University at Buffalo School of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
The University at Buffalo (SUNY) School of Nursing offers pre-licensure Traditional and Accelerated BS pathways, RN-BS completion, and doctoral programs (DNP, PhD) with CCNE-accredited nursing degrees (and COA accreditation for nurse anesthesia, per UB). NCLEX figures below are from the NYSED baccalaureate table; tuition reflects UB Fall 2025 published semester rates—confirm billing with UB Student Accounts.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
UB combines flagship SUNY research capacity with a School of Nursing that reports roughly 530 students and emphasizes simulation, Western New York clinical partnerships, and a wet lab for nursing science—useful if you want a public university pipeline from pre-licensure BSN through DNP or PhD without leaving the institution.
Overview & Why Students Choose UB
Western New York’s largest city anchors a major teaching-hospital corridor; the University at Buffalo School of Nursing places students in that ecosystem while operating as part of New York’s flagship SUNY research university. The school publicly describes about 85 years of nursing education, CCNE accreditation for its nursing programs, and COA accreditation for the Nurse Anesthetist program—verify specialty-specific status on UB’s accreditations page.
UB offers a clear ladder from pre-licensure BS nursing (traditional upper-division and accelerated second-degree) through RN-BS completion for licensed RNs, then DNP and PhD programs and advanced certificates for master’s-prepared APRNs.
According to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions — New York State RN NCLEX Results (2023–2027) baccalaureate table (columns 2027 through 2023, left to right), the 2025 column lists SUNY Buffalo (traditional row) at 98.51% (66 of 67) and SUNY Buffalo Accelerated at 91.53% (54 of 59). The 2023 column lists Accelerated 100.0% (42 of 42)—a different cohort. NYSED’s baccalaureate summary for the 2025 column shows New York State at 83.08% (4861 of 5851). UB’s Outcomes Data page lists school-reported NCLEX by class year; confirm current rates with NYSED and UB.
Reasons students choose UB
Documented NCLEX outcomes
NYSED lists separate SUNY Buffalo and SUNY Buffalo Accelerated rows so you can compare traditional vs. accelerated first-time pass rates with cohort sizes.
SUNY tuition & scale
UB publishes undergraduate tuition and fees by semester; in-state rates are typically lower than many private peers—see the cost section for Fall 2025 figures.
Research & facilities
UB highlights nursing science infrastructure (including a dedicated wet lab noted in university news) and interprofessional training within a major research university.
Full career ladder
From pre-licensure BSN tracks through DNP, PhD, and post-MS certificates, UB supports progression for clinicians, educators, and researchers.
Nursing Programs Offered
The UB School of Nursing academic programs page is the starting point for pathway details. The following aligns with that page and graduate overview.
Pre-licensure (BS in Nursing)
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Upper-division nursing curriculum after prerequisites; UB describes a competitive holistic process through NursingCAS. Intended nursing majors apply to the upper division per UB’s Traditional BS admissions page.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) is the standard label for this intensive second-degree track; UB’s site uses “Accelerated BS.” NYSED reports NCLEX under SUNY Buffalo Accelerated. Program runs from late spring through summer per ABS admissions.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN to BS in Nursing
Online completion for RNs with an associate degree (or equivalent pathway) advancing to the baccalaureate level—see UB’s RN-BS admissions page for format and clinical expectations.
Graduate (doctoral & certificates)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
UB’s DNP hub describes post-baccalaureate and post-master’s entry; nurse practitioner specialties and nurse anesthesia (COA-accredited per UB) are organized under graduate program pages.
PhD in Nursing
Research doctorate with post-BS, post-MS, and post-DNP entry options per UB graduate materials.
Advanced Certificate
Certificates for MSN-prepared APRNs adding or changing specialty scope—see UB advanced certificates.
Program names, tracks, and entry options change with catalog updates. Confirm the current bulletin and your pathway’s admission page before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the NYSED RN NCLEX Results baccalaureate table (first-time test-takers), SUNY Buffalo (traditional row) showed 98.51% (66 of 67) and SUNY Buffalo Accelerated 91.53% (54 of 59) in the 2025 column. NYSED’s Baccalaureate Degree Program Summary for that column lists New York State at 83.08% (4861 of 5851). The 2023 column lists Accelerated 100.0% (42 of 42)—compare cohort years on NYSED before drawing conclusions.
UB’s Outcomes Data table shows school-reported NCLEX percentages by class year (e.g. 2025: Accelerated BS 91.53%, Traditional BS 98.51%; methodology and year labels may differ from NYSED). Use both sources and confirm the cohort you care about.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time (SUNY Buffalo, traditional) | 98.51% (66/67), NYSED baccalaureate table, 2025 column |
| NCLEX-RN first-time (SUNY Buffalo Accelerated) | 91.53% (54/59), NYSED baccalaureate table, 2025 column; 2023 column shows 100.0% (42/42) |
| NY baccalaureate programs (state summary, 2025 column) | 83.08% (4861/5851), NYSED baccalaureate summary row |
| Source | NYSED RN NCLEX Results; UB Outcomes Data. Confirm current rates with NYSED and UB. |
Pass rates vary by cohort. Always confirm the latest NYSED table column and UB disclosures before making decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
International applicants and internationally educated nurses must meet UB admission requirements, any English-proficiency rules, and New York State nursing licensure eligibility. This section is guidance only—not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS or alternatives as required by UB for your applicant type.
- Credential evaluation: Follow UB’s graduate or undergraduate admissions instructions for transcript review.
- NYSED: For RN licensure eligibility, credential evaluation, and NCLEX authorization, use the NYSED Office of the Professions — Nursing.
- Visa & clinical placement: F-1 clinical participation may have restrictions; confirm with UB’s international office and the program.
Policies change frequently. Verify with UB’s international student resources (where applicable) and NYSED.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
UB nursing undergraduate programs use NursingCAS and describe a holistic review (video response, essays, resume, GPA). The school states the process is competitive.
Traditional BS (selected criteria)
Per UB’s Traditional BS admissions page: minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA; minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA; at least C+ in each prerequisite; upper-division application for current UB students with a January 15 deadline for fall entry (see UB for the latest timeline).
Accelerated BS (selected criteria)
Per ABS admissions: bachelor’s degree required; same GPA floors as above; October 1 priority and November 1 final application deadline for summer start; program begins mid-May.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed on the pages summarized here. |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed as required on UB Traditional/ABS admissions pages reviewed; confirm with UB if policy changes. |
| Application platform | NursingCAS (search SUNY University at Buffalo). |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
UB Student Accounts publishes semester tuition and fees. For Fall 2025, full-time undergraduate (12 credits) totals are $5,517.77 per semester for New York residents and $16,232.77 for non-residents (tuition plus mandatory fees as shown on UB’s fall tuition page). Multiply by two for a typical fall+spring academic year; add summer if enrolled.
Graduate nursing students are billed at graduate rates: Fall 2025 full-time graduate totals $7,314.86 per semester (resident) on the same schedule; Doctor of Nursing Practice full-time resident is listed at $14,469.86 per semester (Fall 2025 table). Non-resident graduate and DNP rates are higher—see UB’s non-resident tables.
| Metric | Value (Fall 2025, UB-published) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate full-time (12 cr.) — resident | $5,517.77 per semester (tuition + fees) |
| Undergraduate full-time (12 cr.) — non-resident | $16,232.77 per semester (tuition + fees) |
| DNP full-time (12 cr.) — resident | $14,469.86 per semester (tuition + fees) |
| Source | UB Fall 2025 Tuition & Fees (resident) and non-resident. Confirm current amounts with Student Accounts. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
See the NCLEX section for NYSED-pass-rate figures and UB’s Outcomes Data for school-reported NCLEX, certification exam, and retention tables. UB publishes ANCC FNP/PMHNP/AGNP certification data and NBCRNA nurse anesthesia exam statistics on that page—each with year labels; confirm methodology on the source.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (NYSED) | See §NCLEX; confirm latest year column on NYSED. |
| Employment / placement rate | Not publicly disclosed as a single headline percentage on the pages summarized here. |
| Source | UB Outcomes Data; NYSED. |
Is UB the Right Fit for You?
UB fits students seeking a public research university with documented NCLEX outcomes on NYSED, strong simulation and clinical partnerships in Western New York, and a path from BSN through graduate nursing.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want SUNY pricing with access to UB’s research and health-science resources.
- Plan to stay in the Buffalo-Niagara region or broader WNY for clinical training.
- Seek ABSN or traditional BSN tracks with transparent NYSED reporting.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Require a guaranteed placement at a single named hospital—UB assigns clinical sites by cohort and availability.
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program—UB’s pre-licensure paths are intensive and on-site.
- Expect open admissions; pathways remain selective.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Buffalo anchors Erie County and the Buffalo-Niagara region—a mix of academic medical centers, community hospitals, safety-net hospitals, primary-care networks, and public health departments. Major systems that commonly appear in regional nursing workforce discussions include Kaleida Health (including Buffalo General Medical Center and Millard Fillmore Suburban), Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), Catholic Health, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, alongside community and rural sites across Western New York. Clinical assignments vary by cohort; confirm geography with UB.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Kaleida Health | Large regional system serving Buffalo and Western New York; common teaching and specialty environment. |
| ECMC | Level I trauma center and regional referral hub in Buffalo. |
| Roswell Park | NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center; specialized oncology exposure. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing facilities are centered on UB’s South Campus (including Abbott Hall and the Abbott Library health sciences collection). UB emphasizes simulation, interprofessional learning, student organizations, and university-wide services. Buffalo offers lower cost-of-living than many coastal metros and strong cultural and sports amenities.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- School
- University at Buffalo School of Nursing
- Address
- Abbott Hall, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, US
- Telephone
- 716-829-3003 (visit page; advising)
- nursing@buffalo.edu
- Website
- nursing.buffalo.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Open the undergraduate admissions or graduate admissions page for your pathway.
- Create your NursingCAS account if applying to pre-licensure BSN tracks.
- Download UB’s prerequisite list for your program and map transcripts.
- Bookmark the NYSED RN NCLEX table for outcome verification.
- Estimate cost using Fall 2025 tuition and financial aid cost of attendance.
- Register for a UB School of Nursing information session if available.
- Email nursing@buffalo.edu with remaining questions on prerequisites or deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What NCLEX-RN pass rates does NYSED publish for UB’s baccalaureate nursing programs?
The NYSED RN NCLEX Results baccalaureate table’s 2025 column lists SUNY Buffalo at 98.51% (66/67) and SUNY Buffalo Accelerated at 91.53% (54/59). The 2023 column lists Accelerated 100.0% (42/42). Confirm the cohort you need on NYSED.
What Fall 2025 tuition does UB publish for full-time undergraduates?
UB Student Accounts lists $5,517.77 per semester for resident undergraduates and $16,232.77 for non-residents at 12 credits for Fall 2025—see the resident and non-resident pages.
Does UB School of Nursing require the TEAS for Traditional or Accelerated BS applicants?
UB’s published Traditional and Accelerated BS admissions pages emphasize NursingCAS materials including video, essays, resume, and GPA—TEAS is not listed there. Confirm current testing requirements with UB before you apply.
What is the Accelerated BS in Nursing (ABSN) schedule at UB?
UB states the ABS cohort runs from the Monday after spring graduation through late summer before the fall term—an intensive sequence. See the ABS admissions page for deadlines (e.g., November 1 final) and timing.
Is the University at Buffalo School of Nursing CCNE-accredited?
UB’s academic programs page states CCNE accreditation for the school and COA accreditation for the Nurse Anesthetist program. Confirm with UB accreditations and the accreditors.
Where is the UB School of Nursing located?
Undergraduate nursing is based on UB’s South Campus in Abbott Hall, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY—see UB’s Visit Us page.
What graduate degrees does UB highlight on its main graduate nursing page?
The graduate programs landing page highlights DNP and PhD programs and links to admissions and the catalog.
Is a nursing-only acceptance rate published for UB?
A separate nursing acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed on the UB nursing admissions pages summarized here. UB states that admission is competitive.
Where should internationally educated nurses verify New York RN licensure steps?
NYSED Office of the Professions — Nursing and UB’s international graduate resources. This is guidance only—not legal advice.
References
- University at Buffalo School of Nursingnursing.buffalo.edu
- UB — Academic programsnursing.buffalo.edu/academic-programs
- UB — Outcomes Data (NCLEX & certification)Outcomes Data
- UB Student Accounts — Tuition and Fees (Fall 2025)buffalo.edu/studentaccounts
- NYSED — New York State RN NCLEX Results (2023–2027)op.nysed.gov
- UB — Traditional BS admissionsTraditional BS admissions
- UB — Accelerated BS admissionsAccelerated BS admissions
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
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 NYSED baccalaureate table, tuition figures with UB Fall 2025 Student Accounts pages, and program names with UB School of Nursing academic 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 University at Buffalo and the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions.
Published: March 27, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy