5 Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into in Wisconsin 2025

Students interested in starting careers as registered nurses (RNs) in Wisconsin can find quality nursing programs throughout the state. However, some have more difficult admission standards than others. Do you want to pursue a bachelor's degree and secure a nursing license as soon as possible? Keep reading as we highlight some of the easiest nursing schools to get into for students in Wisconsin.

How Competitive Are Nursing Schools in Wisconsin?

Some nursing schools in Wisconsin are competitive and selective, while others are considered lenient. The more difficult schools to get into include Edgewood University (formerly Edgewood College), which is highly competitive, as it accepts only 42 students in the fall and spring semesters. The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is also competitive, seeking applicants with a minimum nursing GPA of 3.25 and direct patient care experience.

But this doesn't mean you can't find less selective schools in the state. The easiest nursing degrees are found at schools with higher acceptance rates or lower preferred GPAs. Fortunately, several are available in Wisconsin.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for Wisconsin Nursing Schools?

Nursing schools across Wisconsin set their own admission requirements; however, many align their programs with the standards from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). If you're interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the most common nursing school requirements for admission include the following:

• Earn a minimum cumulative GPA.
• Submit high school or college transcripts.
• Secure a minimum ACT or SAT score.

Students must also take science, math, and other prerequisite courses, as determined by the institution. To meet these requirements faster, you might consider taking self-paced nursing prerequisites online.

Nursing Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rates in Wisconsin

Are you ready to pursue a degree through one of the easiest nursing programs to get into in Wisconsin? Review the list to find nursing schools offering a simpler path to admission.

1. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

The BSN at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a four-year program that prepares students to work in healthcare facilities throughout the state. To gain admission, students must have a minimum of 30 college credits (including transfer credits) with a college GPA of 3.0.

Other requirements include a ''C'' or better in three of four required science courses. To cover the cost of this BSN degree, students can pursue financial aid and scholarships with no academic minimum requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,700 per year (in-state); $10,258 to $17,288 per year (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 90% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: CCNE

2. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

In the four-year, campus-based BSN at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, enrollees start with the program's pre-nursing curriculum and then take major courses in professional nursing practice, mental health nursing, public health nursing, and beyond. Admission requirements include a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 2.5 GPA in science prerequisites.

Many graduates of the College of Nursing, which also offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, go on to work in the Mayo Clinic health system. Nearly all (99%) pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,783 per year (in-state); $10,543 to $19,369 per year (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 86% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The School of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which has an impressive NCLEX-RN pass rate of 95%, offers a campus-based BS in nursing with classroom and clinical experiences that prepare students for Wisconsin RN licensure. Learners in need of financial help have access to over $500,000 in nursing scholarships and funding each year.

Admission to this program requires an overall minimum GPA of 2.75 and at least 2.75 in the required sciences. Applicants must also show math competency with a placement score of 30+ or Math 102/105 or equivalent with a C or higher.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,398 per year (in-state); $14,584 to $22,398 per year (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 70% (spring semester)
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin's School of Nursing is home to a traditional 121-credit BSN for students seeking RN licensure in the state. Admission requirements include a cumulative GPA of 2.75 (or 3.0 for transfer students). Students must also complete science prerequisites, including Microbiology, Human Anatomy & Physiology I, and meet minimum math requirements.

Applicants of this program don't have to worry about an admissions waitlist. Learners enjoy direct entry with no additional applications.

• Estimated tuition cost: $36,000 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 68% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having the best nursing programs in the state. Most graduates (96%) pass the NCLEX licensure exam on their first attempt.

Admission to its traditional BSN program requires a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA and completion of (or in progress of completing) 54 college-level credits. Applicants must also complete seven prerequisite courses, with a maximum of three in progress during the spring term before enrollment.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,606 per year (in-state); $16,638 to $42,104 per year (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 53%
• Accreditation: CCNE

How We Rank Schools

Our team rigorously vetted the colleges and universities in this ranking list to confirm they have met the criteria for delivering a high-quality education:

• Accreditation: Each nursing program is accredited by the CCNE.
• Acceptance rates: Most schools in this list have higher overall or nursing program acceptance rates.
• Program reputation: These nursing programs have quality reputations, with many having high NCLEX pass rates.

What Can I Expect From a Nursing Degree Program?

What you can expect from a nursing program depends on its academic level. For instance, students interested in becoming licensed practical nurses (LPNs) enroll in a diploma program to learn about basic wound care, therapeutic communication, and how to collect assessment data and administer medication.

When enrolled in a nursing program that prepares you for a BSN and RN licensure, you can expect to explore fundamental and advanced concepts in nursing, including pharmacology, mental health nursing, health assessment, and pathophysiology. While enrolled, students also get hands-on experience in patient care through clinical rotations.

Students who want careers as advanced practice registered nurses (e.g., pediatric nurse practitioners) typically earn a master's degree in nursing. In these programs, learners grow their leadership skills as they prepare for higher-level roles in healthcare. Clinicals are required.

FAQs About the Easiest Nursing Programs To Get Into

Do you want to pursue a nursing degree in Wisconsin? Explore the FAQs below to learn more about the easiest nursing schools to get into.

Is Nursing School Hard?

Students who struggle with science or math might find nursing school challenging. Before enrolling, programs often require students to complete prerequisite science courses, such as biology, chemistry, and microbiology. These classes prepare students for nursing courses such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and health assessment.

Math classes, such as high school-level algebra and statistics, are often required to ensure students are ready to take college algebra or finite math courses in their nursing programs. If you struggle in these subjects, consider working with a tutor or your instructors to help you navigate coursework and excel in your program.

Read More: Can I Be a Nurse If I Am Bad at Math?

Are Online Nursing Schools Easier Than Traditional Programs?

Some students find that online nursing programs are easier than traditional on-campus programs. In online programs, commutes aren't necessary (except to clinical sites) and, in some cases, schools allow students to complete coursework at their desired pace.

Nursing programs for RNs seeking a bachelor's degree are among the most popular online options. Students commonly complete these programs in as little as 12 months. If you're looking for the easiest RN to BSN program online, consider those that offer self-paced learning options and let students complete clinical experiences in their local communities.

What Is the Lowest GPA To Get Into Nursing School?

In Wisconsin, several schools enable students to apply with GPAs lower than a 3.0. For example, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Concordia University Wisconsin, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison admit students with a 2.75 GPA. When searching for lower GPA requirements, you might also consider an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from a community college. For example, students pursuing the ADN at Madison Area Technical College need only a cumulative high school GPA of 2.0 to enroll.

What Is the Career Outlook for Nurses in Wisconsin?

Students interested in becoming an RN can look forward to a promising nursing career outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for RNs is projected to grow 6% with over 194,000 new jobs annually through 2033. In Wisconsin, recent data from the BLS reveals annual employment of 61,870 for RNs.

What Is the Hardest Nursing School To Get Into in Wisconsin?

While several schools in Wisconsin make admission easy for applicants, some institutions are more selective. In addition to Edgewood University and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, both known for their competitive BSN programs, Marquette University is considered one of the more challenging schools to get into.

Ranked among the state's top colleges for nursing, Marquette is recognized for its competitive admissions. On average, attendees are admitted with a GPA of 3.65. For direct entry to the College of Nursing, students generally have completed four years of science with strong grades and a rigorous curriculum.

Now that you've learned about the hardest schools, are you wondering about the hardest nursing class? For many learners, it's a toss-up between anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and health assessment.

Where Can I Work With a Nursing Degree in Wisconsin?

After earning a BSN and securing licensure, new RNs work in various settings. While healthcare facilities are most common, nurses also find jobs in other industries. Here are the largest employers of registered nurses, according to BLS data:

• hospitals (state, local, and private)
• ambulatory healthcare services
• government
• nursing and residential care facilities
• educational services; state, local, and private

Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into Near You

Take the next step toward an exciting career in nursing by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to learn ways they can help you reach your career goals.