Brian PhilipsChoosing to pursue nursing at San José State University (SJSU) is a smart move for anyone passionate about health care and patient care excellence. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SJSU’s Valley Foundation School of Nursing is one of the top-rated programs in California and consistently attracts hundreds of qualified applicants each year.
However, because of its reputation, the program is highly impacted, meaning that competition is fierce and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
If you’re planning to apply, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the SJSU Nursing acceptance rate, admission requirements, and practical strategies to boost your chances.
SJSU Nursing Acceptance Rate
The SJSU Nursing program is one of the most competitive majors in the California State University system. Unlike general university admissions, the nursing program has its own specialized selection process that ranks applicants based on academic performance, test scores, and experience.
Because the program is impacted, SJSU doesn’t publish a fixed acceptance percentage every year. Instead, it uses a ranking and impaction score system to select the top applicants for each admission cycle.
According to several sources, the estimated SJSU Nursing acceptance rate hovers between 50% and 67%, depending on the year and applicant pool strength. This means that out of every 100 students who apply, roughly half—or fewer—are offered admission.
However, keep in mind that this rate fluctuates. Some semesters see stronger applicants, making it more competitive, while other cycles may have slightly lower cutoffs.
Why the Acceptance Rate Varies
There are several factors that cause SJSU’s nursing acceptance rate to vary each year:
- Limited spots: The program only admits a certain number of students per semester, often fewer than 80 in total.
- Two admission cycles: SJSU offers Fall and Spring intakes. The Fall intake is open to new transfer students, while the Spring intake usually serves current SJSU students and post-baccalaureate applicants.
- Impaction scores: Students are ranked using a weighted impaction formula that includes their GPA and TEAS test results.
- Applicant strength: Some years, applicants have exceptionally high GPAs and TEAS scores, which raises the minimum score needed for admission.
Average Admitted Student Profile
While official averages change each year, successful applicants typically have:
- A GPA between 3.7 and 4.0 in prerequisite courses
- A TEAS score of 90% or higher
- Completed all corequisite courses before applying
- At least 100 hours of healthcare experience (volunteer or paid)
These numbers show that SJSU seeks highly motivated, academically strong, and well-prepared nursing candidates.
SJSU Nursing Requirements
Getting into SJSU’s nursing program requires careful planning and academic excellence. Below are the major requirements you must meet before applying.
1. Dual Application Process
Applicants must submit two separate applications:
- University Application (Cal State Apply):
Submit through the CSU portal to gain admission to San José State University. - Nursing Application (NursingCAS):
Submit directly to the Valley Foundation School of Nursing via NursingCAS. This application includes prerequisite verification, transcripts, and supplemental materials.
Important: Failing to submit either application correctly will result in automatic disqualification.
2. Residency and Eligibility Criteria
Due to high demand, SJSU’s BSN program currently does not accept international students or those on student visas. Only the following applicants are eligible:
- California residents
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- AB540/DACA eligible students
Transfer students can only apply for the Fall semester, while post-baccalaureate applicants (those who already have a bachelor’s degree) can only apply for Spring admission. Additionally, post-baccalaureate students make up no more than 10% of each cohort.
3. Prerequisite and Corequisite Courses
SJSU’s nursing prerequisites are commonly known as the “Big 8” courses, while the corequisites are three additional required subjects.
The Big 8 Prerequisites
Applicants must complete the following eight courses with a minimum grade of “C” and an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher:
- BIOL 65 – Human Anatomy
- BIOL 66 – Human Physiology
- MICR 20 – General Bacteriology
- ENGL 1A – College Composition
- STAT 95 – Elementary Statistics
- CHEM 30A – Introductory Inorganic Chemistry
- COMM 20 or 96PS – Public Speaking
- CSU GE Area A3 – Critical Thinking
Note: Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology must be completed within five years of applying.
Corequisite Courses
Corequisites can be completed during or before the application cycle:
- PSYC 1 – General Psychology
- CHAD 70 – Lifespan Development
- NUFS 8 – Nutrition for Health Professionals
Applicants are allowed a maximum of two attempts per course, and only the first successful grade (C or better) counts. If you have AP credit for English, Statistics, or Psychology, it will count as “credit” but won’t affect your GPA.
4. GPA and Impaction Score Calculation
Admission is primarily based on a weighted impaction score that combines:
- 2/3 from the Prerequisite GPA
- 1/3 from the TEAS Score
To qualify, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 across all prerequisite courses. However, competitive applicants typically present 3.8 or higher.
You can also earn additional points for verified healthcare experience, which is considered when applicants have similar GPAs and TEAS scores. To qualify, the experience must:
- Involve direct human patient contact
- Total at least 100 hours within the last 3 years
- Be verified by a supervisor or HR official
5. TEAS Exam Requirements
All applicants must take the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) within five years of applying.
Key details:
- Minimum required score: 84%
- Accepted version: TEAS Version 7
- Maximum attempts: Two (the highest score counts)
Since the TEAS carries a one-third weight in the impaction formula, performing well can make a significant difference in your ranking.
6. Other Important Requirements
Beyond coursework and testing, applicants must meet several additional standards:
- Writing Skills: Applicants may need to show English proficiency or writing competency.
- Health and Background Checks: Once admitted, students must complete immunization, drug screening, and background checks before clinical placements.
- No Waitlist Policy: There is no waiting list; applicants who are not accepted must reapply for the next cycle.
- Application Windows:
- Fall Admission: Mid-January to mid-February
- Spring Admission: August 15 to September 15
7. Typical Accepted Student Profiles
While SJSU does not officially publish individual scores, data from student communities show common patterns:
| Category | Typical Admitted Range |
|---|---|
| GPA | 3.7 – 4.0 |
| TEAS Score | 88% – 95% |
| Healthcare Hours | 100+ hours |
| Attempts | Usually 1–2 application cycles |
In short, the students who make it into SJSU’s nursing program are those who exceed the minimums, plan ahead, and submit well-prepared applications.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Admission
Getting into SJSU’s nursing program takes more than luck — it requires strategy, consistency, and determination. Below are expert strategies to help you stand out:
1. Maintain a High GPA
Because GPA carries the most weight in SJSU’s impaction score, aim for an A average (3.8+) across all prerequisites. If your GPA is borderline, consider retaking classes where permitted.
2. Excel on the TEAS Exam
The TEAS exam tests reading, math, science, and English skills. Prepare early using:
- ATI official practice tests
- Study guides and review videos
- TEAS prep courses offered by local colleges
Scoring above 90% can drastically boost your ranking.
3. Complete Corequisites Early
Having all your corequisite courses finished before applying can give you a competitive edge and free up time for clinical work later.
4. Gain Hands-On Healthcare Experience
Volunteer or work in roles such as:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Medical Assistant
- Hospital volunteer
- Caregiver
Document at least 100 hours and ensure your supervisor completes the verification form correctly.
5. Attend SJSU Nursing Info Sessions
SJSU’s Nursing Department hosts regular virtual and in-person information sessions. These are invaluable for understanding updates to the application process, impaction scoring, and admission timelines.
6. Apply Early and Double-Check Everything
Submit both applications (Cal State Apply and NursingCAS) well before the deadline. Missing transcripts, incomplete forms, or unverified TEAS scores are common reasons for disqualification.
7. Develop Strong Writing and Communication Skills
As a nurse, communication is key. SJSU values applicants who demonstrate strong interpersonal and writing abilities — both essential for patient care and teamwork.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing a prerequisite or taking the wrong version of a course. Always check SJSU’s Articulation Agreements to confirm your classes transfer correctly.
- Taking old science courses: Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology older than five years won’t count.
- Failing to verify healthcare experience properly.
- Submitting late applications. The NursingCAS system closes sharply at 11:59 p.m. on the final day.
- Assuming meeting the minimum means admission. Due to impaction, minimum qualifications are not enough.
Why Choose the SJSU Nursing Program?
The Valley Foundation School of Nursing at SJSU is recognized for its rigorous academics, clinical excellence, and community focus. Students benefit from:
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Clinical partnerships with top hospitals like Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- A strong alumni network across the Bay Area
Graduates from SJSU are known to secure employment quickly due to the university’s strong ties with major healthcare systems in California.
Career Prospects After Graduation
After completing the BSN program and passing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, graduates can pursue careers such as:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Public Health Nurse
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Travel Nurse
- Nurse Manager or Educator
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in California earn an average annual salary of $133,000, among the highest in the nation.
This makes SJSU’s nursing degree an excellent investment for a rewarding and stable career in healthcare.
Conclusion
The SJSU Nursing Program is highly respected and equally competitive. With a rigorous curriculum, outstanding faculty, and strong clinical partnerships, it’s one of the best pathways for aspiring nurses in California.
While the acceptance rate fluctuates between 50% and 67%, your chances of success increase significantly if you maintain a high GPA, excel on the TEAS exam, complete your prerequisites early, and gain real-world healthcare experience.
If you’re dedicated, organized, and passionate about patient care, San José State University’s nursing program can be the stepping stone to a fulfilling nursing career.