APU Nursing Acceptance Rate And Requirements (2025)

If you’re considering pursuing a nursing degree at APU, you probably want to know the acceptance rate, requirements, and what it takes to stand out as an applicant. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the APU nursing acceptance rate, admission requirements, application process, tuition, career outlook, and tips to increase your chances of getting admitted.

APU Nursing Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate for APU’s nursing program is highly competitive. On average, APU’s undergraduate nursing program admits only about 35–45% of applicants each year. This selectivity highlights how rigorous and in-demand the program is.

Unlike some majors where admission is less competitive, nursing requires additional screening because of limited clinical placement spots, accreditation requirements, and the intensive hands-on training involved. APU carefully evaluates academic performance, prerequisite completion, GPA, personal qualities, and potential for success in the nursing profession.

For graduate programs such as the MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) or DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), the acceptance rate is also competitive—ranging between 40–50%, depending on the applicant pool and available faculty resources.

In general, students with higher GPAs (3.5 and above), strong science grades, excellent recommendation letters, and well-written personal statements tend to have the best chance of being admitted.

APU Nursing Requirements

If you are planning to apply to APU’s nursing program, understanding the requirements is crucial. APU has specific standards for academic preparation, prerequisite courses, and application materials.

Undergraduate BSN Requirements:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

• Minimum GPA: Typically 3.0 or higher (with preference for stronger science GPAs)

• Prerequisite Courses: Must complete courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Nutrition, Psychology, and Statistics. Each must be passed with at least a “C” grade.

• TEAS Test (Test of Essential Academic Skills): Many applicants are required to submit TEAS scores to demonstrate readiness.

• Personal Statement: An essay reflecting your motivation for nursing, experiences in healthcare, and alignment with APU’s mission.

• Letters of Recommendation: Usually 1–2 from teachers, employers, or healthcare professionals.

• Interview: Selected applicants may be invited for an interview to evaluate communication skills, empathy, and readiness for the program.

Graduate Nursing Requirements (MSN, DNP, and Post-Master’s):

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution

• Unencumbered RN License (Registered Nurse license valid in the U.S.)

• Minimum GPA: Usually 3.0 or above in undergraduate nursing coursework

• Clinical Experience: Some programs require 1–2 years of nursing experience before admission

• Resume/CV: Detailing academic and professional nursing experience

• Recommendation Letters: Often from supervisors or nursing faculty

• Graduate Application Essay: Explaining career goals, reasons for pursuing advanced nursing, and leadership potential

APU Nursing Application Process

The application process for APU nursing can be broken down into clear steps:

1. Choose Your Program – Decide between BSN (traditional or accelerated), MSN, DNP, or post-master’s certificate programs.

2. Complete Prerequisites – Ensure all required science and general education courses are completed.

3. Submit Online Application – Apply through APU’s official admissions portal.

4. Provide Transcripts – Submit official transcripts from all schools attended.

5. Write Personal Statement – Explain why you want to pursue nursing at APU, focusing on your calling, skills, and experiences.

6. Submit Recommendation Letters – From teachers, professors, or supervisors.

7. Take Entrance Exams (if required) – Such as the TEAS test for undergraduate applicants.

8. Interview (if invited) – Be prepared for a panel or one-on-one interview.

9. Wait for Decision – Admission decisions typically come within a few months of the application deadline.

GPA and Prerequisite Course Requirements

One of the most critical factors for APU nursing admissions is academic performance.

• Preferred GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, with stronger emphasis on science courses.

• Science Prerequisites: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry are considered the most important. Applicants should aim for grades of “B” or higher in these courses.

• Completion Timeline: All prerequisites must be completed prior to program start; some programs allow in-progress courses at the time of application.

Because nursing programs are competitive, applicants with higher GPAs and strong science backgrounds have a significant advantage.

APU Nursing Program Overview

APU offers nursing programs at multiple levels:

1. Traditional BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) – For students entering from high school or with some college experience.

2. Accelerated BSN (Second Degree BSN) – For students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.

3. LVN to BSN Program – For Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) seeking to earn a BSN.

4. Entry-Level MSN (ELMSN) – Designed for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees who want to enter nursing at the master’s level.

5. MSN Programs – Specialized tracks such as Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nursing Education.

6. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Advanced practice, leadership, and clinical roles.

7. Post-Master’s Certificates – For nurses seeking additional specialization.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Nursing education at APU is a significant investment.

• Undergraduate Nursing Tuition: Approximately $43,000–$46,000 per year (not including fees, books, and supplies).

• Graduate Tuition: Around $18,000–$25,000 per year, depending on program and credit load.

• Additional Costs: Lab fees, clinical uniforms, health insurance, and clinical clearance expenses.

Financial Aid Options at APU:

• Federal and state grants (Pell Grant, Cal Grant)

• Scholarships (merit-based, need-based, nursing-specific)

• Work-study opportunities

• Federal loans and private loans

• APU institutional scholarships for nursing students

APU Nursing Program Ranking and Reputation

APU is consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in California. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

Nationally, APU is recognized for:

• Strong NCLEX-RN pass rates for BSN graduates

• Excellent clinical placement opportunities across Southern California hospitals

• A faith-based approach to nursing education, integrating compassion and ethics into practice

• Well-regarded faculty with strong clinical and academic experience

Career Prospects After APU Nursing

Graduating from APU’s nursing program opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities.

Career Paths Include:

• Registered Nurse (RN) in hospitals, clinics, or community settings

• Nurse Practitioner (NP) specializing in family, pediatrics, or acute care

• Nurse Educator in universities and hospitals

• Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Leader

• Public Health Nurse or Community Health Advocate

Salary Outlook:

• Registered Nurses in California: Average annual salary of $124,000+, among the highest in the nation (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

• Nurse Practitioners in California: Average salary of $160,000+ annually.

With California’s growing demand for healthcare professionals, APU nursing graduates are well-positioned for long-term career success.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Accepted

Because APU nursing is competitive, applicants should adopt smart strategies to stand out:

1. Maintain a High GPA – Aim for 3.5 or higher, especially in science prerequisites.

2. Get Healthcare Experience – Volunteer, work as a CNA, or shadow nurses to demonstrate commitment.

3. Write a Strong Personal Statement – Highlight your passion, resilience, and connection to APU’s mission.

4. Secure Strong Recommendations – Choose recommenders who know your academic and professional strengths.

5. Prepare for the Interview – Be ready to discuss why nursing is your calling and how you plan to contribute to the profession.

6. Apply Early – Submit all application materials well before the deadline.

Conclusion

The APU nursing acceptance rate reflects the program’s competitiveness and strong reputation in the field of nursing. With rigorous requirements, demanding coursework, and a holistic admissions process, only the most prepared students are admitted. However, those who succeed benefit from a top-tier education, strong clinical experiences, and excellent career opportunities.

If you are passionate about nursing and ready to dedicate yourself to both academic and clinical excellence, Azusa Pacific University School of Nursing can be a life-changing path toward becoming a skilled, compassionate healthcare professional