Rutgers University School of Nursing: What to Know (2026)
Part of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers School of Nursing runs bachelor’s through doctoral programs on multiple New Jersey sites (including Newark, New Brunswick, and Blackwood). This guide cites 2025–2026 tuition from Rutgers University Finance PDFs, CCNE accreditation as stated by Rutgers, and first-time NCLEX-RN data through New Jersey’s quarterly PDFs indexed by NJCCN—not invented percentages.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Rutgers School of Nursing is New Jersey’s largest comprehensive nursing school under RBHS, with programs in Newark, New Brunswick, and Blackwood and more than 200 affiliated clinical sites statewide per the school’s homepage. Pair that scale with public-university tuition tiers and published Finance PDFs when you compare costs with private programs.
Overview & Why Students Choose Rutgers School of Nursing
Between Newark’s urban health corridor, New Brunswick’s flagship campus, and the Blackwood 2+2 pathway in South Jersey, Rutgers University School of Nursing positions students for clinical variety across the state. The school describes itself as the largest and most comprehensive nursing program in New Jersey and part of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)—useful if you want a public research university with a deep graduate portfolio (MSN, DNP, PhD) and extensive community partnerships.
Rutgers’ accreditation page states that CCNE accredits its baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs; separate listings cover COA (nurse anesthesia) and ACME (nurse-midwifery). News coverage and school announcements have highlighted strong national rankings for doctoral nursing programs—treat rankings as a signal to investigate, not a guarantee of fit. Always confirm accreditation status and program details with Rutgers and the relevant accreditor.
New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs publishes quarterly NCLEX-RN pass rates by school in PDF format; the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN) links the latest files. Locate Rutgers pre-licensure program rows in the quarterly PDF for the reporting period you need—this page does not substitute a live Board table. Confirm cohort-specific outcomes with Rutgers and the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
Reasons students choose Rutgers SON
Breadth of pathways
Traditional BSN, Second-Degree BS in Nursing, RN-to-BSN, the Blackwood 2+2 partnership, multiple MSN and DNP specialties, nurse anesthesia, PhD research training, and post-master’s certificates—documented on Rutgers School of Nursing academics pages.
Clinical footprint
Rutgers cites 200+ affiliated clinical sites statewide—important if you want exposure across academic medical centers, community hospitals, and ambulatory settings.
Published tuition tables
Rutgers University Finance posts downloadable 2025–2026 tuition PDFs for undergraduate campuses and a dedicated Rutgers School of Nursing graduate sheet—use them with Student ABC links rather than guessing sticker price.
Research & policy voice
As an RBHS school, Rutgers Nursing emphasizes nurse-led research and population-health engagement; PhD and DNP students can align with faculty programs in areas like health equity, informatics, and advanced practice.
Nursing Programs Offered
Rutgers School of Nursing organizes programs into pre-licensure, post-licensure completion, graduate, and doctoral/research tracks. The list below reflects the Academics & Admissions menu reviewed March 2026—confirm titles, delivery, and campus with the official pages before you apply.
Pre-licensure (BSN)
Traditional Bachelor’s (BS)
Four-year pre-licensure pathway for first-year and transfer students; Rutgers offers information sessions for prospective freshmen and internal Rutgers transfers.
Second-Degree BS in Nursing
Designed for applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field; Rutgers uses a “Second-Degree” label—confirm prerequisites, pacing, and campus (Newark emphasis on admissions materials) on the Second-Degree pages.
2+2 BS in Nursing — Blackwood
South Jersey pathway pairing lower-division coursework with Rutgers nursing completion; Rutgers publishes Blackwood-specific information sessions and visit guidance.
Post-licensure
RN to BS in Nursing
Designed for licensed RNs seeking a BSN; Rutgers lists tuition support links under the New Brunswick undergraduate tier on its nursing tuition table.
Graduate & doctoral
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Rutgers lists Nurse-Midwifery and Nursing Leadership MSN tracks with dedicated curricula and admissions pages.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Multiple NP specialties (adult-gerontology acute and primary care, family, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health, women’s health, emergency care), dual pediatric tracks, dual women’s health/nurse-midwifery, Nursing Leadership, Nurse Anesthesia, and post-master’s DNP options—each with curriculum and admissions subpages.
PhD in Nursing
Research doctorate for nurses pursuing faculty careers; Rutgers publishes PhD information and graduate events.
Certificates & post-master’s
School Nurse Certificate, post-master’s certificate tracks, and continuing education offerings are listed under Certificates & Non-Degree.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) is a common industry label for second-degree pre-licensure programs; Rutgers primarily brands this as Second-Degree BS in Nursing. Verify every course sequence, campus, and clinical requirement in the Rutgers catalog and your admit letter.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The most authoritative place to cite a specific first-time NCLEX-RN percentage for Rutgers pre-licensure graduates is the State of New Jersey’s quarterly NCLEX-RN statistics, published as PDFs by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. NJCCN maintains an index of those PDFs (for example, “RN Schools, 2025 Q4”). Locate the rows that correspond to Rutgers School of Nursing pre-licensure programs for the reporting period you need—Rutgers may appear more than once if multiple campus-based pre-licensure tracks are reported separately.
This guide does not paste a live percentage because quarterly files update and program labels can change. Download the latest RN quarterly PDF from NJCCN, find Rutgers, note the cohort size and quarter, then confirm interpretation with Rutgers admissions or the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | See New Jersey quarterly PDF (link below); percentage varies by reporting quarter, campus track, and cohort. |
| Source | NJCCN — New Jersey Quarterly NCLEX Statistics (links to Consumer Affairs PDFs). New Jersey Board of Nursing (Consumer Affairs). Confirm current data with Rutgers SON and the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and exam version. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rate for your Rutgers pathway in the Board’s quarterly report and with the school.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international applicants and internationally educated nurses depend on Rutgers’ admissions policies, RBHS compliance rules, clinical agency contracts, visa status, and New Jersey Board of Nursing regulations. Rutgers’ graduate tuition PDF lists an International Fee (F-1 or J-1 visa) for certain categories—confirm whether it applies to your program. Use the checklist below as orientation only—not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo minimums with Rutgers Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Admissions, or RBHS student services as appropriate.
- Transcript evaluation: Determine whether Rutgers requires WES, CGFNS, or another evaluator for nursing prerequisites and licensure steps.
- New Jersey Board of Nursing: For RN licensure by examination or endorsement, confirm credential review, NCLEX eligibility, and any CGFNS requirements with the Board.
- Visa & clinical placement: F-1 students must verify that their program supports required clinical experiences and any Curricular Practical Training rules.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Rutgers’ international student offices, Rutgers School of Nursing admissions, and the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Rutgers School of Nursing admits to multiple pathways with different prerequisites, campuses, and competitiveness. Traditional pre-licensure BSN applicants typically apply through Rutgers–New Brunswick or Rutgers–Newark admissions depending on program placement; second-degree, RN-to-BSN, and graduate applicants use nursing-specific instructions. Because requirements change by cycle, this section highlights what to verify rather than substituting a static checklist.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate nursing pathways | Varies by campus & term | Use Rutgers School of Nursing Application Deadlines and the pathway-specific page. |
| Graduate nursing (MSN/DNP) | Varies by program | Each DNP specialty and MSN track lists admissions deadlines on its page. |
| Second-Degree BS in Nursing | Varies | Review Second-Degree admissions PDFs/webinars linked from Rutgers nursing academics. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed as a single nursing program rate on the pages reviewed—treat overall Rutgers admit rates as non-transferable. |
| TEAS / HESI / other exams | Confirm the current entrance exam (if any) for your pathway on the official Traditional BSN, Second-Degree, or RN-to-BSN admissions pages. |
| GPA & sciences | Competitive applicants typically present strong science/math performance; exact cutoffs vary by pathway—verify with admissions. |
Honest tips
Decide early whether you are applying to Newark, New Brunswick, or Blackwood tracks—each has distinct logistics. Second-degree and graduate applicants should budget for criminal background checks, health clearance, and possible travel among clinical sites. Use Rutgers’ information sessions and “Ask Admissions” form to document requirements in writing for your entry term.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Rutgers publishes 2025–2026 tuition and fee schedules as PDFs on the University Finance / Student ABC sites. Amounts differ by campus (New Brunswick vs. Newark vs. online), school (School of Nursing graduate rates vs. undergraduate schools), and residency. The figures below are taken directly from the Rutgers PDFs cited—add mandatory fees, health insurance, and living costs for a full cost of attendance.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate School of Nursing (New Brunswick, full-time 12+ credits) | Tuition — NJ resident: $8,739.00 per semester; out-of-state: $15,554.50 per semester (10th column, School of Nursing). Part-time per credit — NJ: $580.00; out-of-state: $1,037.00. |
| Graduate School of Nursing (per credit, MSN/DNP categories) | Tuition — NJ resident: $1,125.00; non-resident: $1,647.00 (MSN/MSN Cert., Post-MSN/DNP, Post-BSN/DNP rows). Additional program, campus, clinical, and international fees apply per the SON fee schedule. |
| Other campuses / pathways | Newark undergraduate, Blackwood partnerships, and fully online programs use different PDFs on Student ABC — Tuition & Fees. Confirm the PDF that matches your admit letter. |
| Source | Rutgers University Finance — 2025–2026 Undergraduate Schools, New Brunswick (PDF); Rutgers School of Nursing — 2025–2026 Tuition & Fees (PDF); Rutgers School of Nursing — Tuition & Fees hub. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Rutgers markets strong national rankings for graduate nursing programs and highlights workforce impact across New Jersey. For any numeric licensure outcome, rely on the New Jersey quarterly NCLEX PDFs or Rutgers’ own consumer/accreditation disclosures—not third-party aggregators. Employment and salary projections should reference the Bureau of Labor Statistics with geography noted.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | Cite the percentage from New Jersey’s quarterly NCLEX-RN PDF for the Rutgers program row you need (NJCCN index). Confirm cohort and campus with Rutgers. |
| Graduate outcomes | DNP and MSN pages may describe board pass rates or employment for specific specialties—verify year and methodology on the official page before repeating figures. |
| Source | NJCCN — NCLEX statistics; Rutgers School of Nursing. |
Is Rutgers School of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
Rutgers fits students who want a public research university with RBHS resources, multiple campuses, and a full ladder from pre-licensure BSN through PhD. It may be less ideal if you need a very small cohort experience at every level, or if you prefer a single suburban campus without urban clinical intensity.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want maximum program breadth (second-degree, RN-BSN, NP specialties, nurse anesthesia, midwifery, leadership).
- Thrive in high-acuity clinical environments across Newark, New Brunswick, and statewide affiliates.
- Value transparent public-university tuition tiers and downloadable Finance PDFs.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Prefer a single compact campus for every nursing course—Rutgers uses multiple sites.
- Need guaranteed admission after meeting minimum GPA—Rutgers nursing pathways remain selective.
- Want the lowest net price without exploring aid—compare aid packages carefully.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Rutgers nursing students tap into New Jersey’s largest health systems—Newark anchors University Hospital and proximity to NYC tertiary referral centers, while New Brunswick connects to RWJBarnabas Health and other academic medical centers. South Jersey and Blackwood placements expand community-hospital exposure. The school cites 200+ affiliated clinical sites statewide; confirm your rotation geography with the program office for your admit year.
| Facility / region | Details |
|---|---|
| University Hospital (Newark) | Flagship academic teaching hospital aligned with Rutgers Health; common site for advanced clinical experiences. |
| RWJBarnabas Health | Large integrated delivery network across New Jersey—frequent employer and clinical partner for central and northern placements. |
| Philadelphia & NYC metro access | Depending on cohort, students may encounter patients from the broader tristate region—use this to think about licensure mobility. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Rutgers School of Nursing operates modern simulation and skills facilities across sites; the Visit page advertises simulation lab tours and information sessions for multiple pathways. Student life blends Big Ten campus resources in New Brunswick with urban clinical intensity in Newark; Blackwood students experience Camden County College partnership coursework before transitioning into Rutgers nursing completion. Student organizations, research labs, and community engagement initiatives are highlighted on the school’s homepage—confirm nursing-specific ratios and support services with the program if those drive your decision.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Primary admissions
- Newark, NJ (graduate & second-degree visitors: 65 Bergen St., Room 601, Newark, NJ 07107)
- Undergraduate visitors (Newark)
- Ackerson Hall, 180 University Ave., Room 102, Newark, NJ 07102
- Telephone
- (973) 972-3067
- Contact email
- snadmissions@sn.rutgers.edu
- Website
- nursing.rutgers.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Bookmark the pathway that matches you (Traditional BS, Second-Degree, RN-to-BSN, or graduate) on Rutgers School of Nursing Academics.
- Open NJCCN and download the latest RN quarterly PDF; locate Rutgers pre-licensure rows for NCLEX context.
- Download the New Brunswick UG tuition PDF and/or SON graduate tuition PDF that matches your admit letter.
- Submit a question through Ask Admissions if campus placement is unclear.
- Review Rutgers’ application deadlines for your entry term.
- For graduate APRN tracks, confirm specialty-specific clinical hour requirements on the DNP/MSN subpage.
- Save the New Jersey Board of Nursing for licensure questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Rutgers University School of Nursing offer?
Rutgers lists Traditional BS, Second-Degree BS in Nursing, RN-to-BSN, the Blackwood 2+2 pathway, MSN programs (including Nurse-Midwifery and Nursing Leadership), many DNP specialties (including nurse anesthesia), post-master’s options, PhD study, and certificates. CCNE accredits the baccalaureate through post-graduate APRN programs per Rutgers’ accreditation page; COA and ACME accredit specific tracks.
Where can I find the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Rutgers School of Nursing?
Use New Jersey’s quarterly RN PDFs linked from NJCCN. Find the Rutgers program rows for the quarter you need and confirm interpretation with Rutgers and the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
What is Rutgers School of Nursing tuition for 2025–2026?
Per Rutgers University Finance PDFs: School of Nursing graduate tuition is $1,125 per credit (NJ resident) and $1,647 per credit (non-resident) for listed MSN/DNP categories. New Brunswick undergraduate School of Nursing full-time semester tuition is $8,739.00 (NJ) and $15,554.50 (out-of-state) for 12+ credits. Other campuses use different schedules—confirm on Student ABC.
Does Rutgers offer a second-degree or accelerated BSN?
Yes—Rutgers offers a Second-Degree BS in Nursing for career changers. Marketing may use “accelerated” language informally; follow Rutgers’ official Second-Degree admissions pages for prerequisites and timelines.
What accreditation does Rutgers University School of Nursing hold?
Rutgers states CCNE accreditation for baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs. Nurse anesthesia is accredited by COA and nurse-midwifery by ACME per Rutgers’ accreditation page.
How do I contact Rutgers School of Nursing admissions?
The Visit page lists (973) 972-3067 and snadmissions@sn.rutgers.edu. Graduate and second-degree visitors often use 65 Bergen Street, Room 601, Newark, NJ 07107.
Is Rutgers School of Nursing only in Newark?
No—Rutgers describes campus locations in Newark, New Brunswick, and Blackwood. Program pages explain where coursework and clinicals occur.
Does Rutgers require the TEAS for nursing admission?
Entrance exam rules vary by pathway and year. Confirm on the official Traditional BSN, Second-Degree, or RN-to-BSN admissions pages whether TEAS, HESI, or another exam applies to your entry term.
References
- Rutgers University School of Nursingnursing.rutgers.edu
- Rutgers School of Nursing — Academics & Admissionsnursing.rutgers.edu/academics-admissions
- Rutgers School of Nursing — Accreditationnursing.rutgers.edu/accreditation
- Rutgers University Finance — 2025–2026 Undergraduate Schools, New Brunswick (PDF)finance.rutgers.edu (NB-UG PDF)
- Rutgers School of Nursing — 2025–2026 Tuition & Fees (PDF)finance.rutgers.edu (SON PDF)
- Student ABC — Tuition & Feesstudentabc.rutgers.edu
- NJCCN — New Jersey Quarterly NCLEX Statisticsnjccn.org/nj-nclex
- New Jersey Board of Nursing (Consumer Affairs)njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur
- 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 sourcing (NJCCN quarterly PDF index), 2025–2026 tuition figures against Rutgers University Finance PDFs, and program scope against Rutgers School of Nursing academics and accreditation 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 Rutgers University School of Nursing and the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
Published: March 27, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy