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It is commonly understood that nursing education influences the development of professional values. However, the extent and degree of influence has not been adequately examined. The purpose of the overall study is to determine the influence of the formal education experience on the formation of professional values. Round one data presented here is the first measurement of values for entry level nursing students, prior to any values related educational content. A cohort of 187 entry level students was given the opportunity to participate in the study. Eighty-one students returned the demographic and values data. Values were measured using the 44-item Nurses Professional Values Scale (Weis & Schank). The mean total score for the entry level students was 175 (N = 73), which is lower than the mean scores of previously examined senior level nursing students and practicing registered nurses. This group differs from senior nursing students in that men in this group scored higher than their female counterparts and age was significantly correlated with professional values. Additionally, the priorities assigned to different values vary from priorities of both senior level students and practicing registered nurses. It is important for nurse educators to know how nursing students' values mature and develop through the educational experience. This cohort of students will be followed through graduation from nursing school.