Nursing schools see enrollment increases

Enrollment in Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs increased by 7.6% (19,830 students) from 2024 to 2025, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s annual survey. Student enrollment increased in master’s programs by 6.8% (9,276 students) and in Doctor of Nursing Practice programs by 5.9% (2,488 students), marking 22 years of continuous DNP enrollment expansion. However, enrollment in PhD programs fell for the 11th consecutive year, with a 3.05% decline (127 students). Enrollment has fallen by 26.2% from 5,145 to 4,077 students since 2013, sparking concerns regarding a lack of faculty available to teach the next generation and conduct research. The survey also found nursing schools turned away 93,176 qualified applicants in 2025, though prospective applicants may have been accepted and enrolled elsewhere. (American Association of Colleges of Nursing news release, 5/7/26)