Incoming first-years and transfer students can earn a pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing on St. Ambrose's campus in Davenport, Iowa. Students on this traditional track access the benefits of student life, from classes in our fully-equipped Center for Health Sciences Education to on-campus housing and dining options.
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On-campus BSN students complete a total of 120 credits, including 36 gen ed credits, 64 core credits, 20 elective credits, several group clinicals, 1 one-on-one preceptorship, several simulations, and 1 capstone project.
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How much does a BS in Nursing cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses, including Nursing Fees and Supplies (pdf). Explore total cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense |
By Semester |
By Year |
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* |
$19,674 |
$39,348 |
| Housing** |
$4,313 |
$8,625 |
| Food*** |
$3,135 |
$6,270 |
| Technology fee |
$150 |
$300 |
| Total direct charges (billable) |
$27,272 |
$54,543 |
*Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer. Additionally, on-campus nursing students are charged fees by the credit hour for nursing courses, at $50 per credit hour.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
Housing costs for on-campus students
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone. The cost of your housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
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How to Apply
Follow these three steps to apply to the BSN program in St. Ambrose University's Presentation Sisters Department of Nursing:
Applications received by December 1 will be given priority admission for the following fall semester. Applications received by July 1 will be given priority admission for the following spring semester. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until each cohort has been filled.
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Early decision application process
High-achieving high school students have the opportunity to enter St. Ambrose University as first-year students and secure a place in the School of Nursing through our Early Decision Placement Program. The School of Nursing admits a cohort who will complete two years of prerequisites at St. Ambrose University and begin their study in nursing major course work in the fall sessions.
- Deadline: Our Early Decision Application opens August 1
- Criteria: To be considered for Early Decision, students must apply and be accepted to St. Ambrose University and have a minimum 3.2 unweighted GPA
- Additional Requirements: The student maintains placement in the nursing program if they have met the Nursing admission criteria when application materials were submitted to the Nursing program (during the designated semester the student begins the Nursing program).
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Admission requirements for a BS in Nursing
Ready to start your career in Nursing? Here are the admissions requirements for our Nursing program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.0
- You must provide an official high school transcript
- You must apply to St. Ambrose University, then complete an additional application for our nursing program
- You should have no more than 7 outstanding required general education credits left to complete when you enter the Nursing Program.
Additionally, the following are required prior to being fully accepted into and starting the nursing program:
- Completion of a CNA Certification (Certified Nursing Assistant) course, active CNA certification, or employment documentation of Nursing Department Skills Checklist, within the last 3 years of entering the Nursing Program.
- CPR Certification through the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (not Red Cross).
- Completion of Health Documentation Requirements.
Email a nursing advisor
Required prerequisites
Complete the following prerequisite courses with a C grade or higher prior to admission to the Nursing Program. If applicable, no more than one science course can be completed the summer before fall entry:
- BIOL 211 Introductory Microbiology, 4 credits (plus lab)
- BIOL 230 Human Anatomy and Physiology, 4 credits (plus lab)
- BIOL 232 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology, 4 credits (plus lab)
- +CHEM 101 Introduction to Chemistry (or higher level Chemistry), 3 credits
- STAT 145 Applied Statistical Reasoning for the Sciences, 3 credits
- +PSYC 105 Introduction to Psychology, 3 credits
- PSYC 212 Life-Span Developmental Psychology, 3 credits
- COMM 145 Oral Communications, 3 credits
+applicable toward general education requirement
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 3.0 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 84 with a speaking score of 26, TOEFL PBT minimum score of 560, IELTS - 6.5 with a speaking score of 7.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
- You must apply to St. Ambrose University, then complete an additional application for our nursing program
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