St. John’s College of Nursing
St. John’s College of Nursing: General Information
About (Overview)
St. John’s College of Nursing is a private, Catholic institution dedicated exclusively to nursing education. It is located in Springfield, Illinois and is affiliated with the Hospital Sisters Health System. Founded in 1886 by the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, it is recognized as the oldest Catholic hospital-based nursing school in the United States. Over time it evolved from a diploma school into a degree-granting college offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nursing. Its mission emphasizes forming professional nurses who lead with compassion, ethical integrity, competence, and dedication to service, particularly in healthcare settings of need.
The college adheres to its Catholic heritage, grounding instruction in both scientific nursing practice and values-based formation. Students initially complete general education and prerequisites elsewhere or through transfer, then immerse in specialized nursing courses on its campus. The college fosters a tight-knit learning environment, with small cohorts, close faculty mentorship, and embedded clinical experiences. Its legacy of continuity—carrying forward hospital-based training into contemporary degree models—makes it distinctive among nursing schools nationally.
Contact Information
Address: 729 East Carpenter Street, Springfield, Illinois 62702
Phone: (217) 525-5628
Fax: (217) 757-6870
Email / General Contact: Correspondence is typically handled via institutional admissions or nursing program email channels under the college’s domain
School Facts — St. John’s College of Nursing
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1886 |
| Type | Private, Catholic nursing college |
| Accreditation / Affiliation | Affiliated with Hospital Sisters Health System; regionally accredited as part of institutional approval |
| Student Enrollment (Undergraduate) | Full-time 62; part-time 14 (undergraduate level) |
| Primary Degree Focus | Nursing (BSN, MSN, doctoral) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | Approx. 6:1 (reported in institutional summary) |
| Only Major Offered | Nursing |
| Status | Commuter campus, nonresidential |
St. John’s College of Nursing Rankings
Because St. John’s College of Nursing is a niche institution concentrated on nursing, it is not broadly ranked in general university rankings, but its nursing program holds specific standings:
| Metric / Ranking | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| College Factual: Best Nursing Bachelor’s Schools | Ranked ~#635 nationally |
| College Factual: Best Nursing Schools | Ranked ~#441 (for bachelor’s) |
| State / Illinois Nursing Ranking | Approximately #21 in Illinois for nursing major |
| Acceptance / Selectivity | Open or limited selective, small cohort admissions |
St. John’s College of Nursing Academics
St. John’s College of Nursing Faculties / Departments
Although St. John’s is specialized and not organized into many separate “schools,” it functions through program units or specialty areas within nursing education. These include:
- Pre-licensure / Undergraduate Nursing
- Graduate Nursing / Master’s degree units
- Doctoral (PhD) Nursing Studies
- Clinical Education & Simulation / Practice Department
- Curriculum & Academic Affairs in Nursing
- Student Success / Advising in Nursing
Each of these functional divisions supports curriculum, clinical placement, student mentoring, and faculty oversight.
St. John’s College of Nursing Courses and Programs / Majors
The college offers a coherent sequence of nursing education paths, including:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (major at undergraduate level)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with multiple nursing specialties (e.g. family nurse practitioner, leadership)
- PhD in Nursing (Doctoral research track in nursing)
- Accelerated or bridge programs (e.g. RN-to-BSN, or accelerated BSN pathways)
- Specializations in nursing administration, advanced practice, leadership and clinical care
These programs integrate classroom theory, simulation training, clinical rotations across hospital and community settings, and research or leadership projects.
Online Learning
St. John’s College of Nursing offers limited or hybrid online or blended course delivery, especially in its graduate and doctoral coursework, insofar as the college supports working nurses. Some graduate-level didactic courses or seminars may be delivered online, but core clinical, lab, and hands-on nursing courses require in-person presence due to accreditation and licensure requirements. The online/hybrid offerings support flexibility for practicing professionals, though the institution remains grounded in in-person clinical immersion for quality and regulatory compliance.
Average Test Scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.)
| Test | Typical Requirement / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | Optional / not strictly enforced | For undergraduate admission, traditional standardized test scores are not a principal gating metric |
| ACT | Optional / not strictly enforced | Many nursing programs emphasize prerequisite performance over test scores |
| GRE | Required for doctoral / advanced degrees | Doctoral candidates often require GRE or equivalent standardized graduate entrance exams |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Because St. John’s enrolls small cohorts and maintains close oversight, retention and graduation rates tend to be strong relative to the size of the institution. Published data indicate stable progression of students through BSN, MSN, and PhD phases. Although detailed cohort-based retention numbers are not widely publicized, internal reporting suggests that most admitted nursing students complete their degree paths when meeting academic and clinical benchmarks. The institution emphasizes mentorship, remedial supports, and clinical supervision to bolster student persistence.
St. John’s College of Nursing Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
The college gives emphasis to prerequisite GPA, performance in prior coursework, and nursing-relevant grades (biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology). While specific institutional minimums are not publicly specified, prospective BSN entrants typically present competitive GPAs in prerequisite science and general courses. Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) may be considered but are not central to admission decisions, especially where holistic admissions prioritize nursing potential, work or volunteer experience, and recommendations.
St. John’s College of Nursing Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Low / selective | Given small program size and cohort constraints, acceptance is competitive |
Because the college enrolls small undergraduate classes (62 full-time and 14 part-time), acceptance is selective relative to applicant pool.
St. John’s College of Nursing Application Requirements
Prospective nursing students must submit a completed application including transcripts for all prior academic work, proof of completion of prerequisite courses (biology, chemistry, anatomy, etc.), letters of recommendation (often from academic or clinical references), and a personal statement or reflective essay describing interest in nursing and alignment with institutional mission. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview with faculty or admissions representatives and complete any prerequisite assessments. For graduate or doctoral applicants, additional requirements include GRE scores, evidence of clinical experience, a resume or CV, letters of reference, and sometimes a research proposal or writing sample.
Application Process
- Submit application indicating program (BSN, MSN, PhD)
- Provide official transcripts and prerequisite course documentation
- Submit letters of recommendation and personal statement
- Attend interview (if required) or admissions screening
- Complete prerequisite assessments or evaluations
- For accepted students, confirm admission, attend orientation, and register for courses
St. John’s College of Nursing Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program / Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Undergraduate (BSN) | Early spring / March | Competitive deadlines to allow cohort planning |
| Spring Graduate Intake | Late fall prior year | For MSN or doctoral entrants |
| Application Review | Rolling or scheduled review periods | Some applications accepted on space-available or waiting list |
| Orientation / Start | Preceding semester | New students attend orientation and clinical briefing before classes start |
Essay Prompt
The personal statement prompt typically asks applicants to articulate their motivation to pursue nursing, how their background and experiences prepared them, their understanding of nursing challenges and ethics, and their vision for contributing to patient care and community health. It is meant to assess maturity, commitment, mission alignment, and reflective thinking.
St. John’s College of Nursing Scholarships
St. John’s offers institutional scholarships, need-based grants, merit awards, and donor-sponsored funds. Many students receive financial assistance to offset tuition costs. For graduate and doctoral nursing students, there may be teaching assistantships or research stipends. Catholic scholarships or faith-based funding may also be available, reflecting the institution’s religious affiliation. Prospective students are encouraged to file financial aid applications and explore institutional awards early.
St. John’s College of Nursing Tuition and Fees
| Degree Program / Cost Type | Amount / Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BSN Tuition & Fees (annual) | ~$23,850 plus fees | Based on published nursing program data for undergraduates |
| Tuition Fees | ~$1,616 | Additional institutional fee burden |
| Graduate / MSN Tuition | Varies per course credits | Graduate nursing course load determines cost |
| Books, Supplies & Equipment | ~$1,000–1,500 | Including uniforms, simulation fees, labs |
| Net Price After Aid | Dependent on aid package | Many students reduce net cost via scholarships and grants |
These figures reflect general published data associated with St. John’s nursing program. Students should verify tuition, fees, and aid with institutional offices.
St. John’s College of Nursing Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Nursing is a field with strong female representation; in recent BSN cohorts, ~88% of graduates were women and ~12% men (for one recent year). In terms of ethnicity, the nursing major at St. John’s is majority White, with smaller proportions of other racial or ethnic groups. Among recent cohorts, ~90% of BSN graduates were White, with other backgrounds making up remaining diversity. Age distribution includes traditional undergraduate ages (18–24) and mature students, particularly in graduate and doctoral tracks.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The college supports students from various socioeconomic backgrounds, especially through scholarships and institutional aid. Students with financial constraints often rely on grants, loans, and institutional support to access programs. As a Catholic institution, it may also provide emergency assistance or targeted funds. For students with disabilities, the college offers accommodations, accessible classrooms, disability services, and support in clinical placement to foster equitable participation in nursing education.
Student Body — St. John’s College of Nursing
| Category | Number / Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Undergraduate Students | 62 | Reported full-time undergraduates |
| Part-Time Undergraduate Students | 14 | Reported part-time undergraduates |
| Total Undergraduate Enrollment | 76 | Sum of full-time and part-time |
| Acceptance / Selectivity | Competitive cohort | Small program size |
| Graduates per Year (BSN) | ~49 | Recent BSN degree conferrals in one year |
| Graduate / Masters Completers | ~10 | Recent counts of MSN completers |
University Diversity
While St. John’s College of Nursing is a small and specialized institution, its student body demonstrates diversity in educational background, life experience, and career goals. Though racial and ethnic diversity leans toward majority representation of White students, there is openness to and presence of underrepresented minority students in nursing cohorts. Gender diversity is more limited, reflecting broader nursing profession trends, with a strong majority of women. At the graduate and doctoral levels, students often include working nurses with varied clinical experience, sometimes older or nontraditional learners, adding depth to peer learning. The institution’s Catholic mission also encourages service to underserved or marginalized communities, which may attract students grounded in social justice, community health, or advocacy backgrounds. In addition, students with disabilities and those from economically challenged contexts are supported through institutional aid and accommodations, creating a more inclusive environment. Though limited in scale, diversity is enriched by professional, geographic, and experiential variety, as many students come from regional hospitals and clinical settings.
Average Earnings
Graduates of St. John’s College of Nursing with a BSN often enter the workforce as registered nurses (RNs) in hospital, clinical, community, or public health settings. Based on national benchmarks and nursing salary norms, entry-level RN salaries in Illinois are competitive and vary by locale, specialization, and institution. A published median salary for BSN nursing graduates from St. John’s is ~$67,550, which may be below some national medians but still substantial for new nurses. Over time, nurses with advanced practice, leadership, or specialty roles (e.g., family nurse practitioner, administration) can command significantly higher pay. Because many graduates progress through advanced degree programs at St. John’s or other institutions, their earnings trajectories may grow even further. Considering relatively controlled debt loads for a focused nursing education, the return on investment is robust for many alumni who transition into stable, meaningful nursing careers.
St. John’s College of Nursing Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Faculty at St. John’s College of Nursing include full-time and adjunct nursing professors, clinical instructors, simulation lab staff, and academic support personnel. These educators guide classroom instruction, simulation scenarios, clinical supervision, research mentoring, and student advising. Supporting staff include administrative offices, admissions, financial aid, registrar, clinical placement coordinators, and library or technology services. Because the institution is small and specialized, faculty and staff often work closely and wear multiple roles, ensuring high student engagement and coordinated programming.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty in the nursing college typically hold advanced degrees (MSN, PhD) and many bring clinical backgrounds in hospital, community health, and specialty nursing practice. Their achievements may include publications, involvement in scholarly nursing research, leadership in professional associations, educational innovations in simulation, and curricular design. Some faculty lead or supervise graduate student research, mentor in clinical specialties, or maintain partnerships with health systems. Because of the small scale of the institution, faculty often know students individually, support licensure preparation, and provide career guidance, enhancing the learning experience.
St. John’s College of Nursing Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
St. John’s College of Nursing is a commuter institution with no on-campus housing. Students live off-campus in Springfield or surrounding communities. Campus life centers around academic, clinical, and professional environments rather than residential traditions. Student life includes nursing student organizations, clinical interest groups, guest lectures, service projects, and faith-based or ethical discussion forums aligned with the Catholic mission. Although social life may be more limited compared to large universities, the college fosters connection through cohort camaraderie, shared clinical experiences, seminars, and institutional gatherings. Because cohorts are small, relationships among students, faculty, and clinical instructors tend to be strong, facilitating mentorship and professional networking.
Transportation
As a commuter campus, students typically travel by car, local agency transit, or regional public transportation to reach campus or affiliated clinical sites. The institution is accessible within the Springfield area, and parking, pedestrian access, and connectivity to medical centers are prioritized. For clinical rotations, students sometimes travel to hospitals or health facilities off-site, so transportation planning is critical. Within the campus, movement between classrooms, simulation labs, and administrative offices is walkable. The campus design supports easy navigation; however, daily commuting remains a necessary consideration for many students.