More than 95 percent of all Marquette Nursing students who took the National Council Licensure Examination in 2025 passed, according to the latest data from Wisconsin’s Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Among undergraduates, 98.5 percent of NCLEX candidates passed, with 93.4 percent of Direct-Entry Master of Nursing candidates doing the same.
“These test results highlight Marquette’s strong, holistic preparation,” said Dr. Jill Guttormson, dean of the College of Nursing. “More than 300 nurses from the Class of 2025 are now making an impact on health care in their communities. I’m proud — both of their hard work and the work our faculty and staff put into educating them.”
How does this compare to historical trends?
The Marquette BSN program’s pass rate was the highest in Wisconsin among programs with class sizes of 100 or more. This is the sixth consecutive year that the BSN pass rate has been above 95 percent. In 2024, the BSN achieved a perfect pass rate.
Both the BSN and DE MSN programs’ overall pass rates exceed the estimated national overall pass rate.
“We are focused on supporting students’ clinical judgement and delivering outcomes that support our graduates’ ability to provide holistic care to patients, families, and communities. The metrics are another indicator that these efforts are paying dividends.” said Guttormson.
What is the NCLEX?
The NCLEX is a mandatory licensure exam in the United States, Canada and Australia that every entry-level nurse must pass before they can begin practicing. Nurses are heavily tested on their knowledge of safety practices and their clinical judgment, among other areas.
Marquette Nursing’s curriculum thoroughly covers the subjects that appear most often on the NCLEX. Strong clinical rotations and ample time in the Ascension Center for Clinical Simulation, allows students to cultivate sound clinical reasoning in a supportive environment, ensuring readiness for both the NCLEX and their future nursing careers.
About the College of Nursing:
Ranked No. 28 in undergraduate education by U.S. News and World Report, Marquette University’s College of Nursing offers a learning experience grounded in Ignatian values of excellence, faith, leadership and service. Our nationally renowned faculty shape education and care across the profession through groundbreaking research. We offer evidence-based, high-quality experiences that enable our students to achieve their full potential and “Be the Difference” for the patients, families, and communities they serve.
