Question 1

What is the national NCLEX-RN pass rate?

Accepted Answer

The national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for US-educated candidates is approximately 87% as of the most recent NCSBN data. The overall pass rate including repeat and internationally-educated candidates is approximately 69%. Repeat candidates pass at roughly 53%.

Question 2

What NCLEX pass rate is considered good for a nursing program?

Accepted Answer

Programs consistently above 90% are strong performers. Accrediting bodies (ACEN, CCNE) flag programs that fall below 80% for three consecutive years, which can lead to probation or loss of accreditation. When choosing a nursing program, look for programs with 3+ years of pass rates above the national average.

Question 3

Has the NCLEX changed in 2026?

Accepted Answer

In April 2026, NCSBN updated the NCLEX test plan with renamed categories and new content emphasis areas including health equity, social media privacy, and complementary therapies. The exam structure (85-150 questions, 5 hours, NGN format) and client-needs category weights remain unchanged.

Question 4

How do I prepare for the NGN NCLEX?

Accepted Answer

The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) emphasizes clinical judgment using the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM). Preparation should include NGN-format practice questions (case studies, matrix questions, extended multiple response) rather than traditional single-answer MCQs alone.

School	State	Program	First-Time Pass Rate	Notes
Mercy College Bronx Bronx · University	New York	BSN	66%	Well below 80% threshold; ~72 failures/year
LIU Brooklyn Brooklyn · University	New York	BSN	70%	Chronic underperformance; below 80% threshold
Excelsior University Albany · University	New York	BSN	78%	Below 80% threshold — largest program below avg nationally
Florida International University Miami · University	Florida	BSN	85%	Near national average; large program volume
University of Texas at Arlington Arlington · University	Texas	BSN	87%	National avg 87%; UTA graduates typically perform at or above
Texas Woman's University Denton · University	Texas	BSN	87%	Consistently above national average
Drexel University Philadelphia · University	Pennsylvania	BSN	88%	Near or above national average
Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond · University	Virginia	BSN	88%	Above national average
Arizona State University Phoenix · University	Arizona	BSN	88%	Above national average
University of Florida Gainesville · University	Florida	BSN	90%	Consistently >90% first-time pass rate
Rutgers University Newark · University	New Jersey	BSN	90%	Above national average
UCLA (David Geffen) Los Angeles · University	California	MSN Entry	93%	Above national average
Northeastern University Boston · University	Massachusetts	BSN	93%	Above national average
Ohio State University Columbus · University	Ohio	BSN	94%	Consistently >94% first-time pass rate
Texas A&M University College Station · University	Texas	BSN	95%	Reported ~99% first-time pass rate
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UCSF School of Nursing San Francisco · University	California	BSN	95%	Consistently >95% first-time pass rate
Columbia University New York · University	New York	BSN/ETP	95%	Consistently >95% first-time pass rate
Emory University Atlanta · University	Georgia	BSN	95%	Consistently >95% first-time pass rate
University of Washington Seattle · University	Washington	BSN	95%	Consistently >95% first-time pass rate
Kent State University Kent · University	Ohio	BSN	96%	Reported ~96% pass rate across 5 campuses
UNC Chapel Hill Chapel Hill · University	North Carolina	BSN	96%	Consistently >96% first-time pass rate
University of Michigan Ann Arbor · University	Michigan	BSN	96%	Consistently >96% first-time pass rate
Boston College Boston · University	Massachusetts	BSN	96%	Consistently >96% first-time pass rate
Penn Nursing (UPenn) Philadelphia · University	Pennsylvania	BSN	97%	Consistently >97% first-time pass rate

NCLEX-RN Pass Rates by Nursing Program (2026)

Common Questions