Brian PhilipsSan Diego State University (SDSU) is one of California’s most competitive and respected public universities, particularly for its College of Health and Human Services. Among its most sought-after programs is the SDSU School of Nursing, which consistently ranks among the top nursing programs in the state. With its excellent academic reputation, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to producing skilled healthcare professionals, it’s no wonder that thousands of applicants compete each year for limited spots.
In this article, we’ll break down the San Diego State nursing acceptance rate, discuss the SDSU nursing requirements, explore how to improve your chances of admission, and provide insight into career prospects after graduation. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a transfer student, this guide will give you everything you need to know about pursuing nursing at San Diego State University.
San Diego State Nursing Acceptance Rate
The San Diego State University nursing program is one of the most competitive in California. Each year, thousands of students apply, but only a small percentage are admitted due to limited space and high academic standards.
As of the most recent admission cycle, the SDSU nursing acceptance rate for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is approximately 8–10%. This makes it one of the most selective undergraduate programs in the state.
To put this in perspective, out of roughly 3,000 applicants each year, only around 250–300 students receive admission offers. The competition is intense because the SDSU nursing program admits students directly as pre-nursing majors, and once enrolled, students must meet specific GPA and prerequisite requirements to transition into the clinical portion of the program.
Why is SDSU Nursing So Competitive?
- Limited Clinical Placements:
Nursing programs across California face restrictions on how many students they can accept due to clinical site availability. SDSU maintains small class sizes to ensure quality training and hands-on experience. - High Academic Standards:
The average admitted student has an unweighted GPA between 3.8 and 4.0 and competitive standardized test scores (for transfers, a high community college GPA is expected). - Strong Program Reputation:
SDSU’s nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and recognized for producing competent, compassionate, and highly employable nurses. - High NCLEX Pass Rate:
The NCLEX-RN pass rate for SDSU nursing graduates often exceeds 95%, making it one of the top-performing programs in the region. This success attracts more applicants every year.
Acceptance Rate for Transfer Students
For transfer students, the competition is equally fierce. SDSU typically admits around 5–8% of transfer applicants to the nursing program. Transfer students must not only meet general admission requirements but also complete all prerequisite courses with exceptional grades.
Because the program is impacted, meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission. Instead, SDSU uses a point-based ranking system to evaluate applicants based on GPA, prerequisite grades, TEAS scores, and other criteria.
San Diego State Nursing Requirements
Getting into the SDSU nursing program requires more than just good grades—it demands preparation, dedication, and a clear understanding of the admission criteria.
Below are the major requirements for the SDSU BSN program, divided into sections for first-time freshmen and transfer students.
1. First-Time Freshmen Nursing Requirements
Students applying directly from high school must apply as Pre-Nursing majors. Here are the key requirements:
- High School GPA: A strong academic record is essential. The average admitted freshman has a GPA of 3.8 or higher.
- College Preparatory Courses: Applicants must complete the A–G subject requirements with grades of C or higher.
- Math and Science Courses: Special emphasis is placed on performance in biology, chemistry, and algebra.
- SAT/ACT (optional): While standardized tests are currently optional, strong scores can strengthen your application.
- Supplemental Application: After the general CSU application, applicants may be asked to submit additional information specific to the nursing program.
- Personal Statement or Essay: SDSU often requests essays discussing motivation for pursuing nursing, relevant experience, and career goals.
Once admitted as a pre-nursing major, students must complete the following prerequisite courses before advancing to the clinical program:
| Prerequisite Course | Minimum Grade |
|---|---|
| General Chemistry | B or higher |
| Anatomy with Lab | B or higher |
| Physiology with Lab | B or higher |
| Microbiology with Lab | B or higher |
| Oral Communication | C or higher |
| Written Communication | C or higher |
| Statistics | C or higher |
| Psychology/Sociology | C or higher |
Failure to meet the required grades can result in dismissal from the pre-nursing track, so maintaining strong academic performance is crucial.
2. Transfer Student Nursing Requirements
Transfer students must apply directly to the BSN program (not as pre-nursing majors). SDSU only accepts upper-division transfer students who have completed at least 60 transferable semester units by the time of enrollment.
Key requirements include:
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 3.5 or higher is recommended.
- Prerequisite GPA: At least 3.0 in all prerequisite courses.
- Completion of Prerequisite Courses:
- Anatomy with Lab
- Physiology with Lab
- Microbiology with Lab
- Chemistry
- Oral and Written Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Statistics
- Psychology or Sociology
- TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Score: Minimum composite score of 78%.
- Health-Related Experience: Volunteering, shadowing, or work in healthcare settings can strengthen your application.
- Supplemental Application: Includes documentation of healthcare experience, TEAS score, and personal essay.
3. Additional Requirements for Clinical Admission
After completing the pre-nursing phase or being accepted as a transfer student, applicants must also meet clinical program entry requirements, including:
- Background check and drug screening
- Immunization verification (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, etc.)
- Current CPR certification (Healthcare Provider Level)
- Health insurance documentation
- Interview or orientation attendance
These measures ensure that all nursing students are qualified and safe to participate in clinical rotations across affiliated hospitals and healthcare facilities.
San Diego State University Nursing Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at SDSU is a four-year program (for first-time freshmen) or two to three years (for transfers). It combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical practice.
Core Courses Include:
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal and Newborn Health
- Pediatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
- Leadership and Management in Nursing
- Evidence-Based Practice and Research
Students also complete clinical rotations in hospitals and healthcare agencies throughout San Diego County, gaining valuable real-world experience under professional supervision.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Admission
Because of the competitive SDSU nursing acceptance rate, applicants need to stand out. Here are strategies to improve your admission chances:
- Earn Top Grades in Science Courses
Focus on excelling in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology—these are heavily weighted in the selection process. - Score High on the TEAS Exam
Aim for a score of 85% or higher to be competitive. - Gain Healthcare Experience Early
Volunteering at hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics shows your commitment to the profession. - Craft a Compelling Personal Statement
Clearly explain your motivation, experiences, and long-term goals in nursing. - Apply Early and Stay Organized
Submit all required materials before deadlines and double-check your transcripts, test scores, and documentation.
Cost of Studying Nursing at SDSU
Studying nursing at SDSU is an investment in your future, but it’s also one of the more affordable options compared to private universities.
- California Residents: Around $8,200 per year in tuition and fees.
- Non-Residents: Approximately $20,000–$22,000 per year.
- Additional Costs: Books, uniforms, equipment, lab fees, and insurance may total $2,000–$3,000 annually.
Financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, and federal aid programs. The SDSU School of Nursing also offers scholarships for outstanding academic achievement and community involvement.
Career Prospects After Graduation
Graduates of SDSU’s nursing program have excellent job placement rates. The program’s NCLEX-RN pass rate and strong partnerships with major healthcare systems like Sharp HealthCare, UC San Diego Health, and Scripps Health make it easier for students to transition smoothly into professional practice.
Typical career paths include:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Public Health Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Labor and Delivery Nurse
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Administrator
With experience, many graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees, such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
The average starting salary for SDSU nursing graduates ranges from $85,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on the healthcare setting and specialization.
How to Apply for SDSU Nursing Program
The application process for SDSU’s nursing program is straightforward but highly selective.
Steps:
- Apply via Cal State Apply during the application period (October 1 – November 30).
- Choose Nursing (BSN) as your major.
- Submit all required transcripts.
- Complete the supplemental application from the SDSU School of Nursing.
- Take and upload your TEAS test score.
- Provide any supporting documents, including volunteer experience or recommendation letters.
Applications are reviewed holistically, but academic excellence remains the key factor.
Conclusion
The San Diego State Nursing acceptance rate is highly competitive, reflecting the program’s exceptional quality and strong career outcomes. Whether you’re applying as a high school student or transfer applicant, success requires careful preparation—especially in your GPA, prerequisite courses, and TEAS score.
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from SDSU opens doors to rewarding careers in healthcare, leadership, and education. With top-tier clinical partnerships, excellent faculty, and a proven record of success, SDSU remains one of California’s best choices for aspiring nurses.
If you’re passionate about helping others and ready to work hard, San Diego State University’s nursing program could be your pathway to a fulfilling and impactful career in healthcare.