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 premier nursing education institution embedded in one of the nation’s most comprehensive public research universities. It is part of the larger Rutgers Health system and offers a full continuum of nursing education—from Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in Nursing Science. The school emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership in health care, health equity, and service to diverse communities across New Jersey.
With access to 200+ clinical affiliated sites statewide, students engage deeply in patient care, simulation, inter-professional collaboration and research initiatives. Its strategic location in New Brunswick enables strong ties with major medical centers, community health agencies and health policy institutions. Accreditation, faculty excellence and a mission to transform health care through nursing practice underscore its reputation. The school consistently ranks at the top in New Jersey for nursing education and among the nation’s best programs for advanced nursing practice. This robust environment prepares graduates for licensure, advanced specialties and leadership roles in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
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 (as unified Rutgers School of Nursing) Vikipedi+2Rutgers Nursing+2 |
| Type | Public university nursing school |
| Accreditation | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
| Campus Setting | Urban/suburban – New Brunswick, New Jersey |
| Program Levels | BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, certificate and professional development |
| Parent Institution | Rutgers University |
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Rankings
| Ranking Organization | National/US Rank | Other / Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report – DNP program | #4 nationally (2025) Rutgers Nursing+1 | – |
| U.S. News & World Report – MSN program | #17 nationally (2025) Rutgers Nursing | – |
| U.S. News & World Report – BSN program | #39 nationally (~top 6 %) and #1 in New Jersey Rutgers Nursing+1 | – |
| QS World University Ranking (Parent Univ.) | Global #328 for Rutgers University – New Brunswick Top Universities+1 | – |
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Academics
Faculties / Departments
Within the School of Nursing at Rutgers University – New Brunswick, academic structure includes the following core units:
- Department of Undergraduate Nursing (BSN and accelerated pathways)
- Department of Graduate Nursing (MSN tracks, Post-Master’s Certificates)
- Department of Doctoral Nursing Practice and Nurse Anesthesia (DNP, CRNA)
- Department of Nursing Science and Research (PhD)
- Department of Population Health, Community and Systems Nursing
These departments enable specialized learning, research focus and professional preparation across the full spectrum of nursing roles.
Courses and Programs / Majors
Programs at the school include:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional, Second-Degree and RN-to-BSN completion
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – concentrations such as Nurse Practitioner, Informatics, Leadership, Education
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – advanced practice, nurse anesthesia, leadership and change
- PhD in Nursing Science – preparing nurse scientists and educators
- Post-Master’s Certificates – specialty tracks for advanced practice nurses
- Lifelong Learning and Continuing Professional Development offerings
Online Learning
The School of Nursing offers flexible delivery options, particularly at the graduate level. Some MSN and DNP tracks are offered in hybrid or online formats, enabling working professionals to complete coursework remotely while fulfilling clinical requirements. While the BSN pathways remain primarily campus-based due to hands-on clinical and simulation demands, the school’s online components reflect its commitment to accessible and innovative nursing education.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Range / Middle 50% |
|---|---|
| SAT (University admission) | Approx. 1240-1470 composite for Rutgers University – New Brunswick Rutgers University+1 |
| ACT (University admission) | Approx. 27-33 composite for undergraduate admission Rutgers University |
| Graduate Nursing (GRE/other) | Varies by program; specific requirements per track |
Retention and Graduation Rates
At the institutional level, Rutgers University – New Brunswick reports a first-year retention rate of approximately 94% and a six-year graduation rate around 84% Rutgers University+1. Within the School of Nursing, program-specific outcomes are strong: for example, the BSN program reports high licensure and job placement rates, reflecting effective student support, clinical preparation and faculty engagement.
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Applicants to undergraduate BSN programs must meet the general admission requirements of the university and then qualify for nursing major admission, which typically requires a strong academic record in prerequisite courses (sciences, mathematics, English), competitive GPA, and standardized test scores aligned with the broader university criteria (SAT ~1240-1470, ACT ~27-33). The nursing major admission is selective and emphasizes not only numbers but readiness for rigorous study, healthcare exposure and alignment with the school’s mission of health-care leadership and equity.
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Acceptance Rate
| Program Level | Approximate Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Traditional BSN (pre-licensure) | Roughly ~10% (highly competitive) College Factual+1 |
| Graduate Nursing (MSN/DNP) | Selective; acceptance varies by specialty track |
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Application Requirements
Prospective students must first apply for undergraduate or graduate admission to Rutgers University – New Brunswick and then submit the nursing-school specific application or supplemental forms. Requirements include official transcripts demonstrating completion of prerequisite coursework, submission of standardized test scores if required, a personal statement articulating interest in nursing and commitment to service, letters of recommendation (for graduate applicants), résumé of relevant healthcare experience (for advanced programs), proof of certifications such as Basic Life Support (as needed), and compliance with health-clearance, background check and technical standards for clinical practice. For second-degree or RN-to-BSN applicants, prior bachelor’s degree or active RN license is required respectively. Admission decisions are based on a holistic review including academic readiness, healthcare involvement, and potential leadership in nursing.
Application Process
- Submit university admission application (undergraduate or graduate)
- Meet general admission requirements for Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- Complete the School of Nursing program-specific application or supplemental form
- Submit official transcripts showing prerequisite course completion
- Provide standardized test scores (if applicable) and meet minimum criteria
- Submit personal statement, letters of recommendation and résumé (for graduate programs)
- Undergo screening, interview or assessment as required
- Await decision and if admitted, complete enrollment, orientation and clinical readiness requirements
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program | Deadline Approximation |
|---|---|
| Traditional BSN (Fall entry) | Typically early December of prior year |
| Second-Degree/Accelerated BSN | Typically early spring or summer entry applications |
| Graduate Nursing (MSN/DNP) | Varies by specialization; often January or February rounds |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are typically asked to submit a personal statement that reflects their motivations for pursuing nursing, experiences in healthcare or community engagement, leadership or teamwork skills, understanding of health-equity issues, and how they intend to contribute to improving patient outcomes and advancing nursing practice. Graduate applicants may also be asked to articulate career goals, specialty interests and how they align with the school’s research, clinical and leadership missions.
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Scholarships
The School of Nursing offers a variety of scholarship opportunities and awards designed for nursing students, including merit-based scholarships for academic excellence, need-based grants, endowed funds for leadership in underserved communities, and specialized awards for nurses entering advanced practice specialties or serving high-need areas. Students also access university-wide institutional financial aid, federal grants, work-study options and loan-forgiveness programs particularly applicable to nursing careers.
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 by specialization; online MSN informatics ~ $37,000-$45,000 total credit cost |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Within the BSN program at Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick, gender distribution in recent years is approximately 82% female and 18% male. Ethnic diversity includes significant representation of Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, White and other racial/ethnic groups; for example one cohort reported 85 Asian, 41 Black/African American, 53 Hispanic/Latino, and 140 White graduates. College Factual The age range of students varies from traditional entry students (18-22) to non-traditional and second-degree learners.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The School of Nursing is committed to supporting students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation learners and students with disabilities through institutional support services, scholarships, accessibility accommodations, and inclusive clinical and educational practices. The school’s mission emphasizes health equity and social justice in nursing, and recruitment efforts include underserved communities. Accessibility services help ensure that students with disabilities are provided the necessary modifications in labs, simulation, clinical rotations and didactic experiences to succeed.
Student Body
| Category | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Total Nursing Students | Over 1,600 across all programs (BSN, MSN, DNP) |
| Undergraduate BSN Graduates | 344 bachelor’s degrees in nursing reported in 2021-22 College Factual |
| International / Non-resident Students | Varies by cohort |
University Diversity
The School of Nursing at Rutgers University – New Brunswick fosters a diverse and inclusive educational environment reflective of the multicultural population it serves. With a broad array of racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds among students and faculty, the school emphasizes culturally competent care, leadership in diverse healthcare settings and addressing health disparities. Students engage in community-based practice, global health initiatives and partnerships that expose them to varied populations across New Jersey and beyond. This diversity enriches peer interactions, clinical learning and professional preparation by enabling learners to collaborate with individuals from different life experiences, cultural perspectives and health contexts. The school’s recognition for excellence in diversity and its recruitment of men into nursing further bolster its inclusive culture.
Average Earnings
Graduates of the BSN program at Rutgers report a median early-career salary of approximately $87,594, which is higher than the national median for bachelor’s in nursing. College Factual Graduates of the master’s nursing programs report median salaries around $109,300. These outcomes reflect the strong professional preparation, robust clinical affiliations and reputation of the school, enabling graduates to secure competitive roles in hospitals, advanced practice settings, leadership and specialized practice. The earning potential underscores the value of a nursing education from this institution in the current healthcare marketplace.
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty and staff at the School of Nursing include full-time teaching professors, clinical faculty with advanced practice backgrounds, research scientists, simulation lab specialists, academic advisors and administrative personnel. The breadth of support personnel ensures that learners have access to robust clinical coordination, simulation resources, research opportunities and personalized academic guidance. The strong infrastructure fosters excellence in teaching, clinical preparation and student success.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at the School of Nursing at Rutgers University – New Brunswick are recognized nationally and internationally for scholarship, innovation and leadership in nursing science and practice. For example, nursing faculty hold fellowships in prominent professional organizations, publish in peer-reviewed journals, lead research funded by national agencies and contribute to policy and clinical practice transformation. The school is noted for its nurse anesthesia program, unique in New Jersey, and its strength in nursing leadership, simulation, informatics and global health. This deep faculty expertise ensures that students learn from leaders who bridge academia and real-world practice. Rutgers University+1
Rutgers University School of Nursing – New Brunswick Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Students in the School of Nursing at Rutgers University – New Brunswick benefit from the broader campus environment of Rutgers University – New Brunswick, including residence halls, living-learning communities, student organizations, recreation and wellness facilities and health-sciences resources. Housing options range from traditional residence halls to apartments and off-campus housing near the New Brunswick/Piscataway area. Costs vary by housing type and meal plan; students are supported by the university’s housing office, student affairs and nursing-program advisors. The campus fosters student engagement not only in classroom and clinical settings but also through nursing student associations, global health trips, inter-professional events and community service initiatives.
Transportation
The New Brunswick campus is served by New Jersey Transit rail and bus services, campus shuttles and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Student parking and transit passes are available, facilitating commutes and clinical placement travel across the region. The campus’s central location in Middlesex County provides easy access to major healthcare systems, research hospitals and urban and suburban clinical sites, enabling nursing students to balance academic, clinical and student life mobility efficiently.