U.S. nursing education reference
Key numbers on nursing-school enrollment, NCLEX-RN results, and the registered-nurse workforce. Each statistic links directly to its original source.
Last updated August 28, 2026. Figures reflect the latest source available for each measure.
At a glance
Nursing programs are growing, but school capacity and clinical placements still limit how many qualified students can enter. At the same time, the workforce continues to need new nurses, especially in communities where access is already uneven.
AACN reported this total for Fall 2024, after enrollment increased by 12,434 students from the prior year.
Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2024 Annual Survey, published June 17, 2025This is applications, not individual applicants. AACN reported that the most common capacity barriers were clinical placement sites, faculty, preceptors, classroom space, and budget limits.
Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2024 Annual Survey, published June 17, 2025Of 192,916 first-time U.S.-educated candidates testing for U.S. licensure in 2025, 167,272 passed.
Source: National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2025 NCLEX Examination Statistics, published 2026For first-time U.S.-educated candidates in 2025, the exam averaged 2 hours and 14 minutes. The adaptive test used 85 to 150 items.
Source: National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2025 NCLEX Examination Statistics, published 2026The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 2025 employment and projects RN employment to grow 6% between 2025 and 2035.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025 employment and 2025-2035 projectionsThis annual average covers the 2025-2035 decade and includes new jobs as well as openings created when nurses retire or move into other roles.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025-2035 projectionsHRSA projects a 2% RN shortage in metro areas over the same period, showing how strongly location can shape access to nursing care.
Source: U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, Nurse Workforce Projections, 2023-2038, published December 2025Sources and notes
This page uses primary public sources from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. It does not combine separate measures into a new estimate.
Enrollment and application figures describe nursing schools participating in AACN's survey. NCLEX figures describe candidates testing for U.S. RN licensure. Workforce figures use different measures depending on the source, so the relevant definition is included with each statistic.
The page is reviewed monthly and sooner when a core source releases an update. For clinical decisions, use current program, employer, and regulatory guidance.
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Use the stable statistic links above when you are referencing one figure. Always check the linked original source for its full methodology and any newer release.
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