University of Kansas School of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Public nursing programs at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City and Salina: pre-licensure BSN, online RN-to-BSN, DNP specialties, Ph.D. in Nursing, and graduate certificates. This guide uses KUMC’s published tuition tables and Kansas State Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN data for University of Kansas Medical Center BSN.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
KU School of Nursing sits on the KU Medical Center campus next to major tertiary hospitals, and the school publicly ties student experience to The University of Kansas Health System, Children’s Mercy, and interprofessional simulation in ZIEL—an unusual density of academic medical center exposure for Kansas nursing students. KU also states it is the only Kansas university to offer a Ph.D. in nursing.
Overview & Why Students Choose the University of Kansas School of Nursing
On the Kansas side of the Kansas City metro, the University of Kansas School of Nursing is part of the University of Kansas Medical Center—so nursing students learn alongside medicine and health professions in a dense academic medical center environment. KU publicly emphasizes partnerships with The University of Kansas Health System and Children’s Mercy Hospital, interprofessional simulation in the Zamierowski Institute for Experiential Learning (ZIEL), and a second campus in Salina for students who want a smaller-city nursing experience.
At the undergraduate level, KU offers a Traditional BSN in Kansas City and Salina, a Community College Nursing Partnership that blends community college ADN coursework with online KU nursing courses, and an online RN-to-BSN. Graduate nursing is organized around Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specialties, a Ph.D. in Nursing (KU states it is the only Kansas university offering a nursing Ph.D.), and post-master’s certificates rather than a separate MSN listing on the public degree-programs page—confirm your entry credential and track with the school.
According to the Kansas State Board of Nursing multi-year NCLEX-RN program summary (first-time candidates educated in Kansas through December 31, 2024), the University of Kansas Medical Center BSN program first-time pass rate was 98.39% for calendar year 2024. Confirm the next reporting cycle with KSBN and the School of Nursing.
Reasons students choose KU
Academic medical center placement
The dean’s welcome highlights clinical ties to The University of Kansas Health System and Children’s Mercy, exposing students to high-acuity care, pediatrics, and interprofessional teams.
Published NCLEX performance (BSN)
KSBN data show a strong recent first-time pass rate for University of Kansas Medical Center BSN graduates (98.39% in 2024 per the Board’s PDF). Compare to the Kansas BSN average reported in the same document (footnote: 94.21% BSN average) only as a same-report reference—not a guarantee of future cohorts.
Two-campus BSN footprint
Traditional BSN is offered in Kansas City and Salina, letting students choose metro intensity versus a central Kansas campus—cohort sizes differ by site (see admissions).
Community college partnership
KU lists eight community college partners statewide for the Community College Nursing Partnership BSN, designed so students can progress toward a BSN while completing an ADN locally.
DNP + PhD depth
Post-baccalaureate DNP tracks include Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwife, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, and Organizational Leadership, plus post-master’s DNP and a research Ph.D.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects pathways published on KU’s degree programs and programs overview pages. Programs are grouped into pre-licensure, post-licensure (RN), graduate, and certificates.
Pre-licensure
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
On-campus BSN at KU Medical Center Kansas City or Salina. KU describes four semesters of professional nursing, 678 hours of clinical and laboratory experiences, and preparation for NCLEX-RN. The curriculum requires at least 120 undergraduate credits including nursing courses on the KUMC campus per the tuition guide.
Community College Nursing Partnership BSN
Structured so students complete an associate degree in nursing at a partnering community college while taking online nursing courses from KU—see KU’s partnership page for the eight partner colleges and progression rules.
Post-licensure (RN)
Online RN-to-BSN
Fully online RN-to-BSN completion for licensed RNs; tuition and fee structure on the School of Nursing Tuition and Fees Guide includes per-credit tuition plus RN-BSN campus and e-learning line items.
Graduate (doctoral)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Post-baccalaureate DNP tracks listed by KU include Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwife, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Organizational Leadership; a post-master’s DNP is also offered. Credit ranges and formats are program-specific.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
Research doctorate; KU’s homepage states it is the only Kansas university offering a Ph.D. in nursing—confirm focus areas and funding with the program.
Certificates
Advanced practice & leadership certificates
KU lists post-master’s clinical certificates (Family NP, Nurse Midwife, Psychiatric/Mental Health NP) and educator/leadership certificates (Health Professions Educator, Health Systems Leadership). Some may stack toward graduate degrees—see each certificate page.
Catalogs and specialty tracks change. Confirm active programs, specialty availability, and delivery mode on the official University of Kansas School of Nursing site and KU academic catalog before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) “National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses Program Summary” for all first-time RN candidates educated in Kansas through December 31, 2024, the University of Kansas Medical Center BSN program’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 98.39% for calendar year 2024. The same KSBN table reports a Kansas BSN average pass rate of 94.21% (see table footnote)—use that only as a same-document benchmark, not a prediction of future performance.
KU’s BSN program page also links to this PDF for NCLEX transparency. Confirm the latest reporting year, cohort size, and any program-specific notes in the newest KSBN publication.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (U of K Medical Center BSN) | 98.39% (calendar year 2024, per KSBN PDF cited above) |
| Kansas BSN average (same report) | 94.21% (footnote in KSBN multi-year table—confirm in the live PDF) |
| Source | KSBN Multi-Year Pass Rates (RN) PDF; KU BSN program page. Confirm current data with KSBN and the School of Nursing. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Kansas State Board of Nursing and the University of Kansas School of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
KU’s BSN “How to Apply” materials state that applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency via TOEFL or academic IELTS, with scores sent directly to the testing agency (ETS code 6895 for TOEFL). Requirements for internationally educated nurses also depend on Kansas State Board of Nursing rules for licensure and NCLEX eligibility. This section is guidance only—not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm current minimum scores and validity window with KU Medical Center admissions.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Follow KU’s instructions for official transcripts; ask whether WES or other evaluations are required for your prior coursework.
- Kansas State Board of Nursing: For RN licensure routes involving foreign education, work with KSBN and any required CGFNS steps.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical nursing programs require in-person placements; confirm F-1 or other visa compatibility with required clinical hours.
Verify policies with the School of Nursing Office of Student Affairs, KU international student services, and KSBN.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
KU’s BSN program uses a holistic review by the Student Admission and Progression Committee. Starting with the Fall 2026 application cycle, eligibility materials describe 60 prerequisite credit hours with a minimum 2.75 GPA—admission remains competitive and meeting minimums does not guarantee entry. The committee considers academics, healthcare experience, leadership, references, and diversity contributions.
Application timeline (Traditional BSN)
| Cohort | Milestones | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Kansas City & Salina) | Applications open Aug. 1; priority deadline Nov. 1; final deadline Dec. 15 | Complete applications by the priority deadline receive an extra point in review (per KU How to Apply). |
| Spring (Kansas City) | Applications open Mar. 1; priority deadline Jun. 1; final deadline Jul. 15 | Salina spring entry is not listed on the same page—confirm with the School of Nursing. |
KU states it admits 150 BSN students in Kansas City and 30 in Salina each academic year.
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (prerequisite coursework) | 2.75 on 4.0 scale for the 60 credit hours required for Fall 2026 cycle and later (per Eligibility and Requirements page) |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed on the public BSN eligibility/how-to-apply pages reviewed for this guide—confirm with the Office of Student Affairs |
| Application components | Online application, personal statement, resume/CV, three recommendations, official transcripts, enrollment plan survey (per How to Apply) |
Honest tip: Because priority deadlines shift admissions points, plan to finish prerequisites and submit materials before November 1 (fall) or June 1 (spring) if you want the extra review consideration.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come from the KUMC School of Nursing Tuition and Fees Guide (2025–2026 academic year). Kansas Board of Regents actions can change rates; confirm your bill with the Registrar (kumcregistrar@kumc.edu).
| Program | Tuition snapshot |
|---|---|
| Traditional BSN — Kansas City & Salina campuses | Tuition $383.10/credit in-state and $997.60/credit out-of-state; $100/credit course fee; Fall/Spring campus fee $425.40 (Summer initial term $63)—per 2025–26 guide |
| Online RN-to-BSN | Tuition $383.10/credit; RN-BSN campus fees $168.49; course fee $100/credit; e-learning fee $80/credit |
| Community College Nursing Partnership | Tuition $383.10/credit; KUCCNP campus fees $72.19; course fee $100/credit; e-learning $80/credit |
| Post-baccalaureate DNP (example) | Tuition $471.40/credit in-state / $1,107.80 out-of-state; course fee $144.10/credit; campus and e-learning fees vary by modality—see guide |
| Books & supplies (BSN) | KU estimates about $3,000 electronic textbooks/software in year 1 and $300 in year 2 of the BSN (Costs & Aid page) |
| Source | School of Nursing Tuition and Fees Guide; BSN Costs & Aid |
Housing, food, transportation, and health insurance vary by campus (Kansas City metro vs. Salina). Use KU’s financial aid office for a full cost-of-attendance estimate.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Pair KSBN licensure data with school-reported employment figures only when the source and year are clear.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (BSN) | 98.39% for University of Kansas Medical Center BSN in 2024 (KSBN PDF cited in the NCLEX section) |
| Employment prior to graduation (school-reported) | KU’s School of Nursing homepage states 94% of BSN graduates were employed prior to graduation in 2023—confirm methodology and cohort definition with KU. |
| Rankings (context) | KU cites #25 among public schools for BSN in 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges—see KU’s news page for methodology. |
| Source | KU School of Nursing homepage; KSBN NCLEX PDF. Confirm current outcomes with the school and KSBN. |
Is the University of Kansas School of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
KU fits students who want a public research university tied to a major medical center, documented NCLEX outcomes from KSBN, and flexible pathways (metro campus, Salina, community-college partnership, or online RN-to-BSN). It may be less appealing if you need a guaranteed small cohort everywhere (Kansas City admits 150 BSN students per year) or if out-of-state tuition at listed rates is outside your budget without aid.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want academic medical center and children’s hospital exposure tied to KU’s named partners.
- Value a documented 2024 first-time NCLEX pass rate from KSBN for the Medical Center BSN program.
- Need Salina or community-college partnership options instead of only a single urban campus.
- Plan DNP or PhD training at a school that publishes multiple doctoral tracks and certificates.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect a stand-alone MSN degree on the current public degree list—KU’s graduate menu centers on DNP/PhD pathways; verify certificates separately.
- Prefer a private college environment or guaranteed smallest cohort sizes.
- Cannot meet prerequisite GPA thresholds or competitive timeline for priority deadlines.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Kansas City, Kansas, sits within a bi-state metro area with Level I trauma centers, pediatric quaternary care, and rural outreach corridors across Kansas. KU’s dean messaging highlights The University of Kansas Health System and Children’s Mercy Hospital as part of the clinical learning landscape, alongside regional community placements.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| The University of Kansas Health System | Named by KU leadership as a major clinical partner for nursing education. |
| Children’s Mercy Hospital | Named for pediatric clinical depth in the dean’s welcome—assignments vary by course. |
| Rural & community Kansas | Salina campus and partnership programs connect students to central and western Kansas communities. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
KU School of Nursing students use simulation facilities on campus—including the School of Nursing simulation laboratory—and interprofessional simulation through ZIEL. Student life details vary between the Kansas City metro (broader university and health-system footprint) and the Salina campus; KU publishes campus-specific visit information.
The school also notes National League for Nursing Center of Excellence designation spanning 2012–2027 and promotes student research engagement alongside coursework.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Primary campus
- KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Address
- 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Mail Stop 2029, Kansas City, KS 66160, US
- Telephone
- 913-588-1619 (TTY 711)
- General email
- soninfo@kumc.edu
- Website
- kumc.edu/school-of-nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the BSN eligibility page for the 60-credit / 2.75 GPA framework and prerequisite course list.
- Open the How to Apply instructions and note priority vs. final deadlines.
- Bookmark the Tuition and Fees Guide for your pathway (Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN).
- Download the KSBN NCLEX pass rate PDF and locate University of Kansas Medical Center BSN.
- Explore graduate tracks on the DNP and PhD pages if you are considering advanced practice or research.
- Email soninfo@kumc.edu with campus (Kansas City vs. Salina) and entry term-specific questions.
- Schedule a visit through KU’s recruiter or visit resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the University of Kansas School of Nursing located?
The School of Nursing is on the University of Kansas Medical Center campus at 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, Kansas. KU also runs a nursing campus in Salina.
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for University of Kansas Medical Center BSN graduates?
According to the Kansas State Board of Nursing multi-year NCLEX-RN program summary (first-time candidates educated in Kansas through December 31, 2024), the University of Kansas Medical Center BSN program first-time pass rate was 98.39% for calendar year 2024. See the KSBN PDF and confirm with the Board.
What nursing degrees does KU School of Nursing offer?
KU lists Traditional BSN (Kansas City and Salina), Community College Nursing Partnership BSN, online RN-to-BSN, post-baccalaureate and post-master’s DNP tracks, Ph.D. in Nursing, and graduate certificates. Verify active tracks on kumc.edu degree programs.
How much is KU School of Nursing BSN tuition for 2025–2026?
Per the KUMC School of Nursing Tuition and Fees Guide, traditional BSN tuition is $383.10 per credit hour for Kansas residents and $997.60 for non-residents on the Kansas City and Salina campuses, plus published campus and course fees.
Does KU’s Traditional BSN require the TEAS exam?
The public BSN eligibility and how-to-apply pages reviewed for this guide do not list TEAS; they emphasize prerequisite GPA, transcripts, personal statement, and recommendations. Confirm with the Office of Student Affairs.
What are the application deadlines for KU’s pre-licensure BSN?
Fall cohorts: applications open August 1; November 1 priority; December 15 final. Spring cohort (Kansas City): March 1 open; June 1 priority; July 15 final.
Is the University of Kansas School of Nursing accredited?
KU states CCNE accreditation for nursing programs and Kansas State Board of Nursing approval. Verify with CCNE, KSBN, and the school’s accreditation page.
Does KU offer an Accelerated BSN (ABSN)?
The official KU degree programs listing reviewed for this page does not show a separate Accelerated BSN track; confirm with admissions if your situation requires an accelerated timeline.
What clinical partners are named for KU nursing students?
KU’s leadership messages reference The University of Kansas Health System and Children’s Mercy Hospital, plus simulation in ZIEL. Assignments vary by semester.
How many students does KU admit to the Traditional BSN each year?
KU states 150 students in Kansas City and 30 in Salina per academic year for the BSN. Confirm for your cycle on the How to Apply page.
References
- University of Kansas School of Nursinghttps://www.kumc.edu/school-of-nursing.html
- KU — Degree programs (nursing)https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-nursing/academics/degree-programs.html
- KU — BSN program page (NCLEX PDF link)https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-nursing/academics/programs/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing.html
- KU — BSN Eligibility and Requirementshttps://www.kumc.edu/school-of-nursing/academics/programs/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing/admissions/eligibility-and-requirements.html
- KUMC — School of Nursing Tuition and Fees Guide (2025–2026)https://www.kumc.edu/academic-and-student-affairs/departments/registrars-office/tuition-and-fees/school-of-nursing-tuition-and-fees-guide.html
- Kansas State Board of Nursing — Multi-Year NCLEX-RN Pass Rates (RN) PDFhttps://ksbn.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Multi-Year-Pass-Rates-RN.pdf
- Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN)https://www.ksbn.org/
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment of NCLEX figures with the KSBN PDF, tuition tables with the KUMC School of Nursing Tuition and Fees Guide, and program listings with KU degree-program pages.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
Published: March 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy