Seattle University College of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Jesuit university on Seattle’s First Hill with a BSN, direct-entry APNI Doctor of Nursing Practice, and multiple nurse practitioner DNP tracks. This guide summarizes WABON first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes for SU’s BSN and APNI rows, CCNE accreditation language from the college, and undergraduate tuition context from NCES.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Seattle University anchors the College of Nursing and Health Sciences on Seattle’s First Hill near major medical centers. The program emphasizes Jesuit values, health equity, and a dedicated Clinical Performance Lab at Swedish Cherry Hill—the first in the Pacific Northwest to earn INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement (per university messaging).
Overview & Why Students Choose Seattle University
Seattle University is a private, Catholic Jesuit university in Seattle with the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Since 1935 the college has offered nursing education that connects clinical rigor with social justice and health equity. Seattle University markets itself as a “whole person” program: integrated humanities and sciences alongside a quarter-based BSN and clinical experiences across the Puget Sound region.
At the graduate level, Seattle University lists multiple DNP nurse practitioner specialties, nurse-midwifery, post-doctoral APRN certificates, and the Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion (APNI) direct-entry DNP for college graduates whose prior degree is outside nursing.
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) nursing program NCLEX pass rates (PDF, February 2026), Seattle University – BSN reported 72.78% first-time NCLEX-RN (131 of 180 first-time test takers) for 2025 and 90.91% (160 of 176) for 2024. Seattle University – APNI reported 74.51% (38 of 51) for 2025 and 88.33% (53 of 60) for 2024. Pass rates can move sharply year to year as cohorts change; confirm the latest table with WABON and the college.
Reasons students choose Seattle University
Clinical Performance Lab at Swedish Cherry Hill
The university locates a 20,000 sq. ft. simulation and skills space in the James Tower Life Sciences Center, supporting high-fidelity scenarios before students enter practice settings.
“Pill Hill” proximity
Seattle University sits steps from Seattle’s dense medical campus cluster—useful for clinical partnerships with major systems that the college names in marketing materials (for example Swedish/Providence pathways).
Direct-entry DNP option (APNI)
APNI offers a structured path for non-nursing bachelor’s graduates who want to move toward APRN doctoral preparation after RN licensure, with WABON tracking outcomes separately from the traditional BSN cohort.
CCNE-accredited nursing portfolio
Seattle University publishes CCNE accreditation for its BSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs—confirm specialty-specific status when you apply.
Small-class emphasis
The BSN program page cites an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio for nursing—helpful if you learn best with close faculty access (verify current figures with the college).
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects pathways published on Seattle University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences and linked program pages as of this review. Seattle University organizes the Nursing, BS (BSN) for first-time college students as a four-year, 180-credit quarter curriculum (125 credits in the major) and describes a focused track for transfer/post-baccalaureate students. It does not prominently list a separate “RN-to-BSN” completion program in the same program directory we reviewed—if you are already an RN seeking a BSN only, confirm whether Seattle University or a partner pathway meets your needs.
Pre-licensure
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Generalist BSN preparing graduates for NCLEX-RN. Curriculum integrates Seattle University core (UCOR) with nursing theory and clinical courses. The college states students must earn at least a C (2.0) in all nursing and prerequisite courses. See the four-year plan for first-time students and transfer resources on the BSN program site.
BSN for transfer & post-baccalaureate students
Seattle University lists dedicated program-of-study materials for transfer and post-baccalaureate pre-licensure students (see “Information for Transfer Students” on the BSN program site). Requirements and pacing differ from the four-year freshman entry plan.
Graduate (APRN & leadership)
Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion (APNI), DNP
Designed for applicants with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who seek entry into advanced practice nursing via the DNP. WABON reports NCLEX-RN outcomes under a distinct “Seattle University – APNI” row—compare it separately from the traditional BSN when evaluating exam performance.
Nurse practitioner & midwifery doctorate
Doctor of Nursing Practice specialties referenced on seattleu.edu include Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Women’s Health NP, and Nurse-Midwifery. Delivery format (on-campus versus hybrid/online) varies by specialty—confirm on each program page.
Post-doctoral APRN certificates
Seattle University lists post-doctoral certificate options for several nurse practitioner roles for nurses who already hold doctoral preparation and need added scope—read each certificate page for prerequisite credentials.
Confirm every pathway, start term, prerequisite, and accreditation note in the Seattle University catalog and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences site before you apply.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) Nursing program NCLEX pass rates PDF (February 2026), Seattle University appears on two RN licensure rows: Seattle University – BSN (traditional/pre-licensure BSN cohorts) and Seattle University – APNI (the immersion/direct-entry DNP cohort that tests for NCLEX-RN before completing doctoral APRN preparation).
For BSN, the table shows first-time pass rates of 72.78% for 2025 (131 of 180), 90.91% for 2024 (160 of 176), 86.55% for 2023 (148 of 171), 75.00% for 2022 (126 of 168), and 83.55% for 2021 (127 of 152). For APNI, the PDF lists 74.51% for 2025 (38 of 51), 88.33% for 2024 (53 of 60), 92.86% for 2023 (65 of 70), 82.35% for 2022 (56 of 68), and 76.71% for 2021 (56 of 73). Washington rules reference an 80% standard for first-time program pass rates—verify how WABON applies the rule to each program type.
Because BSN and APNI outcomes can differ and move year to year, compare them separately and confirm the newest WABON publication rather than relying on unofficial aggregates.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time (BSN, 2025) | 72.78% (131 of 180 first-time test takers), per WABON PDF February 2026 |
| NCLEX-RN first-time (BSN, 2024) | 90.91% (160 of 176), same source |
| NCLEX-RN first-time (APNI, 2025) | 74.51% (38 of 51), same source |
| NCLEX-RN first-time (APNI, 2024) | 88.33% (53 of 60), same source |
| Source | WABON — Nursing program NCLEX pass rates (PDF); Program pass rates landing page. Confirm current data with the Washington State Board of Nursing and Seattle University. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and reporting cycle. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates and test-taker counts in the WABON PDF and with Seattle University.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international applicants and internationally educated nurses depend on Seattle University admissions policies, visa status, and Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission rules. Use this as a checklist—not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: Minimum scores and accepted exams for degree admission—confirm with Seattle University International Admissions.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Course-by-course evaluation requirements for prerequisites and transfer credit.
- Washington Board of Nursing: For RN licensure by examination or endorsement, NCLEX eligibility, and any CGFNS-related steps, use nursing.wa.gov.
- Immigration & visa: Whether F-1 students can access required clinical placements and program pacing; clinical sites may impose additional checks.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Seattle University’s international office, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and the Washington State Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Seattle University admits undergraduates university-wide, then students must progress through prerequisites and major progression rules for the BSN or apply to competitive graduate pathways such as APNI or post-licensure DNP specialties. Nursing-specific GPA, progression, and clinical clearance policies change—read the catalog and college admissions materials for the entry term you want.
APNI and other graduate nursing entries typically require a prior bachelor’s degree (field requirements vary), transcripts, recommendations, and possibly interviews; confirm each program’s PDF instructions or graduate admissions checklist.
Application timeline
| Program | Deadline pattern | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BSN (undergraduate) | Quarter entry (September emphasis on marketing pages) | Apply through Seattle University Undergraduate Admissions; verify prerequisites and progression deadlines for the nursing major. |
| APNI / DNP specialties | Program-specific | Use the graduate nursing program page for your track (FNP, PMHNP, etc.) and confirm whether applications route through NursingCAS or SU graduate admissions. |
| Transfer / post-bacc BSN | Varies | Follow the BSN program’s transfer information hub; quarter credits must map to SU requirements. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed as a separate nursing admit rate on this page |
| Nursing GPA / grade rules | Seattle University’s published BSN overview states a minimum grade of C (2.0) in nursing and prerequisite courses; competitive averages may be higher. |
| TEAS / HESI | Not summarized on this page—confirm with Seattle University admissions and nursing advising whether an entrance exam applies to your pathway. |
| Clinical clearance | Expect immunizations, background checks, drug screening, and other hospital policies tied to clinical placement—confirm current student health and compliance requirements. |
Honest tips
If you target the four-year BSN from high school, prioritize strong math and science preparation early because upper-division nursing begins in the junior year under the published plan. If you are comparing APNI versus an accelerated BSN elsewhere, map total cost, time-to-RN, time-to-APRN, and the separate WABON NCLEX rows so you are not mixing cohort statistics.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Seattle University operates on the quarter system. The figures below come from the U.S. Department of Education / NCES College Navigator (IPEDS-derived) 2024–2025 estimates for full-time beginning undergraduates. They are institution-level, not nursing-major-specific, and exclude differential tuition, course fees, or clinical fees that may apply to certain nursing courses.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition & required fees (2024–2025, beginning undergraduates) | $56,721 (NCES lists the same amount for in-state and out-of-state for this private institution) |
| Books & supplies (estimated average) | $792 (NCES 2024–2025) |
| Estimated cost of attendance (on- or off-campus, 2024–2025) | $75,128 total expenses (NCES: tuition/fees $56,721; books $792; food & housing $15,702; other $1,913) |
| Official cost of attendance / billing | Seattle University — Student Financial Services (see net price calculator and published tuition schedules for the academic year you enter) |
| Source | NCES College Navigator — Seattle University; confirm current billed charges with Student Financial Services. |
Graduate nursing (APNI, DNP) tuition is billed differently from the undergraduate grid above—open each graduate program page or the graduate tuition schedule for specialty-specific rates.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
BSN graduates are eligible to apply for RN licensure after passing NCLEX-RN; see NCLEX-RN Pass Rate for Washington’s official program-level figures. Seattle University’s Nursing, BS marketing page highlights employers where graduates commonly work (for example Swedish, Providence, UW Medicine, Seattle Children’s, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center) and states employment outcomes including a reported 92% placement figure alongside an average salary link to Washington Employment Security Department occupational data. Confirm the cohort year and methodology for any placement percentage directly with the College of Nursing and Career Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time (BSN, 2025) | 72.78% (131 of 180), per WABON PDF February 2026 |
| NCLEX-RN first-time (APNI, 2025) | 74.51% (38 of 51), same source |
| Job placement (BSN marketing page) | Seattle University lists 92% placement on the Nursing, BS program page without a cohort year on the page we reviewed—confirm current reported placement, definitions, and survey timing with the college. |
| Source / next step | Confirm outcomes with Seattle University and WABON; see References. |
Is Seattle University the Right Fit for You?
Seattle University fits students who want a private Jesuit education in central Seattle, can budget for higher private tuition (mitigated where possible with aid), and value integrated simulation plus large-system clinical partnerships.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a four-year BSN anchored in social justice and health equity within a smaller university setting.
- Are exploring APNI or DNP specialties that Seattle University publishes clearly on its site.
- Prefer immediate proximity to Seattle’s major hospitals and are comfortable commuting to Cherry Hill for simulation blocks.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need the lowest possible tuition path for pre-licensure RN training (compare Washington community-college ADN options).
- Expect fully online pre-licensure nursing—Seattle U’s BSN is built around on-site Seattle learning.
- Prefer a single, stable NCLEX narrative; SU’s WABON data shows cohort-to-cohort swings—review multi-year tables before deciding.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Seattle University’s nursing marketing emphasizes learning in one of the nation’s densest medical geographies—First Hill’s “Pill Hill” corridor ties SU to major employers and academic medical centers. The college states it partners with hundreds of Puget Sound agencies; your exact rotation mix will depend on curricular requirements and site availability.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Swedish Health Services | Hosts SU’s Clinical Performance Lab at Swedish Cherry Hill; also listed among top employers in SU’s BSN materials. |
| Providence Health | Large regional Catholic nonprofit system interconnected with Swedish branding in Western Washington. |
| UW Medicine | Academic health system with hospitals and clinics frequently used for Seattle-area student experiences across programs. |
| Seattle Children’s Hospital | Pediatric quaternary center named as an employer example by Seattle University—pediatric immersion depends on placement. |
| Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center | Oncology-focused setting cited by Seattle University among prospective employers. |
Use the Washington State Employment Security Department labor market tools for nursing supply/demand context—figures shift annually and are not a guarantee of placement.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Undergraduate nursing students split learning between Seattle University’s First Hill campus, classroom sites linked to the University Core, and off-campus clinical experiences. The Clinical Performance Lab at Swedish Cherry Hill offers high-fidelity simulators for adult, pediatric, and infant scenarios. Seattle University also promotes global health immersion opportunities for nursing students—confirm availability, prerequisites, and any added costs with the education abroad office. Student organizations (including interest groups tied to nursing and health sciences) vary by year; check Campus Ministry, student government, and college-sponsored clubs during orientation.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Seattle, WA (First Hill / main campus)
- Address
- 900 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122-4340, US (main campus—per NCES; confirm departmental offices)
- Telephone
- Main: (206) 296-6000 · College of Nursing: (206) 296-5660
- Nursing email
- nurse@seattleu.edu (per Seattle U nursing pages)
- Website
- seattleu.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Seattle University nursing website and open the catalog pages for BSN or graduate tracks you are considering.
- Download the four-year BSN plan (or transfer plan) and compare each science and UCOR requirement to your transcripts.
- If you are exploring APNI, read the immersion DNP prerequisites and compare the WABON APNI NCLEX row separately from BSN.
- Book a conversation with undergraduate or graduate admissions and ask about progression policies into the nursing major.
- Estimate net price using the official net price calculator linked from NCES or SFS, not sticker tuition alone.
- Skim the latest WABON NCLEX PDF to see multi-year context for Seattle University.
- Add calendar deadlines for your target quarter and financial aid (FAFSA/institutional forms).
Frequently Asked Questions
What degrees does Seattle University College of Nursing offer?
Seattle University lists a pre-licensure BSN, the APNI direct-entry DNP, multiple nurse practitioner DNP specialties, nurse-midwifery DNP, and post-doctoral APRN certificates on its College of Nursing and Health Sciences program pages. Verify each specialty’s current status in the catalog.
What is the Seattle University BSN NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate?
The February 2026 WABON NCLEX PDF lists Seattle University – BSN at 72.78% first-time (131 of 180) for 2025 and 90.91% (160 of 176) for 2024. Confirm newer years as WABON republishes the table.
How does Seattle University APNI differ from the BSN for NCLEX reporting?
WABON separates “Seattle University – APNI” from “Seattle University – BSN.” APNI reported 74.51% first-time (38 of 51) in 2025 and 88.33% (53 of 60) in 2024 in the same PDF. Use the correct row when comparing cohorts.
What is Seattle University’s undergraduate tuition?
NCES College Navigator lists tuition and required fees of $56,721 for full-time beginning undergraduates in 2024–2025 (private; same figure shown for in-state and out-of-state). Actual charges can vary by program year—confirm with Student Financial Services.
Is Seattle University nursing accredited by CCNE?
Seattle University states its baccalaureate nursing, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by CCNE, with a link to ccneaccreditation.org on the BSN program page. Confirm specialty coverage with CCNE and the college.
Where is Seattle University’s Clinical Performance Lab?
The university describes a Clinical Performance Lab at Swedish Cherry Hill’s James Tower Life Sciences Center with adult, pediatric, and infant simulators. Expect to commute between campus and the lab for portions of the curriculum.
Does the Seattle University BSN require the TEAS?
This guide does not list TEAS requirements because they were not confirmed from a single authoritative excerpt during the review. Check directly with Seattle University undergraduate admissions and nursing advising.
Where can I verify Washington nursing program NCLEX pass rates?
Use the Washington State Board of Nursing nursing program NCLEX pass rates PDF linked from nursing.wa.gov (see References).
References
- Seattle University — College of Nursing & Health Sciencesseattleu.edu/nursing
- Seattle University — Nursing, BS (BSN)Nursing, BS program page
- Seattle University — BSN first-time in college program of studyFour-year BSN plan
- Seattle University — Clinical Performance LabClinical Performance Lab
- Washington State Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates (PDF)NCLEX-pass-rates.pdf (February 2026)
- Washington State Board of Nursing — program pass rates pagenursing.wa.gov — Program pass rates
- NCES College Navigator — Seattle University (tuition & expenses)nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator — Seattle University
- 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 the February 2026 WABON pass-rate PDF (BSN and APNI rows), program lists against Seattle University’s public program pages, and tuition against NCES College Navigator.
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 Washington State Board of Nursing.
Published: April 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: April 1, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy