University of Florida College of Nursing
Gainesville, FL
Quick Facts
1956
Founded
700+
Enrollment
20%
Acceptance Rate
95%
NCLEX Pass Rate
About University of Florida College of Nursing
The University of Florida College of Nursing is one of the premier public nursing programs in the Southeast. As part of UF Health, the state's most comprehensive academic health center, nursing students train alongside physicians, pharmacists, and other health professionals in a truly interprofessional environment. Clinical rotations at UF Health Shands Hospital, a 1,000-bed teaching hospital, expose students to complex patient cases across every major specialty.
The college is recognized nationally for its research in areas including biobehavioral health, aging, health disparities, and nursing informatics. The faculty includes many nationally recognized nurse scientists whose work shapes clinical practice and health policy. The college's commitment to innovation is reflected in its early adoption of simulation technology, its robust online graduate programs, and its emphasis on preparing nurses for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Degree Programs Offered
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A four-year pre-licensure program that combines UF's strong liberal arts foundation with rigorous nursing science and clinical training at UF Health Shands Hospital and community health partners throughout North Central Florida.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Graduate programs with tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Pediatric NP, and Nurse Leader. Several tracks are available in a fully online format.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A practice-focused doctoral program for advanced practice nurses seeking the terminal clinical degree. The program is designed for working nurses and offers a flexible online format with clinical immersion requirements.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
A research-focused doctoral program preparing nurse scientists to conduct original research in biobehavioral health, aging, informatics, and health disparities.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The University of Florida College of Nursing holds full CCNE accreditation for its BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs, demonstrating sustained commitment to academic and clinical excellence in nursing education.
Campus & Online Options
The BSN program is primarily on-campus in Gainesville, with clinical rotations at UF Health Shands Hospital, the Gainesville VA Medical Center, and community health sites across North Central Florida. Graduate programs (MSN, DNP) offer robust online options, with many tracks available entirely online except for required clinical hours arranged in the student's home community. The PhD program is on-campus.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition
For Florida residents, undergraduate tuition and fees are approximately $6,400 per year, making UF one of the most affordable top-ranked nursing programs in the country. Out-of-state students pay approximately $28,700 per year. Graduate tuition ranges from $12,000 to $22,000 per year for Florida residents.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
UF offers merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, federal student loans, and nursing-specific awards through the College of Nursing. The Gator Nursing Excellence Fund provides scholarships for high-achieving students. Florida residents may qualify for Bright Futures and other state-funded aid programs. External opportunities include the Nurse Corps Scholarship and Florida Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
Admissions Overview
Admission to the BSN program at UF is highly competitive. Students apply to UF as pre-nursing majors and then apply to the upper-division nursing program during their sophomore year. The college uses a holistic review process considering GPA, prerequisite performance, healthcare experience, and personal essays.
Application Deadline
February 1 for upper-division nursing admission
Requirements
- Minimum 3.2 GPA in prerequisite courses
- Completion of prerequisite biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and statistics courses
- Personal statement on commitment to nursing
- Two letters of recommendation
- Healthcare-related experience strongly recommended
- TEAS exam score (competitive range: 80th percentile or above)
Student Life
UF's Gainesville campus offers a vibrant college town experience with Division I athletics, more than 1,000 student organizations, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Nursing students participate in the Student Nurses Association, community health volunteering, interprofessional simulation events, and research mentorships. Gainesville is consistently ranked among the best college towns in America, offering affordable living, outdoor recreation, and proximity to both Florida coasts.
Great for Future Travel Nurses
University of Florida College of Nursing graduates are well positioned for travel nursing careers, particularly in the Southeast and across the Sun Belt. Clinical training at UF Health Shands Hospital, one of the largest teaching hospitals in Florida, gives students experience in high-acuity settings including trauma, cardiac surgery, and critical care that directly align with the highest-demand travel nursing specialties. Florida's membership in the Nurse Licensure Compact means UF graduates who maintain a Florida multistate license can begin taking travel assignments in compact states immediately. The college's strong online graduate programs also allow working travel nurses to continue their education while on assignment, making UF an excellent long-term partner for career advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
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