The outcome of Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) students not passing the initial National Council of Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN) can adversely affect schools of nursing. This failure also adversely affects the national nursing shortage. The declining national pass rates on the NCLEX-RN for ADN graduates and the increasing nursing shortage demand that nursing programs select and retain students with greater likelihood of initial NCLEX-RN success. The purpose of this retrospective quantitative study is to identify the relationship of preadmission and nursing program variables on first-time NCLEX-RN success for graduates of an ADN program at a university located in the southeastern region in the United States. A convenience sample of previously collected academic data for 1, 576 graduates between January, 2005 and December 2011 was included, which was then analyzed using Pearson Chi-Square and Cramer's V statistical testing. There were statistically significant findings that Cumulative GPA, TEAS Average score, TEAS English score, TEAS Reading score, ATI Comprehensive Predictor exam, and the final course grade for the last medical-surgical nursing course are predictive of first-time NCLEX-RN success. Future studies including data from multiple programs in various states to improve generality are needed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]