Hobart and William Smith students planning nursing careers will have an expedited path to two University of Rochester programs under a new agreement, with the first students expected to enter in fall 2027.
Qualified HWS students can seek early admission consideration for either an accelerated bachelor's degree in nursing or a master's direct-entry program, according to the college's announcement. The application fee will be waived, and students admitted to the master's program through the partnership will receive a 30% tuition scholarship.
Both programs are for graduates whose first bachelor's degree is outside nursing. HWS students would finish their undergraduate degrees before moving into the University of Rochester School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
The accelerated bachelor's program offers a second bachelor's degree in nursing over three consecutive semesters. It prepares graduates to take the licensing exam and work as registered nurses.
The master's direct-entry program combines preparation for RN licensure with graduate-level nursing education. The 30% tuition scholarship applies to HWS students admitted to that program through the agreement, not to everyone applying to either nursing pathway.
To qualify for the pathway, students must keep a cumulative HWS GPA of at least 3.0, complete required prerequisite courses and remain continuously enrolled at HWS after acceptance until they finish their bachelor's degree.
Applicants must seek Early Action admission to one of the nursing programs for the fall semester immediately after their expected HWS graduation. For the first fall 2027 class, the application window opens Oct. 1, 2026, and closes Jan. 15, 2027.
HWS Provost Sarah Kirk said the partnership is intended to connect the college's liberal arts and sciences education with professional nursing training. Rochester nursing dean Lisa Kitko said the schools hope to help expand the nursing workforce.
The affiliation adds to HWS agreements in other fields, including business, engineering, international relations and public service. The college said the Rochester nursing programs include clinical experience and hands-on training.
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