University of South Alabama

Established in 1963, the University of South Alabama, known as South, fosters a nurturing atmosphere for aspiring nurses to enhance their expertise. Emphasizing practical learning and innovative research, students gain a well-rounded education to stand out in their professional paths.

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Mobile, Alabama

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School Ranking: B+
2 reviews

University of South Alabama is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, CNL, NP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Student Demographics

  • 21 Average Age
  • 39% Men
  • 61% Women
  • 0% Veterans
  • 71% White
  • 2% Hispanic
  • 25% Black
  • 1% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

Nursing Programs

  • $28,850 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*
  • $27,197 In-State Graduate Tuition*

*Tuition is an average of the programs listed below.

*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

The University of South Alabama, or South as it is called, is a public institution that was founded in 1963.

Beyond the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, students at the University of South Alabama College of Nursing have the option to take their education to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) level and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) level, as well as adding a Post-Graduate certificate in the chosen specialty field. Below are the programs broken down into all the offerings at the University of South Alabama.

Undergraduate

High School Students

There are options at the University of South Alabama for high school junior and senior students. Qualified students may be accepted early into the Nursing program.

High school seniors can enter the program early for guaranteed admission.

Those who have completed their freshman year at USA also get guaranteed admission into the school of Nursing. These students must have achieved a 3.2 GPA or above.

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

With the traditional BSN degree, students take perquisite courses and nursing courses over the course of four years. In the end, a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) will be issued, as well as eligibility to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensure NCLEX exam.

Associate's and Diploma to BSN/MSN

For those students who have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/ASN) or Diploma, an accelerated BSN/MSN pathway is offered.

Bachelor's in another field to BSN/MSN

Students who want to become nurses have the option to take their other Bachelor's degree and apply it to the credit hours required for a BSN/MSNdegree, shortening the length of the program.

Graduate

Doctor of Nursing Practice(DNP)

With the design in compliance with the Essentials for Doctor of Nursing Practice programs as put forth by the American Association of College of Nursing, the DNP program is available for students as well. This is for those nursing students who want a higher degree to become prepared to care for the community and individuals at an advanced level. The focus is geared towards managing care of populations, managing systems, and developing policies.

DNP Pathways

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to DNP
  • Master of Science in Nursing to DNPBridge Program for Clinical Nurse Leaders to Executive Nursing Administration
  • BSN to DNP

Post-Graduate Certificate

  • Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Dual Role (Family Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
  • Executive Nursing Administration
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric (Family) Nurse Practitioner
  • Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Post-Graduate Specialties

  • These specialties are not primary areas of advanced practice nursing but an additional Post-Graduate Certificate:
  • Cardiovascular Subspecialty
  • Clinical Lipidology Subspecialty
  • Nursing Education Subspecialty
  • Palliative Care Subspecialty

Accreditation and Approval

The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master's degree in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at the University of South Alabama College of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The University of South Alabama is accredited by The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. 

The entry level baccalaureate program at the University of South Alabama is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing.

Rankings

US News & World Report (2019)

  • #230-#301 in National Universities
  • #121 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
  • #173 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor's Programs

NICHE (2019)

  • Most Diverse Colleges in America #260
  • Top Public Universities in America #260
  • Most Liberal Colleges in America #417
  • Best College Campuses in America #429
  • Colleges with the Best Academics in America #564
  • Colleges with the Best Student Life in America #595
  • Best Colleges in America #677
  • Best College Locations in America #768
  • Best Value Colleges in America #1,098
  • Most Diverse Colleges in Alabama #1
  • Most Liberal Colleges in Alabama #6
  • Top Public Universities in Alabama #8
  • Best College Locations in Alabama #10
  • Best Colleges in Alabama #11
  • Colleges with the Best Academics in Alabama #11
  • Best College Campuses in Alabama #11
  • Colleges with the Best Student Life in Alabama #11
  • Best Value Colleges in Alabama #12
  • Best Colleges in Mobile Area #2
  • Best Value Colleges in Mobile Area #3

Forbes (2018)

  • #628 Top Colleges
  • #236 in Public Colleges
  • #247 in Research Universities
  • #156 in the South

College Factual ranked the University of South Alabama #5 in their Best Colleges for the Money in Alabama (2018).

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LadyT618
   5 of 5 members found this review helpful 5 / 5 members

I'm a recent Post Master's AGPCNP graduate. The program was excellent, in my opinion. Instructors and professors were always an email or phone call away for assistance and guidance. As a graduate student, certain standards are expected and they ensured those standards are maintained throughout your journey. I highly recommend USA for anyone looking to pursue advanced education toward becoming an APRN.

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Mercymercy

   1 of 1 member found this review helpful 1 / 1 member

I graduated from the program in 2014. Loved that even though it was tough and tasking, I still had time to have fun evenings with friends It also offered a great co-op program that allowed us to Work at the South Med Center, a level 1 trauma facility. Great experiences that made me the strong nurse that I am today. Dr. Jacobs was by far my favorite professor. He knows his stuff inside and out. He was a great asset to the program. 

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