Nursing School Enrollment Rates

In 2010, AACN provided data that indicates a 6.1% increase in undergraduate nursing school enrollments over the previous year. These programs included both entry-level students, as well as enrollment levels from those seeking a second degree in nursing, or students enrolled in accelerated nursing programs, such as an RN-to-BSN degree program.

For graduate students, the increase in student enrollments was 9.8% overall, with the largest growth seen in Doctor of Nursing Practice programs (25.6%). Research-focused, PhD programs reported a 4.5% increase in 2010.

While the total number of nursing school enrollments has increased, further numbers indicate a lower percentage rate of acceptance into all levels of nursing school. Much of this can be attributed to a lack of educators, instructional facilities and financial resources available to nursing schools and hospitals.

40.1% of applicants into nursing school programs were accepted in 2010, with the remaining number of potential students turned away due to a lack of nursing education resources. This lack of resources included the number of nurse educators available to provide classroom and clinical instruction, a shortage of sites and space for clinical and academic instruction, and budget cuts.

The 67,563 applicants turned away from nursing school in 2010 did not include the number of applications not meeting standard admission requirements, but represent students ready to begin a career in nursing, without the available educational resources needed to complete an undergraduate or graduate nursing school program.

Earn Your Nursing Degree Online

Explore these accredited online nursing degree programs below and request free no obligation information from any that interest you.

We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Associate Degree in Nursing Program

The Chamberlain College of Nursing allows students currently working in the healthcare field to earn their degree without disrupting their work schedule or family life.

University of Phoenix Nursing

RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Health Care Administration (Associate's)

AA in Health Care Administration - Pharmacy Practice

AA in Health Care Administration - Medical Records

At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

Kaplan University Online

RN to BS in Nursing Completion Degree

Medical Assisting (Associate's)

Kaplan University's degree program offers an accredited, online RN to BSN degree completion program that centers around health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, information and health care technologies, ethics, human diversity, management theory, and health care system and policies.