St Paul's School of Nursing-Queens

Academics here are narrowly and intensely focused on healthcare credentials. The school offers degrees and certificates in just two fields. The overwhelming, signature program is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. The other offering is a Medical/Clinical Assistant program. The institution describes its mission as "offering an excellent education exemplifying the highest standards for nursing practice," framing nursing as both an art and a science. However, the academic experience is reported to be rigorous and high-pressure within this focused scope. Student reviews indicate that many classes require a 78+ exam average to pass, making the curriculum academically demanding despite the open admissions policy. A significant point of consideration for prospective nursing students is accreditation; a public service announcement from a student forum claims the school does not currently hold ACEN accreditation, a detail crucial for licensing and career mobility that requires verification with the school.

Student life orbits entirely around the professional training mission. The campus is a 40,000 square foot facility in Queens, NY, which has undergone recent renovations. It features modern labs designed to create a realistic clinical environment for hands-on learning. There is no mention of traditional residential life, athletics, or a broad slate of student clubs, reflecting its identity as a commuter-based career college. The environment is built for immersion in nursing and medical studies, with the physical plant geared toward practical skill development.

Outcomes data presents a mixed but ultimately high-reward picture. Graduation rates vary by source and cohort. The College Scorecard reports a 68% graduation rate, while the school's own 2022 cohort completion rate for first-time, full-time students is 48%. Another source cites a 51% graduation rate. This suggests a significant portion of students do not complete the program, aligning with anecdotal reports of a demanding curriculum. For those who do graduate, the financial return is strong. The canonical figure for median earnings 10 years after entry is $104,403. Other sources support high earnings, with one noting graduates earn a median of $81,254 six years after enrollment—roughly 86% above the national median. The median debt at graduation is reported as $20,000. The payoff period—total degree cost divided by annual earnings gain—has been calculated at a swift 0.65 years.

Cost is a major consideration. The canonical average net price after aid is $26,315. Other estimates are similar, with Niche reporting a net price of $25,602. The full sticker price is significantly higher. One detailed breakdown lists $40,240 for tuition and fees, plus $17,556 for living expenses. A student review bluntly states, "Tuition is over $57,000." Financial aid is available, and the school encourages students to meet with a financial aid representative to learn about scholarships and federal aid options. The primary starting point is the FAFSA, which can unlock federal Pell Grants (need-based and non-repayable) and federal student loans. College Factual reports that 55% of undergraduates receive scholarship aid, averaging $7,183. There is no indication from the provided sources that St. Paul's has a "no-loan" policy or meets full demonstrated financial need with grants alone; aid packages typically include loans that require repayment.

St. Paul's School of Nursing-Queens stands out for its stark, transactional clarity. It is not a traditional liberal arts college but a for-profit career accelerator with a 100% acceptance rate, making nursing education accessible to many who meet the basic credit requirement. It distinguishes itself with a singular, clinical focus housed in a large, modern facility. The trade-off is explicit: students face a high-pressure academic environment with passing bars set at 78+ and a total cost that can exceed $57,000, all while navigating important questions about specialized accreditation. Yet, for those who succeed, the outcome is powerfully tangible: a direct path to a profession where median earnings can surpass $104,000 within a decade, offering a potentially rapid return on a significant investment. It's a school for determined career-changers and first-time students who are certain of their path and prepared for its rigors and costs.