Applying to nursing school is time-consuming, nerve wracking, and sometimes expensive. If you’re looking for a safety school, these are some of the easiest nursing schools to get into. While you still need to meet the basic requirements, these places have high acceptance rates and a fair amount of flexibility.
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The 16 Easiest Nursing Schools to Get Into
Rasmussen
Rasmussen is one of the most accepting schools in the US, taking on 100% of the nursing school applicants that meet the requirements. You only need a 2.0 GPA, core competencies, and either a TEAS or entrance placement exam score.
There are multiple different pathways for both pre-licensed students and currently practicing nurses. The college has the top Associate’s nursing degree in the country, as well as CCNE accreditation for their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Location: Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.0
- Other Requirements: TEAS or entrance placement exam
Studying for the NCLEX? Start Here.
Aspen
Aspen is a college that offers online nursing programs for practicing nurses. You can earn a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in nursing. The school is designed to be as accessible as possible, with the majority of students taking classes around full-time jobs and familial obligations.
Students can take the pre-licensing courses to earn their nursing degree and become a registered practitioner. All of the post-licensing programs have received an accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
- Other Requirements: HESI A2 test taken at Aspen
Related: 20 Positive Nurse Affirmations To Keep You Motivated
Lewis-Clark State College
Lewis-Clark State College is one of the most flexible options for students wanting to earn their Bachelor’s in nursing. There are four pathways to choose from. The basic track is for pre-licensed students, the LPN track is for students with LPN licenses, the CC track is for community college students, and the RN track is for registered RNs.
The Bachelor’s program itself has been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. In addition, the Idaho Board of Nursing has given approval. The first time pass rates of the NCLEX exam are impressive, with 94.9% of students passing the test on the first try in 2021.
- Location: Lewiston, ID
- Acceptance Rate: 99.7%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.0
- Other Requirements: SAT or ACT
Western Governors University
Western Governors University has a focus on both nursing and general healthcare education programs.
If you meet the requirements for the program, you will be accepted, no questions asked. The 2020 school year saw about 16,000 students achieve their Bachelor’s in nursing. The program is conducted online and WGU has partnerships with healthcare employers who provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.
- Location: Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, Indiana, Nevada, Ohio, Texas
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.0
- Other Requirements: None
Regis University
Regis University is slightly more competitive, with a higher minimum GPA requirement and a less-than-100-percent acceptance rate. The school has a Bachelor’s nursing program that is geared toward graduating high school seniors. If you want to pursue nursing directly out of high school, this may be the ideal fit for you.
There’s also an option for high school students to enroll in the pre-nursing track at Regis College. If you complete this track with the required marks, you will be given guaranteed acceptance to the Bachelor’s nursing program. The university program has been accredited by the CCNE.
- Location: Denver, CO
- Acceptance Rate: 78.2%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
- Other Requirements: TOEFL for non-native English speakers
Utah State University
Utah State University offers several different nursing programs, boasting an overall first time NCLEX pass rate of 91% and an overall graduation rate of 94%. For students who want to study online, there’s an RN to Bachelor’s program that applies exclusively to practicing RNs. All other programs are on campus.
The PN certificate program allows you to study for one year to receive a practical nursing certificate. Once you complete this and pass the NCLEX-PN, you can be an entry-level licensed nurse. The main RN program is structured as an Associate’s degree, while there’s also a more advanced Bachelor’s RN degree as well.
- Location: Logan, UT
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0
- Other Requirements: SAT or ACT, math placement exam
University of Texas, El Paso
The College of Nursing at UTEP has existed for almost half a century. Their undergraduate programs include a traditional four-year Bachelor’s degree, and a Bachelor’s track for practicing RNs with an Associate’s degree. The Master’s programs include nursing administration, nursing management, and nurse practitioners. The university focuses strongly on serving local areas in New Mexico and Texas.
About 60% of the nursing staff in El Paso have graduated from this college. All of the undergraduate and graduate degrees have received an accreditation from the CCNE for providing high quality nursing education. The undergrad programs help prepare students for the NCLEX, while the graduate programs focus more strongly on complex patients.
- Location: El Paso, TX
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0
- Other Requirements: TEAS score of 62%
Bethel University School of Nursing
Bethel University offers a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. This is a Christian university that incorporates Biblical and spiritual principles into its practices. Once you graduate from the program, you can apply for the NCLEX. Upon passing that, you can obtain a nursing license. Bethel also incorporates community outreach into every aspect of the learning process.
Students are all given assignments at certain agencies in the community. You will remain with the same agency for your entire degree, developing a strong relationship and intense understanding of the environment. Agencies often focus on disadvantaged and underprivileged clients, plus multicultural communities.
- Location: McKenzie, TN
- Acceptance Rate: Unknown
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75
- Other Requirements: ATI TEAS test
Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences
The Finger Lakes Health College exclusively focuses on educating students in nursing and health science programs. The faculty is made up of healthcare professionals and licensed nurses who have received advanced degrees and been certified to teach. The Associate’s nursing program has been accredited by the ACEN, as well as reviewed and approved by the New York State Department of Education.
Rather than having multiple different nursing tracks, Finger Lakes focuses exclusively on the Associate’s degree. If you want to obtain a license to practice in the shortest time frame possible, this setup may apply. New York State requires students to receive a minimum of 60 college credits, and students who complete this curriculum will graduate with 64.
- Location: Geneva, NY
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.5
- Other Requirements: TEAS test
Saint Anthony College of Nursing
Saint Anthony College of Nursing offers a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students will spend four years studying the human body, the healthcare field, clinical experience, and teamwork and communication. In addition to helping students prepare to take the NCLEX, it also prepares them to treat patients with care in a variety of different clinical environments.
The majority of students have already completed the first two years of their education at another university before transferring. If you’ve finished your core competencies or have an Associate’s nursing degree, this program is made for you. It takes two years to finish after spending two years achieving those core competencies.
- Location: Rockford, IL
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.5
- Other Requirements: TEAS test, TEOFL for non-native English speakers
Rochester University Nursing School
Rochester University offers a nursing program to students who want to practice nursing in Michigan. If students want to practice elsewhere, they can still obtain their degree, but they’ll need to comply with their target state’s NCLEX guidelines.
If you’re enrolling in college for the first time, you can join the nursing program after completing pre-nursing requirements. There is also a freshman acceptance program for exceptionally hardworking high schoolers. High school seniors can receive a guaranteed spot in the nursing program if they meet the requirements and enroll in Rochester University for college.
- Location: Rochester, MI
- Acceptance Rate: 35.4%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0
- Other Requirements: TEAS test
Bellin College
Bellin College has an extremely high acceptance rate and a well-loved program. When you study for your Bachelor’s degree, you’ll also obtain hands-on clinical experience, opportunities to lead a team, and the option to focus on multiple niche specialties. It’s a great program for learning about what you love most in nursing.
There are three Bachelor’s program options: traditional, transfer, and 15-month. The traditional option is for first time students who have graduated high school. The transfer option is for students who have finished 47 required general credits but want to switch tracks to nursing. The 15-month program is an intense fast track for students who have completed all their general credits.
- Location: Green Bay, WI
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0
- Other Requirements: None listed
Milligan University
The Bachelor’s nursing program at Milligan University has been accredited by the CCNE and accepts almost every qualified applicant. This school is unique in that it combines traditional nursing requirements with a liberal arts approach, focusing strongly on teamwork and leadership.
As you complete your degree, you will be able to work in multiple clinical settings. You’ll experience small hospitals, major medical centers, community health areas, hospitals in rural areas, home health programs, basic clinics, and even church-based parish nursing opportunities.
- Location: Milligan College, TN
- Acceptance Rate: 99.2%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.5
- Other Requirements: None listed
Nyack College
Nyack College offers a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. The program incorporates Christianity and spirituality, with a strong focus on spreading the love of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the goal is to empower new Christian nurses to serve communities in need all over the world.
The program has been accredited through the CCNE. When you enroll, you will have student-centered experiences with small classrooms. There’s a strong emphasis on bringing Christianity into every healthcare setting you work in, as well as opportunities to go on missions trips overseas.
- Location: Nyack, NY
- Acceptance Rate: 97.3%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.7
- Other Requirements: ATI TEAS score of 60%
Nebraska Methodist College
Nebraska Methodist College has been teaching nursing students since 1891, and their Bachelor’s program is fully accredited through the CCNE. Students will study on campus with three general education semesters and five nursing semesters, which also include practical clinical experience.
Nebraska Methodist College’s nursing graduates have a much higher first time NCLEX pass rate than average, with 95.3% passing. There’s a simulation lab called the Nursing Arts Center, where students can practice simulated patient care without fear of malpractice. At the same time, you get actual clinical experience in hospitals, clinics, and other environments.
- Location: Omaha, NE
- Acceptance Rate: 91.9%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.5
- Other Requirements: Success in math and science courses
Related: New Nurse Survival Kit Ideas for 2024
Concordia University
Concordia University offers a Bachelor’s program to pre-license students, helping them to prepare for the NCLEX-RN. This program involves five semesters of nursing school combined with clinical experiences. It’s ideal for students to have certain requirements fulfilled beforehand.
For example, to become a preferred applicant, a student must have 15 pre-nursing coursework credits from prior study at Concordia. Following this pathway will increase your chances of being accepted into the broader nursing program. But if you complete your credits elsewhere or don’t have those courses finished yet, you can still apply.
- Location: Portland, OR
- Acceptance Rate: 78.2%
- Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0
- Other Requirements: TEAS score of 67%
What We Looked At for Making This List
Accreditation
There are two main organizations that provide accreditation for nursing programs. It’s important that any easy nursing schools to get into have these accreditations. Without a properly accredited school, you might not be able to finish your degree or receive your nursing license.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is an organization that evaluates and accredits every aspect of nursing school. They have strict quality standards at every level of study, plus in transition-to-practice programs for nursing students.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a national accreditation organization that’s recognized through the federal Secretary of Education. They also conduct assessments and give their approval to programs that provide ideal educational tools and resources. Schools opt into this accreditation voluntarily and self-assess their readiness.
Acceptance Rates
Acceptance rates are a major consideration. If 20% of applicants are admitted, you have a 1 in 5 chance of getting in. If 80% of applicants are admitted, you have a 4 in 5 chance. The lower the acceptance rate, the more competitive the school is.
We looked for schools with higher-than-average acceptance rates. Keep in mind that these rates are calculated based on the applications of people who meet the program requirements. If you don’t meet requirements like a minimum SAT or ACT score, your application is more likely to be rejected.
Other Considerations When Choosing a Nursing School
NCLEX First Time Pass Rate
The higher the first time pass rate, the better a school is. Students with strong resources, study tools, and informative classes are more likely to pass the NCLEX on the first try. The average pass rate for first timers is about 86%, so you want to look for schools in that range or above. Learn more about a passing NCLEX score.
NCLEX Prep Available
Many nursing programs offer free or discounted NCLEX prep to students. It’s worth checking what NCLEX prep company is utilized – often ATI, HESI, and Kaplan are top on the list by many nursing programs.
What’s the Timeframe for Completion?
Is the program accelerated or traditional? This will have a huge impact on how quickly you’ll progress through the program and be ready to start working.
Post Graduation Employment Rate
You want a school that will be a stepping stone to career success. Some schools have more post-graduation job opportunities than others, often depending on location and specialty. The average rate of job offers according to surveys is about 76% for bachelor’s graduates and 75% for master’s graduates.
Do They Offer Programs You’re Interested In?
Different schools have different specialties and programs. For example, both urban and rural campuses might have clinics that serve underprivileged populations. Some schools might focus on specific specialties, like elder care, pediatrics, or mental health care. Look for a school that focuses on the areas you’re most interested in pursuing as a career.
Nursing School Admissions FAQ
What is the lowest GPA to get into nursing school?
Some nursing schools have flexible requirements, but the vast majority require at least a 2.5 GPA.
How can I increase my chances of getting into nursing school?
Good SAT/ACT scores, strong essays, extracurriculars, and personal experience can all strengthen your nursing school application.
What ACT/SAT score is required to get into nursing school?
Minimum scores vary by the school and are sometimes flexible. An ideal SAT score is 510 for math and 540 for both writing and reading. An ideal ACT score is around 32 or more.
What is the TEAS exam and what are the passing scores?
Though not all nursing programs require the TEAS test – this standardized test is sometimes required by nursing programs to gauge the readiness of applicants for nursing school. A passing score varies by nursing programs but generally ranges around 63-70%.
Bottom Line
While it’s tempting to only apply to the easiest nursing schools to get into, make sure you consider every angle. You want a school that’s reputable and that has the resources you need. That goes especially if you struggle with your grades or standardized test scores.
As long as you’ve taken your needs into account, any one of the easiest nursing programs to get into is a solid choice. There’s no guarantee that the work itself will be easy. But these institutions make education more accessible, so you can get your foot in the door.
