My student was admitted direct-entry nursing at ASU and also got into Barrett Honors, but they’re deciding between ASU and UofA (also admitted direct-entry to the Franke program). What do people love or dislike about ASU’s nursing program, and is Barrett actually worth it for nursing
Choosing between ASU and UofA involves weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each institution's nursing program and honors college.
ASU Nursing Program Highlights
- Academic Reputation: ASU's Edson College of Nursing ranks in the top 5% of BSN programs nationally, with a No. 40 national ranking and No. 25 among public universities.
- Career Preparation: The program boasts a high NCLEX first-time pass rate of 95% in 2024, indicating strong preparation for the nursing workforce.
- Supportive Environment: Students appreciate the accessible faculty and administration, fostering a responsive educational atmosphere.
- Location: The Downtown Phoenix campus provides proximity to major hospitals for clinical experiences.
- Program Intensity: The rigorous curriculum can be stressful, requiring significant commitment from students.
- Campus Experience: Some students find the downtown campus less vibrant compared to the main Tempe campus, leading to feelings of isolation.
- Large University Size: Despite personalized attention, the vastness of ASU can make some students feel like just a number.
Barrett is often viewed as the "gold standard" for honors colleges, offering benefits like priority registration and unique research opportunities. However, the additional workload, including a mandatory thesis, can be challenging for nursing students balancing clinical rotations, with some opting out before graduation after utilizing initial perks like priority registration Source 1 Source 3.