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Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing in Troy, NY, is a hyper-focused, no-frills nursing school where students train directly in a hospital setting. With a 100% acceptance rate and a 50% graduation rate, it’s a pragmatic choice for those seeking hands-on clinical experience without the distractions of a traditional college campus. Graduates boast an 88% NCLEX pass rate and a median salary of $64,383 a decade post-enrollment.
Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing is among the most accessible nursing programs in the country, with a 100% acceptance rate (though some sources cite 75%). In 2024, it received just 1 undergraduate application, a figure that still represented a 50% annual growth from the previous year. The school does not require SAT or ACT scores, streamlining the process for applicants. Eligible students include those with a high school diploma or GED, including DACA and undocumented students who completed their secondary education in the U.S.
The school offers a singular focus: an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Nursing, designed to fast-track students into the workforce. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical training, with instructors who are seasoned nurses from varied specialties. There are no electives or general education distractions—just the essentials of Registered Nursing (RN) and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training (LPN/LVN). Reddit reviews praise the faculty’s real-world expertise, though the workload is intense, reflecting the program’s hospital-based rigor.
This isn’t a typical college experience. There’s no campus housing, no dining halls, and no Division III sports teams. Student life revolves around clinical rotations and study groups, with limited social outlets beyond the occasional nursing club. The school’s partnership with St. Peter’s Health Partners means students train in active hospital settings from day one. Reviews describe the vibe as ‘all business’—ideal for those who want to bypass frat parties and dive straight into their careers.
The program’s 45% graduation rate (within four years) is below the national average for community colleges, but those who stick it out see strong returns. Graduates achieve an 88% NCLEX pass rate, and a decade after enrollment, they report a median salary of $64,383. The school’s tight integration with St. Peter’s Health Partners often leads to job offers before graduation, as evidenced by celebratory Facebook posts from the hospital system hiring its own alumni.
The average net price is $24,655 after aid, with students typically receiving $4,477 in annual financial aid. The school participates in federal and New York State assistance programs, including scholarships for qualified candidates. A Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator is available for prospective students, though the sticker price is already lower than many four-year nursing programs—a trade-off for the no-frills experience.
Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing is a straight shot to an RN license, skipping the liberal arts detours of traditional colleges. Its hospital-embedded training means students graduate with real-world experience that rivals pricier programs. The 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. and lack of standardized test requirements make it accessible, but the 50% graduation rate signals this isn’t for the faint of heart. For those who thrive, the payoff is clear: near-guaranteed employment and solid mid-career earnings.


