NCLEX Pass Rates by State (2026): Where Students Struggle Most and Why
NCLEX pass rates vary dramatically by state — from above 90% in some states to below 70% in others. If you're in a lower-performing state, that gap isn't just a statistic. It means more students around you are failing, nursing programs in your state may be underpreparing students, and you need to know what the difference-makers are.
This article covers the most current NCLEX pass rate data by state, what drives the variation, and what students in lower-pass-rate states should do about it.
National Overview: 2026 NCLEX Pass Rates
The national first-attempt NCLEX-RN pass rate for US-educated graduates has hovered between 82–86% in recent years. That means roughly 1 in 6 nursing students fails on their first attempt — and the rate varies significantly by state, program type, and year.
For NCLEX-PN (practical nursing), the national first-attempt pass rate is lower — typically 83–87% for US-educated graduates.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates by State (First Attempt, US-Educated Graduates)
Highest Pass Rate States (90%+)
These states consistently produce first-attempt pass rates at or above 90%:
| State | Approx. First-Attempt Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| Montana | ~93–95% |
| Wyoming | ~92–94% |
| Vermont | ~92–94% |
| North Dakota | ~91–93% |
| South Dakota | ~91–93% |
| Iowa | ~90–92% |
| Minnesota | ~90–92% |
| Nebraska | ~90–92% |
| Utah | ~90–92% |
| Idaho | ~89–91% |
Pattern: Smaller states with fewer nursing programs tend to have higher pass rates. Fewer programs often means more selective admissions and tighter quality control.
Mid-Range States (83–90%)
The majority of states fall in this range, near or slightly above the national average:
| State | Approx. First-Attempt Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin | ~89–91% |
| Kansas | ~88–90% |
| Colorado | ~87–89% |
| Oregon | ~87–89% |
| Washington | ~86–88% |
| Virginia | ~86–88% |
| Ohio | ~85–87% |
| Pennsylvania | ~85–87% |
| Michigan | ~84–86% |
| North Carolina | ~84–86% |
| Illinois | ~83–85% |
| Texas | ~83–85% |
| New York | ~82–85% |
| Florida | ~82–84% |
| Georgia | ~82–84% |
Lower Pass Rate States (Below 82%)
These states consistently see below-average first-attempt pass rates. If you're in one of these states, you should treat your preparation as if you're in a higher-risk environment:
| State | Approx. First-Attempt Pass Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | ~79–82% | Largest nursing graduate population; high program volume and variability |
| New Jersey | ~79–82% | High competition for clinical placements; diverse student demographics |
| New Mexico | ~77–81% | Fewer resources; access gaps in rural programs |
| Nevada | ~78–81% | Rapid growth in programs; newer schools still establishing track records |
| Hawaii | ~77–80% | Small market; limited clinical diversity |
| Puerto Rico | ~65–72% | Language and curriculum alignment challenges; significantly below national average |
| Guam/US Territories | ~60–70% | Structural and resource barriers |
Why Pass Rates Vary So Much By State
The gap between a 94% state and a 68% territory isn't random. Several structural factors drive it:
1. Nursing program density and quality variability States with many nursing programs — especially newer for-profit or online programs — show higher variation. A state with 200 nursing programs has more programs at the lower end of quality. Smaller states with 15–20 programs can more tightly regulate admissions and outcomes.
2. Admissions standards Programs with higher TEAS score requirements, higher prerequisite GPA cutoffs, and more selective clinical placement produce graduates who pass at higher rates. When states or programs lower admissions standards to address nursing shortages, pass rates often drop.
3. Clinical training quality and diversity Students who trained in high-acuity, high-volume settings — urban trauma centers, large teaching hospitals — are generally better prepared for the clinical judgment the NCLEX tests. Programs in rural or resource-limited areas may have less clinical variety.
4. NCLEX prep integration Programs that build NCLEX-style practice (NGN formats, ATI or HESI integration, systematic review) into their curriculum throughout — not just the final semester — produce better-prepared graduates.
5. Student demographics and support structures First-generation college students, students working full-time while in school, and students without strong support networks fail at higher rates regardless of program quality. This isn't a commentary on ability — it's a resource and support gap.
If You're in a Lower Pass Rate State: What to Do Differently
Being in a lower pass rate state doesn't mean you'll fail. It means you should treat your preparation with more intentionality than the average student.
Check your program's specific pass rate, not just your state's. Your state board of nursing publishes pass rates by program. If your school's pass rate is 10–15 points below the state average, that's a signal that you need to supplement your school preparation significantly.
Treat NGN formats as a specific skill, not background knowledge. Students in lower-pass-rate states often fail because they're underprepared for the NGN question types — bow-tie, matrix, cloze — that make up a significant portion of the 2026 exam. These formats are learnable with targeted practice; they're not about intelligence, they're about familiarity.
Don't rely only on what your program gives you. In higher-pass-rate states, programs tend to integrate more practice and provide more systematic review. If your program isn't doing that, you need to supply it yourself.
Give yourself more time. Students in lower-pass-rate environments often underestimate how much additional preparation they need. Budget 8–10 weeks of focused prep, not 4.
How to Find Your Program's Pass Rate
Every state board of nursing publishes NCLEX pass rate data by program. Here's how to find yours:
- Google "[your state] board of nursing NCLEX pass rates by program"
- Most states publish an annual report — look for "NCLEX program pass rates" or "nursing education program data"
- Find your specific school's first-attempt pass rate for the most recent year available
If your program's pass rate is below 80%, that's a significant warning sign. Below 70% is a program-level concern that should affect how seriously you take independent preparation.
FAQs
Do NCLEX pass rates vary by race or ethnicity?
Yes — NCSBN data consistently shows pass rate gaps by demographic group. International graduates and graduates from some racial and ethnic groups have statistically lower first-attempt pass rates. This is a well-documented equity issue in nursing education. The root causes are complex (language, curriculum alignment, access to preparation resources, structural barriers) and the field is actively working to address them.
Does it matter which state I took the NCLEX in for pass rate purposes?
NCLEX results are reported to the state where you applied for licensure, not necessarily where you physically tested. Pass rates are attributed to your graduation state (where your program is located), not your testing location.
Will the April 1, 2026 test plan change affect pass rates?
Likely yes, at least temporarily. Any time the test plan changes, there's typically a short-term dip in pass rates as students and programs adjust. The 2026 NGN emphasis means students who haven't specifically practiced clinical judgment question formats may struggle more than they would have on the previous test plan.
Where can I find the most current NCLEX pass rate data?
The NCSBN publishes annual pass rate data at ncsbn.org. The most recent full dataset is typically published in the spring for the prior calendar year. Your state board of nursing website also publishes program-specific pass rates.
