Azusa Pacific Nursing Acceptance Rate And Requirements (2025)

• The acceptance rate for Azusa Pacific University overall and specifically the nursing program

• Admission requirements and prerequisites for the nursing tracks

• Tips to improve your application

• Frequently asked questions

• Final thoughts

Let’s get started.

Azusa Pacific Acceptance Rate

Azusa Pacific University is a private, Christian university in California. As of recent data, the general acceptance rate for the university sits at a relatively high level—some sources cite around 87 % for general undergraduate admissions.

However, different sources present varying figures. For example, Testbook lists an acceptance rate of 69 % for undergraduate admission.

Because private colleges sometimes adjust their selectivity, and because some programs are more selective than the general admission pool, you should treat these numbers as estimations rather than guarantees.

While the university may admit a large proportion of applicants overall, nursing programs are typically more competitive. Many specialized programs limit cohort sizes, require stricter academic thresholds, and receive many more applicants per slot.

• In forums and student discussions, applicants mention that the nursing program sometimes has an acceptance rate far lower than the 80-90 % university rate.

• One community poster claimed that APU nursing has “94 % acceptance rate” — but such anecdotal remarks should be taken cautiously.

• On College Confidential, one parent noted that APU’s School of Nursing reportedly receives 700–1,000 applicants per year and admits only about 100 students (two cohorts of ~50 each), suggesting an acceptance rate of 10 %–14 % depending on applicant volume.

• Also, CollegeVine mentions that although the university-wide acceptance is high (~87 %), the nursing program is “often lower” due to intense applicant competition.

Given this, a reasonable estimate is that for direct-entry traditional BSN or upper-division nursing tracks, the acceptance rate might be in the 10 % to 20 % range, depending on the year, applicant pool strength, and cohort capacity.

Takeaway: Don’t assume you will be accepted just by meeting minimum requirements. The nursing program is selective. Strategize to stand out.

Azusa Pacific Nursing Requirements

Azusa Pacific offers multiple nursing pathways suited to different student backgrounds: a Traditional BSN, a BSN Transfer / Upper Division program, Bridge to BSN, RN-to-BSN, LVN-to-BSN, and Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (ELM).

Below is a breakdown of the key requirements for each major pathway in 2025, with general expectations and tips.

Traditional BSN (First-Time Undergraduates)

This path is for students entering college with the intention of becoming a nurse without prior nursing education or licensure.

Key Requirements & Steps

• Application to the university as a nursing major, via the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, indicating interest in the nursing program.

• Submit all transcripts (high school, any college coursework).

• Provide a professional recommendation, from employer, community leader, or someone who can attest to your character and readiness.

• A one-page statement of professional goals in nursing (why you want to be a nurse, what motivates you)

• A résumé or list of volunteer/work/leadership experience in the past 3 years (community service, health-related experience)

• Deadline: November 15 (for full consideration)

Academic Prerequisites

You must complete (with grades of B- or better) foundational courses, including:

• One year of high school chemistry (or equivalent CHEM 101)

• One year of high school biology (or BIOL 101)

• Three years of high school math (algebra or geometry) with B or better; there is a math placement assessment unless waived

• Writing 1 (“The Art and Craft of Writing”) or equivalent writing requirement

Also, a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.5 is required (high school or prior college) for admission consideration.

After acceptance:

• Completion of anatomy with lab (4 units) and organic chemistry with lab (4 units), with at least B- (2.7 GPA) overall, and C or better in each course. Only one retake is allowed before beginning nursing courses.

• Credit or waiver for college algebra.

• Submit proof of physical exam within past 12 months, immunizations (TB, Hep B, MMR, Varicella, Tdap), background check, and ability to meet technical/physical standards of nursing.

• Hold current CPR with AED certification (Basic Life Support for adults & children).

Notes & Tips:

• The traditional BSN runs as a cohort, meaning your entire course schedule is sequenced. Missing or delaying one course can disrupt your pathway.

• Students must maintain a B- (2.7) average in subsequent science courses or risk academic probation.

• International students must meet the same requirements plus English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL iBT 80) for non-native speakers.

BSN Transfer (Upper-Division)

This path is intended for students who already have some college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and now want to enter the nursing major.

Requirements & Timeline

• Must complete at least 48 semester units of prerequisite coursework before applying.

• Application deadlines:
    • October 1 for spring semester start
    • February 1 for summer start
    • June 1 for fall start

• $45 nonrefundable application fee

• Official transcripts from all prior colleges/universities

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for regular admission; lower GPA may be considered with compensating factors.

• Two professional recommendations

• One-page professional goals statement in nursing

• Résumé of volunteer/work/leadership within last 3 years

Prerequisite courses typically include (with minimum grades: overall B- or equivalent, no course below C):

• General Microbiology with lab (4 units)

• Human Anatomy with lab (4 units)

• Human Physiology with lab (4 units)

• General, Organic, Biological Chemistry (health sciences) (4 units)

Once accepted into the nursing program:

• Physical exam, immunizations, background check, meeting technical standards, CPR/AED certification, same as traditional BSN.

• A $500 nonrefundable deposit is required to hold your spot.

Additional notes:

• Transfer of nursing coursework from other institutions is evaluated but not guaranteed; certain nursing credits may not transfer.

• Up to 70 units of community college credit may be accepted.

• Transfer students with nursing credits may also need to submit course syllabi for evaluation.

Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (ELM)

This path is for applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field but want to enter the nursing profession.

Requirements & Application

• Submit a graduate-level application to APU’s Graduate & Professional Admissions.

• $45 nonrefundable application fee

• Official transcripts from all institutions awarding degrees and postbaccalaureate study

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on the posted degree (i.e. your prior degree) for regular admission.

• Transcripts must show completion of prerequisite coursework such as:
    • Human anatomy & lab, human physiology & lab, biochemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology (with labs)
    • Communication skills (oral + written), general psychology, lifespan development (human growth), statistics, research methods in behavioral science

• A personal statement (2–3 pages) addressing motivations and background in nursing

• Résumé or summary of experience (work, volunteer)

• For international transcripts, provide official evaluation and English translation where necessary

• Deadlines:
    • Spring: September 15
    • Summer: January 15
    • Fall: May 15

• After acceptance, students submit a $500 deposit within one week to secure their slot

Bridge to BSN, RN-to-BSN, LVN-to-BSN

These are “ladder” or completion routes for students already in nursing or related fields to achieve their BSN. Requirements vary by program, but common elements include:

• Must hold current nursing licensure (RN or LVN where applicable)

• Completion of general education or prerequisite courses

• Submission of transcripts, recommendations, personal statement

• Meeting technical standards, background checks, immunizations, etc.

• Some programs may be offered online or at regional campuses.

Because these tracks are for students already in nursing, competition is different, but APU still maintains standards to ensure readiness.

Summary Table: Key Requirements by Track

Why the Nursing Program is More Selective

To understand why nursing admission is tougher than general university admission, here are key reasons:

1. Cohort size and capacity constraints
   Nursing programs typically admit students in cohorts (fixed groups) due to scheduling, lab space, clinical placement limitations, and faculty resources. APU’s nursing cohorts are limited in size, making them selective.

2. High demand and competition
   Many students aspire to nursing due to job stability, social impact, and job growth, so applicant volume per seat is high (e.g. 700+ applicants for ~100 slots as reported)

3. Rigorous academic prerequisites
   Success in nursing requires a strong foundation in science and math. Poor performance in prerequisites indicates risk of struggle in upper-level nursing coursework.

4. Holistic criteria
   Beyond grades, programs evaluate personal statements, volunteer or clinical exposure, leadership, recommendations, and demonstration of motivation and professionalism.

5. Legal, safety, and clinical requirements
   Nursing students must meet immunization, background check, physical and technical standards, which can disqualify some otherwise eligible applicants.

6. Accreditation and resource limitations
   Accrediting bodies and clinical partners limit how many students programs can safely train. Faculty-to-student ratios, simulation labs, and hospital partnerships all impose caps.

Because of these constraints, even strong candidates need to distinguish themselves beyond just meeting minimums.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

If you aim to maximize your chances of admission to APU’s nursing program in 2025, here are strategies:

Excel in Prerequisite Courses

• Prioritize science courses (chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology) and earn B or better (ideally B+ or A).

• Avoid repeats if possible — although APU allows one retake before nursing courses, relying on retakes is risky.

• Maintain strong overall GPA (≥ 3.5 for traditional, ≥ 3.0+ for transfer/ELM)

Gain Relevant Experience

• Volunteer or work in healthcare settings (clinics, hospitals, care homes)

• Engage in leadership roles or community service

• Include relevant extracurriculars in your résumé and statements

Craft a Strong Personal Statement

• Clearly articulate why nursing, and why Azusa Pacific (link to their mission or Christian ethos)

• Show personal growth, empathy, exposure to healthcare challenges

• Avoid overly generic statements; be specific

Choose Strong Recommenders

• Use people who can speak to your character, work ethic, leadership, and readiness

• Provide them with your goals and resume to help them write meaningful letters

Stay Organized & Meet Deadlines

• Traditional BSN deadline: November 15

• Transfer BSN deadlines: October 1, February 1, June 1

• ELM deadlines: September 15, January 15, May 15

• Submit all documentation (transcripts, immunization records, background checks) in good time

Prepare for Nonacademic Requirements

• Keep immunization and health records current

• Get CPR/AED certification early

• Know the technical standards (vision, strength, mobility, etc.) required for clinical performance

• Be ready for a background and criminal check

Highlight Unique Strengths

• Bilingualism, cross-cultural experience, leadership, resilience

• Christian mission or volunteer work if relevant to APU’s ethos

• Any published research, health-related projects, or advocacy

Backup Plans

Given competitiveness, consider applying to multiple nursing programs or alternative routes (community college nursing, ADN programs, then transfer). Also, build a strong general major plan so you can pivot if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is SAT/ACT required for nursing admission at APU?
While general university admissions may use standardized test scores, many nursing admissions emphasize GPA, prerequisites, personal statements, and holistic evaluation. You should check current APU test policies.

Q2: Can I retake a science prerequisite if I perform poorly?
Yes—but only one retake is allowed for a science course before beginning nursing coursework (for traditional BSN) at APU.

Q3: Do international students qualify for all nursing programs?
International students are eligible for traditional BSN, but some programs (e.g. 2+2) may be restricted. They must meet English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL ≥ 80) and submit translated transcripts.

Q4: How many units of coursework are required in total?

• Traditional BSN: ~130 total units (including general education)

• Transfer BSN: 72–74 units in upper division nursing and major courses (plus prerequisites)

Q5: Are nursing credits from community colleges transferable?
It depends. APU may accept up to 70 units of community college credit, but community college nursing credits usually do not transfer.

Q6: What is the cohort model?
Students move through courses in a fixed sequence with a group of peers. Delays or failed courses may disrupt the progression.

Q7: How many students are admitted per nursing cohort?
Based on forum reports, APU admits ~100 nursing students annually (two cohorts). But this can vary by year and campus.

How to Use This Information (for Applicants)

• Use the acceptance rate estimates to set realistic expectations

• Backward-plan from deadlines—work on prerequisites early

• Keep strong academic performance, especially in science/math

• Build a compelling application (statement, volunteer work, recommendations)

• Keep health, immunization, CPR, and background checks updated

• Apply to multiple programs so you have fallback options

Conclusion

Azusa Pacific University offers a well-regarded nursing program, grounded in Christian values and focused on holistic, service-driven care. While the university’s general admission rate may be relatively high, the nursing school is notably more selective due to cohort limits, resource constraints, and high applicant demand.