Nursing school acceptance rates in the US have hovered around 66% in recent years. It is tricky to nail down averages, since there are so many pathways to nursing in the US and acceptance rates differ widely depending on the school, degree or program of choice and selectivity of individual schools. Some of the top-ranked schools in the US are notoriously selective in their admissions and very competitive, while others accept 100% of their applicants regularly. If you’re looking for nursing school acceptance rates in Canada, getting into a program is just as competitive, though there are far fewer schools offering a nursing degree. In this blog, we’ll look at nursing school acceptance rates in the US, nursing career paths in the US, nursing school application requirements and tips to increase your chances of getting into nursing school.
Please note: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa.
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Nursing School Acceptance Rates in the US
Nursing school acceptance rates in the US, while generally higher than med school admissions statistics in the US, are very competitive. Nursing schools are highly selective, and their admissions process is just as rigorous as any medical school.
Nursing is a rewarding, well-paying and coveted career, with plenty of opportunities for growth and continuing education, so the competition for applicants is high. Nursing school is also just as rigorous and demanding as medical school when it comes to admissions, though there are generally more opportunities for students to get into nursing school and nursing schools tend to have higher acceptance rates.
The average acceptance rate of nursing school programs in the US in recent years has been around 66%. Keep in mind that there are over 3,000 nursing school programs in the US offering various degrees and education opportunities for nursing. The admission rates, for example, for Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing versus Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can vary, as advanced nursing degrees tend to be more competitive. Recent data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing has shown that applications have increased for BSN and RN-BSN programs as students aim to complete their baccalaureate degrees.
If you’re interested in nursing school acceptance rates in the US, check out the table below. We’ve listed some of the top programs in the US offering BSN and MSN programs, their acceptance rates and admissions data.
Boston College Connell School of Nursing
Acceptance rate: 26%
Average GPA: 3.5
GRE: May be required
Case Western Reserve University
Acceptance rate: 30%
Average GPA: 2.0 minimum
GRE: Recommended
Columbia University
Acceptance rate: 35%
Average GPA: 3.4
GRE: Not required
Link: Columbia University
Duke University
Acceptance rate: 33%
Average GPA: 3.5
GRE: Not Required
Link: Duke University
Duquesne University
Acceptance rate: 80%
Average GPA: 3.0 minimum
GRE: Not required
Link: Duquesne University
Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
Acceptance rate: 63%
Average GPA: 3.45
GRE: Recommended
Link: Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
Indiana University School of Nursing
Acceptance rate: 78%
Average GPA: 3.0
GRE: Not required
Johns Hopkins University
Acceptance rate: 18%
Average GPA: 3.7
GRE: Not required
Link: Johns Hopkins University
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
Acceptance rate: 64%
Average GPA: 3.0
GRE: Required
Medical University of South Carolina
Acceptance rate: 29%
Average GPA: 3.02
GRE: Required
New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing
Acceptance rate: 59%
Average GPA: 3.92
GRE: Required only for DNP program
Ohio State University
Acceptance rate: 49%
Average GPA: 3.2
GRE: N/A
Link: Ohio State University
Oregon Health & Science University
Acceptance rate: 2.28%
Average GPA: 3.5
GRE: N/A
Rush University
Acceptance rate: 48%
Average GPA: 3.5
GRE: Not required
Link: Rush University
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Acceptance rate: 60%
Average GPA: 3.5
GRE: Not required for domestic applicants
University of California San Francisco
Acceptance rate: 21%
Average GPA: 3.9
GRE: Required
University of Florida
Acceptance rate: 39%
Average GPA: 3.55
GRE: N/A
Link: University of Florida
University of Maryland
Acceptance rate: 60%
Average GPA: 3.0 minimum
GRE: Required for applicants with GPA below 3.25
Link: University of Maryland
University of Miami
Acceptance rate: 33%
Average GPA: 3.7
GRE: Required
Link: University of Miami
University of Michigan
Acceptance rate: N/A
Average GPA: 3.0 minimum
GRE: Not required
Link: University of Michigan
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Acceptance rate: 26%
Average GPA: 3.3
GRE: No entrance exams required
University of Pennsylvania
Acceptance rate: 25%
Average GPA: 3.5
GRE: No longer required
University of Pittsburgh
Acceptance rate: 65%
Average GPA: 3.5
GRE: Required
Link: University of Pittsburgh
University of Rochester
Acceptance rate: 66%
Average GPA: N/A
GRE: Only required for PhD programs
Link: University of Rochester
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston - Cizik School of Nursing
Acceptance rate: 58%
Average GPA: 3.5
GRE: Required
Link: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston - Cizik School of Nursing
University of Washington
Acceptance rate: 10%
Average GPA: 3.04
GRE: Not required
Link: University of Washington
Vanderbilt University
Acceptance rate: 12%
Average GPA: 3.0 minimum
GRE: Required
Link: Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Acceptance rate: 31%
Average GPA: 3.0 minimum
GRE: Not required
Link: Villanova University
Yale University School of Nursing
Acceptance rate: 29%
Average GPA: 3.55
GRE: No longer required
If you’re still deciding what kind of nursing degree you want to pursue or which nursing program you want to enroll in, keep in mind that acceptance rates vary broadly depending on the program and level of education. Some programs are easier to get accepted to and complete than advanced degrees in nursing. It is also a possibility for students to continue their nursing education and earn a more advanced degree after they’ve completed a program. We’ll look at the possible nursing career paths in the US next.
Nursing Careers in the US
Nursing is a diverse and demanding career, but it is a popular choice for many in the US. The job offers a wide variety of roles and opportunities for continuing education. It is a job that is in high demand and can offer some high-paying and rewarding roles in education, training, and patient care. There are many paths to becoming a nurse in the US, and while some are easier than others, there are opportunities to move up the career ladder of nursing no matter what level you are at.
We’ll look at an overview of possible nursing career paths in the US next.
Nursing School Application Requirements
Nursing school admission requirements are comprehensive and quite similar to common medical school requirements. Nursing schools are looking for students with high GPAs, impressive resumes and a killer nursing school personal statement. You’ll need to ace every part of your nursing school application package to compete, especially at top-ranked schools which have extremely selective admissions criteria and few open spots.
Next, we’ll explore the common nursing school admission requirements you need to know. Every school will have its own application process and requirements, so be sure to check this list against your chosen nursing program and complete any secondary essays or supplemental application sections that are required.
Writing your nursing school resume? Here are some expert tips.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Nursing School
Getting into an advanced nursing degree is not easy. If you’re planning to apply for a BSN or RN-BSN program, or an advanced degree like MSN or DPN, you’ll need to be well prepared and organized to complete the application process. Although it’s a long, arduous and competitive race to get into nursing school, there are things you can do to best prepare yourself and stand out in a nursing school application. Check out some of our expert tips on how to get into nursing school below!
FAQs
1. Which nursing school has the highest acceptance rate?
There are several nursing programs in the US with 100% acceptance rates, including the Lubbock Christian University, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
2. Is it hard to get into nursing school in the USA?
While top-ranked nursing programs in the US are very competitive, it is possible to get into a nursing program. Acceptance rates vary depending on the school and its ranking, selection criteria and the type of program you’re applying for. For instance, an advanced 4-year nursing degree is far more competitive than a one-year LPN program.
3. What is the easiest nursing school to get into?
The easiest nursing school to get into also varies since many nursing schools have high acceptance rates. Based on admission criteria and statistics, the University of Kentucky is the easiest nursing school to get into.
4. What are the admission requirements for nursing school in the US?
Just like medical school, the admission requirements for nursing school in the US are comprehensive. You’ll need to submit your GPA and transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or nursing essay, and any English language proficiency test results if required. You may also need to submit GRE test scores and sit an admissions interview.
5. Can international students study nursing in the US?
International students can earn an ADN or BSN while studying in the US. Not all nursing schools will accept international students, so be sure to check admission requirements before applying.
6. What is the #1 nursing school in the US?
The consistently top-ranked universities in the US with a graduate nursing program include John Hopkins University, Duke University, University of California San Francisco and the University of Pennsylvania.
7. Is BSN or RN better?
While both are rewarding jobs, a BSN is a more advanced degree and can open up further job opportunities, higher salary and more chances for leadership.
8. Is nursing school hard?
Nursing school is challenging and notoriously difficult. Graduate programs in nursing are just as demanding as medical school or other rigorous graduate degrees, so it should not be taken lightly.
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Your friends at BeMo
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1 Comments
Selma
THanks for the informative text. one question Is there specialization options after Nursing school?
Reply