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Nursing School Acceptance Rates in California

Nursing School Acceptance Rates in California in 2025

Last Updated on November 23, 2024 by II Editor

Acceptance rates, average GPA, and test scores are some of the essential criteria most institutions use in evaluating their applicants to better understand their intellectual capacities to be sure they have what it takes to go through the academic rigour associated with a rigorous program such as nursing. As a resident or an out-of-state applicant, knowing the nursing school acceptance rates in California and their respective average GPA requirements will help you make careful considerations and strategic planning toward achieving your goals in the healthcare field.

Whether you are a prospective nursing student or a professional looking to advance your career, understanding these metrics will help you navigate the competitive landscape of nursing education in California.

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Factors Affecting Nursing School Acceptance Rates in California

When aspiring to pursue a nursing education in California, it is crucial to understand the various factors that influence nursing school acceptance rates. By delving into these factors, prospective nursing students can gain valuable insights into the admissions process and enhance their chances of securing a spot in their desired nursing program. Below are some of the key elements impacting California nursing school acceptance rates.

  1. Applicant Pool and Competition: The number of applicants vying for limited spots in nursing schools significantly affects acceptance rates. With its reputation for outstanding nursing programs, California attracts a large applicant pool, intensifying the competition for admission. As the number of qualified applicants increases, acceptance rates tend to decrease, making it crucial for students to present a solid application to stand out from the crowd.
  2. Admission Requirements and Prerequisites: Just as Dental Schools have DAT, nursing schools in California establish specific admission requirements and prerequisite courses that applicants must fulfil. These criteria typically include a minimum GPA, completion of prerequisite science courses (such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology), and satisfactory scores on standardized tests like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or the HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc), admission assessment exam. Meeting or exceeding these requirements is essential to be considered for admission.
  3. School Reputation and Accreditation: A nursing school’s overall reputation and accreditation status can significantly impact acceptance rates. Renowned nursing institutions in California often attract a larger applicant pool due to their reputation for excellence in education and clinical training. Consequently, the competition for admission to these prestigious schools tends to be more intense. However, it is important to understand that acceptance rates can vary even amongst highly respected institutions.
  4. Program Size and Capacity: The capacity of nursing programs and the number of available slots can directly influence acceptance rates. Some nursing schools in California may have limited enrollment capacities due to factors such as faculty resources, clinical placements, or available facilities. As a result, these schools may have lower acceptance rates than institutions with larger capacities, as they can only admit a specified number of qualified applicants.
See also  8 Nursing Schools in California with High Acceptance Rates 2025

As a prospective nursing student in California, you need to have a comprehensive understanding of these factors. By being aware of the elements contributing to nursing school acceptance rates, you can adequately prepare yourself for the application process and make informed decisions when selecting the nursing schools you wish to apply to.

While acceptance rates provide valuable insights, it is important to consider other factors, such as program quality, faculty expertise, clinical opportunities, and available resources. These factors contribute to the overall educational experience and can significantly impact a student’s success and satisfaction throughout their nursing journey.

By considering these factors and thoroughly preparing a strong application, you will increase your chances of admission to a nursing program in California. 

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Nursing School Acceptance Rates in California 

In the table below, we provided the acceptance rates of all the BSN nursing programs in California, their average GPAs and respective tuition.

Institution Acceptance Rate Average GPA Estimated Tuition and Fees (before Financial Aid)
The AUHS School of Nursing 45% 2.5 on a 4.0 scale $111,234
Angeles College 60% N/A $103,500
Arizona College of Nursing 45% 2.75 $64,444-$125,000
Azusa Pacific University 44% 3.0 $59,400
Biola University 64% 3.6 $186,816
California Baptist University 40% 3.57 $175,758-$179,128
California State University, Bakersfield 78% 3.0 $40,912
California State University, Channel Islands 39% 3.2 on a scale of 4.0. $51,000
California State University, Chico 55% 3.0 $31,904
California State University, East Bay 43% 3.0 $27,976
California State University, Fresno 40% 3.75 $28,493
California State University, Fullerton 68% 3.25 $33,116
California State University, Long Beach 42% 3.25 $27,552
California State University, Los Angeles 18% 3.0 $32,180
California State University, Northridge 58% 3.21 or higher $46,400
California State University, Sacramento 29% 3.3 $29,936
California State University, San Bernardino 38% 3.7 or better $29,827.60 (Plus 1st Year RN Program Costs = $2,500-$3,500)
California State University, San Marcos 33% 3.5 or better $35,488 (Plus 1st Year RN Program Costs = $2,000)
California State University, Stanislaus 36% 3.0 or better $22,872-$27,200
Chamberlain University College of Nursing 58% 3.0 on a 4.0 scale $101,653
Chamberlain University College of Nursing – Irwindale 75% 3.0 $98,755
Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing 63% 3.0 $53,515
CNI College 100% 3.0 $147,450
Concordia University Irvine 45% 3.25 $60,000-$62,000
Dominican University of California School of Nursing 46% 3.25 $207,272
Fresno Pacific University 67% 3.0 $136,752
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts 65% 2.5 $139,672.50
Holy Names University 54% 3.0 or higher
Loma Linda University 46% 3.0 $102,120
Mount Saint Mary’s University – Los Angeles 59% 3.0 or higher $186,960
National University 76% 3.0 $67,561
Point Loma Nazarene University 64% 3.0 or higher $177,520
Samuel Merritt University 56% 3.0 or higher $259,973
San Diego State University 35% 3.0 $37,280
San Francisco State University 54% 3.0 or higher $34,484
Simpson University 60% 3.4 or higher $156,495
Sonoma State University 50% 3.5 or higher $34,325-$34,525
Stanbridge University 35% 3.4 or higher $142,995
The Valley Foundation School of Nursing at San Jose State University 65% 3.2 or higher $48,768-$50,466
Unitek College 100% 3.2 or higher $143,392.50
University of California, Irvine 23% 3.0 or higher $66,557.56-$67,482.56
University of California, Los Angeles 13% 3.5 or higher $68,329.12
University of Massachusetts Global 35% 3.0 or higher $100,305
University of San Francisco 47% 3.5 0r higher $226,736
Vanguard University 30% 3.0 or higher $159,400
West Coast University 60% 2.0 or higher $148,253
Westmont College 65% 3.5 or higher $206,664
William Jessup University 53% 3.0 or higher $36,000
See also  Why Are Medical School Acceptance Rates So Low?

Conclusion

By understanding the importance of nursing school acceptance rates and implementing strategies to enhance your application, you are positioning yourself for success in pursuing a nursing career. Conduct thorough research, maintain strong academic performance, gain relevant healthcare experience, craft a compelling personal statement, and obtain strong letters of recommendation.

Remember, the journey to becoming a nurse may involve challenges, but you can overcome them with dedication, perseverance, and a well-rounded application. Stay focused, driven, and motivated throughout the application process, knowing that your diligent efforts will open doors for learning, personal growth, and the ability to make a meaningful impact as a nurse. Good luck! A rewarding nursing career in California awaits you.

Note: This blog post serves as a guide for informational purposes only. It is advisable to verify the latest information and specific admission requirements directly with the respective nursing schools.

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