Top 7 BSN Programs in Idaho Based on NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Discover which schools may offer the strongest pathways to RN licensure and career success.
Choosing the right nursing program is one of the most important steps in preparing for a successful career as a registered nurse. A strong nursing school not only provides the academic foundation and clinical experience needed for the profession but also plays a critical role in preparing students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
This list highlights the top BSN programs in Idaho, ranked by their 2024 NCLEX-RN pass rates. These pass rates are among the most reliable indicators of a program’s quality, reflecting how well students are prepared to meet the demands of licensure and practice.
Eagle Gate College is among the institutions featured and has demonstrated exceptional performance in preparing students for the NCLEX-RN. While the list is data-driven and objective, it’s important to remember that pass rates are just one part of evaluating the best fit for your nursing education.
Top 7 Nursing Schools in Idaho (Ranked by NCLEX-RN Pass Rates) in 2024
Here is the 2024 ranked list BSN Programs based on first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates from highest to lowest. Licensing exam pass rates reflect only the performance of students from each school who took the exam. These figures may not include all graduates and may vary by institution.
- Eagle Gate Idaho Falls – BSN RN – 100.00%
- Brigham Young University Idaho – BSN RN – 98.08%
- Lewis‑Clark State College – BSN RN – 96.55%
- Eagle Gate Boise – BSN RN – 95.00%
- Boise State University – BSN RN – 92.11%
- Northwest Nazarene University – BSN RN – 86.36%
- Idaho State University – BSN RN – 78.57%
Highlights of Top Nursing School BSN Programs
When selecting a nursing program, it’s important to not only consider NCLEX-RN pass rates, but to also understand what each school truly offers. From curriculum structure and clinical experiences to learning formats and student support, every program brings unique strengths to the table. The summaries below provide a closer look at the top-performing nursing schools in Idaho, highlighting their recent NCLEX results, degrees offered, and standout features of their BSN programs to help you make a well-informed decision about your nursing education.
The following summaries present the 2024 NCLEX-RN pass rates and credential offerings for each Idaho BSN program, supported by official data from the Idaho DOPL and their individual institutional program pages.
1. Eagle Gate College Idaho Falls (BSN)
- Pass rate: 100.00% (44 first-time candidates)
- Degree offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Practical Nursing, RN-to-BSN, MEPN, MSN
- Program highlights: Eagle Gate’s Idaho Falls BSN program features an accelerated blended format combining online coursework with in-person labs and clinical rotations. Students benefit from modern simulation labs and partnerships with local healthcare providers. This supportive, hands-on approach helped the program achieve a perfect NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024. Licensing exam pass rates reflect only the performance of students from each school who took the exam. These figures may not include all graduates and may vary by institution.
2. Brigham Young University–Idaho (BSN)
- Pass rate: 98.08% (156 first-time candidates)
- Degree offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Program highlights: BYU–Idaho offers a faith-centered BSN program emphasizing evidence-based practice and compassionate care. Students gain experience through simulation labs and clinical placements across a variety of healthcare settings, supported by dedicated faculty advisors.
3. Lewis‑Clark State College (BSN)
- Pass rate: 96.55% (87 first-time candidates)
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), LPN to BSN, CC to BSN, online RN to BSN
- Program highlights: Lewis‑Clark’s BSN program blends rigorous academics with extensive clinical experience. Small class sizes, hands-on simulation, and a focus on professional development help prepare graduates for diverse nursing roles.
4. Eagle Gate College Boise (BSN)
- Pass rate: 95.00% (60 first-time candidates)
- Degree offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Medical Assisting, MEPN, Practical Nursing
- Program highlights: The Boise BSN program uses a blended learning model that pairs online coursework with campus-based labs and clinical rotations. Modern simulation technology and strong faculty support help students apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios.
5. Boise State University (BSN)
- Pass rate: 92.11% (152 first-time candidates)
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN to BSN, DNP
- Program highlights: Boise State’s BSN program integrates research, leadership, and patient-centered care. Students participate in clinical rotations in both urban and rural healthcare settings, supported by comprehensive simulation facilities.
6. Northwest Nazarene University (BSN)
- Pass rate: 86.36% (44 first-time candidates)
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN to BSN
- Program highlights: NNU combines liberal arts education with professional nursing coursework in a faith-based setting. Students engage in community health projects and clinical practice, supported by small class sizes and faculty mentorship.
7. Idaho State University (BSN)
- Pass rate: 78.57% (126 first-time candidates)
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN to BSN, DNP, PhD in Nursing
- Program highlights: ISU’s BSN program emphasizes evidence-based practice and culturally competent care. Students complete clinical rotations across diverse healthcare settings and benefit from advanced simulation labs and research opportunities.
Why NCLEX Pass Rates Matter When Choosing a Nursing School
Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the NCLEX-RN exam evaluates whether candidates are prepared to begin safe and effective entry-level nursing practice. When researching nursing schools, NCLEX pass rates can be a key indicator of program quality. High pass rates suggest that a school’s curriculum effectively prepares students for the demands of nursing practice and that students receive the academic and clinical support needed to succeed.
Consistently strong performance on the NCLEX may reflect experienced faculty, rigorous coursework, and comprehensive test preparation resources—all critical components of a successful nursing education. For prospective students, considering pass rates can offer valuable insight into how well a program may equip graduates for licensure and long-term career success.
About Eagle Gate College’s Nursing Program
Eagle Gate College offers a variety of nursing programs in Idaho designed to support students at different stages of their nursing careers. These programs reflect Eagle Gate’s emphasis on flexibility, hands-on training, and accelerated pathways to help students enter or advance within the nursing profession.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – This pre-licensure, accelerated program can be completed in as little as three years. These programs are designed for students new to nursing, Eagle Gate’s BSN blends online coursework with hands‑on lab sessions and clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities. The curriculum focuses on evidence‑based practice, patient safety, and critical thinking—helping graduates prepare to sit for the NCLEX‑RN and enter the workforce as competent, entry‑level registered nurses.
- Practical Nursing (PN) diploma – This 12‑month program prepares students to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) through a mix of classroom learning, simulation labs, and clinical training. The PN curriculum emphasizes direct patient care, medication administration, and effective communication within the healthcare team. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX‑PN and begin their careers in settings like clinics, long‑term care facilities, and physician offices—often continuing later into RN pathways.
- RN-to-BSN – Designed for licensed registered nurses looking to advance professionally, this fully online program can be completed in as little as 20 months. The curriculum builds on existing clinical knowledge and focuses on leadership, research, health policy, and community health nursing. Flexible scheduling allows nurses to balance coursework with work and personal commitments, while deepening their understanding of evidence‑based practice and preparing for broader roles in patient care or management.
- Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) – For students who already hold a non‑nursing bachelor’s degree, the MEPN program offers an accelerated route into the nursing profession, leading to eligibility for the NCLEX‑RN. Spanning approximately 20 months, the program includes rigorous graduate‑level coursework, advanced simulation experiences, and clinical rotations across diverse specialties. Graduates earn a master’s degree in nursing, positioning them for future roles that may include advanced practice, leadership, or specialized patient care.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Designed for licensed registered nurses seeking advanced roles, the online MSN program builds experience in leadership, education, and evidence-based practice. The curriculum combines online coursework with applied learning projects, helping students deepen their clinical knowledge and prepare for roles such as nurse educator, nurse leader, or clinical manager.
Eagle Gate College in Idaho Falls achieved an impressive 100.00% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for their BSN program in 2024; however, licensing exam pass rates reflect only the performance of students who actually took the exam and may not include all graduates, with results varying by institution.
The Eagle Gate College program features modern simulation labs with high-fidelity manikins, a wide range of clinical placements in local hospitals and healthcare facilities, and a blended learning format that combines online coursework with in-person labs—ideal for students balancing other commitments. Supportive faculty and small class sizes further help students build the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.
Start Your Nursing Journey with Purpose
NCLEX-RN pass rates can offer valuable insight into a nursing program’s ability to prepare students for real-world practice and licensure. High pass rates may reflect strong academic support, effective clinical training, and a curriculum aligned with national nursing standards. As you evaluate nursing schools, it’s important to consider these outcomes alongside factors like program structure, flexibility, and student resources.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your nursing journey, now is the time to explore your options. Whether you’re just starting out and want to learn how to become a Registered Nurse, comparing roles like LPN vs. RN, or you’re a licensed RN looking to advance your career through an RN-to-BSN program, Eagle Gate College offers pathways designed to support your goals. Our flexible BSN program equips future nurses with the knowledge and clinical experience needed to succeed—so you can make a meaningful impact in healthcare. Visit Eagle Gate College’s Nursing Programs and learn more about the multiple educational pathways for aspiring and practicing nurses.
