Easiest Nursing Programs to Get Into: Find Schools with the Highest Acceptance Rates

Higher Acceptance Rates

Acceptance rates in the world of nursing education vary significantly. Highly selective programs may accept fewer than 20% of applicants, while public universities or community colleges may admit 70% or more.

A higher acceptance rate can be a good sign for success when applying, especially if a program also has larger cohorts, multiple campuses, or a mission to reach underserved student groups.

That makes programs with higher acceptance rates a good choice for students who need a second chance or are returning to academia later in life.

Flexible Admissions Requirements

Some programs reduce common entry barriers by offering more flexible GPA cutoffs, accepting a wider range of prerequisite courses, or not requiring entrance exams like the TEAS or HESI. These requirements (or lack of them) make a big difference for students seeking a career change or those whose academic records don’t reflect their full potential.

But remember, fewer requirements aren’t a sign of low quality or “easy” academics. It simply means the program has been structured to give more students a chance at success.

Bridge-Friendly and Alternative Pathways

Programs that cater to working nurses, paramedics, or other healthcare professionals make it easier to advance into a more advanced nursing role without starting from scratch. These are known as “bridge” programs because they are a pathway from one career to another.

Bridge programs allow professionals to build on their existing credentials and work experience without making them repeat entry-level courses. This often means a shorter time to graduation and cheaper program costs.

Schools that support these options recognize the value of real-world healthcare experience and aim to make the RN to BSN transition or jump to an advanced-practice degree as smooth and efficient as possible.

Rolling or Frequent Start Dates

Traditional nursing programs often admit students once per year, but some offer multiple or rolling admissions cycles. This flexibility means you don’t have to wait months to apply or start classes.

If you’re eager to switch careers or traditional enrollment windows don’t work well for your schedule, this type of program can be a good fit. Frequent start dates can also help students who may have missed a prior application deadline or those who need to repeat a course get back on track quickly.

Holistic or Supportive Admissions

Holistic admissions processes consider more than just grades and test scores. Many schools also weigh personal statements, life experience, and volunteer work as part of your application. Some programs even offer conditional acceptance or pre-nursing tracks that give students a chance to prove themselves while completing prerequisites.

If you’ve faced personal or academic challenges in the past that might be a roadblock, a supportive admissions process can make a big difference.