Many aspiring nursing students fear that they won't be able to get into a competitive nursing program because they have a lower GPA or do not have enough extracurriculars on their resumes.
Many nursing programs are highly competitive and have significantly more applications than they could reasonably accept. But if you have your heart set on becoming a nurse, don't lose faith! We've compiled a list of nursing programs with a strong track record of producing excellent nurses - these programs also have very high acceptance rates!
Nurse.org may be compensated by some of the nursing schools we review. However, this does not affect our review process or the ratings these schools receive. All reviews are created independently by our editorial team. We review partner schools as well as schools we do not work with.
10 Easiest Nursing Schools to Get Into (Based on Acceptance Rates)
The schools on this list were chosen based on the following factors:
- High acceptance rates
- ACEN or CCNE accreditation
- Accessible to students with lower grades or nursing entrance exam scores
Nurse.org does not explicitly endorse any of these schools, but we want to provide helpful information about nursing programs to help prospective students reach their career dreams.
Remember that whatever nursing program you choose, you must ensure it is accredited. Accreditation is a standardized process that evaluates nursing programs to determine if they meet specific state and national standards.
Each school or program must be accredited by one of the following:
This list includes the top 10 easiest nursing schools to get into, their acceptance rates, tuition, and specificnursing program pre-reqs.
>>Related: Top 10 Nursing Schools That Don't Require an Entrance Exam for 2024
1. Rasmussen Nursing School*
- Acceptance Rate: 100% (for students who meet admission requirements)
- Tuition: $335 per credit hour
- School Requirements:
- Rasmussen University has a 100% acceptance rate for students who complete the required application and education requirements. There are no waitlists or prerequisite courses at most of their 23 campus locations.
- Students must complete the following for acceptance into the program:
- Attend a nursing information session
- Complete an online application
- Take an entrance placement exam or TEAS exam (students may be exempt from this step depending upon the program and transfer credit)
- Complete a background check
- Turn in any previous college transcripts
- Degrees:
- Practical Nursing Diploma
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- BSN (2nd degree)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- RN to BSN
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
>> Related: Rasmussen University Nursing Review
2. Aspen University
- Acceptance Rate: 100% (for students who meet admission requirements)
- Tuition: $180 to $495 per credit
- School Requirements:
- Aspen University's Nursing program has a 100% acceptance rate for students who complete the required application and education requirements. There are no waitlists or prerequisite courses at most locations.
- Students must provide the following for acceptance into the program:
- Completed application
- High school transcripts or at least 15 credits of college-level coursework)
- Official transcripts for all previous college credits earned
- GED applicants can enroll as continuing education (non-degree seeking) students and complete prerequisite courses before reapplying for the BSN Pre-Licensure program
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required for all previous high school or college credits
- HESI A2 exam scores
- Submission of a fingerprint clearance card
- Degrees:
- RN to BSN
- MSN
- RN to MSN - Forensic Nursing
- RN to MSN Informatics
- RN to MSN - Nursing Administration and Management
- RN to MSN - Nursing Education
- RN to MSN - Public Health
- DNP
3. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
- Acceptance Rate: 83% (for students who meet admission requirements)
- Tuition: Full-time (12-17 Hours): $14,849 per semester
- Requirements for BSN Program:
- Students must complete required prerequisite courses with a "C" or better grade.
- If positions are limited, additional consideration goes to students' ACT, SAT, GPA, and other test scores in making decisions for admission.
- Students also have three attempts to earn a TEAS exam score of 70%
- Degrees:
4. Western Governors University*
- Acceptance Rate: 100% (for students who meet admission requirements)
- Tuition:
- The cost depends on how fast an individual finishes the program. WGU charges per semester, and individuals taking one class will have very similar prices to those taking three to four courses per term:
- $6,430 to $7,616 per six-month term
- The cost depends on how fast an individual finishes the program. WGU charges per semester, and individuals taking one class will have very similar prices to those taking three to four courses per term:
- School Requirements:
- Admission requirements for WGU's RN to BSN online bridge program include the following:
- Have an associate's degree or diploma in nursing
- Have a current, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license
- Submit a resume
- Be actively working as an RN at the time of application and throughout enrollment in the program
- Pay a $65 application fee (waived by signing up for information online or speaking directly to an admission counselor)
- Students transferring to an MSN program at WGU can automatically enter the program upon completing the online BSN program.
- Degrees:
- RN to BSN online
- Nursing (Prelicensure)
- BSN to MSN Nursing Education
- BSN to MSN Leadership and Management
- BSN to MSN Nursing Informatics
- BSN to MSN Family NP
- MSN Psychiatric Mental Health NP
- RN to MSN Education
- RN to MSN Leadership and Management
- RN to MSN Nursing Informatics
5. Regis University
- Acceptance Rate: 100% (for students who meet admission requirements)
- Tuition:
- Full-time undergraduate: $42,084 per year
- Part-time undergraduate (less than 12 credit hours/ semester): $1,403 per credit hour
- School Requirements:
- First-year students attending Regis University may be eligible for guaranteed admission into the BSN option if they meet all guaranteed admission policy requirements at the end of their sophom*ore year.
- Students not meeting guaranteed admission policy requirements are still eligible to apply to the traditional BSN program and have their applications competitively reviewed.
- Admission requirements include:
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or above
- Prerequisite coursework with a C- or above:
- Chemistry
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Microbiology
- Grade of "C" or better in all Regis University coursework
- Recommendation of pre-professional advisor
- TEAS and HESI exams are not required
- Degrees:
6. University of North Carolina Pembroke
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Tuition:
- In-state full-time: $1,000
- Out-of-state full-time: $5,000
- School Requirements for BSN:
- Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Students must have a "C" or better in all nursing prerequisite classes
- Students must take the TEAS exam and submit the score and submit a score of 58.7% or higher
- Degrees:
7. Lewis-Clark State College
- Acceptance Rate: 100% (if admission requirements are met)
- Tuition: $358 per credit
- School Requirements:
- Students must complete prerequisite courses with a C (2.0) or better at an accredited university, complete an application, and pay an application fee for consideration
- Overall prerequisite GPA must be 2.75 or higher
- Transfer students can submit course descriptions of prerequisite courses to determine equivalency
- Degrees:
8. University of Texas, El Paso
- Acceptance Rate: 100% (for students who meet admission requirements)
- Tuition:
- Undergraduate: $336.12 per credit hour
- Graduate: $500 to $552 per credit hour
- School Requirements:
- Although admission requirements are less rigorous, the university reports that their BSN graduates consistently surpass local and national averages for first-time pass rates on the NCLEX-RN.
- Admissions requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Fill out the online application
- Transcripts
- Master'sCT exams scores
- Permanent resident card or residency affidavit
- Degrees:
9. Cox College
- Acceptance Rate: 100% (if requirements are met)
- Tuition: $435 to $440 per credit hour
- School Requirements:
- An official high school transcript or official GED certificate
- A high school cumulativeschool's2.0 or higher
- A minimum composite ACT score of 18 or higher or an SAT combined score of 860 or higher
- The school's website states that if these requirements are not met, you might still be eligible for provisional admittance and should talk with an admissions counselor about your options.
- Degrees:
10. Chamberlain University
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Tuition: $675 to $725 per credit hour (depending on program location)
- School Requirements:
- Complete online application
- Interview with the admission representative
- Proof of high school graduation or GED equivalent
- Schedule the HESI admissions assessment
- ACT or SAT scores must be sent directly to the college
- Applicants must prove English proficiency
- Degrees:
>> Related: Chamberlain College of Nursing Review
Who Should Consider Looking Into Nursing Schools With Higher Acceptance Rates?
Many nursing programs with high competition choose students based on the following:
- Higher GPA in high school
- Higher prerequisite science grades
- Volunteer experiencit'sresume
- A higher score on the TEAS, HESI, or other nursing prerequisite exam
No matter how much you may desire to start a nursing career and feel it's the right path for you, if you don't have the highest GPA or the most extracurriculars, you may want to keep your options open by applying to schools with higher acceptance rates to ensure that you will get into a program.
Aspiring nursing students must research several nursing programs to learn about admission requirements for each. Nursing programs have different admissions requirements, prerequisite courses, GPA requirements, and entrance exam scores. Depending on the applications received, those requirements may also vary from semester to semester.
Pros and Cons of Nursing Schools That Are Easier to Get Into
Students who attend a nursing program with a higher acceptance rate will tell you that their programs are as rigorous and intensive as more competitive schools. No matter where you go, accredited nursing schools will be incredibly challenging and prepare you to succeed as a registered nurse!
Pros of nursing schools with higher acceptance rates include:
- Acceptance with a lower GPA or TEAS scores
- Acceptance with less or no volunteer experience or extracurricular experience
- Students with a GED may find acceptance easier
Cons of nursing schools with higher acceptance rates include:
- Some private schools with lower GPA requirements may cost significantly more
- You will need to ensure that either the ACEN or CCNE accredits your school
Will You Get the Same Level of Education at One of These Schools?
Just because one nursing program is easier to get into than another does not mean it isn't a great school or won't provide the highest standard of nursing education. The most crucial factor is that ACEN or CCNE accredits them. Accreditation ensures that your nursing program meets specific state and national standards.
Remember, you are choosing a nursing program that is right for you, just as your nursing program selects students that are right for them. Choosing the right nursing program is a two-way street!
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Nursing School
It is essential to consider how much time you have to study to ensure that you prepare yourself for the rigorousness of nursing school.
Essential factors you want to determine when choosing a nursing program include:
- The program's NCLEX pass rate
- ACEN and CCNE accreditation
- Cost of the nursing program
- Will you work part-time or attend school full-time?
- Do you have a support system to help you with family obligations?
- Will you work during your program?
- Do you prefer a brick-and-mortar program, or would an online option make more sense?
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