Graduation

To be eligible for graduation from St. John’s College of Nursing, students must meet program-specific academic and clinical requirements, complete all assessments, and clear institutional obligations. Requirements vary by program.

Students must: 

• Complete a total of 121 semester hours, including: 
  • 56 lower-division transfer hours 
  • 30 credit hours completed at St. John’s College 
• Achieve a minimum grade of “C” or higher in each required course 
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher 
• Satisfy all clinical and lab competency requirements 
• Complete required standardized testing and assessments, including ATI and NCLEX preparation modules 
• Successfully complete the capstone immersion experience in the final semester 
• Submit the Application for Graduation by the published deadline 
• Clear all academic, financial, and institutional holds 

Students must: 

• Complete upper-division coursework at St. John’s College (minimum 30 credit hours) 
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher 
• Earn a “C” or higher in all nursing courses 
• Fulfill clinical experience requirements with approved preceptor documentation 
• Meet the same testing and administrative requirements as traditional students 

Students must: 

• Successfully complete all courses in their approved degree plan 
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher 
• Earn a minimum grade of “B” or higher in each course 
• Complete all clinical or practicum requirements as defined by their specialty track 
• Finish the program within the required timeframe: 
  • 4 years for MSN and post-Master’s DNP 
  • 6 years for BSN to DNP 
• Submit the Application for Graduation by the published deadline 
• Resolve all academic, financial, and institutional holds 

Graduation eligibility, GPA, and honors status are part of your academic record and are protected under FERPA. Information shared during the graduation process will only be accessed by authorized personnel. 
Learn more about FERPA and student record rights
 

The graduation fee covers the essential items that make your ceremony meaningful and memorable: 

• St. John’s College Pin 
• Cap, Gown, and Tassel 
• Diploma and Diploma Cover 
• Graduation Announcements 
• Composite Photo and Sitting Fee 
• St. John’s College Stole (for undergraduate students) 
• Academic Hood (for graduate students) 

Note: You may upgrade the metal of your pin for an additional fee. 
 

Graduates may be eligible for academic honors based on GPA. Additional recognition includes: 

• Silver Cord Award for community service 
• Gertie Egan Community Service Award for impactful outreach 
• Peer Tutoring Green Cord for academic support contributions 

Honors are acknowledged during Honors Day and Commencement. 

Honor Designations 

Graduating students may receive honor recognition based on their final cumulative GPA: 

• Cum Laude: 3.50 – 3.69 
• Magna Cum Laude: 3.70 – 3.89 
• Summa Cum Laude: 3.90 – 4.00 

Additional awards, such as the Silver Cord for community service and the Gertie Egan Community Service Award, may be presented at Honors Day. 

All eligible graduates are invited to participate in the formal Commencement Ceremony, which typically includes: 

• Senior Class Presentations 
• Recognition of Academic and Service Honors 
• Processional and Conferral of Degrees 
• Distribution of Diplomas 

Details regarding location, rehearsal, attire, and guest access are shared by the Office of Student Affairs in advance.

Graduating students may be asked to: 

• Assist in organizing Honors Day and graduation-related events 
• Submit required documentation and complete exit surveys 
• Participate in class fundraising and selection of a class gift 
• Collaborate with faculty and staff on end-of-program activities 

Graduation is just the beginning of your lifelong connection with St. John’s College. All graduates become members of the Alumni Association, a professional and service network that fosters continued engagement. 

Explore Alumni Opportunities