Top 30 Easiest Nursing Schools to Get Into

Nursing schools with high acceptance rates
Updated:
April 10, 2024
5 in read
Expert Reviewed
Contents

”Mary

Reviewed by:

Mary Banks

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/10/24

Do you want to become a registered nurse in the United States? Fortunately, we have curated a list of easy nursing schools to get into. 

If you are empathic and wish to make a difference by helping people, being a nurse could be perfect. Nursing is a highly respectable and lucrative profession. However, becoming a nurse in the United States is becoming more difficult than before. 

Starting a career in nursing is a rewarding endeavor, and getting admission into a nursing school is the first step. In this article, we will explore the accessibility of some nursing schools while majoring in factors like acceptance rates, location, and average GPA.

Also, we will provide insights into criteria that make some nursing schools easier to enter. Ultimately, this article aims to help prospective nursing students make informed decisions about their educational path.

So, whether you want to enter nursing school afresh or switch careers, read on as we explore the easiest nursing schools to enter.

Nursing Schools with High Acceptance Rates in the US

With the many nursing schools in the United States, finding the ones with high acceptance rates can take time and effort. Fortunately, we have curated a list of 30 nursing schools with high acceptance rates in the US. Below is the list:

School Location Acceptance Rate Average GPA
Georgia State University Atlanta, GA 100% 3.4
University of Texas El Paso, TX 100% 3.0
Cox College
Missouri 100% 3.0
Rasmussen University
Minnesota 100% 3.0
Aspen University
Denver, Colorado 100% 2.75
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | MCPHS Boston, MA 98% 3.51
Union College Lincoln, NE 98% 3.5
University of St. Thomas Houston, TX 98% 3.0
California State University, Fresno Fresno, CA 97% 3.0
Sam Houston State University | SHSU Huntsville, TX 97% 2.0

School Location Acceptance Rate Average GPA
University of New Mexico | UNM Albuquerque, NM 97% 2.75
University of Toledo Toledo, OH 97% 3.5
University of Wyoming Laramie, WY 97% 2.75
Edgewood College Madison, WI 96% 3.4
Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA 96% 3.5
University of Maine Orono, ME 96% 3.0
University of Southern Indiana | USI Evansville, IN 96% 3.5
University of Southern Mississippi | Southern Miss Hattiesburg, MI 96% 3.0
Wright State University Dayton, OH 96% 3.25
University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT 95% 3.0

School Location Acceptance Rate Average GPA
Arkansas Tech University Arkansas 95% 3.37
University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 94% 3.4
Maryville University Saint Louis, MO 92% 2.5
Nebraska Methodist College Nebraska 92% 3.0
Wichita State University | WSU Wichita, KS 91% 3.42
Spalding University Louisville, KY 90% 3.90
West Virginia University | WVU Morgantown, WV 90% 3.0
University of Mount Union Alliance, OH 80% 3.3
Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LA 78% 3.51
Saint Martin’s University | St. Martin’s Lacey, WA 72% 3.0

List of 30 Easiest Nursing Schools in the USA

Below is the list of the 30 easiest nursing schools in the USA

1. Georgia State University

The Georgia State University online RN to BSN degree program is for nurses with an associate degree or a nursing diploma. The school offers flexible pathways that will prepare the nurses at an advanced level to meet the demands of the present world healthcare environment. In addition, GSU offers a full spectrum of nursing education, ranging from associate to doctoral degrees, all available online. It is one of the best nursing programs

2. University of Texas

The University of Texas is designed to offer students both the theoretical and practical aspects of the course. 

The program teaches the students how to work in different clinical settings and gives them a good foundation for doctoral and master's degrees in nursing if they want to learn further. They have an acceptance rate of 100%, which makes it an easy RN program to get into.

3. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University's nursing program has a 100% acceptance for applicants who have completed all the required application requirements. The school does not have a waitlist or prerequisite courses for most locations. In addition to the BSN, the schools offer other nursing programs, such as associate degrees and a doctorate in nursing.

4. Aspen University

Aspen University in Denver, Colorado, has an acceptance rate of  100% for its nursing school program, and it is part of 23% of the easiest universities to gain admission into in the United States. The school offers an online RN to BSN completion program for registered nurses who want to get a baccalaureate degree. Aspen has solid coursework, which gives their nurses a good foundation, enhances their professional development, and builds them for a broader scope of practice.

5. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | MCPHS

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences School of Nursing has an acceptance rate of 98%. The school of nursing aims to provide an educational experience and interprofessional skills to give their students the ability to improve the healthcare community.

6. Union College

The CCNE accredits the nursing program at Union College. The acceptance rate for the school is 98%. The degree types at Union College include administration, research or clinical nursing, and registered nursing. Also, the school's nursing programs include bachelor's and RN to BSN degrees.

7. University of St. Thomas 

University of St. Thomas has an acceptance rate of 96%, which shows that it is easy to gain admission if you meet the requirements. The acceptance rate for men is 95%, while the one for females is 97%. 

In UST, the pre-licensure BSN takes about four years of studying major and supporting courses. After this, you will complete clinical placement to gain real-world experience in nursing practice.

8. California State University, Fresno

California State University, Fresno School of Nursing has an acceptance rate of 97%, which shows it is a fairly easy nursing school to get into. 

The nursing school offers an undergraduate program, which leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a post-baccalaureate school nurse services credential program, a graduate program, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. 

9. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 97%, which makes it one of the easiest schools to enter. The nursing school at SHSU is a public institution in Huntsville, Texas. CCNE accredits the nursing program it offers. 

The degree types at this university include registered nursing, which the school makes available both offline and online. Also, the nursing programs offered include the Bachelor's Degree level.

10. University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico nursing program is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and it has an acceptance rate of 97%, which shows that it is an easy nursing school to get into. 

It is one of the public schools that is highly recognized nationally and internationally. The only degree offered for their undergraduate program is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

11. University of Toledo

The next example of the top 30 easiest nursing schools in the United States is the University of Toledo School of Nursing. The school offers only the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. After school, their students become registered nurses and can work in different roles and settings, such as hospitals and schools.

12. University of Wyoming

University of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 96%, which makes it one of the easiest schools to get into. The nursing school offers the following programs: BSN, RN to BSN, accelerated BSN, and MSN programs, and CCNE accredits all these programs. 

The accelerated BSN program is flexible because it uses a hybrid learning experience that includes online classes and clinical rotations.

13. Edgewood College

Edgewood College is also one of the easiest nursing schools to get into, with an acceptance rate of 96%. 

The school offers some nursing programs, such as the traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and MSN programs, and the CCNE accredits all of them. Their students also have practicals at a clinical simulation lab and through clinical rotations.

14. Old Dominion University

The Old Dominion University School of Nursing has an acceptance rate of 96%, and it offers different programs. The programs include Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice. The school has a pre-licensure undergraduate, which takes in different batches of students every fall.

15. University of Maine

The University of Maine has an acceptance rate of 95%, which makes it easy to get admission. They offer programs such as:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
  • Nurse Educator
  • Individualized MSN (I-MSN)
  • Certificate of Advanced Study
  • Graduate Certificate Programs

The curriculum in this school is clinically based, though it is theory. It prepares the nurses as primary healthcare providers to promote good health and manage common health problems.

16. University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana nursing school is a public institution in Evansville, Indiana. ACEN, ACME, CCNE, and COA accredit the nursing programs. 

You can earn various degree types at USI, including nursing research and clinical nursing, family nurse practitioner, registered nurse, etc. The school runs its program in a hybrid format, with an acceptance rate of 96%.

17. University of Southern Mississippi

The College of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing. The nursing program in the school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is approved by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.

18. Wright State University

The Wright State University nursing school programs will lead to the students having a Bachelor of Science in Nursing {BSN) degree. Also, there is an honors program that is available for students who have superior academic abilities.

In addition, they have a baccalaureate degree nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.

19. University of Utah

There are different programs available at the University of Utah nursing school. These programs include Bachelor of Science and Master of Science. Students in the school nursing program can embark on the Nursing Early Assurance Program (NEAP) Track, Pre Licensure Track, and RN to BS Track.

20. Arkansas Tech University

The Arkansas Tech University Department of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. 

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Their other programs are BSN Pre-licensure Program, LPN to BSN Program, and RN to BSN Program.

21. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky has different undergraduate nursing programs, which include traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN to BSN programs. Also, the university offers a DNP, BSN to DNP, and BSN to PhD program. 

The CCNE accredits the school's baccalaureate and doctorate programs. The students have clinical experience at community healthcare facilities, including local hospitals and clinics.

22. Maryville University

The Maryville University nursing school has a BSN program, which prepares the students for nursing practice through nursing licensure and graduate study. 

The school has three pre-licensure tracks to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The curriculum is prepared to equip the students with preventive, curative, and rehabilitative professional nursing care.

23. Nebraska Methodist College

Nebraska Methodist College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, which is CCNE-accredited and takes four years, giving the students all the experience needed. So, whether you just finished high school or transferred, the BSN degree program at Nebraska Methodist College has space for you.

24. Wichita State University

Wichita State University offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate Degrees in Nursing. The undergraduate programs include Traditional - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Guaranteed Placement Program for high school seniors (BSN), and RN-to-BSN Completion Program.

25. Spalding University

The acceptance rate for Spalding University is 90%. The school has a unique block schedule and an average of 11 students per class. You can get a high-quality nursing education at Spalding University. Once admitted into the school, you must maintain a 2.75 GPA in four science courses to gain admission into the College of Nursing.

26. West Virginia University

The acceptance rate of West Virginia University is 90%. Students interested in studying nursing at WVU can access multiple tracks to achieve their dreams of becoming nurses. You can take the pre-nursing path or a direct one.

27. University of Mount Union

The University of Mount Union has an acceptance rate of 80%. The school was founded in 1846 and is a liberal arts college in which about 98% of the students have access to financial aid. The university has a direct entry program into the nursing school, meaning you can start taking nursing courses there from your first year.

29. Loyola University New Orleans

The acceptance rate of Loyola University New Orleans is 78%, with an undergraduate enrollment of 3,300. Almost all the students of the school receive a form of financial aid. The university offers a direct admit program to the College of Nursing if you have the requirements.

30. Saint Martin’s University

Saint Martin’s University has an acceptance rate of 72%, and it is one of the Benedictine colleges in the United States. 

The university has a direct admission program to its Bachelor of Nursing program as long as you meet the requirements and maintain a 3.0 college GPA in the nursing prerequisite courses before you take the advanced nursing classes.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Acceptance

Getting into nursing schools nationwide is becoming increasingly difficult. Below are some tips that will help you increase your chances of admission:

  • Get excellent grades in all your courses, especially STEM ones
  • Have a good SAT/ACT score
  • Have a good and compelling personal statement
  • Have a relevant extracurricular experience
  • Apply to several schools
  • Apply early

Ensure you check the requirements of each school before applying so that you can tailor your application to a particular institution at a time. Ensure you take your time while filling out an application for the school of your choice.

FAQs

Do you still have questions regarding the easiest nursing schools in the United States? If yes, below are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

1. Are Specific Admission Criteria That Make Some Nursing Schools Easier to Enter?

Some nursing schools may have specific admission criteria that can make them easier to enter. These requirements include completing high school courses, having a minimum GPA, or taking standardized tests such as ACT/SAT.

2. Are There Nursing Schools That Accept Students with Lower GPA Scores?

Yes, there are nursing schools that accept students with lower GPA scores. Examples include Cox College, with a 2.0 GPA requirement, and the University of Southern California.

3. How Can Prospective Nursing Students Identify Programs That Are Generally Easier to Gain Acceptance Into?

The best method for a prospective nursing student to identify programs that are easy to gain acceptance into is through the school’s website. The school website is the best place to gather information and research when selecting a nursing program.

4. Apart From the High Acceptance Rate, What Other Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Nursing School?

It would help if you considered factors like program curriculum, clinical experience, available resources, and the school's reputation. All these factors contribute to the overall quality of your nursing education.

5. Are Schools With High Acceptance Rates of Lower Quality?

No. Easy nursing schools to get into can still offer quality education and preparation for nursing practice. Hence, it is important to know the overall program quality of a school before applying there.

6. Are Financial Aid Options Available for Students at Nursing Schools With High Acceptance Rates?

Yes, financial aid options are available at many schools. You can explore scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to support your education in the nursing school of your choice.

Final Thoughts

Selecting a nursing school requires carefully weighing accessibility against the program's quality. There are many easy nursing schools to get into that can help you achieve your dream of being a nurse.  Schools with less stringent admission criteria can offer valuable educational pathways, equipping students to become competent healthcare professionals. It’s important to make well-informed decisions, ensuring you begin your educational journey with confidence.

Good luck!

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