Schenectady, NYprivate nonprofitellismedicine.org
Belanger School of Nursing, a century-old hospital-based program in Schenectady, NY, offers a no-nonsense path to nursing licensure with a 98% NCLEX pass rate and deep clinical immersion at Ellis Medicine. Its 82.8% acceptance rate and $10,664 annual tuition make it an accessible launchpad for hands-on caregivers, though selectivity reports vary wildly from 25% to 'open admission' across sources.
Belanger's admissions process is inconsistently reported: Data USA cites an 82.8% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. (111 admits from 134 applications in 2023), while Community College Review claims 25% selectivity—well below New York's 78% state average. Unigo.com splits the difference at 42%, labeling it 'More Selective.' The school appears to accept GED holders (per Common Data Set (CDS)A standardized report most colleges publish each year with admissions, test-score, and financial-aid figures, making schools easier to compare. definitions) but requires SAT/ACT scores for enrollment. Demographics skew 57.58% White, with notable Native American (4.55%) and Asian (14.39%) representation.
The hospital-affiliated program awards an Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) through Ellis Medicine's Board of Trustees, with a curriculum heavy on clinical rotations. Its partnership with SUNY Schenectady and Siena College allows dual-degree options—students can sit for the NCLEX after junior year. Graduates historically 'rank very high' on New York's licensing exam, with a 98% pass rate for ASN graduates reported for 2025. The century-old program emphasizes bedside skills over theory, with training rooted in Ellis Hospital's wards.
Clinical immersion defines the experience—Facebook posts show cohorts of 70+ students completing final rotations in Ellis Hospital's long-term care facilities. The small, hospital-embedded campus fosters tight-knit cohorts, with seniors often celebrated publicly for completing clinical hours. Founded in 1906, the program retains a vocational ethos: stethoscopes and bedside care take precedence over traditional college amenities. Diversity metrics show a mix of racial/ethnic backgrounds (12.12% 'Other'), though campus culture specifics are scarce in sources.
The 98% NCLEX pass rate for ASN grads (2025) outshines national averages, with dual-degree students close behind at 97%. College Scorecard reports a 61% graduation rate—nearly double the 35% midpoint for two-year schools. Alumni earnings data is murky: College Factual cites $79,677 for bachelor's recipients (likely dual-degree grads), but this may conflate outcomes with partner institutions. US News notes 53% of undergraduates receive aid, averaging $3,260 annually—suggesting many graduates enter the workforce with modest debt.
At $10,664 annually (2020-2021), tuition runs slightly above the $9,666 midpoint for two-year colleges. The average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid is $13,185—higher than the national two-year average but offset by strong licensure outcomes. Niche reports $3,574 in average annual aid, while institutional calculators emphasize variable costs like books and uniforms. No data confirms whether clinical hours are paid, but the hospital affiliation may provide tuition advantages for Ellis employees.
Belanger's hospital-based model delivers rare clinical intensity—students log hours in Ellis Medicine's wards from day one, explaining the sterling NCLEX results. The 1906 founding predates most nursing programs, yielding a time-tested, no-frills approach. While Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. discrepancies suggest shifting selectivity, its affordability and 61% graduation rate (vs. 35% two-year norm) make it a stealth value. Ideal for hands-on learners who want to bypass gen eds and dive straight into patient care.