10 Nursing Programs That Accept a 2.7 GPA

Students with a 2.7 GPA may qualify for a variety of nursing pathways, including RN-to-BSN completion programs, hybrid BSN tracks, and accelerated second-degree nursing programs. Many nursing schools that accept lower GPAs evaluate applicants holistically by considering science prerequisite performance, healthcare experience, active RN licensure, and academic trends alongside cumulative GPA requirements.

Online and hybrid nursing programs can also provide flexible opportunities for working healthcare professionals balancing clinical responsibilities with continued education. In this article, you’ll learn about programs that accept a 2.7 GPA, nursing schools known for flexible admissions standards, and pathways designed to support transfer students and adult learners in the nursing field.

Can You Get Into a Nursing Program With a 2.7 GPA?

Yes, many nursing programs accept students with a 2.7 GPA, especially online RN-to-BSN and transfer-focused pathways for licensed nurses. Some accelerated BSN programs for students transitioning into healthcare from another field also maintain admissions baselines beginning around a 2.7 GPA.

Many nursing schools use holistic admissions reviews that evaluate science prerequisite grades, healthcare experience, volunteer work, leadership, and professional licensure alongside overall GPA. Online and hybrid nursing programs are especially common among schools supporting working nurses and nontraditional students.

Nursing Programs That Accept a 2.7 GPA

Several colleges and universities offer nursing pathways that accommodate students with a 2.7 GPA, particularly licensed nurses, transfer students, and adult learners seeking flexible degree completion opportunities. The schools below are known for accessible admissions policies, online learning formats, and career-focused nursing education pathways.

1. Rockhurst University

Rockhurst University offers a hybrid accelerated BSN pathway for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to transition into healthcare. Applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 as well as a 2.7 GPA across core science prerequisite courses.

All didactic nursing lectures are delivered fully online to provide scheduling flexibility. Students complete a single 10-day on-campus residency during the first semester before fulfilling remaining clinical requirements through approved local placements in authorized states.

2. University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington provides online and hybrid BSN pathways through a large digital nursing infrastructure. Applicants to pre-licensure BSN tracks must maintain at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA overall as well as a 2.75 GPA in science prerequisites.

Coursework is delivered through accelerated online learning systems while students complete clinical rotations through partner healthcare facilities across regional networks. Flexible delivery formats help students balance nursing education with outside responsibilities.

3. Utah Tech University

Utah Tech University offers a fully online RN-to-BSN pathway specifically designed for working registered nurses. Applicants must maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA in associate-level nursing coursework and hold an active, unencumbered RN license before admission.

The program operates entirely online with asynchronous course delivery and reduced student fees. Many students can complete the remaining core nursing requirements in as few as two to three semesters depending on transfer credits.

4. University of Massachusetts Lowell

The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers a CCNE-accredited online RN-to-BSN program with minimum GPA requirements of 2.7 across cumulative coursework, nursing coursework, and science prerequisites. The admissions structure is designed to support efficient degree completion for licensed nurses.

The program is delivered fully online and asynchronously without traditional face-to-face clinical requirements. Students may transfer up to 90 credits and automatically receive 39 credits for active RN licensure, allowing many learners to complete the program in approximately 12 months.

5. University of Utah

The University of Utah College of Nursing offers an online RN-to-BSN pathway with a standard minimum requirement of a 2.7 prerequisite GPA and a 2.7 nursing program GPA. The school also uses holistic review practices that may allow experienced nurses with slightly lower GPAs to qualify for admission consideration.

Upper-division nursing coursework is delivered fully online to support working healthcare professionals. Flexible admissions considerations and distance learning opportunities help nurses continue career advancement while maintaining professional employment.

6. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University offers online RN-to-BSN and hybrid nursing pathways for transfer students and licensed nurses seeking degree advancement opportunities. The university maintains a minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.75 for entry into its post-licensure nursing tracks and selective hybrid pathways.

The program combines online coursework with flexible community health projects that allow students to complete requirements locally. This blended structure helps support working healthcare professionals balancing nursing education with clinical employment.

7. South College

South College uses a holistic admissions review process for its hybrid BSN pathways and considers applicants with a 2.7 GPA strong candidates for admission. The program also places emphasis on performance in prerequisite science coursework such as anatomy and microbiology.

Many didactic lectures are delivered asynchronously online, while laboratory simulations and testing requirements are completed through scheduled campus sessions at regional learning hubs. Flexible hybrid delivery formats support students seeking accessible nursing pathways with local clinical opportunities.

8. Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University offers online RN-to-BSN pathways and select graduate nursing options with a baseline GPA requirement of 2.75. The university also accommodates nurses pursuing leadership-focused graduate pathways by evaluating applicants holistically alongside academic requirements.

Programs are delivered fully online through interactive learning platforms designed for working healthcare professionals. Flexible scheduling helps students continue professional nursing practice while completing undergraduate or graduate nursing coursework remotely.

9. Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University Online provides a fully online RN-to-BSN pathway for transfer students and licensed nurses. Students with a cumulative college GPA of 2.7 generally meet the university’s competitive screening threshold for nursing admissions consideration.

Coursework focuses heavily on evidence-based practice, nursing research, health assessment, and complex population care concepts. The fully remote learning structure allows nurses to complete degree requirements while maintaining full-time employment.

10. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers flexible online and hybrid nursing pathways that evaluate transfer applicants using a minimum cumulative GPA baseline of 2.75. Admissions reviewers place particular emphasis on science prerequisite performance and positive academic trends during the evaluation process.

The program combines online classroom instruction with organized local clinical experiences to provide both flexibility and hands-on nursing preparation. Students can pursue nursing advancement opportunities while balancing coursework with professional responsibilities.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

For nursing programs that accept a 2.7 GPA, we focus on schools that provide flexible admissions pathways, accessible online or hybrid learning formats, and strong support for working nurses and transfer students. We also evaluate accreditation status, transfer flexibility, and career-focused nursing outcomes.

• Accreditation: We prioritize nursing programs accredited by recognized agencies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
• Admissions Requirements: We review GPA minimums, holistic admissions policies, transfer pathways, and RN licensure requirements related to program accessibility.
• Online Availability: We consider whether schools provide fully online or hybrid nursing pathways designed for working healthcare professionals and adult learners.
• Student Outcomes: We examine graduation rates, retention rates, and nursing career advancement opportunities that may contribute to long-term success.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Average GPA Do You Need for Nursing Programs?

The average GPA required for nursing programs varies depending on the program structure and institutional competitiveness. Traditional pre-licensure BSN pathways at selective universities often admit students with GPAs well above 3.0, especially in programs with limited clinical placement availability.

However, many RN-to-BSN, transfer, and accelerated nursing pathways maintain more flexible admissions standards for licensed nurses and adult learners. These programs frequently evaluate applicants holistically by considering healthcare experience, science prerequisite performance, professional licensure, and academic improvement alongside cumulative GPA.

Can You Get Financial Aid With a 2.7 GPA?

Yes, students with a 2.7 GPA may still qualify for many forms of financial aid while pursuing a nursing degree. Federal aid programs such as Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities are generally based on financial need rather than highly competitive GPA thresholds. Students must complete the FAFSA and maintain satisfactory academic progress standards established by their school.

Nursing students may also qualify for healthcare-specific scholarships, workforce grants, and employer tuition reimbursement programs. Although some merit-based scholarships require higher academic averages, many organizations provide funding opportunities specifically for RN-to-BSN students, working nurses, and healthcare professionals pursuing career advancement.

Tips for Getting Into Nursing Programs With a 2.7 GPA

Students with a 2.7 GPA can strengthen nursing school applications by emphasizing healthcare experience, strong prerequisite performance, and professional readiness. Many nursing programs use holistic admissions processes that evaluate applicants beyond cumulative GPA alone.

Focus on Science Prerequisite Performance

Many nursing schools review anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry grades separately from overall GPA. Strong science prerequisite performance may help demonstrate readiness for rigorous nursing coursework and clinical training.

Highlight Healthcare Experience

Professional healthcare experience can strengthen nursing applications significantly. Applicants should emphasize nursing responsibilities, leadership roles, certifications, volunteer work, and patient care experience when preparing admissions materials.

Maintain an Active RN License

RN-to-BSN pathways generally prioritize applicants who hold active and unencumbered RN licensure. Professional nursing practice and demonstrated clinical competency may help strengthen admissions reviews at transfer-focused nursing schools.

Apply to Online and Hybrid Nursing Programs

Online and hybrid nursing pathways often provide more flexible admissions opportunities for working adults and transfer students. These programs are frequently designed around the needs of licensed nurses balancing education with professional responsibilities.

Demonstrate Academic Improvement

Students who show upward academic trends or stronger recent coursework may strengthen their admissions profile. Completing additional prerequisite classes or earning stronger grades in recent college coursework can help demonstrate academic readiness.

FAQs About Nursing Programs That Accept a 2.7 GPA

Students researching how to get into a nursing program with a lower GPA often have questions about online learning, accelerated pathways, and transfer opportunities. The FAQs below address some common concerns about nursing programs that accept a 2.7 GPA.

Are Accelerated BSN Programs Available With a 2.7 GPA?

Yes, some accelerated BSN programs accept students with a 2.7 GPA, especially second-degree pathways designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Admissions requirements often include science prerequisite standards and holistic review considerations. Healthcare experience and strong prerequisite performance may strengthen applications further.

Do Nursing Schools Require Separate Science GPAs?

Many nursing programs evaluate science prerequisite GPA separately from overall cumulative GPA. Courses such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry are often weighted heavily because they relate directly to nursing coursework and clinical preparation. Some schools require science GPAs that match or exceed the minimum cumulative GPA requirement.

Can Working Nurses Complete BSN Degrees Online?

Yes, many RN-to-BSN programs are designed specifically for working registered nurses and offer flexible online or hybrid learning formats. Asynchronous coursework allows students to complete assignments around hospital shifts and professional responsibilities. Some programs also minimize or eliminate additional in-person clinical requirements.

What Types of Nursing Programs Accept Transfer Students?

RN-to-BSN programs, accelerated BSN pathways, and select hybrid nursing tracks commonly accept transfer students. Many schools allow students to apply previously earned nursing or prerequisite coursework toward degree completion. Transfer policies vary depending on accreditation, residency requirements, and program structure.

Do Hybrid Nursing Programs Require Campus Visits?

Some hybrid nursing programs require limited campus residencies, simulation labs, or testing sessions in addition to online coursework. Other programs use local clinical partnerships that reduce the need for frequent travel. Requirements vary significantly between nursing schools and degree pathways.

Can Healthcare Certifications Strengthen Nursing Applications?

Yes, certifications such as ACLS, PALS, CNA, or specialty nursing credentials may help strengthen nursing applications by demonstrating clinical competency and professional commitment. Admissions committees may also value leadership experience, volunteer work, and continuing education activities. These accomplishments can complement academic performance during holistic review processes.

Discover Nursing Programs

Nursing programs that accept a 2.7 GPA can provide flexible pathways for licensed nurses, transfer students, and adult learners seeking career advancement in healthcare. Explore programs on Learn.org to compare nursing schools, review admissions requirements, and connect with flexible online and hybrid nursing pathways that support your educational and professional goals.