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Nursing Acceptance Rates (UC)

Data from UCLA APB and UCI Institutional Research 

UCLA nursing acceptance rate was 1% for freshman and 7% for transfer students (Fall 2025).

UC Irvine acceptance rate is 0.9% for freshman and 2.3% for transfer students (Fall 2025).

Nursing Acceptance Rates (CSU)

Data from The CSU Data Center 

San Diego State nursing acceptance rate was 3% for freshman and 6% for transfer students (fall 2025). 

CSUSM Nursing Acceptance rate was 8% (Fall 2025).

Cal State Long Beach acceptance rate was 5.8% for freshman and 2.8% for transfer students (Fall 2025).

According to the San Francisco State Nursing page, the nursing acceptance rate is around  6%.

Cal State Fullerton nursing acceptance rate was 19% for direct entry freshman and 2% for transfer students (Fall 2025).

Sacramento State had a 32% acceptance rate for its nursing program (Fall 2025).

Cal State LA nursing acceptance rate was 7% (Fall 2025)

Fresno State Nursing Acceptance rate for transfer students is 16.5% (2025). It’s unclear at this time the acceptance rate for current students. 

Channel Island nursing acceptance rate for transfer students is 8.2% (2025). It’s unclear at this time the acceptance rate for current students. 

Not available at this time.

San Jose State nursing acceptance rate for transfer students was 25% (2025). Its unclear at this time the acceptance rate for current students. 

The ABSN acceptance rate is 14% (Spring 2026).

Cal State Bakersfield nursing acceptance rate is 23% (2025).

Stanislaus State nursing acceptance rate hovers between 12-20% for the fall and 15-30% for the spring.

Not available at this time.

Not available at this time.

Data not available at this time.

Private Nursing Programs

Private nursing schools in California are typically more expensive than public programs because they don’t receive state funding. This means tuition reflects the full program cost. However, what you actually pay can vary widely depending on factors such as transfer credits, scholarships, and financial aid (FAFSA).

Determining the “best” private nursing school in California is challenging because every student values different characteristics in a program. Some may prioritize high NCLEX pass rates, others look for rolling admissions with no waitlists, while many focus on location, cost, class size, or clinical placement opportunities. The right school for you depends on which factors matter most to your goals.

Yes. Most accredited private nursing schools accept FAFSA.

Yes. Most private nursing schools in California accept transfer credit from accredited institutions. However, the number of credits that apply can vary. Schools typically provide a transcript evaluation to determine which courses meet their requirements. Some programs also have recency requirements, meaning certain science or prerequisite courses must have been completed within a set number of years.

Many students pay for private nursing schools by combining several funding sources. These can include federal aid through FAFSA (grants and loans), state aid such as Cal Grants, scholarships offered by the school or outside organizations, private loans, and personal financing options. Some students also reduce costs by applying transfer credits to shorten their program length. 

 

Public nursing programs (community colleges, CSU, UC) are state-subsidized, making tuition much lower for California residents. They educate 78% of the ADN students in California but only 20% of BSN students. Public programs are often impacted making them tougher to get into. 

Private nursing programs (non-profit and for-profit) do not receive state funding, so tuition is higher. They educate 80% of the BSN enrollment population in California and just 22% of the ADN students. Private programs typically are less impacted and more accessible.

Accelerated Nursing Programs

Accelerated nursing programs are typically between 12 and 18 months. (This timeline does not included any required general education or prerequisite coursework needed to start an ABSN program.

Some ABSN programs require an applicant to hold a bachelors degree, while others accept students who have completed a minimum number of college credits. 

Many students believe they are, especially if the goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing as quickly as possible. While ABSN students often make more sacrifices than those in traditional BSN or ADN programs (less breaks), they benefit from graduating and entering the workforce sooner.

Ultimately, students must consider the cost, timeline to graduation, and their personal learning style to decide if an ABSN program is the right fit.

The most common science prerequisites for ABSN programs include chemistry, microbiology, human anatomy, physiology, and statistics. Many programs also require nutrition and human development. Some schools may list pathophysiology or pharmacology as prerequisites, while others include the courses within the nursing curriculum itself.

Prerequisite and general education requirements can vary by school, so it’s important to check each program’s admissions criteria. Some ABSN programs allow qualified students to waive certain general education courses based on prior coursework or degrees.

Accelerated nursing programs are often more accessible than traditional BSN and ADN programs, especially in California. Many offer multiple start dates, rolling admissions, and larger student cohorts, which can increase ones chance of being accepted.

Accelerated nursing programs typically range from $30,000 to $150,000. However, the sticker price is not the true price for every student.

What you actually pay depends on several factors, including:

  • Transfer credit you can apply toward the program

  • Financial aid eligibility (federal, state, or institutional)

  • Scholarships awarded by the school or outside organizations

  • Living expenses, especially if relocation is required for in-person clinicals or campus attendance

Always request a personalized cost breakdown from each program you’re considering.

Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nusing