University of Providence Nursing Review (2026): Programs, Costs & Outcomes
In Great Falls, Montana, the University of Providence Division of Nursing offers CCNE-accredited bachelor’s and master’s nursing pathways—including Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN (ABSN), online RN-to-BSN, and MSN concentrations—plus a mission-driven focus aligned with Providence and regional health systems. This guide cites UP’s 2026–2027 Tuition & Fees page and Montana Board of Nursing calendar-year NCLEX pass-rate data.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
The University of Providence ties nursing education to a Catholic mission and Providence-affiliated healthcare context in Great Falls, with CCNE-accredited pre- and post-licensure programs and published Montana Board NCLEX data. Compare annual Vander Werff BSN pricing to per-credit accelerated and RN-BSN figures on UP’s Tuition & Fees page, and confirm institutional updates (the university has publicly discussed long-term sustainability planning) with admissions before you commit.
Overview & Why Students Choose University of Providence
The University of Providence is a private Catholic university in Great Falls, Montana. The Division of Nursing describes a mission to prepare graduates who communicate well, practice evidence-based care, and lead with compassion—aligned with UP’s emphasis on faith, service, and leadership. The university publicly positions its nursing programs to support caregivers within Providence and other health systems across the region.
Prospective students can pursue pre-licensure pathways (Traditional BSN through the Vander Werff BSN Program, or Accelerated BSN for second-degree students), online RN-to-BSN completion, or graduate nursing (MSN Nurse Educator or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentrations, plus post-master’s certificates). UP states that undergraduate nursing programs are approved by the Montana Board of Nursing and that baccalaureate and master’s nursing programs hold CCNE accreditation—confirm current status with the school and accreditors.
According to the Montana Board of Nursing Registered Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates per Calendar Year table, University of Providence reported a 96.43% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024 with 28 first-time test takers. In the same report, Montana’s overall first-time pass rate in 2024 was 92.60%. Confirm the latest cohort with the Montana Board of Nursing and UP.
Reasons students choose University of Providence
Full nursing ladder in one place
UP lists pre-licensure BSN options, online RN-to-BSN, and MSN concentrations (educator and AGPCNP) on its nursing hub—useful if you may return later for graduate credentials.
Transparent board-reported NCLEX data
Montana publishes school-level first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by calendar year so you can compare UP’s recent cohort to the statewide figure in the same PDF.
Published 2026–2027 program pricing
UP’s Tuition & Fees page breaks out Vander Werff BSN annual charges alongside per-credit totals for accelerated nursing, RN-BSN, and MSN programs.
Great Falls clinical corridor
Great Falls anchors Benefis Health System and other regional providers; UP references partnerships with Providence-affiliated and broader Montana health systems for clinical learning.
Mission-aligned nursing education
Students seeking a explicitly values-based, Catholic-framed nursing education may find UP’s stated mission and small-campus environment a strong fit.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following reflects the University of Providence nursing programs hub and related program pages. Use clear subheadings so pre-licensure (Traditional BSN, ABSN), post-licensure undergraduate (RN-to-BSN), and graduate (MSN, certificates) are not confused—NCLEX and admissions rules differ by pathway.
Pre-licensure (Traditional BSN & Accelerated BSN)
Traditional BSN (Vander Werff BSN Program)
UP describes a four-year, on-campus bachelor’s degree combining liberal arts with nursing foundations. The Tuition & Fees page notes that the Vander Werff nursing program is billed as an annual charge at the Liberal Arts & Sciences rate—not a separate per-credit nursing rate for that track.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) is for students seeking initial RN licensure who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. UP’s healthcare program table lists 54 credits and total program cost at published 2026–2027 per-credit rates (general vs. healthcare professional rate).
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online completion for licensed RNs. UP lists 37 credits in its healthcare program tuition breakdown for 2026–2027.
Graduate (MSN & certificates)
MSN — Nurse Educator
Designed for licensed RNs with a BSN; UP cites a 12-month concentration combining online asynchronous coursework with in-person practicums (including 135 practicum hours referenced on program materials).
MSN — Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
Approximately 24 months; online with in-person practicum rotations preparing AGPCNP practice per UP.
Post-master’s certificates
UP lists Post-Masters Nurse Educator and Post-Masters AGPCNP concentration certificates for nurses who already hold an MSN.
UP has published news about long-term sustainability and board actions affecting operations. Nursing program availability, staffing, and campus services can change—review current announcements on uprovidence.edu and speak with admissions and the Division of Nursing before you finalize enrollment plans.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Montana Board of Nursing Registered Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates per Calendar Year table, University of Providence achieved a 96.43% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024 among 28 first-time test takers. In the same publication, UP’s rates for prior calendar years were 88.24% (2023, n=34), 69.70% (2022, n=33), 86.36% (2021, n=22), and 94.12% (2020, n=17). Montana’s overall first-time pass rate in 2024 was 92.60% in that report—use the Board’s PDF for the same-year benchmark.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2024) | 96.43% (28 first-time testers, University of Providence—per MT BON calendar-year table) |
| Montana overall first-time pass rate (2024, same report) | 92.60% |
| Source | Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN pass rates (PDF) · Montana Board of Nursing. Confirm current cohort data with the Board and UP. |
Pass rates vary by cohort and exam version. Always confirm the latest first-time and overall pass rates with the Montana Board of Nursing and UP’s nursing outcomes disclosures.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with University of Providence (Admissions and any international-student office) and the Montana Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other minimum scores UP sets for degree admission.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators if you completed prerequisites outside the U.S.
- Montana Board of Nursing: For RN licensure by examination or endorsement, confirm NCLEX eligibility and documentation for internationally educated applicants.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical nursing programs have strict attendance and background requirements; confirm F-1 or other visa compatibility with clinical placement rules.
This information is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Policies change—confirm with UP and the Montana Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
UP’s How to Apply page notes that graduate and nursing program applicants often apply through a Centralized Application Service (CAS); use the Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Admissions pages for pathway-specific instructions. Competitive nursing majors typically require strong prerequisites, background checks, and health documentation before clinical courses.
Application timeline (examples from UP)
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2026 | April 17, 2026 | Listed on UP How to Apply; confirm for your program (CAS may apply). |
| Fall 2026 | July 10, 2026 | Listed on UP How to Apply. |
| Spring 2027 | December 18, 2026 | Listed on UP How to Apply. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA / prerequisites | Varies by program (traditional BSN vs. ABSN vs. RN-BSN vs. MSN). Confirm current lists with UP admissions or the Division of Nursing. |
| TEAS / HESI / other exams | Not publicly summarized on the pages reviewed here; ask UP whether an entrance exam applies to your cohort. |
| Clinical readiness | Expect immunizations, background check, drug screen, BLS/CPR, and health insurance for clinical courses—confirm the official checklist with UP. |
Accelerated BSN and graduate applicants should confirm science and statistics prerequisites, RN licensure (for post-licensure tracks), and any program deposits (UP lists a higher deposit for accelerated nursing on its Tuition & Fees page).
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come from the University of Providence Tuition & Fees for 2026–2027 page. The Vander Werff BSN program uses the Liberal Arts & Sciences annual rate (not a separate per-credit nursing line item). Accelerated nursing, RN-BSN, and MSN use per-credit totals published in UP’s healthcare program table. Amounts exclude application fees, textbooks, course materials, and clinical fees unless noted.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Traditional BSN (Vander Werff)—annual tuition | $32,186 (2026–2027 Liberal Arts & Sciences full-time undergraduate tuition; UP states this rate applies to Vander Werff nursing) |
| Example on-campus direct cost (freshman, 2026–2027) | Tuition $32,186 + fees $1,200 + housing/food $12,446 = $45,832 total direct charges (per UP COA table) |
| Accelerated Nursing (54 credits) | General rate total $60,804 ($1,126/cr); Healthcare Professional rate total $47,628 ($882/cr)—per UP healthcare program table |
| RN-BSN (37 credits) | General total $35,964; Healthcare Professional total $21,682—per UP table |
| MSN Nurse Educator (33 credits) | General total $34,452; Healthcare Professional total $25,740—per UP table |
| MSN AGPCNP (45 credits) | General total $46,980; Healthcare Professional total $35,100—per UP table |
| Source | University of Providence — Tuition & Fees. Confirm current amounts with Financial Services. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
For verifiable pre-licensure outcomes, prioritize Montana Board of Nursing first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by school and year. For employment or graduate program outcomes, use UP consumer information or career services pages when available.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2024) | 96.43% (28 first-time testers)—per Montana Board of Nursing calendar-year table. Confirm future cohorts with the Board and UP. |
| Job placement / employment rate | Not publicly disclosed on the pages summarized here; see UP career services or ask for graduate surveys. |
| Source | Montana Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN pass rates (PDF) |
Is University of Providence the Right Fit for You?
UP fits students who want a private, mission-driven nursing education in Great Falls with a full ladder from pre-licensure BSN through MSN. It may be less suitable if you need the lowest public in-state tuition without considering aid, or if you want a large research university setting.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Value Catholic mission and explicitly values-based nursing language in the curriculum.
- Want both pre-licensure and graduate options at the same institution (BSN, ABSN, RN-BSN, MSN).
- Plan to work in north-central Montana or Providence-affiliated systems and want clinical exposure aligned with regional employers.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need certainty about long-term campus operations without reviewing UP’s public financial-planning announcements.
- Require a fully online pre-licensure BSN (UP’s traditional BSN is on-campus).
- Prefer a large urban clinical market over a smaller regional city ecosystem.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Great Falls is a regional hub for north-central Montana. Benefis Health System operates large hospitals and specialty services in the city; the Great Falls Clinic and other multi-specialty groups add outpatient depth. Rural health, long-term care, public health, and school-based nursing extend placement options beyond the main hospitals. UP describes nursing programs aligned with Providence and broader Montana health systems—confirm active clinical contracts with the Division of Nursing.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefis Health System | Major Great Falls–based provider network; common destination for acute and specialty care in the region. |
| Great Falls Clinic | Large multi-specialty physician group and outpatient services in the community. |
| Rural & community agencies | Frontier and rural rotations may be part of Montana nursing education; assignments vary by course. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
UP’s homepage highlights a 7:1 on-campus student-to-faculty ratio, 60% of students receiving institutional aid, and 15 athletic teams (NAIA). The campus occupies about 44 acres in Great Falls. Nursing students participate in simulation and skills labs as part of the Division of Nursing; student organizations and campus ministry support the university’s Catholic identity. Confirm housing and student-life details for accelerated or online tracks with admissions.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Great Falls, MT
- Address
- 1301 20th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405, US
- Telephone
- (406) 791-5202 · toll-free 800-856-9544
- Admission
- admissions@uprovidence.edu
- Website
- uprovidence.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the UP nursing hub and the specific pages for your pathway (Traditional BSN, ABSN, RN-BSN, or MSN).
- Compare 2026–2027 costs on the Tuition & Fees page for your program (annual vs. per-credit totals).
- Confirm whether you will apply through a CAS or the standard UP application per How to Apply.
- Bookmark the Montana Board NCLEX PDF for future cohort updates.
- Email admissions@uprovidence.edu with questions about prerequisites, clinical requirements, and deposits.
- Review UP’s public sustainability or enrollment announcements if you need long-term program certainty.
- List questions about clinical sites, online vs. in-person components, and financial aid for your financial aid appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for University of Providence (2024)?
According to the Montana Board of Nursing calendar-year table, University of Providence had a 96.43% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024 with 28 first-time test takers. Montana’s overall first-time rate in the same report was 92.60%. Confirm the latest cohort with the Board and UP.
How much is tuition for University of Providence nursing in 2026–2027?
UP’s Tuition & Fees page lists $32,186 annual undergraduate tuition for the Vander Werff BSN (Liberal Arts & Sciences rate) and separate per-credit program totals for Accelerated Nursing, RN-BSN, and MSN tracks. Confirm your pathway with Financial Services.
What nursing programs does University of Providence offer in Great Falls?
UP’s nursing hub lists Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, online RN-to-BSN, MSN (Nurse Educator and AGPCNP concentrations), and post-master’s certificates.
Is University of Providence nursing accredited?
UP publishes a CCNE accreditation statement for the baccalaureate and master’s nursing programs and references Montana Board of Nursing approval. Confirm current status with UP, CCNE, and the Board.
When are application deadlines for University of Providence?
UP’s How to Apply page lists example deadlines: Summer 2026 April 17, 2026; Fall 2026 July 10, 2026; Spring 2027 December 18, 2026. Nursing applicants may use CAS or other pathways—verify your program.
Does University of Providence require the TEAS for nursing?
UP’s public pages reviewed for this guide did not state a single entrance exam for all pathways. Confirm whether TEAS, HESI, or another test applies to your cohort with admissions or the Division of Nursing.
What is different about the Vander Werff BSN Program billing?
UP states that the Vander Werff nursing program is billed as an annual charge at the Liberal Arts & Sciences rate—not a separate per-credit nursing rate—while other tracks (e.g., accelerated) use per-credit totals in the healthcare table.
Where do University of Providence nursing students do clinicals?
UP describes alignment with Providence and regional health systems. Clinical assignments are program-specific—ask the Division of Nursing for current sites and travel expectations.
What should I know about University of Providence institutional planning?
UP has published board-level updates about long-term sustainability. Read current announcements on uprovidence.edu and ask admissions how enrollment or services may affect your program.
How do I contact University of Providence admissions?
UP lists 800-856-9544 or 406-791-5202, admissions@uprovidence.edu, and 1301 20th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405.
References
- University of Providence — Nursing programsuprovidence.edu/nursing
- University of Providence — Tuition & Fees (2026–2027)Tuition & Fees
- University of Providence — How to ApplyHow to Apply
- University of Providence — ContactContact
- Montana Board of Nursing — NCLEX-RN pass rates (PDF)new_nclex_rn.pdf
- Montana Board of Nursingboards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/nursing
- 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 NCLEX alignment with Montana Board of Nursing publications, University of Providence 2026–2027 tuition tables, program list accuracy, and admissions deadline citations.
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 University of Providence and the Montana Board of Nursing.
Published: March 27, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy