Delta State University Robert E. Smith School of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Cleveland, Mississippi’s public nursing school offers a web-enhanced pre-licensure BSN, online RN-to-BSN, MSN (Nurse Educator and FNP), post-master’s FNP certificate, and an online DNP—with published tuition for 2025–2026 and baccalaureate NCLEX-RN outcomes summarized in the Mississippi IHL nursing annual report.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Delta State markets “no out-of-state tuition” for domestic students alongside a CCNE-accredited ladder from pre-licensure BSN through DNP, with the Robert E. Smith School housed in a dedicated nursing facility tied to the region’s Delta health workforce needs.
Overview & Why Students Choose Delta State Nursing
The Robert E. Smith School of Nursing and Health Sciences anchors Delta State University’s nursing offerings in Cleveland, Mississippi—serving the Mississippi Delta with a program mix that spans pre-licensure BSN, online RN-to-BSN completion, graduate nursing, and doctoral FNP preparation. Faculty highlight integration of simulation with clinical experiences at regional agencies, plus certifications such as ACLS, PALS, and NRP within the pre-licensure track.
Undergraduate nursing is selective: admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the nursing major, and the BSN page describes competitive, fall-start cohorts with published GPA/ACT thresholds.
The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning publishes a nursing annual report that includes an NCLEX-RN table for Mississippi undergraduate programs, with data attributed to the Mississippi Board of Nursing and NCSBN. For Delta State University, that report shows 100% pass rates for calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024 and a three-year aggregate of 100% for the bachelor-degree nursing row. The table reports annual program pass rates (the document’s accreditation standard references first-time and repeat testers combined). Confirm later cohorts on the MS Board of Nursing site and with the School of Nursing.
Reasons students choose Delta State
Reported NCLEX-RN strength (BSN)
The 2025 IHL nursing annual report lists 100% NCLEX-RN pass rates for Delta State’s baccalaureate program across 2022–2024, with sourcing to the Mississippi Board of Nursing and NCSBN—useful for applicants comparing board-reported program outcomes.
Stackable nursing ladder
Delta State offers pre-licensure BSN, online RN-to-BSN, MSN tracks in Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner roles, a post-master’s FNP certificate per CCNE scope language, and an online DNP—including BSN-to-DNP and post-master’s pathways on the official DNP page.
Domestic tuition parity
Delta State emphasizes no additional out-of-state tuition for domestic students on its published tuition page—an unusual public-university pricing feature worth modeling in your cost comparison.
Clinical & certification preparation
The BSN page describes web-enhanced delivery, simulation lab work, skills checkoffs, and completion of ACLS, PALS, NRP, and tuberculosis training as part of the program’s preparation profile.
Graduate format for working RNs
MSN and DNP pages describe mostly online delivery with one to three campus visits per semester and, for FNP tracks, clinical experiences arranged in Mississippi or Arkansas.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects programs explicitly described on Delta State University’s Robert E. Smith School of Nursing, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN-to-BSN, and how-to-apply pages. Always confirm pathway titles, credits, and cohort availability in the current undergraduate or graduate catalog.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN eligibility)
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Pre-licensure, web-enhanced program for non-RNs; full-time plan about five semesters or part-time about seven; fall nursing course entry; prepares for NCLEX-RN per the official BSN page.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN-to-BSN
Completion program for licensed RNs; Delta State promotes its online RN-to-BSN nationally; admissions are separate from pre-licensure BSN.
Graduate nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Online MSN for BSN-prepared RNs with Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner concentrations; includes limited campus visits; FNP clinicals must occur in Mississippi or Arkansas per the MSN page.
Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Listed in the School of Nursing’s CCNE accreditation statement and graduate application menu as a distinct post-master’s certificate option.
Doctoral nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Online, FNP-focused DNP with BSN-to-DNP and post-master’s pathways (including post-master’s FNP-DNP tracks detailed on the DNP curriculum page); clinical requirements in Mississippi or Arkansas; February 15 application deadline stated for DNP cohorts.
Prerequisite courses, progression rules, fees, and any conditional admissions language can change. Use the Delta State undergraduate and graduate catalogs plus the School of Nursing handbooks for the authoritative version.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Annual Report for Mississippi Nursing Degree Programs published by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (May 15, 2025), the NCLEX-RN table for Mississippi undergraduate nursing programs cites data from the Mississippi Board of Nursing and NCSBN. For Delta State University (bachelor-degree row), the report lists 100% for calendar year 2022, 100% for 2023, 100% for 2024, and a three-year pass rate of 100%.
Delta State’s own BSN page also displays NCLEX and outcome figures labeled for 2023; treat school pages and IHL publications as complementary, not replacements for board verification.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate (BSN program) | 100% (CY 2022); 100% (CY 2023); 100% (CY 2024); three-year 100% — per IHL 2025 nursing annual report, data attributed to MS BON / NCSBN |
| Student/faculty ratio (baccalaureate, Fall 2024) | 10:1 (130 students / 14.0 faculty FTE) — same IHL report |
| Source | Mississippi IHL — 2025 Nursing Annual Report (PDF); Mississippi Board of Nursing. Confirm current cohorts with both. |
NCLEX outcomes vary by cohort and reporting window. Always confirm the latest Mississippi program outcomes with the Board of Nursing and Delta State’s nursing leadership.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
International and foreign-educated applicants must satisfy Delta State University admissions policies, the School of Nursing’s requirements, and Mississippi Board of Nursing rules for RN or APRN licensure. The information below is general guidance only—not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm minimum TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores and exemptions with Delta State’s international admissions office.
- Transcripts and credential evaluation: Determine whether the university requires a specific evaluation service or course-by-course report for nursing prerequisites.
- Mississippi Board of Nursing: Internationally educated nurses seeking Mississippi licensure must follow the Board’s pathway for examination eligibility, including any CGFNS or criminal-background requirements the Board mandates.
- Visas and clinical placement: Clinical courses require compliant work authorization and affiliations; online programs still include on-ground clinics—confirm F-1 CPT/OPT implications with the international office and graduate nursing staff.
Requirements change. Verify with Delta State’s International Students & Scholars office, the School of Nursing, and the Mississippi Board of Nursing before applying.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Delta State uses a two-step process for undergraduates: general university admission, then a School of Nursing application with additional documentation. Graduate applicants apply to the Graduate School and concurrently to the nursing program, with faculty interviews and clinical prerequisites.
Application timeline
| Program | Deadline / timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN (pre-licensure) | March 1 | School of Nursing must receive application packet materials by March 1 prior to the first fall semester in nursing courses; new nursing students start in fall. |
| MSN | February 1 | Graduate nursing application deadline posted on the MSN admissions section. |
| DNP | February 15 | BSN-to-DNP and post-master’s DNP pages list February 15 requirements. |
| RN-to-BSN / general marketing copy | Year-round applications | How-to-apply lists Slate links; confirm current term availability with advisors. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing major) | Not publicly disclosed |
| BSN academic thresholds | ACT composite 21+ with cumulative GPA 2.0, or ACT 18–20 with cumulative GPA 2.5; grade of C or better in prerequisite support courses (official BSN page). |
| Graduate GPA threshold | BSN GPA 3.0+ for MSN/DNP pathways described; statistics and graduate pathophysiology grades specified on MSN/DNP pages. |
| Standardized tests | Pre-licensure BSN uses ACT for published thresholds; TEAS not listed on the BSN requirements page. MSN FNP completion exams (HESI/APEA) apply near graduation—not entrance tests. |
| Experience & screening | MSN requires at least one year of RN clinical experience (Educator) or patient-contact experience within three years (FNP); fingerprint-based background checks and health documentation after acceptance. |
Honest tips
Because the BSN page states exceptions may be reviewed by the Undergraduate Nursing Program Committee, applicants with borderline ACT/GPA combinations should document strong science performance and healthcare exposure. Graduate applicants should complete NUR 603 Advanced Pathophysiology with a B before starting specialty courses and prepare for faculty interviews.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come from Delta State University’s official Fall/Spring 2025–2026 tuition and fees page (Student Business Services). They exclude housing, meal plans, parking, course-specific lab fees, and nursing program fee schedules, which are listed separately on the BSN, MSN, and DNP pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate full-time tuition (12–19 credits / semester) | $4,217.50 per semester (Fall/Spring 2025–26) |
| Undergraduate part-time tuition | $351.00 per credit hour |
| Graduate full-time tuition (9–13 credits / semester) | $4,217.50 per semester (Fall/Spring 2025–26) |
| Graduate part-time tuition | $469.00 per credit hour |
| International student tuition (UG/GR, per semester) | $4,717.50 (listed separately on DSU tuition page) |
| Domestic out-of-state surcharge | None published (“no out-of-state tuition” marketing); verify residency rules with Student Business Services. |
| BSN nursing course/lab fees (2025–26) | $5,393 total across published nursing courses (BSN fees section) |
| Source | Delta State University — Tuition & Fees · BSN fees table |
For scholarships, Delta State notes automatic consideration for multiple awards and maintains nursing-specific opportunities; review the Financial Aid & Scholarships site and any Bolivar Medical Center Foundation awards administered through the university.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Use board-published NCLEX data for pre-licensure benchmarking; treat marketing statistics on graduate employment or certification pass rates as school-reported summaries requiring confirmation.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate (BSN) | 100% annual and three-year aggregate (CY 2022–24) per Mississippi IHL 2025 nursing annual report citing MS BON / NCSBN. |
| BSN outcomes (school page, labeled 2023) | Delta State’s BSN marketing section lists NCLEX pass rate 100%, employment rate 100%, and graduation rate 90% for 2023—confirm definitions and updated figures with the School of Nursing. |
| MSN certification pass rate (school page) | The MSN page markets a 100% certification pass rate figure; confirm cohort years and calculation with the graduate program. |
| Regional demand | Rural and community hospitals across the Mississippi Delta continue to recruit RNs and APRNs; leverage clinical sites and local foundations as signals of workforce need—not guarantees of placement. |
Is Delta State Nursing the Right Fit for You?
Delta State fits students who want a public university nursing ladder in northwest Mississippi, value CCNE-accredited pathways from BSN through DNP, and can accommodate occasional campus visits for online graduate work.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Meet published ACT/GPA thresholds (or graduate nursing GPA/experience rules) and prefer a Delta-region clinical network.
- Want domestic tuition parity without a separate out-of-state rate (per DSU tuition messaging).
- Need an online MSN or DNP with FNP clinicals restricted to Mississippi or Arkansas.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Require fully remote pre-licensure nursing with no campus attendance (BSN is web-enhanced and face-to-face).
- Need FNP clinical experiences outside Mississippi/Arkansas while enrolled at Delta State.
- Prefer a large urban academic medical center setting for every undergraduate rotation.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
The School of Nursing states that faculty practice and student clinical experiences extend across many surrounding healthcare agencies in the Delta. Cleveland is home to Bolivar Medical Center, a regional acute care hospital that partners with Delta State through foundation scholarships and leadership ties—useful context for students evaluating local job markets, though specific clinical site assignments are confirmed each term.
| Organization | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Bolivar Medical Center (Cleveland, MS) | Major local hospital; foundation scholarships administered through Delta State signal regional workforce partnerships. |
| Regional Delta health systems & clinics | Community hospitals, primary care clinics, and public health sites commonly host nursing practica across the Mississippi Delta—confirm assignments with the clinical placement office. |
| Graduate FNP footprint | Official MSN/DNP pages require FNP clinical experiences in Mississippi or Arkansas; plan rotations accordingly. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Historical university materials describe the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing facility as a renovated hospital building providing classrooms, labs, and faculty offices dedicated to nursing education. The BSN page highlights simulation resources, mannequins, skills checkoffs, and student advisement. Graduate pages emphasize periodic on-campus seminars despite predominantly online coursework.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Cleveland, MS
- Address
- Robert E. Smith School of Nursing, Nursing 137, DSU Box 3343, Cleveland, MS 38733, US
- Telephone
- (662) 846-4255 (School of Nursing)
- Contact email
- nursing@deltastate.edu
- Website
- Robert E. Smith School of Nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Open the official School of Nursing site and download the current BSN or graduate handbook if available.
- Compare your transcripts to the published BSN prerequisite grid or MSN prerequisite courses (statistics, NUR 603 pathophysiology).
- For pre-licensure applicants, schedule an ACT retake if needed to clear the published composite thresholds before the March 1 packet deadline.
- For graduate applicants, assemble your RN license, resume, and proof of practice hours for the interview.
- Email nursing@deltastate.edu to confirm clinical state restrictions for your pathway.
- Estimate net price using the Delta State net price calculator plus nursing lab fee tables.
- Add Mississippi Board of Nursing and IHL report links to your favorites to monitor future NCLEX publications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Delta State University’s Robert E. Smith School of Nursing offer?
Per Delta State University’s official nursing pages, programs include a pre-licensure Traditional BSN (web-enhanced), RN-to-BSN completion, an online MSN with Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks, a post-master’s Family Nurse Practitioner certificate, and an online DNP with BSN-to-DNP and post-master’s pathways. Confirm tracks and delivery with the School of Nursing and the graduate catalog.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for Delta State University’s baccalaureate nursing program?
The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning 2025 Nursing Annual Report (NCLEX-RN table citing the Mississippi Board of Nursing and NCSBN) lists Delta State University at 100% for calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024 and a three-year rate of 100% for its bachelor-degree nursing program. The report summarizes annual program pass rates for Mississippi undergraduate programs. Confirm the next publication cycle with the MS Board of Nursing and the school.
Does Delta State University nursing require the TEAS exam?
Delta State’s published BSN admission requirements emphasize ACT scores and GPA thresholds rather than the TEAS. BSN applicants submit ACT scores and transcripts per the official BSN page; verify whether any policy change applies to your entry term with the School of Nursing.
When are nursing application materials due for Delta State University pre-licensure BSN?
The School of Nursing BSN page states materials are due to the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing by March 1 prior to the first semester in which nursing courses begin. New nursing students enter in the fall. Confirm the current checklist and deadlines on the BSN and how-to-apply pages.
What is graduate nursing tuition at Delta State University for 2025–2026?
Delta State University’s official Fall/Spring 2025–2026 tuition page lists full-time graduate tuition (9–13 credit hours) at $4,217.50 per semester and part-time graduate tuition at $469.00 per credit hour. Domestic students are not charged a separate out-of-state tuition rate; international students have a different semester rate. Confirm fees, program-specific lab charges, and updates on the Student Business Services tuition page.
Is Delta State University nursing CCNE accredited?
The Robert E. Smith School of Nursing states that its BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-master’s Family Nurse Practitioner certificate are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Confirm current status and review cycles on the school’s accreditation disclosure and CCNE listings.
What are clinical location rules for Delta State University MSN and DNP students?
Delta State’s MSN and DNP pages state that Family Nurse Practitioner clinical experiences are to be completed in Mississippi or Arkansas, with efforts to place students near home when possible. Nurse Educator clinical requirements differ by role. Verify current clinical policies in the graduate handbook and with the graduate nursing office.
What undergraduate tuition does Delta State University publish for Fall/Spring 2025–2026?
The official Delta State tuition page lists undergraduate full-time tuition (12–19 credit hours) at $4,217.50 per semester and part-time undergraduate tuition at $351.00 per credit hour for Fall/Spring 2025–2026, with no additional out-of-state tuition for domestic students. International undergraduate/graduate tuition is listed separately. Confirm mandatory fees and nursing program lab fees on the same page and on the BSN, MSN, and DNP fee tables.
References
- Robert E. Smith School of Nursing — homedeltastate.edu/nursing-health-sciences/school-of-nursing
- Traditional BSN (pre-licensure)deltastate.edu/school-of-nursing/bsn
- MSN programdeltastate.edu/…/msn
- DNP programdeltastate.edu/…/dnp
- How to apply — School of Nursingdeltastate.edu/…/how-to-apply
- Tuition & fees — Student Business Servicesdeltastate.edu/finance-admin/…/tuition-and-fees
- Mississippi IHL — 2025 Nursing Annual Report (PDF)mississippi.edu (PDF)
- Mississippi Board of Nursingmsbn.ms.gov
- 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 with Delta State University’s official nursing and tuition pages, the Mississippi IHL nursing annual report, and Mississippi Board of Nursing sourcing referenced therein.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute academic, licensure, immigration, or financial advice. Policies and costs change—confirm with Delta State University, the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing, and the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Published: March 25, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 25, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy