Brian PhilipsIf you’re planning to pursue a career in nursing, the University of San Francisco (USFCA) is one of California’s most reputable destinations for future nurses. Known for its strong academic reputation, community engagement, and Jesuit values, USFCA’s nursing program attracts thousands of ambitious students every year. However, it’s also one of the most competitive nursing programs in the state.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the USFCA nursing acceptance rate, admission requirements, GPA expectations, and tips to improve your chances of getting accepted.
USFCA Nursing Acceptance Rate
The University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions (SONHP) is highly selective. Each year, thousands of students apply for a limited number of seats in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, making the process quite competitive.
Current Acceptance Rate
Recent university data shows that the USFCA nursing program has an acceptance rate between 16% and 25% depending on the year and applicant pool.
- In Fall 2025, USFCA received around 2,517 applications and accepted 409 students, which means an acceptance rate of roughly 16%.
- In Fall 2024, the acceptance rate was slightly higher, at around 20% out of 2,330 applicants.
- Historically, the program’s acceptance rate has ranged between 15% and 25%, depending on the number of applicants and available spaces.
This is significantly lower than the university’s overall undergraduate acceptance rate, which is typically around 45–50%. Clearly, the nursing program is among the most selective majors at USF.
Why the Acceptance Rate is So Low
There are several reasons why the USFCA nursing program is so selective:
- Limited Class Size: The BSN program can only accept a small number of students each year due to clinical placement limitations in hospitals and healthcare centers across the Bay Area.
- High Demand: Nursing continues to be one of the most popular and in-demand career paths nationwide.
- Academic Rigor: USF’s nursing curriculum is challenging, combining clinical experiences with Jesuit values of social justice and patient advocacy.
- Strong Outcomes: The program has an impressive NCLEX-RN pass rate of about 90–92%, making it highly attractive to future nurses.
How Competitive is USFCA Nursing?
To put things in perspective, getting into USFCA nursing is often more competitive than many other private university nursing programs in California. With an acceptance rate hovering around 16%, it’s comparable to the competitiveness of top-tier public universities’ nursing schools.
This means that even students who meet the minimum admission criteria may not be admitted. To stand out, applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to patient care.
USFCA Nursing Requirements
Admission into the USFCA nursing program depends on the applicant type—first-year (freshman) or transfer student. Each group has distinct eligibility criteria.
1. Freshman (First-Year) Applicants
If you’re applying straight from high school, here are the key requirements:
Academic Coursework
Applicants must complete a strong high school curriculum that includes:
- English: 4 years
- Mathematics: 3 years
- Social Science: 3 years
- Laboratory Science: 2 years (must include Chemistry)
- Foreign Language: 2 years
Minimum GPA and Academic Performance
- Although USFCA does not publish an official minimum GPA for first-year applicants, competitive students generally have a high school GPA of 3.7 or higher.
- Strong performance in math and science courses (especially chemistry and biology) is essential.
Additional Application Materials
- Official High School Transcript
- Personal Essay / Supplemental Question: Applicants must write about their motivation for nursing and how they align with USF’s Jesuit mission.
- English Proficiency: International students must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores.
USFCA has adopted a test-optional policy, meaning SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission. However, submitting strong test scores can enhance your application.
2. Transfer Applicants
If you are transferring from another college or university, the nursing program has more specific academic requirements.
Minimum GPA
- Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
- Because of competition, successful transfer applicants often have GPAs closer to 3.6 or above.
Required Prerequisite Courses
Transfer students must complete or be in progress with these key science and general education courses:
- Human Anatomy with Lab
- Human Physiology with Lab
- Microbiology with Lab
- General Psychology
It’s also recommended to complete Introductory Sociology and Statistics, though these are not mandatory for admission.
Units and Credits
- Applicants must have completed at least 30 semester units (or 45 quarter units) before applying.
- All prerequisites should be taken within the last seven years to remain valid.
Other Requirements
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at your previous institution.
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended.
- Clinical placement eligibility (background checks and immunizations will be required before clinical rotations).
3. Graduate-Level Nursing Programs
USFCA also offers advanced nursing degrees such as the Master’s Entry – MSN (for non-nurses) and RN to MSN (for licensed nurses) programs. Admission requirements vary by track.
Master’s Entry – MSN Program
For applicants with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree:
- Completion of prerequisite science courses (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Psychology).
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Submission of official transcripts, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- No interview required.
- Application submitted through NursingCAS.
RN to MSN Program
For registered nurses with a BSN or equivalent:
- Valid RN license.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (holistic review may consider applicants below this threshold).
- Professional references and a personal statement.
- Additional coursework may be required if GPA is under 3.0.
Both graduate programs require background checks, immunization verification, and drug screening before clinical placement.
Other Admission and Program Requirements
Once admitted, nursing students must meet specific health and background standards before participating in clinical experiences.
Health and Safety Requirements
- Up-to-date immunizations (MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, etc.)
- Annual TB screening
- COVID-19 vaccination (as required by clinical sites)
- Background check and drug test using CastleBranch
- Proof of health insurance coverage
These are mandatory to comply with hospital and state health regulations.
Curriculum Overview
The BSN program at USFCA combines liberal arts education with rigorous nursing coursework. Students complete a total of 128 units, which include general education, nursing science, and clinical practice courses.
Core Nursing Courses Include:
- Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
- Health Assessment
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Adult and Geriatric Nursing
- Maternal and Child Health Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Community and Public Health Nursing
Students also participate in hands-on clinical rotations across San Francisco Bay Area hospitals, community clinics, and healthcare centers.
How to Increase Your Chances of Admission
Because of its selective nature, you need to make your application stand out. Here are practical tips:
1. Maintain a Strong GPA
A competitive GPA (3.7 or above for freshmen; 3.5+ for transfers) significantly boosts your admission chances. Focus especially on science and math courses.
2. Complete Prerequisites Early
Plan your schedule to complete core science courses before applying. USFCA places a high emphasis on recent, strong performance in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
3. Showcase Nursing Passion
Your personal essay is your opportunity to demonstrate commitment to nursing. Talk about volunteer experiences, caregiving, or any healthcare exposure that inspired your interest.
4. Highlight Service and Leadership
USFCA’s Jesuit philosophy values compassion, service, and community. Highlight experiences where you demonstrated empathy, teamwork, or leadership in helping others.
5. Get Strong Recommendations
Choose recommenders who can speak to your academic abilities, work ethic, and suitability for nursing. A well-written recommendation can make a big difference.
6. Prepare Financially
USFCA is a private university, so tuition is higher than public institutions. The average tuition for the nursing program is around $58,000 per year before scholarships and financial aid. Make sure to explore USF’s financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
USFCA Nursing Program Outcomes
One reason students aim for USFCA is its outstanding success rate and graduate outcomes.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: Around 90–92% of graduates pass the national licensure exam on their first try.
- Employment Rate: More than 95% of graduates secure employment within six months of graduation.
- Clinical Experience: Students gain hands-on experience in some of California’s best hospitals and community health centers.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Graduates are highly sought after in the healthcare industry, often moving into leadership, advanced practice, and community health roles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What GPA do I need for USFCA nursing?
You should aim for a minimum 3.7 GPA in high school or 3.5 GPA as a transfer student. The average GPA of admitted students is often higher due to competition.
2. Does USFCA require SAT or ACT?
No. USFCA is test-optional, meaning you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores.
3. Is USFCA nursing hard to get into?
Yes, the acceptance rate of around 16–20% makes it highly competitive compared to most programs in California.
4. How long is the BSN program?
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program takes four years for freshmen and about two and a half years for transfer students.
5. Where do nursing students complete clinicals?
Students complete clinical rotations at leading hospitals across the San Francisco Bay Area, including UCSF, Kaiser Permanente, and Sutter Health facilities.
Conclusion
The University of San Francisco offers one of the most respected nursing programs in California. Its small class sizes, experienced faculty, and hands-on clinical approach make it ideal for students passionate about healthcare and community service.
However, because of its low acceptance rate and strict requirements, gaining admission requires careful preparation, high academic achievement, and genuine dedication to nursing.
If you’re committed to helping others and ready to take on a rigorous yet rewarding education, the USFCA nursing program can open doors to a successful career in healthcare.