RN Student Enrollment (2025–2026)

According to the latest survey from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing:

This marks the third consecutive year of growth in entry-level BSN enrollment. (AACN)

Returning RN Students

For licensed RNs returning to school to earn a BSN:

• 92,447 nurses are currently enrolled in RN-to-BSN programs.

• Enrollment increased 2.0% after several years of decline.

• Although improving, enrollment is still below its 2018 peak of approximately 139,600 students. (AACN)

Nursing School Demand

Interest in becoming an RN remains extremely high.

• Over 728,000 applications were submitted to nursing programs in 2024.

• More than 80,000 qualified applications could not be accepted because schools lacked enough faculty, clinical sites, classroom space, and preceptors. (AACN)

Why Students Are Being Turned Away

The primary reasons include:

• Nursing faculty shortages

• Limited clinical placement sites

• Shortage of clinical preceptors

• Limited classroom and simulation laboratory space

• Budget constraints (AACN)

Employment Outlook

The outlook for RN graduates remains very strong.

• The U.S. RN workforce is projected to grow from 3.1 million to 3.3 million nurses by 2032.

• Approximately 193,100 RN job openings are expected each year due to retirements and workforce demand. (AACN)

Key Takeaways

• ✅ Nursing school enrollment is increasing again.

• ✅ Returning RN (RN-to-BSN) enrollment has resumed growth.

• ✅ Demand for nursing education exceeds available training capacity.

• ✅ Graduates continue to have an excellent job market with strong long-term demand. (AACN)

Here are the latest national statistics that nursing schools, faculty, and prospective RN students are using for 2025–2026.

These numbers reflect a strong rebound in interest in nursing careers, although schools continue to face capacity constraints due to faculty shortages and limited clinical placements. (NCSBN)

NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rates

The newest data from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing show:

Although the 2025 pass rate declined from the unusually high 2024 level, more than 8 out of every 10 first-time graduates still passed the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt. (NCSBN)

Graduation Rates

National averages vary by program type.

Many well-established nursing schools report graduation rates above 90%.

Student Retention Rates

Retention measures the percentage of students who continue from one academic year to the next.

Typical RN program retention:

• 80–90% for BSN programs

• 75–85% for Associate Degree programs

The strongest predictors of retention are:

• Faculty mentoring

• Simulation laboratory experience

• Early tutoring

• Mental health support

• Academic coaching

Attrition (Students Who Leave Before Graduation)

National nursing program attrition averages:

The most common reasons students leave include:

• Difficulty with pharmacology

• Medical-surgical nursing

• Financial hardship

• Family responsibilities

• Mental health and stress

• Work-school balance

NCLEX Success by Degree

Historically, BSN graduates outperform ADN graduates on first-time NCLEX testing.

Employment After Graduation

The job market remains exceptionally strong.

• 95–98% of RN graduates obtain employment within 6 months.

• Many students receive job offers before graduation.

• Hospitals increasingly recruit students during their final semester.

(National University)

Average Age of Nursing Students

Nursing continues to attract many second-career professionals.

Gender Demographics

The nursing profession is becoming more diverse.

Male enrollment has steadily increased over the past decade. (NCBI)

Racial and Ethnic Diversity (Students)

Approximate enrollment nationwide:

Student diversity continues to increase each year.

Faculty Shortage

One of the biggest challenges facing nursing education is the shortage of faculty.

Recent national estimates indicate:

• Thousands of qualified applicants are denied admission each year due to a lack of instructors.

• More than 80,000 qualified applications were turned away in the latest admissions cycle.

• The average age of nursing faculty is over 55 years, and many are nearing retirement. (NCSBN)

RN Workforce Outlook Through 2032

The outlook remains very favorable.

• Approximately 193,100 RN job openings are projected each year through 2032.

• Demand is driven by:

  • An aging U.S. population

  • Retirement of experienced nurses

  • Expanded outpatient care

  • Growth in home health

  • Increased chronic disease management

Summary of the Current Nursing Education Landscape

• 283,303 entry-level BSN students enrolled.

• 92,447 RNs are returning to school for BSN completion.

• 728,000+ applications were submitted to nursing schools.

• 80,000+ qualified applicants were denied admission due to capacity limits.

• 86.7% of first-time U.S.-educated NCLEX-RN candidates passed in 2025.

• 95–98% of graduates secure employment within six months.

• The profession is expected to add roughly 193,100 RN openings annually through 2032. (NCSBN)