The AACN conducts a national survey of nursing schools with baccalaureate and higher degrees on an annual basis. The latest data was published April 15 and is based on findings from a survey conducted in the fall of 2023, for which 975 nursing schools provided response.
Four updates on nursing enrollment, per the report:
- From 2022 to 2023, enrollment in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs increased 0.3%, or by 825 students — a welcome trend after the AACN reported a decrease in such programs from 2021 to 2022, ending a 20-year streak of enrollment growth.
- The number of students in RN to BSN degree-completion programs fell nearly 10%, or by 9,774 students, marking the fifth straight year of significant decline. The AACN said it is exploring what may be driving the decline after a rapid increase in bridge programs from 2002 to 2018.
- Enrollment in masters and PhD programs also fell by 1% and 3.1%, respectively. PhD program enrollment has been on a downward trend for a decade, stirring concern among the academic nursing community.
- The number of students in DNP programs grew 2%, marking 20 consecutive years of enrollment expansion. The AACN said it is looking into whether the steady enrollment growth in the doctorate practice has influenced student demand in master’s programs.
