Lafayette, INprivate nonprofitsteson.org
Saint Elizabeth School of Nursing in Lafayette, IN, is a small, hands-on nursing program with an unusually high acceptance rate (88.9%) and a near-guarantee of employment—100% of graduates land nursing jobs. With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio in clinicals and a curriculum emphasizing self-direction and advocacy, it’s a pragmatic choice for students seeking a direct path into healthcare.
Saint Elizabeth School of Nursing is far less selective than the national average, with an 88.9% acceptance rate (16 admits from 18 applications in 2024). While some sources claim a 100% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants., the most recent data from Data USA suggests modest selectivity. The school operates as a direct-admit program—students who meet requirements start nursing coursework immediately, bypassing a pre-nursing phase. Accepted students typically have ACT scores between 18–23 (or SAT scores of 950–1,140), though test scores aren’t emphasized as heavily as program fit. The admissions office encourages early applications for its highly competitive nursing cohort, despite the high acceptance rate.
The program focuses on rigorous, hands-on nursing training with a curriculum designed to foster self-awareness and advocacy. Unlike larger universities, Saint Elizabeth emphasizes small cohorts—clinical groups maintain a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized instruction. The school’s mission stresses social responsibility and leadership, preparing graduates for the demands of 21st-century healthcare. While the program lacks the breadth of a liberal arts college, its NCLEX pass rates (implied to be strong, though exact figures aren’t provided) and clinical placements at state-of-the-art hospitals are key selling points.
Life at Saint Elizabeth revolves around tight-knit cohorts and healthcare immersion. The school cultivates a ‘grow your own’ culture, often hiring alumni as faculty or staff, which reinforces community bonds. Students participate in clinical rotations early, blending classroom learning with real-world experience. Social and professional development opportunities include:
Campus life is no-frills—there’s no mention of athletics or traditional college amenities, reflecting the program’s vocational focus.
The program’s employment rate is 100% for graduates over the past decade, a staggering figure that outpaces national averages. Of the 41 graduates in 2024 and 46 in 2023, all secured nursing jobs—many likely within St. Elizabeth’s own hospital network. Alumni report median earnings of $49,479 six years post-graduation (13% above the national median), with 83.8% employed long-term. The school’s emphasis on clinical readiness and local partnerships ensures graduates are snapped up by regional healthcare providers.
Tuition is moderate for a nursing program, with an average net price of $21,932 after aid. The school awards $264,000 in scholarships annually, including renewable $1,000 merit awards for up to eight semesters. Financial aid options include:
The average total aid package is $9,114 per year, making the program accessible despite its private institution status.
Saint Elizabeth is a no-nonsense pipeline into nursing, ideal for students who want to bypass gen-ed requirements and dive straight into healthcare training. Its 100% employment rate—unchanged for a decade—speaks to the program’s strong regional reputation and hospital partnerships. The 7:1 clinical ratio ensures students aren’t lost in the shuffle, a rarity even among elite nursing schools. While it lacks the prestige of a research university, its practical focus and near-guaranteed job placement make it a stealthily smart choice for pragmatic future nurses.

