Nursing Schools with Low GPA Requirements: Achieving Your Nursing Dreams

Having a low grade point average (GPA) shouldn’t hold you back from becoming a nurse. While a lower GPA won’t help your cause, the good news is that there are some avenues to nursing school for those whose high school transcripts may not be perfect - but who are serious about a career in patient care.

This article, reviewed by industry professionals to ensure accuracy and helpfulness, explores how you can get into nursing school with a lower GPA and pursue your passion for patient care.

Nursing School Requirements: The Basics

There are multiple pathways to becoming a nurse, including various types of nursing degrees, all with increasing levels of complexity and professional possibilities.

Nursing Degree Program Types	Education	Potential Jobs
LPN Diploma or Certificate	1-2 years	Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)	2 years	Registered nurse (RN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)	4 years	Registered nurse (RN)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)	1-2 years	Nurse practitioner (NP), Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), nurse educator, nurse manager
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DPN)	3-4 years	Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), clinical researcher
Ph.D. in Nursing	4-6 years	Clinical researcher, nurse educator

While many nursing jobs may sound similar, there are important differences. LPNs and RNs, for example, differ substantially. In short, LPNs deliver patient care under the supervision of an RN or physician, while RNs have more autonomy and a wider scope of practice.

Do Nursing Schools Admit Students With Lower GPAs?

Yes, some nursing schools admit students with lower GPAs. Community colleges often accept students regardless of GPA. Pursuing an LPN or associate degree in nursing (ADN) and then transferring to earn your BSN - the most common nursing degree and the degree preferred by larger healthcare employers - can be a useful option for those with low GPAs.

Read also: Your Guide to Nursing Internships

Four-year colleges and universities may also admit students with a lower GPA, but most have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. Nursing schools with low GPA requirements include Miami Dade College and the University of Washington, which tout a relatively low minimum GPA of 2.0. Some four-year institutions even have open admissions policies, allowing students to pursue bachelor’s degrees with a high school GPA at or even below 1.0.

But these programs are the exception to the rule, and it’ll be difficult to find a requirement lower than 2.0 at most universities.

Additionally, some institutions place a higher emphasis on non-academic activities. For example, if you have a low GPA but plenty of volunteer experience in healthcare settings or work as a nursing assistant, that may aid your chances of getting accepted into a nursing program.

How to Get Into Nursing School With a Low GPA

Nursing is a profession with life-or-death responsibility, so many nursing schools are highly selective. However, a low GPA coming out of high school won’t doom your chances of becoming a nurse. You may initially need to pursue an LPN certificate or ADN rather than a more advanced degree, but the profession is still within your grasp.

Explore All Avenues

Check with your program to see if they have listed GPA requirements. Low GPA? This avenue will allow you to learn more about the nursing school requirements and whether your GPA is acceptable for that program.

Read also: Getting Into Nursing School

Explain Your Circumstances

If you have a low GPA, this may also be an opportunity to explain your grade. Let the admissions officer know what factors beyond your control - like a medical issue, childcare responsibilities, or work obligations - led to your low GPA. While this may not persuade every program to give your application a chance, it could make a difference in some instances.

Utilize Your Application Essay

College application essays offer another path to explain your low GPA. If your program of choice requires recommendation letters, implore those writing your letters to explain why your GPA may not match your academic prowess. And be sure to emphasize any non-academic activities that may help make your case.

None of these methods are foolproof, but they could help.

Gain Healthcare Experience

You might also take cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or first aid classes. Basic life support (BLS) is the preferred type of CPR for those pursuing healthcare. Check with your local hospitals or American Heart Association (AHA) organizations for classes.

Apply Strategically

Additionally, consider applying to institutions with lower or no GPA requirements. It may be worth applying to nursing programs with higher GPA standards than you can meet. Programs may weigh GPA less than other proportions of your application, so if you can make a convincing case that your GPA does not reflect your abilities as a student or future nurse, that argument could propel you toward acceptance.

Read also: Chamberlain University Costs

Focus on Your Strengths

Excel in Science: Nursing requires a superior understanding of science, strong memory, and a good work ethic. You can prove you have these by getting good grades in your classes, especially those that will align with nursing course requirements. If your school offers classes like anatomy, physiology, or sports medicine, take them.
Ace Entrance Exams: Crush your entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI. Getting a good SAT/ACT score shows universities that you’re ready for the rigor of collegiate coursework and gives them confidence in your ability to succeed. Some nursing schools pay special attention to your performance on the SAT math section.
Highlight Extracurriculars: During high school, get closer to the medical field through your extracurriculars. This will demonstrate your interest, while also telling you if a career in nursing and medicine is what you want to pursue long term. Another idea is shadowing a nurse at work or doing an informational interview to find out more about the job.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Being a good nurse requires more than just excelling in school. It also requires a passion and commitment to helping people through some of the most vulnerable times of their lives, which you can show through your personal statement. Take time with this and start early to show the most accurate version of yourself.

Accelerated BSN Programs with Lower GPA Requirements

For individuals with a non-nursing college education, accelerated BSN programs offer a fast track to a nursing career. While most nursing schools set their minimum GPA requirements at 3.0, there are accelerated nursing programs that accept students with 2.7 and 2.8 GPAs. These schools take a holistic approach to the admissions process far beyond GPA.

Here are some examples of accelerated BSN programs and their GPA requirements:

Cox College: Requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, with a minimum core science GPA of 2.5.
Eastern Kentucky University: The minimum GPA for admittance may not be too intimidating as it stands at 2.5
Keiser University: Potential students should not be intimidated by the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0
University of New Mexico: You need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, plus a Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher

When we say, ‘Easiest To Get Into’, we simply mean these Accelerated BSN programs are easier to get into compared to other Accelerated BSN programs. However, since these are the overall school acceptance rates, the exact Accelerated BSN program-specific acceptance rates may not match up.

Additional Strategies for Applicants with Low GPAs

Take Extra Credit (If Possible)

If you’re still completing your final year of high school and don’t think you have a competitive GPA for nursing school, you should consider asking your teachers for extra credit.

Create a Stellar Application

Your transcripts aren’t the only application materials you’ll submit for admissions committees to review. You’ll also likely submit a personal statement, other essays, a document detailing your volunteer or work experience, letters of recommendation, SAT and ACT scores (GRE scores are for MSN programs), and a statement of career goals.

Write a personal statement that tells a unique story about you, what nursing means to you, and the type of nurse you hope to be. You should also focus on proving you’ve already begun interacting with patients can prove your GPA doesn’t reflect your ability to thrive in the medical field! You should also request recommendations from mentors that can attest to your excellent patient care and teachers that can vouch for your academic potential.

Consider Alternate Pathways

When reflecting on which nursing school to apply to, consider pursuing other certifications or degrees before applying. These certifications can get your foot in the door, give you clinical experience, and make you a better candidate for nursing school. Admissions committees focus more on your grades during these programs, value your dedication to the field, and appreciate your eagerness to begin honing the skills necessary to succeed in nursing. Some certifications you may pursue before going to nursing school are:

A Certified Medical Assistant (CNA) Certification
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Degree
A Home Health and Personal Care Aide Certification

Take a Gap Year

You can take a gap year if you’re set on obtaining a nursing degree and don’t want to pursue other pathways first. You can pursue meaningful work or volunteer experience to strengthen your application and make the admissions committees more inclined to overlook your low GPA. You may also enroll in general education classes at your local community college to help boost your GPA and make you a more competitive applicant.

Broaden Your Search

Not all nursing schools are the same. Some have cutoffs as low as 2.0, while others require a 3.5+ to stay competitive. Target schools where your strengths align. If your first-choice programs feel out of reach, broaden your search.

Gain Real-World Exposure

Don’t underestimate the value of real-world exposure. That’s where a pre-nursing internship abroad with Go Elective can help you stand out.

Consider an LPN to RN Bridge Program

Another viable option for students with low GPAs is starting as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Once you’ve gained experience and proved your commitment in the field, you can apply to bridge programs that allow LPNs to transition into RN or BSN roles.

Nursing Schools with High Acceptance Rates

While acceptance rates don't tell the whole story, they can provide insight into schools that may be more accessible. Remember that nursing programs often have separate admissions after completing pre-nursing requirements.

Here are some nursing schools known for higher acceptance rates:

Rasmussen Nursing School
Aspen University
Middle Georgia State University
Chamberlain University

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. The most crucial factor is that ACEN or CCNE accredits them.

List of Universities for Nursing

GSU, one of the largest universities in Georgia, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
The University of Texas at El Paso is known for its distinctive Bhutanese dzong architecture and for being one of the country’s largest Hispanic-serving institutions, with an 84% Hispanic student body.
Liberty University’s BSN program offers a Christian-based education with a strong focus on patient care, health assessment, and nursing leadership. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and strong faculty support.
Union Adventist University is a Seventh-day Adventist college with a low 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 11, ensuring individualized attention.
University of St. The University of St. Thomas is grounded in Catholic intellectual traditions and committed to the love of Christ (38% of students are Catholic). The University of St.
MCPHS is a private college focused on healthcare education. The school’s nursing major is an accelerated 32-month program that provides students with both classroom instruction and real-world experience-beginning by building a base in the liberal arts and sciences and progressing to nursing-specific curriculum and educational activities.
CSU Fresno is one of the 23 campuses of the California State University System. Students interested in nursing at CSU Fresno begin in the three-semester Pre-Health Program.
UNM offers a variety of pathways for students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, including a freshman direct-entry option for high school seniors as well as an option to apply to the program in their sophomore year.
EWU’s BSN program entails four years of full-time study. The first two years allow students to explore a wide variety of courses, including core courses and nursing prerequisites. EWU enjoys high NCLEX-RN pass rates, averaging over 95% in recent years.
With the largest study-abroad scholarship endowment in the nation for land-grant universities, the University of Wyoming is committed to giving its students a global education. Freshmen admitted to the nursing major-the school accepts up to 48 students to the program annually-must have a minimum 2.75 high school GPA and complete prerequisite courses in their first year with a 3.0 GPA.
Sam Houston State University is the third-oldest public institution of higher education in Texas. SHSU students must take a number of prerequisites-such as human anatomy, nutrition, and intro to psychology-through the pre-nursing program to gain acceptance to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
The University of Toledo provides two pathways for students to enter its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program: direct-admission and pre-nursing. Direct-admission applicants are required to possess a 3.6 high school GPA and an 1130 SAT or 23 ACT score (test-optional applicants must have a 3.8 GPA).
The University of Maine (UMaine) is home to the state’s first baccalaureate program for nurses-it established its nursing program in 1939.
The University of Southern Indiana is a public university in suburban Evansville with a sleek and modern campus. Finally, standard admission is an option after you have taken 31 credit hours in the nursing curriculum.
ODU has been preparing nurses for professional practices for more than five decades and boasts an impressive 100% employment rate for students within one year of graduation. The minimum GPA for admission into ODU’s BSN program is 3.0, however, students commonly admitted to the program possess at least a 3.6 GPA.
Western Washington University offers an RN-to-BSN degree completion program for nurses looking to complete their BSN.
Wright State University offers two pathways to its Bachelor of Science in Nursing BSN degree program: students are either admitted directly from high school or in their sophomore year of college.
Caldwell University’s BSN program combines a strong liberal arts foundation with hands-on nursing coursework, including labs, clinicals, and simulations. Three tracks are offered-a 2nd degree track, a traditional track, and a transfer track.
A school with huge spirit and pride in its black and gold school colors, the University of Southern Mississippi boasted a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate for its nursing students in 2024. Early admission to the nursing program requires a 3.5 high school GPA and a minimum ACT of 25. Once admitted, you must maintain good academic standing while completing prerequisite courses.
Texas Woman’s University’s BSN program builds on a strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences to prepare students for professional nursing practice. The four-year program begins with two years of prerequisite coursework at the Denton campus, followed by upper-division nursing courses during the final two years at medical centers in Dallas or Houston.
The nursing program at Edgewood University is four semesters long (following 62 credits of general education and prerequisite courses) and features one of the lowest clinical faculty-to-students ratios in the state-7:1. Applicants to Edgewood College’s BSN program are required to be enrolled or have completed 62 college credits, including completing specific courses in everything from writing to statistics to chemistry.
North Dakota State University’s BSN program includes a one-year pre-professional phase followed by three years of professional nursing courses, offered in Fargo and at NDSU Nursing at Sanford Health in Bismarck. NDSU also offers a 100% Online RN-to-BSN program and a Blended Online Accelerated BSN program.
At TROY, BSN students build essential clinical skills through hands-on learning, including in-class demos, real-world simulations, and lab work. The program also includes practicum courses in areas like child health, mental health, adult care, and public health to ensure students are well-prepared for nursing practice.
The program covers essential nursing and clinical content across the lifespan, including areas like maternity, pediatrics, adult, and mental health care. It includes both general education and nursing prerequisites in the first two years, followed by specialized nursing courses in the final two years.
The University of Utah’s College of Nursing celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023. University of Utah students must complete all of their general education requirements-including nine prerequisite courses-before starting the nursing program. They must also possess both a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a minimum 3.0 GPA in the prerequisite courses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Getting Into Nursing School With a Low GPA

Here are some frequently asked questions about getting into nursing school with a low GPA:

What is the minimum GPA required for nursing school? The minimum GPA is around 2.0, typically for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs or less competitive institutions. Most Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0, though a few accept applicants with GPAs as low as 2.5.
Can I Go To Nursing School With a 2.0 GPA? Yes, you can attend nursing school with a 2.0 GPA, though your options may be limited.
Can You Get Into Nursing School With a 2.9 GPA? Yes, getting into nursing school with a 2.9 GPA is possible. As many schools have a minimum requirement of 3.0, you may still be granted admission if you can prove your academic potential through the other application components, including your test scores and letters of recommendation from your teachers.
What Is the Easiest Nursing Program to Get Into? Rasmussen Nursing School, Aspen University, and Middle Georgia State University are among the easiest nursing programs to get into, with 100% acceptance rates.
How Much Does My GPA Matter for Nursing School? Your GPA plays a crucial role in the admissions committee’s selection process. Nursing school is known to be rigorous and competitive, and your GPA gives schools direct insight into your academic potential. As such, focusing on your grades and maintaining a high GPA is important.
What to Do if You Have a Low GPA for Nursing School? If you have a low GPA and want to enter nursing school, focus on improving other parts of your application. Start by retaking prerequisite courses to boost your science GPA, gaining hands-on healthcare experience (like working as a CNA or HHA), and scoring well on entrance exams.
What Is a Competitive GPA for Nursing School? A competitive GPA for nursing school is typically 3.0 or higher, especially for BSN programs.

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