5 Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into in New Jersey 2025

Nurses play a crucial role in the American healthcare system. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), there are more than 4.7 million registered nurses (RNs) employed across the country. This makes nursing the largest sector in the national healthcare industry.

If you are interested in getting into this vital profession, you may be curious about New Jersey's easiest nursing schools to get into. This article discusses the competitive nature of nursing programs, reviews nursing career outlooks, and reviews the easiest nursing schools to get into in the state of New Jersey. Read on to learn more about how to earn your nursing degree at some of the state's best nursing schools.

How Competitive Are Nursing Schools in New Jersey?

Nursing school enrollment is competitive in great part because there is a lack of resources at the higher education level. The AACN reported that nursing schools declined more than 65,000 qualified applicants to undergraduate and graduate nursing programs due to a shortage of classroom space, clinical sites, and experienced faculty.

There are many nursing education programs in New Jersey. The competitiveness of a nursing program depends on the specific school and degree level. For example, accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs (also known as ABSNs) tend to be highly competitive. On the other hand, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs at community colleges provide quality education and are relatively easy nursing programs.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for New Jersey Nursing Schools?

New Jersey nursing school requirements vary according to nursing degree program and school. If you are applying to an ADN program, you will need to submit your high school transcript or General Educational Development (GED) and undergo a background check.

If you are applying for an advanced degree, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), you will have additional nursing school prerequisites. These include having already earned your BSN or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a minimum grade point average (GPA) for specific coursework, a valid RN license, and more.

Nursing Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rates in New Jersey

The following list features some of the easiest nursing programs to get into in the state of New Jersey. All are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Programs range from graduate degree options to some of the easiest RN to BSN programs online. We also outline basic admissions process information for each school.

1. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is a school of nursing with campuses across the U.S. New Jersey students may enroll in a traditional BSN program on its North Brunswick campus. Coursework and clinical experiences are conducted in person. Enrollees can complete this bachelor's degree program in three years.

Other nursing degree options include RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP programs; many of these programs offer online coursework options. The application process is conducted online. Your exact admission requirements will depend on your chosen nursing degree program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $20,462 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 91%
• Accreditation: CCNE

2. Montclair State University

Located in its namesake city, Montclair State University offers a traditional BSN program that can be completed in four years on a full-time basis. After completing a total of 120 credits, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Applicants must submit their high school transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Applicants are encouraged to include proof of any extracurricular or leadership experiences, as well as experiences in the healthcare field.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,296 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 86%
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. William Paterson University

William Paterson University has a traditional BSN program that can be completed in four years. Coursework is delivered on campus in Wayne, NJ. Before moving on to core nursing courses, students must complete general education courses like microbiology and elementary statistics.

William Paterson University is a test-optional school. If you are applying for its undergraduate programs, you do not have to submit your SAT or ACT scores. You will need to submit your official transcripts and proof of health insurance; you will also need to undergo a background check.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,748 per year (in-state); $26,458 per year (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 86%
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University (NJCU) offers an online RN to BSN program for students looking for a flexible distance learning option. Coursework is delivered fully online in an asynchronous format; students can earn their degrees in 12 to 16 months.

Application requirements include a minimum 2.5 GPA, official college transcripts, and a $50 application fee. NJCU has articulation agreements with many community colleges, allowing nursing students to apply all associate degree credits, along with licensure credits, toward their BSN degree requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,268 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 89% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. Rowan University

Rowan University is a large public school in Glassboro, NJ, with various nursing degree options. Its RN to BSN program is administered through its Global Learning & Partnerships division and provides RNs with a flexible degree path that can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

To be an eligible applicant, you must have graduated from an ADN or nursing diploma program and have passed the NCLEX-RN. Rowan University has 3 + 1 affiliation agreements with various local colleges, so students who have earned their associate degrees can seamlessly transition into the BSN program and earn their bachelor's degree in a shorter timeframe.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,344 per year (in-state); $23,168 per year (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 77% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: CCNE

How We Rank Schools

We use the following criteria when selecting our featured schools to ensure the listed nursing programs provide high-quality, accessible education.

• Accreditation: All of the programs are accredited by either the CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
• Acceptance rates: The nursing programs listed must have an acceptance rate of 50% or higher. We rank schools from the least competitive to the most competitive.
• Program reputation: Nursing school programs are determined by experienced faculty, standard curricula, clinical experience options, and NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates.

What Can I Expect From a Nursing Degree Program?

Nursing degree program curricula vary widely. Programs range from two-year ADN programs to six-year DNP programs. A program's scope increases with degree level. For example, an associate degree program is less intensive than a bachelor's degree program.

That being said, all nursing programs share basic elements, ensuring students receive the education necessary to perform quality patient care. Nursing degree programs include nursing theory coursework, simulation labs, and hands-on clinical experiences.

Many programs have general education prerequisites, like biology, statistics, and chemistry. You can take many of these self-paced nursing prerequisites online.

FAQs About the Easiest Nursing Programs To Get Into

Here we address some frequently asked questions about nursing programs, from GPA requirements to the difficulty of certain nursing classes.

Is Nursing School Hard?

Nursing is, by its nature, a challenging profession; likewise, nursing school can be quite intensive. The degree to which you find certain courses difficult depends on your personal preferences and learning capacity.

Coursework ranges from nursing theory, such as mental health practices, to math, covering statistics and dosage calculations. While complex math is generally not required, nursing students must have a solid grasp of fundamental math principles to provide safe and effective patient care. If you're curious about math requirements, you can learn more in our article Can I Be a Nurse If I Am Bad at Math?

Are Online Nursing Schools Easier Than Traditional Programs?

Online nursing schools must uphold the same quality curriculum standards as their traditional counterparts. Online coursework, therefore, is not necessarily any easier than that delivered in person.

Online programs do have the advantage of greater flexibility, as many programs offer their coursework in an asynchronous format. This means you can take classes according to your own pace and schedule. Many students find that this self-paced option makes the learning process progress more smoothly.

What Is the Lowest GPA To Get Into Nursing School?

Each nursing school has particular requirements regarding GPA minimums. Generally speaking, nursing school programs require at least a 2.0 or 2.5 GPA on your high school or college transcripts.

The higher your GPA, the better your chances of being accepted into your chosen program. If your GPA is on the relatively lower end, you can round out your application by highlighting volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation from teachers or employers.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse in New Jersey?

The fastest way to become a nurse in New Jersey is to enroll in an ADN program. This degree track typically takes two years to complete; after graduating, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and earn your licensure.

If you have prior education or experience, you can expedite the degree process. For example, if you are a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you can graduate from an ADN bridge program in one year. If you already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can graduate from an ABSN program in 12 to 16 months.

What Is the Job Outlook for Nurses in New Jersey?

The nursing career outlook is positive, as there is a continually increasing demand for registered nurses. According to the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN), there were 23,583 new nursing job openings in 2025. New Jersey has the 19th highest job posting concentration (relative to population size) in the U.S.

What Is the Hardest Nursing Class?

A nursing class's difficulty level is relative to your previous educational experiences and personal strengths. Nursing classes include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and chemistry.

Regardless of what you consider to be the hardest subject in nursing, there are support options available. Many nursing schools provide faculty mentors, tutors, and online resources to help you succeed.

Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into Near You

Nursing is a challenging yet rewarding profession. From ADNs to DNPs, there are nursing school programs available. Reach out to the institutions featured on Learn.org to discover which best supports your career goals.