10 Nursing Programs That Accept Low GPA Students

If your GPA isn’t where you want it to be, you might be wondering whether nursing school is still an option. The good news is that many undergraduate nursing programs take a more flexible approach to admissions, especially for students who show potential beyond their grades.

Across the country, you’ll find Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs that consider your full academic history, entrance exam scores, and real-world experience. Below, we’ll go over how these programs work and highlight schools that may be a good fit if you’re ready to take the next step.

Do Nursing Programs Accept Low GPA Students?

Some nursing programs do accept students with lower GPAs, though the requirements can vary quite a bit by school. While many competitive BSN programs look for a GPA of 3.0 or higher, others may accept applicants with GPAs in the 2.0 to 2.75 range, especially for ADN programs or schools with more flexible admissions policies.

In many cases, schools use a holistic review process. That means your GPA is just one part of your application. Strong scores on entrance exams like the TEAS or HESI, a well-written personal statement, and healthcare experience can all help offset a lower GPA. Some programs also offer conditional admission or require you to complete prerequisite courses with higher grades before fully entering the nursing program. 

Nursing Programs That Accept Low GPA Students 

Below, you’ll find a list of undergraduate nursing programs that are known for offering more accessible admissions pathways. These colleges accept lower GPAs, provide conditional admission options, or allow you to strengthen your application through prerequisite coursework.

As you compare programs, pay close attention to GPA minimums, prerequisite requirements, and additional factors like entrance exams or interviews. Taking the time to review each school’s admissions criteria can help you find a program that aligns with your academic background and career goals.

1. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, Kentucky, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Its nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring they meet national standards for bachelor’s-level nursing education.

EKU is one of several Kentucky schools with nursing programs. It offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing with options for both traditional and second-degree students. Applicants typically need a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be considered. While the program is primarily campus-based, EKU is known for offering flexible course formats in some areas, which can help students balance coursework with other responsibilities.

2. Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is located in Cloquet, Minnesota, and offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) designed to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles. The program focuses heavily on hands-on training and foundational nursing skills.

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and its nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Instead of a strict GPA cutoff, admissions require students to earn at least a C grade in prerequisite courses, making it one of the easiest nursing schools to get into in Minnesota.

3. Herzing University

Herzing University offers multiple campus locations across the United States, along with strong online and hybrid nursing options. These flexible formats can make it easier to complete coursework while managing work or family responsibilities.

The university is accredited by the HLC, and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. Herzing’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs typically require a minimum GPA of 2.5, making them a practical option for students who need a more accessible admissions pathway.

4. National University

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. These accreditations help ensure the program meets both institutional and professional standards.

Based in San Diego, National University offers a BSN through a structured, year-round format that can help you move through coursework efficiently. The program typically requires a minimum GPA of 2.75 for admission. While the pre-licensure BSN is campus-based, the university is known for flexible scheduling and support services designed for adult learners, and has some of the best online nursing programs in California.

5. Nevada State University

Nevada State University is located in Henderson, Nevada, and is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE, aligning with national standards for BSN education.

The university offers a pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing that typically requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 for admission. For students who are already licensed nurses, the online RN to BSN pathway may accept a GPA of 2.0 or higher, making it a more accessible option for working professionals looking to advance their education. This degree is one of the top online RN to BSN programs in Nevada.

6. New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and is accredited by the HLC. The university offers a BSN designed to prepare students to become a nurse in New Mexico.

Its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. Admission to the BSN program typically requires a minimum GPA of 2.75, though applicants may still strengthen their application through prerequisite performance and other supporting materials.

7. Northwest Technical College

Northwest Technical College is another option to help you become a nursing in Minneosta. It offers a traditional RN program that focuses on building foundational nursing skills through classroom instruction and clinical experience. Instead of requiring a strict overall GPA, the program emphasizes academic readiness through prerequisite coursework.

Located in Bemidji, Minnesota, the college is accredited by the HLC, and its nursing program is accredited by the ACEN. Applicants must earn a grade of C or higher in prerequisite courses, which can make this program more accessible if your cumulative GPA is lower.

8. Roseman University of Health Sciences

Roseman University of Health Sciences is accredited by the NWCCU, and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. These accreditations reflect both institutional quality and professional nursing standards.

The university has campuses in Henderson, Nevada, and South Jordan, Utah, and offers an accelerated BSN program. Admission typically requires a minimum GPA of 2.75. The program uses a block curriculum model, allowing you to focus on one subject at a time, which can be helpful if you prefer a more structured learning pace. 

9. University of Charleston

The University of Charleston is located in Charleston, West Virginia, and is accredited by the HLC. Its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE, ensuring alignment with national nursing education standards.

The university offers multiple pathways, including an ADN, a BSN, and an RN to BSN option. Some programs may accept a minimum GPA of 2.0, making this one of the more flexible options on this list. Depending on the pathway, students may also find hybrid or online components, especially in the RN to BSN track, one of the best online nursing programs in Wyoming.

10. Utica University 

Utica University is located in Utica, New York, and is accredited by the MSCHE. The university offers an accelerated BSN designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

Its nursing program is accredited by the CCNE. Admission to the accelerated BSN typically requires a minimum GPA of 2.8. The program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person labs and clinical experiences, which can help you move through the program on a faster timeline while maintaining some flexibility.

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.

We focus on factors that matter most for students with lower GPAs:

• Accreditation: Programs must be accredited by recognized agencies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Flexibility: Schools that offer holistic admissions, conditional acceptance, or bridge pathways rank higher.
• Affordability: We prioritize schools with lower tuition rates and access to financial aid, including FAFSA eligibility.

How To Get Into Nursing School With a Low GPA

Getting into nursing school with a lower GPA can take a bit more planning, but it’s absolutely possible with the right approach. Many programs look beyond grades, especially if you can show improvement, strong test scores, or real-world experience.

Here are a few practical steps that can strengthen your application:

• Retake prerequisite courses: Focus on key classes like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. Earning higher grades in these can make a big difference.
• Prepare for entrance exams: Strong scores on tests like the TEAS or HESI can help offset a lower GPA.
• Gain healthcare experience: Working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), medical assistant, or volunteer can show commitment to the field.
• Write a strong personal statement: Be honest about your academic history and explain how you’ve improved or what’s changed.
• Apply to multiple programs: Include a mix of ADN and BSN programs, especially those with holistic or conditional admissions.

Taking even one or two of these steps can improve your chances and help you feel more confident when you apply.

ADN Vs. BSN: Which Is More Flexible for Lower GPAs?

If you’re applying with a lower GPA, choosing between an Associate Degree in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing can make a real difference. Both paths lead to becoming a registered nurse, but they often have different admissions expectations.

ADN programs, typically offered by community colleges, tend to be more accessible. They may accept lower GPAs or place more weight on prerequisite grades rather than your overall academic record. They’re also usually more affordable and take about two years to complete, making them a practical starting point for many students.

BSN programs, offered by universities, can be more competitive and may require higher GPAs. That said, some schools on this list offer flexible admissions or holistic review. A BSN can open the door to more advanced roles later on, so some students choose to start with an ADN and then bridge into an RN to BSN program once they’re working. 

How Much Do Nursing Programs Cost?

The cost of a nursing program can vary widely depending on the type of school and degree you choose. Community colleges and public universities are usually the most affordable options, while private schools tend to cost more.

• ADN programs (community colleges): About $5,000 to $15,000 total
• BSN programs (public universities): About $20,000 to $50,000 total
• Private BSN programs: About $40,000 to $80,000 or more

Most students don’t pay the full sticker price. You can apply for federal financial aid through FAFSA, along with state grants, scholarships, and school-specific aid. Some hospitals and healthcare employers also offer tuition assistance if you agree to work with them after graduation, which can help reduce your overall cost.

FAQs About Nursing Programs That Accept Low GPA Students

If you’re applying with a lower GPA, you probably have a few questions about what’s realistic and what your options look like. Below, we’ll go over some of the most common concerns students have before applying.

Can I Get Into Nursing School With a 2.0 GPA?

Some nursing programs do accept a 2.0 GPA, especially at the associate degree level or at schools with more flexible admissions policies. You may need to meet additional requirements, such as earning higher grades in prerequisite courses or scoring well on entrance exams like the TEAS.

It’s also common for schools to offer conditional admission. This means you can start by completing prerequisites or demonstrating academic improvement before fully entering the nursing program.

What Can I Do If My GPA Is Too Low for Nursing School?

If your GPA falls below a program’s minimum, you still have several ways to strengthen your application. Retaking prerequisite courses and earning higher grades can raise both your GPA and your academic readiness for nursing coursework.

You can also gain healthcare experience, improve your entrance exam scores, or start with a related program before transitioning into nursing. These steps show schools that you’re serious and capable of succeeding.

Are Nursing Programs That Accept Low GPAs Still Accredited?

Yes, many nursing programs with flexible admissions are fully accredited. Accreditation ensures the program meets quality standards and prepares you for licensure as a registered nurse.

When researching schools, look for regional accreditation along with nursing-specific accreditation from organizations like the ACEN or the CCNE.

Do Nursing Schools Look at More Than GPA?

Most nursing programs use a holistic admissions process, which means they consider more than just your GPA. Schools often review entrance exam scores, prerequisite grades, personal statements, and healthcare experience.

This approach gives you the chance to show your strengths in other areas. A strong application in these categories can help balance out a lower GPA.

Is It Better to Start With an ADN If I Have a Low GPA?

Starting with an ADN can be a practical option if your GPA is on the lower side. These programs often have more accessible admissions requirements and allow you to enter the workforce sooner.

After becoming a registered nurse, you can enroll in an RN to BSN program to continue your education. This step-by-step path can make it easier to reach your long-term goals while building experience along the way.

Explore Nursing Degree Programs    

Start your journey toward a nursing career by exploring the accessible nursing programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools to learn more about admissions requirements and program options.