Schools of Nursing See Enrollment Increases Across Most Program Levels, Signaling Strong Interest in Nursing Careers
New data released by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) show increases in the student population across most undergraduate and graduate programs at U.S. nursing schools, reversing some recent downward trends. While enrollment increased from 2023 to 2024 in baccalaureate, master's, and practice doctorates, fewer students entered research-focused doctoral programs (PhD) last year, further challenging efforts to prepare enough researchers, faculty, and leaders to meet workforce needs.
"Sustaining robust pathways into programs preparing professional nurses is critical to ensuring access to high-quality, patient-centered care," said Dr. Deborah Trautman, AACN President and Chief Executive Officer. "Academic nursing leaders are pleased to see enrollment growth in baccalaureate and graduate programs last year, which illustrates significant interest in nursing careers among those entering the field and nurses looking to advance into specialty and leadership roles."
Each year, AACN conducts a national survey of nursing schools offering baccalaureate and higher degrees to compile data on student enrollment and graduations, faculty and dean demographics, applications received, and qualified applications turned away, among many other key benchmarks. Conducted in Fall 2024, AACN's latest annual survey, titled 2024-2025 Enrollment and Graduations in Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs in Nursing, contains data reported by 964 schools of nursing, representing an 89.4% response rate.
Enrollment Changes by Program LevelMost individuals pursuing a career as a registered nurse (RN) in the U.S. enter the profession with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which is offered at 869 colleges and universities. Data from AACN's 2024 survey show that enrollment in BSN programs increased by 4.9% or 12,434 students last year. This finding marks the second year of enrollment increases in these programs, following a small dip in 2022. Total enrollment in entry-level BSN programs is currently 267,889 students.
Also at the baccalaureate level, the number of students in RN to BSN degree-completion programs increased, following five consecutive years of decline. These bridge programs for nurses entering the workforce with an associate degree or diploma programs provide an important pathway for nurses looking to advance their education to better meet patient care needs and employer expectations. Last year, enrollment in RN to BSN programs increased by 1.6% or 1,409 students. Although this increase is welcome, the current population of 90,369 students remains considerably lower than the high point of 139,587 enrolled students in 2018.
At the graduate level, the student population in master's programs increased by 4.8% or 6,308 students last year, the first enrollment increase since 2021. Master's-level nursing programs prepare individuals for a variety of roles in administration, teaching, research, informatics, instruction, and direct patient care. Currently, 655 nursing schools nationwide offer master's programs with 136,656 enrolled students. AACN continues to monitor master's program enrollments to identify any factors that may be influencing student demand, including the steady increase in enrollment in the practice doctorate.
At the doctoral level, enrollment in PhD nursing programs declined for the eleventh consecutive year, with a slight 0.5% decrease (21 students) from 2023 to 2024. Since 2013, enrollment in PhD programs has decreased by 17.9%, from 5,145 to 4,223 students. This downward trend is of great concern to academic nursing leaders responsible for preparing future nurse scientists, educators, and leaders. AACN's research and data team are examining survey findings to determine factors that may impact enrollment declines, including program characteristics and applications received.
