Introduction: Academic failure is a multifaceted common problem in the educational system, which imposes costs and causes frustration, lowering morale and resulting in negative social behaviors in students. Regarding the importance of identifying the academic failure factors, and controversial results of the existing researches in various regions, this study was conducted to determine the rate of academic failure and its related factors from the perspectives of nursing students of Kermanshah School of Nursing and Midwifery in 2011-2012.

Methods: In a descriptive-analytical study, among 359 nursing students, 33 were recruited. The sampling method was census in the group with academic failure (11 individuals) and systematic randomized for the group with academic success (22 individuals). The tool was a researcher-tailored valid and reliable questionnaire, which was completed by the participants. Data was analyzed using SPSS 16, descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: In this study, the rate of academic failure was estimated at 3.06%, considering the total number of students (359 individuals) and the number of failed students (11 individuals), accordingly. The mean of familial factors was more than educational and individual factors. The statistical tests revealed that there was difference between failed and succeeded groups in terms of gender (P < 0.001), location of residence (P = 0.013), father’s profession (P = 0.009), planning for study (P = 0.024), and attitude to employment in the future (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The findings showed negative effects of the following items on academic failure in nursing students: familial problems, male gender, living in the campus, lack of study planning, and negative attitude to employment in the future. Therefore, it is recommended to identify students at risk and provide them with counseling assistance.