc.) are for licensed RNs. Check GPA and license requirements for your track. Emphasize clinical experience and career goals in your materials.
🎓 PhD applicant
Confirm research focus areas, faculty fit, and application requirements on the Hahn School of Nursing website. PhD admission is typically highly selective.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
USD is a private university. Hahn School of Nursing graduate tuition is set per unit. Below are figures from the university catalog; confirm current amounts on the Hahn School of Nursing Tuition and Fees page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Master’s (MSN / MEPN) · per unit | $1,820 (2025–2026) |
| Doctoral (DNP / PhD) · per unit | $1,875 (2025–2026) |
| Fees, Housing, Books | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources. See official Cost of Attendance page. |
| Financial Aid | Complete the FAFSA; check Hahn Admission and Aid for scholarships and aid. |
Tuition and fees change annually. For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance (including housing and books), visit the official Hahn School of Nursing Tuition and Fees page.
Complete the FAFSA and check USD and Hahn School of Nursing financial aid and scholarship options. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other state/federal aid may be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 96.43% (2024/2025, 28 testers) · California BRN |
| Job Placement | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For information about employers hiring USD Hahn nursing graduates, see the school’s outcomes or career services page at sandiego.edu/nursing.
Is USD Hahn 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 USD Hahn and who might be better served elsewhere.
💡 Good fit for students who’
- Want CCNE-accredited graduate nursing (MEPN, MSN, DNP, PhD) in San Diego
- Are non-nurses with a bachelor’s degree considering the MEPN pathway to RN and MSN
- Are RNs seeking MSN or DNP with APRN or leadership specializations
- Value strong NCLEX outcomes (96.43% per California BRN) and research/PhD option
- Are comfortable with private university tuition and competitive admission
💡 May not be ideal for students who’
- Are looking for a traditional or accelerated undergraduate BSN (Hahn offers MEPN, not BSN)
- Need the lowest-cost option (USD is private; consider CSU or community college for ADN/BSN)
- Prefer a fully online pre-licensure pathway (MEPN is campus-based)
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
San Diego is a major healthcare and biotech hub. Scripps Health, Sharp HealthCare, UC San Diego Health, and other systems provide level I trauma, academic medical centers, and community hospital settings where Hahn students can complete clinical placements.
| Facility / System | Details |
|---|---|
| UC San Diego Health | Academic medical center; teaching hospital; multiple campuses in the San Diego region. |
| Scripps Health | Multiple hospitals and clinics across San Diego County; broad clinical and employment options. |
| Sharp HealthCare | Hospitals and outpatient care across the region; diverse patient populations. |
| Kaiser Permanente | Integrated system with hospitals and outpatient care in the San Diego area. |
USD Hahn nursing students benefit from clinical placements across the San Diego region, gaining experience in acute care, primary care, and community settings. California’s demand for RNs and advanced practice nurses remains strong; San Diego offers many employment options for new graduates.
Student Experience & Campus Life
The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science is part of the University of San Diego, a private Catholic university in San Diego. Students use simulation and complete clinical rotations at partner facilities across the region. Campus life includes student organizations and honor societies; confirm current offerings on the Hahn School of Nursing and USD official pages.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- San Diego, CA
- Address
- 5998 Alcal’ Park, San Diego, CA 92110, US
- Telephone
- (619) 260-4600
- Contact email
- See Hahn Admission and Aid
- Website
- sandiego.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Hahn School of Nursing website and download program information and application materials.
- Review the prerequisite course list for your program (MEPN, MSN, DNP) and compare it to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS or GRE and confirm current requirements on the official nursing admissions page.
- Draft a list of questions for a Hahn admissions counselor or the School of Nursing advising office.
- Reach out to current USD Hahn nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare application materials (MEPN applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target program and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing a good school for nursing?
USD Hahn is CCNE-accredited and reported a 96.43% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (2024/2025, 28 testers) per the California BRN. It offers MEPN (pre-licensure), MSN, DNP, and PhD programs in San Diego with strong graduate and APRN tracks.
What GPA do you need for USD Hahn nursing?
Admission requirements vary by program (MEPN, MSN, DNP, PhD). Typical GPA expectations and prerequisites are set by the Hahn School of Nursing. Check the official USD nursing admissions page for current criteria.
Does USD Hahn require the TEAS exam for nursing?
MEPN and graduate program requirements differ. Confirm whether TEAS or GRE is required for your program on the official Hahn School of Nursing admission and aid pages.
How competitive is admission to USD Hahn nursing program?
Admission is competitive; cohort sizes are limited. The specific acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Verify current requirements and deadlines with the Hahn School of Nursing.
Does USD Hahn offer an accelerated BSN?
USD Hahn does not offer a traditional or accelerated BSN. It offers the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) for non-nurses with a bachelor’s degree, which leads to an MSN and RN eligibility.
What are the clinical placement sites for USD Hahn nursing students?
Clinical placements are at healthcare facilities across the San Diego region. Confirm current sites with the Hahn School of Nursing.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for University of San Diego Hahn?
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing, the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for University of San Diego/Hahn was 96.43% (2024/2025, 28 testers). For the latest data see the California BRN pass rates page.
References
- Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciencesandiego.edu/nursing
- Hahn School of Nursing · Admission and Aidsandiego.edu/nursing/admission-and-aid
- Hahn School of Nursing · Tuition and Feessandiego.edu/nursing (tuition-fees)
- California Board of Registered Nursing · NCLEX pass ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- All other data as provided in inputs. Any data marked ‘Not publicly disclosed’ is based on unavailability 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 before making decisions.
Published: Mar 17, 2026· Last reviewed: Aug 14, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy