Columbus, OHprivate forprofitfelbrycollege.edu/
Felbry College in Columbus, OH, is a tightly knit nursing school with a mission to train compassionate, skilled nurses. With an acceptance rate hovering between 64-85%, it offers an intimate academic environment (student-faculty ratio of 22:1) and boasts impressive outcomes, including a 91% graduation rate and strong post-graduation earnings. The college fosters a familial culture, emphasizing hands-on training and student support.
Felbry College's admissions process is moderately selective, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ranging from 64.65% (per BigFuture) to 85.4% (CollegeFactual), depending on the year and applicant pool. The college does not require ACT scores for admission, focusing instead on Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone.. Recent data shows 48 applications, with 41 admitted and 23 enrolling, reflecting a YieldThe share of admitted students who actually choose to enroll. Colleges watch it closely, which is why some weigh how interested you seem. rate of about 56%. This suggests Felbry is accessible but still attracts committed students.
Felbry offers two nursing-focused majors in a trimester-based system, with a student-faculty ratio of 22:1 (U.S. News) to 25:1 (BigFuture), ensuring close mentorship. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training and aligns with its mission to produce 'highly skilled, compassionate, and professional nurses.' There are no traditional liberal arts offerings—this is a laser-focused nursing school where students dive straight into healthcare practice. The small size means personalized attention but limited academic diversity.
With just 214 undergraduates (BigFuture), Felbry fosters a tight-knit 'family' culture, repeatedly emphasized in student testimonials. The urban Columbus location provides clinical opportunities, but campus life revolves around nursing cohorts. Student ambassadors actively promote engagement, and the school highlights its supportive 'Felbry Family' ethos. Demographics skew diverse: 8% Asian, 3% Hispanic (Niche). There’s little mention of traditional college amenities (e.g., athletics, Greek life)—this is a commuter-heavy, career-focused environment.
Felbry’s outcomes are stellar for a nursing-focused institution: a 91% graduation rate (Niche) and 100% retention rate (allnurses). Graduates earn $52,530 one year post-graduation, though this dips to $45,519 after five years (Niche)—still above the national average for associate-degree nurses. The 76.9% six-year graduation rate (EDsmart) far exceeds typical community college benchmarks (24% median, per Third Way). These numbers suggest strong academic support and career alignment.
Tuition is $63,786 after aid (BigFuture), though Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculators suggest variability. Federal and state loans are available, but the sticker price is steep for a nursing diploma. The average aid package is $5,020, leaving many students reliant on loans. For context, the ROI appears solid given nursing salaries, but cost transparency could be improved—the net price calculator is buried in a PDF on their site.
Felbry’s singular focus on nursing—with no distractions—makes it a rarity. The 100% retention rate and 91% graduation rate are extraordinary, reflecting a culture that gets students to the finish line. Its 'family' model works: small cohorts, faculty mentorship, and relentless career preparation. While the price tag is high, outcomes justify it for students certain about nursing. This isn’t a traditional college experience—it’s a bootcamp for compassionate, job-ready nurses.