Is Purdue University Global Nursing School Worth It? Nurses Review

Image via Purdue 

Purdue University Global nursing school offers two pathways to help students who already have an RN earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While there is no traditional BSN program, there is an Associate of Science in Nursing program available (ASN). There are also multiple MSN, NP, and certificate programs. Read on to learn more about Purdue University Global’s nursing program and if it’s right for you.

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Stats 

Private or Public: Public

General Tuition: $315 to $700 per credit hour

Acceptance Rate: 100%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 75.8% - 100% (depending on location)

Application Deadlines: Rolling

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Source: Purdue

>> Explore Purdue's Online RN-BSN Program*

Contact Information

• Indiana Address: 2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100 West Lafayette, IN 47906

• Iowa Address: 4637 121st Street Urbandale, IA 50323

• Maine Address:  14 Marketplace Drive Augusta, ME 04330

• Email: sas@purdueglobal.edu

• Indiana Phone Number:  844-PURDUE-G (844-787-3834)

• Iowa Phone Number: 515-727-2100

• Maine Phone Number: 207-213-2500

Additional Info

• Rankings: Purdue University Global is ranked #331-440 in National Universities and #169-227 in Top Public Schools on US News and World Reports. 

• Total number of students: 32,000

• Graduation rate: 40.9%

• Student/faculty ratios: 24:1

Degrees Offered

Associate of Science in Nursing

• Tuition: $36,540

• Program Length: 36 Months

• Online Options Available? Hybrid

RN to BSN completion program

• Tuition: $40,950

• Program Length: 12 Months

• Online Options Available?  Yes

>> Explore Purdue's Online RN-BSN Program*

ExcelTrack RN to BSN completion program

• Tuition: $2,500 per term

• Program Length: 12 Months

• Online Options Available?  Yes

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Postgraduate Certificate

• Tuition: $21,420

• Program Length: 18 Months

• Online Options Available?  Yes

>> Explore Purdue's Online MSN Program*

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP Postgraduate Certificate

• Tuition: $25,200

• Program Length: 18 Months

• Online Options Available?  Yes

Doctor of Nursing Practice

• Tuition: $39,900

• Program Length: 18 Months

• Online Options Available?  Yes

>> Explore Purdue's Online DNP Program*

ExcelTrack Master of Science in Nursing

• Tuition: $3,200 per term

• Program Length: 18 Months

• Online Options Available?  Yes

Family Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Postgraduate Certificate

• Tuition: $25,200

• Program Length: 18 Months

• Online Options Available?  Yes

Master of Science in Nursing

• Tuition: $37,800

• Program Length: 24 Months

• Online Options Available?  Yes

>> Explore Purdue's Online MSN Program*

Master of Science in Nursing - DNP Path

• Tuition: $37,800

• Program Length: 24 Months

• Online Options Available?  Yes

Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration Dual Degree

• Tuition: $42,680

• Program Length: 36 Months

• Online Options Available?  Yes

Nursing Educator Postgraduate Certificate

• Tuition: $12,600

• Program Length: 11 Months

• Online Options Available?  Yes

Nursing Executive Leader Postgraduate Certificate

• Tuition: $12,600

• Program Length: 11 Months

• Online Options Available?  Yes

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate

• Tuition: $20,160

• Program Length: 12 Months

• Online Options Available?  Yes

Specialties Offered

MSN

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP

• Family NP

• Nursing Executive

• Nurse Educator

• Psychiatric Mental Health NP

DNP

• General

Is Purdue University Global’s Nursing School a Good Nursing Program?

Purdue University Global’s nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for all bachelor's and MSN degree programs, which means that it adheres to the highest educational standards for nursing programs in the US. 

It is worth noting that Purdue University Global’s 75.8% NCLEX pass rate is below the national average for first-time U.S.-educated nurses, which was 82% in 2022 according to NCSBN. However, some campuses including Omaha, Nebraska, and Iowa had NCLEX pass rates above the national average. 

Students in the ASN program take courses online and complete lab and simulation experiences in Augusta, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, or Lincoln.  

>> Explore Purdue's Online RN-BSN Program*

What Do You Need to Get Into Purdue University Global’s Nursing Program?

Purdue University Global’s Nursing program has a 100% acceptance rate for students who complete the required application and education requirements. There are no waitlists or pre-requisite courses at most locations. 

Students must complete the following for acceptance into the program:

• Completed application
• 18 years of age
• An informational interview with an admissions counselor
• Complete enrollment activities including the Student Expectations Acknowledgment Form
• Enrollment Agreement signed by the student and parent (if applicable)
• A negative result on drug/chemical substance testing
• Required health examinations, tests, and immunizations must be presented prior to registering for clinical courses or an externship experience.
• High school transcripts: An official transcript demonstrating a completed high school diploma
• Official transcripts for all previous college credits earned
• Criminal background check: Submission of a passed criminal background check
• Fingerprint clearance card: Submission of a fingerprint clearance card

How Hard is the Nursing Program at Purdue University Global?

Like every accredited nursing program, Purdue University Global’s nursing program is challenging and requires significant dedication to succeed.  

According to GradReports.com, 71% of students recommend the nursing program at Purdue and 39% say that their degree improved their career prospects.

>> Explore Purdue's Online MSN Program*

What Kind of Support Does Purdue University Global Provide?

Purdue University Global Center for Career Advancement is a great resource offered to students. There, students can connect with career counselors to determine which academic programs are a good fit and discuss next steps. 

The CareerNework platform offers students the ability to,

• Search and apply for jobs.
• Request a resume review.
• Explore career-related resources.
• Post questions to the online community about careers and job searches.
• Request to have your social media profiles reviewed before starting a job search.
• Watch archived employer spotlights you weren’t able to attend.

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How Much Is the Nursing Program at Purdue University Global?

Purdue University Global nursing school fees and total costs vary depending on the program.  The university recommends that prospective students speak with an admissions advisor or use the tuition estimator tool to calculate their costs.

Their online tuition page is quite impressive and is very clear on the costs of each of the programs. Students can also include how long they expect to take for each program which helps determine costs. For example, an Associate of Science in Nursing would cost the following:

• Cost per credit: $315
• Tuition: $36,540

A Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education Certificate on the other hand costs:

• Cost per credit: $420
• Tuition: $12,600

Purdue University Global has a very active Military Tuition Assistance Program (TA). According to the website, military tuition assistance may pay up to $166.67 per quarter credit hour for a maximum of $4,500 per year for the  Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marines. The annual cap for the Army is $4,000.

Furthermore, in support of Purdue Global service member students, they invite spouses and dependent family members of active-duty, National Guard and Reserve, and veteran students to apply for a special grant that offers a reduced tuition rate of $230 per credit hour. All military applicants and their families/spouses should contact an admission counselor for additional tuition information. 

Is Purdue University Global’s Nursing School Worth It?

Many students want to know if the cost of Purdue University Global’s nursing program is worth the expected salary. Some of the factors that students must consider before choosing a nursing program include:

• The type of healthcare institution where you will be employed
• The city and state will you live
• Whether you work part-time or full-time
• Whether you pick up overtime shifts or weekends (for a higher hourly wage)?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses earn a median annual salary of $77,600 per hour or $37.31 per hour. However, the range varies widely depending on many of the factors mentioned above. 

According to ZipRecruiter, nurse salaries range from $35,500 to $123,500, with an annual mean salary of $76,289.  Keep in mind that nurses who live in cities and states with a higher cost of living typically earn much higher salaries than nurses who work in more rural areas.

Another feature that may make Purdue University Global an excellent choice for some is that the university offers online courses that are available to students anytime and from practically anywhere to help them better balance their schedules. Students, especially adult learners, can work during their program. 

What is Purdue University Global Nursing School's Transfer Policy?

The Purdue University Global website recognizes degrees and credits students have earned at a previous institution or have experiential learning. 

Applicants can apply credits earned at prior institutions toward up to 75% of their undergraduate degree. Purdue University Global has educational alliances with over 30 different universities and colleges including many community colleges. This allows students to take courses and then transfer into the nursing program at Purdue.  Furthermore, Purdue does offer alternative credit hours including,

• Work and Life Experience
• Assessment of Skills and Knowledge

Students who intend to apply for transfer credits must submit the following with their admissions package:

• Official transcripts or official foreign evaluations for all potential transfer credits
• Course descriptions for all potential transfer credits

Purdue University Global’s Nursing School Reviews

"The process to start school here was so easy and efficient. Everyone I spoke with was upbeat and I felt truly cared about me as a student. I was able to maneuver the on-line classes with ease an I’m proud of myself for finishing my BSN goal. I am now preparing to get my Masters and should start in April. I recommend Purdue University Global to everyone who asks me where I go to school. Thank you to all of the excellent staff!" - Rachael S.

"Being in a program geared towards working adults I found it somewhat difficult that the instructors do not generally work on the weekends when many have more time to focus on school. Some instructors did grade/respond on weekends which was very helpful. However overall it was nice to be able to study at my own pace and finish my program in 30 weeks." -  Melissa Short

"I completed the BSN Excel Track in roughly 17 months with a 4-month break to have a baby. Not a bad program. Although BSN programs are leadership, research, and paper-driven....the work felt like busy work, the professors pretty much gave you an A if you didn't plagiarize, misspell, and had the components. No real discussions happen or collaboration between yourself, instructor, or classmate. Overall, if you're advancing to an MSN or FNP, then it's an easy and quick way to get your BSN achieved. No issues with financial aid, advising, or overall. Books come on time, classes are accessible anywhere at anytime, grading is about 24-48 hour turn around. Overall, programs an A-." - Amanda

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