Key facts
Last updated
- In 2024–25, 86.7% of 45 first-time NCLEX-RN testers from Charles Drew University (ELM) passed, compared with a California average of 90.2%. Source: CA BRN NCLEX-RN pass-rate tables, retrieved Oct 7, 2026.
- Across 2020–21 to 2024–25, its tester-weighted first-time pass rate was 84.9% over 285 testers (SEAPHE calculation). Source: CA BRN NCLEX-RN pass-rate tables, retrieved Oct 7, 2026.
- The BRN lists an approved enrollment of 80 new students per year for this program. Source: CA BRN list of approved RN programs, retrieved Oct 7, 2026.
- Its nursing program accreditation, as reported to the BRN, is CCNE. Source: CA BRN accreditation and attrition table, retrieved Oct 7, 2026.
NCLEX pass rates
In 2024–25, 86.7% of 45 first-time testers passed the NCLEX-RN, 3.5 points below the California average of 90.2%. Over five years, 84.9% of 285 testers passed.1
First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, by reporting year
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| Year (Jul–Jun) | Testers | Pass rate | California | vs. state |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | 56 | 83.9% | 89.2% | -5.3 |
| 2021–22 | 61 | 80.3% | 85.9% | -5.6 |
| 2022–23 | 72 | 83.3% | 85.7% | -2.4 |
| 2023–24 | 51 | 92.2% | 94.0% | -1.8 |
| 2024–25 | 45 | 86.7% | 90.2% | -3.5 |
Completion and attrition
The BRN table has no retention figures that we could match to this program.3
Admissions
The BRN does not publish acceptance rates for individual schools. Across California’s ELM programs, 33.6% of 3,322 qualified applications were accepted in 2024–25.4 This program is approved for 80 new students a year.2 Ask the school for last cycle’s qualified applicants and seats.
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Cost
The BRN lists a cost of $141,748 before financial aid (Total Program).2 That figure comes from the school’s report to the Board and may not include housing, transport or exam fees. Check the program’s current cost of attendance.
Accreditation and program facts
| State approval | California BRN |
| Institution | WSCUC |
| Nursing program | CCNE |
| Degree | ELM |
| State | California |
| City | Los Angeles |
| Sector | Private |
| Admits | Generic pre-licensure |
| Phone | (323) 568-3317 |
| Website | Visit |
| Source | BRN program list |
Similar programs
| Program | Testers | 2024–25 | 5-year |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of the PacificSacramento | 41 | 97.6% | 97.4% |
| California Baptist UniversityRiverside | 40 | 95.0% | 88.3% |
| Western University of Health SciencesPomona | 72 | 93.1% | 90.8% |
| Samuel Merritt UniversityOakland | 80 | 85.0% | 82.4% |
| University of San FranciscoSan Francisco | 111 | 82.9% | 89.2% |
Sources
- California BRN, NCLEX-RN Pass Rates, First Time CA Educated Exam Testers, 2020–21 to 2024–25. Retrieved Oct 7, 2026.
- California BRN, Approved Pre-Licensure RN Programs (cost, enrollment, sector). Retrieved Oct 7, 2026.
- California BRN, Accreditation, Attrition and On Time Completion Rates. Retrieved Oct 7, 2026.
- California BRN, 2024–25 Annual School Report: Data Summary, Table 3, p. 3.
SEAPHE Editorial Team · Reviewed by a practicing registered nurse (RN, BSN). Data updated Oct 7, 2026. Spot an error? See our corrections policy.
How to cite this data
Suggested citation: SEAPHE. (2026). Charles Drew University (ELM): NCLEX-RN pass rates and program data [Data set]. Compiled from California Board of Registered Nursing public records. https://seaphe.org/schools/charles-drew-university-elm/ (updated Oct 7, 2026).
Original source: California BRN, NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: First Time CA Educated Exam Testers; California BRN, Approved Pre-Licensure RN Programs.