Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick
General Information of Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick
Overview
The Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick is a distinguished component of the larger Rutgers University system, serving as a major hub for nursing education, research and professional practice in New Jersey. Located on the New Brunswick campus, the School of Nursing operates within a vibrant public research environment and offers comprehensive nursing programs spanning the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. With a mission to prepare nurses who excel in clinical practice, leadership, education and research, the school emphasizes evidence‑based care, health equity and community engagement across diverse populations.
Students benefit from robust clinical affiliations, modern simulation labs, and access to more than 200 affiliated clinical sites across the state. The curriculum emphasizes holistic, person‑centred care and the social determinants of health, positioning graduates to meet evolving healthcare needs locally and globally. Recognized for excellence, the school consistently ranks among the top nursing education programs nationally and holds the #1 position in New Jersey for its BSN program. With its strategic location in a major metropolitan area, students are exposed to a wide range of patient populations and clinical settings, enhancing their readiness for licensure and advanced practice roles.
Contact Information
Address: 65 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
Phone Number: (732) 235‑7920
Email Address: nursing_admissions@rutgers.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2014 (by consolidation) Vikipedi |
| Type | Public university nursing school |
| Parent Institution | Rutgers University |
| Accreditation | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
| Campus Setting | Urban, New Brunswick, New Jersey |
| Program Levels | BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, certificate and professional development |
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Rankings
| Ranking Organization | National/US Rank | Other/Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report – BSN programme | Top 5 % nationally; #1 in New Jersey for BSN nursing.rutgers.edu+2rutgershealth.org+2 | – |
| U.S. News & World Report – DNP programme | #4 nationally for DNP (2025) rutgershealth.org+1 | – |
| U.S. News & World Report – MSN programme | #17 nationally (2025) rutgershealth.org+1 | – |
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Academics
Faculties / Departments
At Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick, the academic structure comprises multiple departments and divisions designed to deliver nursing education across various levels and specialties:
- Department of Undergraduate Nursing (BSN pathways)
- Department of Graduate Nursing (MSN, DNP, PhD specializations)
- Department of Nursing Leadership, Education & Practice Innovation
- Department of Population Health, Community & Health Systems
- Department of Nursing Informatics & Simulation
Courses and Programs / Majors
The programs offered include an array of credentials and pathways to prepare nursing professionals at different stages:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional four‑year program for new students
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Accelerated (Second‑Degree) for students with previous bachelor’s degree
- RN‑to‑BSN Completion Program
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with concentrations such as Nursing Informatics, Leadership, Education, Nurse Practitioner tracks
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with multiple specialty tracks including Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult‑Gerontology, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- PhD in Nursing Science
- Post‑Master’s Certificates and Lifelong Learning / Professional Development Courses
Online Learning
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick offers online and hybrid options particularly at the graduate level to accommodate working professionals and those seeking flexibility. For example, the MSN program in Nursing Informatics is delivered largely online with required in‑person clinical components. These online modalities allow students to complete coursework asynchronously while still engaging in essential practicum experiences. Though the undergraduate BSN pathways require on‑campus attendance and intensive clinical practice, the school’s commitment to flexible delivery models recognizes the evolving educational needs of diverse learners and provides accessible pathways for advancement in nursing practice.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Range / Middle 50% |
|---|---|
| SAT (University admission) | Mid‑50% composite for Rutgers University‑New Brunswick: 1240‑1470 Vikipedi+1 |
| ACT (University admission) | Mid‑50% composite approx. 27‑33 Vikipedi |
| GRE / Advanced Nursing | Varies by program; required for some graduate tracks |
Retention and Graduation Rates
At the institutional level across Rutgers University‑New Brunswick, retention and graduation rates reflect strong student success: the first‑year retention rate is approximately 94%, and the six‑year graduation rate is about 84%. Research.com Within the nursing programs specifically, the BSN graduates from the School of Nursing report high first‐time NCLEX‑RN pass rates (for example 96% for 2024) nursing.rutgers.edu These metrics demonstrate the school’s effectiveness in guiding students from entry through degree completion and into professional practice, supported by robust academic, clinical and student services.
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Applicants to the BSN programs at Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick should present strong academic preparation in high school coursework including sciences, English, mathematics and general education. While the program is highly selective, precise average GPA ranges are not broadly published; however admitted students typically demonstrate competitive GPA performance along with SAT or ACT scores within the broader university middle ranges (SAT 1240‑1470; ACT 27‑33) for Rutgers University‑New Brunswick. The nursing major also considers prerequisite performance, clinical or healthcare‑related experience, personal attributes and readiness for rigorous professional practice.
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Acceptance Rate
| Program Level | Approximate Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Traditional BSN (pre‑licensure) | Roughly 10% (based on competitive admissions data) CollegeVine+1 |
| Graduate Nursing (MSN/DNP) | Selective; varies by specialty track |
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Application Requirements
Prospective students applying to the School of Nursing at Rutgers University – New Brunswick must complete the university’s admission application followed by the nursing school’s program‑specific supplement. Requirements typically include official high school or college transcripts showing completion of prerequisite courses, standardized test scores if required, a personal statement expressing interest in nursing and commitment to healthcare service, letters of recommendation (for some graduate tracks), current résumé or healthcare experience documentation (particularly for graduate applicants), and compliance with health and clinical requirements (including immunizations, background checks and possibly Basic Life Support certification). Applicants to accelerated or RN‑to‑BSN pathways must hold a prior bachelor’s or current RN license respectively. Admission to the nursing major is highly competitive and meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance.
Application Process
- Submit Rutgers University Undergraduate or Graduate Application depending on program level
- Complete and submit the School of Nursing program‑specific supplemental application
- Provide official transcripts of prior academic work and prerequisite courses
- Submit standardized test scores if required (and fulfill minimum criteria)
- Submit personal statement / essay and required letters of recommendation (graduate level)
- Complete any required interviews or screening steps for selected programs
- If admitted, complete enrollment processes, orientation and clinical readiness requirements
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program | Deadline Approximation |
|---|---|
| Traditional BSN (Fall entry) | Usually early December of prior year |
| Accelerated BSN (Spring or Summer) | Typically November of prior year |
| Graduate Nursing (MSN/DNP) | Varies by track – often January or February |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are asked to craft a thoughtful personal statement reflecting on their motivation to enter nursing, previous healthcare or service experiences, demonstration of leadership or teamwork, preparation for the demands of the nursing profession, and how they plan to contribute to advancing health outcomes, equity and the nursing discipline. For graduate tracks, essays often include career goals, specialty interests, and research or leadership aspirations.
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Scholarships
The School of Nursing offers a variety of scholarships and awards tailored to nursing students, including merit‑based and need‑based grants, endowed scholarships for leadership in nursing, diversity initiatives, and service to underserved communities. In addition, students may access institutional aid, federal grants, work‑study opportunities and loan forgiveness programs relating to nursing practice in high‑need areas. Students are encouraged to engage early with the financial aid office and nursing school scholarship committees to optimize their funding opportunities.
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Level | Estimated Annual Tuition/Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate In‑State (BSN) | Approx. $15,000‑$20,000 (state resident rate) |
| Undergraduate Out‑of‑State (BSN) | Approx. $30,000‑$35,000 (non‑resident rate) |
| Graduate Nursing (MSN/DNP) | Varies widely by specialization; e.g., online MSN informatics ~ $37,000 – $45,000 total credit cost |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Within the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick, the gender distribution is predominantly female (approximately 82 %) and about 18 % male for recent cohorts. Ethnic diversity includes representation of Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, White and other racial/ethnic groups; for example in one recent year 85 Asian, 41 Black/African American, 53 Hispanic/Latino and 140 White graduates from the BSN program were reported. College Factual
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick actively supports students from low‑income backgrounds and students with disabilities through university-wide and nursing‑specific programs. These include the Educational Opportunity Fund, academic and clinical accommodations, disability services, tuition support and scholarships aimed at enhancing access and success. The nursing school’s commitment to diversity and health equity further underpins these supports, ensuring that students with diverse life experiences including first‑generation college status, low‑income backgrounds and disability status are integrated into the learning community and provided with resources to thrive.
Student Body
| Category | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Total Students at Nursing School | Over 1,600 across New Brunswick, Newark, Blackwood campuses Nursing Schools Almanac |
| Undergraduate BSN Enrollees | Multiple hundred per year cohort |
| International Students | Diverse representation across campuses |
University Diversity
The School of Nursing at Rutgers University – New Brunswick cultivates a diverse and inclusive learning environment aligned with its mission to promote health equity and community engagement. The student body comprises individuals from many racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and experiential backgrounds, including traditional students, career changers, second‐degree entrants and international learners. The school intentionally recruits and supports diverse populations to reflect the multicultural communities served in New Jersey and beyond. Diversity is embraced not only in enrollment but also across faculty, curriculum, research and clinical partnerships, enabling students to develop cultural competence, partake in global health initiatives, and engage with underserved populations. This commitment fosters a richly interactive learning community where varied perspectives enhance team‑based care, leadership development and professional growth in nursing practice.
Average Earnings
Graduates of the School of Nursing at Rutgers University – New Brunswick typically enter strong career trajectories in registered nursing and advanced practice roles. Data indicate that bachelor’s degree nursing alumni report median salaries around $87,594 early in their career, and master’s nursing alumni report median salaries around $109,300, reflecting competitive compensation aligned with advanced nursing credentials. College Factual+1 Additionally, advanced practice roles such as nurse anesthetists, nurse managers and nurse practitioners at Rutgers report salaries from approximately $101,000 to $191,000 annually, depending on role and specialization. Indeed These outcomes underscore the value of the rigorous nursing education, extensive clinical experiences and professional networks available through the school.
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty and staff at Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick include full‐time teaching professors, clinical faculty with practitioner experience, adjunct instructors, simulation laboratory specialists, research scientists, academic advisors and administrative support teams. This multidisciplinary staff supports classroom instruction, clinical placements, simulation learning, curriculum development and student success services. The favorable student‑faculty ratio and the breadth of services underscore the school’s commitment to personalized education, mentorship and professional preparation.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at the School of Nursing are recognized nationally and internationally for scholarship, leadership and innovation in nursing science and practice. Faculty members hold prestigious fellowships, publish peer‑reviewed research, receive major grants and contribute to nursing policy and education. For instance, the school has been awarded national awards for diversity excellence and is noted for work in health equity, simulation, nurse leadership and community‑based research. Students learn from educators deeply engaged in advancing nursing knowledge, leading clinical innovation and preparing nurses for advanced roles. These faculty strengths translate into enriched student learning experiences, strong program reputation and excellent professional outcomes.
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Students enrolled in the School of Nursing on the New Brunswick campus benefit from the amenities of Rutgers University – New Brunswick, including residence halls, living‐learning communities, student organizations, and access to athletic, cultural and recreation facilities. On‑campus housing options range from traditional residence halls to apartments and specialized health‑science living communities. Costs vary depending on style and board plan, typical room and board rates for full‑time undergraduates may range in the higher thousands annually but the school provides resources and advising for housing and financial planning. Nursing students combine rigorous academic and clinical schedules with opportunities for engagement in student nursing associations, global health trips, simulation competitions and campus life events, creating a balanced and professional student community.
Transportation
The New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University is well served by public transportation, including New Jersey Transit rail and bus services, campus shuttles and pedestrian/bike infrastructure. The campus’s central location in Middlesex County facilitates commuting, regional travel and internship or clinical placement access across New Jersey’s major healthcare systems. Student parking, shuttle services and transit passes are available, enabling nursing students to navigate academic, clinical and campus life efficiently and sustainably.