Easiest nursing schools to get into: GPA floors and no-TEAS options

Quick answer: Community college ADN programs and LPN programs are the easiest nursing programs to get into. Published GPA floors at these programs start at 2.0: Lone Star College System in Texas and Minnesota West Community and Technical College both set a 2.0 cumulative minimum for their associate degree in nursing. Some colleges, including Wisconsin’s technical colleges, admit by application date rather than GPA rank. University BSN programs set higher floors, commonly 2.5 to 3.0. If you have a lower GPA or are rebuilding after a rejection, the program type you target matters more than the specific school name.

The comparison table below shows how acceptance rates, GPA floors, and TEAS requirements differ across the six main program types.

At a glance: nursing program types by accessibility

Note: acceptance rates in the table reflect published institutional data and represent applicants who submitted complete applications – not everyone who inquired about the program. The real competition begins earlier, at prerequisites and the TEAS.

What “easiest” means – and what it doesn’t

When applicants search for the easiest nursing schools to get into, they are usually asking one of two questions: which programs have the highest acceptance rates, or which programs have the lowest GPA floors?

Those are the right questions, but they need one more layer. Accessibility in admissions is not the same as an easier education. The NCLEX is a standardized national exam – it does not adjust for which school you attended. A program that accepts 90% of applicants but whose graduates pass the NCLEX at 60% is not a good deal. The national NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for US-educated candidates was 86.7% in 2025, down from 91.2% in 2024. Look for programs where pass rates are at or above that benchmark.

Accreditation is non-negotiable. Three programmatic accreditors are recognized by the US Department of Education: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). They are separate bodies with different scopes – CCNE accredits only baccalaureate and graduate programs, while ACEN and NLN CNEA also accredit practical nursing, diploma, and associate degree programs. For an LPN or ADN program, look for ACEN or NLN CNEA. State boards set their own approval requirements for NCLEX eligibility, so confirm your program is board-approved in the state where you intend to license as well as programmatically accredited.

Community college ADN programs

Community college ADN programs are the most accessible route to an RN license in the United States. Most accept between 60% and 80% of qualified applicants, and GPA floors typically sit at 2.0–2.5, considerably lower than university BSN programs.

Several important distinctions shape how ADN admissions work in practice:

Lottery and waitlist systems. A number of community colleges – particularly in California, Wisconsin, and Texas – use lottery or waitlist systems rather than competitive GPA ranking. Meeting the minimum (typically 2.5 in prerequisites) enters you into the pool. Admission timing depends on capacity, not just merit. Wisconsin’s 16 technical colleges are a clear example: Northcentral Technical College admits to nursing core courses by application date and academic-preparedness completion rather than by GPA rank, with waitlists governed by Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter TCS 10. The GPA floor itself varies by campus and entry route, so check the individual college rather than assuming a single statewide number.

Cohort-based admissions. ADN programs admit students in cohorts, typically once or twice a year. The acceptance rate for any given cohort can look high because it reflects only applicants who completed all prerequisites and met the TEAS minimum – a screened pool, not everyone who inquired.

TEAS requirements. Most ADN programs require the TEAS, but the minimum score is lower than at university programs. A score of 62–68% meets the floor at many community colleges; a score of 70%+ is competitive. Some programs build TEAS into a points-based ranking formula alongside prerequisite GPA.

The following programs have published GPA floors and admissions information indicating accessible entry:

Because ADN admission is highly dependent on local program capacity, your best starting point is always the community college system in your region. Requirements and waitlists vary significantly between campuses, even within the same state system.

For students whose GPA sits below 2.5, the low-GPA nursing schools guide covers documented programs with 2.0 minimums and conditional admission options.

LPN programs

LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) programs are consistently the most accessible point of entry into licensed nursing. Vocational schools and community colleges offering LPN credentials typically accept 70–90% of applicants, with GPA floors as low as 2.0 – and some programs require only a high school diploma or GED with no stated GPA floor.

Key features of LPN admissions:

• Program length: 12–18 months, making them faster to complete than an ADN
• GPA requirement: 2.0 is the documented minimum at many programs; Johnson County Community College (KS) and Midlands Technical College (SC) both publish 2.0 floors
• TEAS: Required at some programs, not at others; where required, minimum scores are typically lower than for ADN programs
• Tuition: Vocational school LPN programs often cost $8,000–$20,000 – significantly less than university nursing degrees

The LPN license is recognized across all 50 states and allows you to work in clinical settings while completing a bridge program. Most LPN-to-RN bridge programs evaluate your clinical record rather than your original academic GPA, which makes LPN a strong entry point for students whose undergraduate record isn’t competitive for direct ADN or BSN admission.

For full coverage of LPN-to-RN pathways, see the LPN-to-RN bridge programs guide.

Online and hybrid RN programs

Online RN programs split into two distinct categories with very different admissions profiles:

RN-to-BSN programs (post-licensure completion): These programs are designed for nurses who already hold an RN license (from an ADN or diploma program) and want to complete a bachelor’s degree. Acceptance rates are 85–100% at most programs. WGU, for example, operates open admission for applicants who meet its stated criteria rather than ranking them competitively. The main requirement is a valid, unrestricted RN license and a 2.0 GPA – academic selectivity is low because applicants have already demonstrated clinical competence.

Pre-licensure online BSN programs: A smaller number of online programs offer a full BSN for students who are not yet licensed nurses. These tend to be more selective than community college ADN programs and require TEAS scores and stronger GPAs.

If you are already a licensed RN and want to complete a BSN, the RN-to-BSN route is among the most accessible degree programs in any field. Common requirements:

• Valid unrestricted RN license
• Cumulative GPA of 2.0–2.5
• Accredited ADN or diploma
• No TEAS in most cases

Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing, Georgia State University, and WGU all publish straightforward admission criteria with no competitive ranking. Many of these programs accept rolling applications year-round.

Important: Pre-licensure online programs still require supervised clinical hours, typically arranged through local hospitals or clinics. Verify clinical placement support before enrolling.

Regional and state university BSN programs

Regional and state universities fall in the middle tier. BSN acceptance rates typically range from 40% to 70%, GPA floors sit between 2.5 and 3.0, and the TEAS is required at most programs.

State schools worth knowing about:

*Overall institutional acceptance rate – nursing program acceptance rates may differ. Where nursing-specific data is not published separately, overall rates are noted.

Regional state universities typically offer more affordable tuition than private schools and more structured clinical placements than online programs. For a full comparison of program length, cost, and career outcomes, the ADN vs BSN guide covers the tradeoffs in detail.

For a breakdown of what nursing school costs across program types, see the nursing school cost guide.

Nursing school acceptance rates vs. selectivity – the distinction

A published acceptance rate answers only one question: of all complete applications received, how many were accepted? It does not tell you:

• How many students inquired but were screened out before applying
• How many completed prerequisites but scored below the TEAS minimum
• What the cohort’s average GPA was at admission

This gap between inquiry rate and acceptance rate is largest at community colleges. A program that accepts 80 of the 100 students who submitted complete applications might have had 400 students express interest at the start. Most were screened out during prerequisites, TEAS, or the application itself.

For the purposes of your search, focus on the GPA floor and TEAS minimum – those are the gates you need to clear. If you clear them, your odds at a community college ADN program are considerably better than headline acceptance rates at selective BSN programs.

The AACN reported that in 2025, 93,176 qualified applications to baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs were turned away, with roughly 17,000 of those at the graduate level and the large majority at the baccalaureate level. Schools attribute the shortfall to a lack of faculty, clinical placement sites, preceptors, classroom space, and budget. ADN programs at community colleges do not face the same volume of qualified rejections – they operate differently. Most turn away students because they haven’t completed prerequisites, not because demand exceeds qualified supply.

GPA requirements by program type

The “competitive GPA” column reflects the realistic GPA at which your application becomes strong, not just eligible. At most community college ADN programs, a 2.75–3.0 in prerequisites puts you in a competitive position even in ranked-admission systems. For BSN programs at universities, the bar shifts upward.

If your GPA is below 2.5, the most direct route is an LPN program or an ADN program with a 2.0 floor. The low-GPA nursing schools guide has a state-by-state list of documented programs.

TEAS score requirements

The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is the most common standardized admissions exam for nursing programs. Not all programs require it – LPN programs, some community college ADN programs, and most RN-to-BSN completion programs do not.

Where the TEAS is required, minimum scores by program type:

The TEAS is scored on a composite percentage. There is no universal passing score – each program sets its own minimum, and many use the TEAS as one factor in a competitive ranking formula alongside prerequisite GPA. A score of 70% is a reasonable working benchmark: it meets the minimum at most community college programs and positions you competitively in a ranked pool.

If your TEAS score is a barrier, retakes are allowed. ATI requires no waiting period between attempts and sets no cap on total attempts, so the rules come from each nursing program: some require a set interval between attempts, some limit attempts per year or admission cycle, and many have neither. Programs also differ on whether they take your highest score, average your attempts, or count only the first – check that policy before you retake, because it matters more than the waiting period. ATI, the company that administers the TEAS, offers official prep materials; third-party practice tests are widely available. Programs that do not require the TEAS at all include vocational LPN programs, some community college ADN programs (particularly those using lottery systems), and most RN-to-BSN completion programs. The section below covers what those programs use instead.

Nursing programs with no TEAS or entrance exam requirement

A program that skips the TEAS often uses a different test. Read the admissions page for the exam name before you assume a program is exam-free:

Mississippi community colleges are the clearest example of ACT-based admission: Copiah-Lincoln selects its ADN class on cumulative GPA, ACT composite, references, a written interview, and enrollment history, with no separate nursing entrance exam. If you already have a usable ACT score, that can be the fastest route to an application.

Programs with no entrance exam of any kind are mostly post-licensure RN-to-BSN completion programs, where the RN license itself is the admission credential. For pre-licensure ADN and LPN programs, expect some form of academic-readiness test. Our nursing entrance exam comparison and ATI TEAS vs HESI guide explain how the main exams differ.

What to do if you’ve been rejected

A rejection from a university BSN program does not close the door. The most common and effective paths forward:

Switch program type, not just school. If a university BSN program rejected you, applying to 10 more BSN programs will yield the same results. Switch to community college ADN, which has a materially different admissions profile. An ADN graduate can sit for the NCLEX-RN and work as a registered nurse – the same license a BSN graduate holds. You can complete a BSN later via an RN-to-BSN program, which most employers support financially.

Start with LPN. If your GPA or TEAS score is the barrier, an LPN program offers a 12–18 month route to a licensed clinical role. Once you have clinical experience, LPN-to-RN bridge programs consider your clinical record alongside your academic history. Many LPN-to-RN students find the bridge more straightforward than the initial nursing school application was.

Consider the CNA-to-RN pathway. Some ADN programs give preference to applicants who are already CNAs. Working as a CNA while completing prerequisites strengthens your application and gives you clinical context that makes nursing school considerably less overwhelming. See the CNA-to-RN bridge programs guide for structured pathways.

Retake prerequisites strategically. If prerequisite grades are pulling your GPA down, retaking Anatomy & Physiology or Microbiology can improve your science GPA, which many programs weight more heavily than cumulative GPA.

Wait out the waitlist. At community colleges using lottery or waitlist systems, you may have been accepted in principle but are waiting for a cohort spot. Some waitlists clear within one intake cycle; others run 1–3 years. While waiting, complete co-requisites, strengthen your TEAS score, or begin working as a CNA.

For applicants working around a low GPA specifically, the low-GPA nursing schools guide covers conditional admission programs, grade forgiveness options, and how to frame a low GPA in a personal statement.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest nursing school to get into?

LPN programs at vocational schools and community colleges, along with community college ADN programs, are the most accessible options. Published GPA floors at these programs start at 2.0, and some colleges admit by application date or waitlist rather than competitive GPA ranking. For licensed RNs, some online RN-to-BSN completion programs, such as WGU, use open admission for applicants who meet the stated criteria rather than ranking them competitively.

What GPA do you need to get into nursing school?

GPA requirements vary by program type. LPN programs typically require a 2.0 minimum. Community college ADN programs require 2.0–2.5. State university BSN programs typically require 2.5–3.0. Accelerated BSN programs for second-degree students typically require 2.7–3.0. A higher GPA than the stated minimum improves your competitiveness at programs with ranked admissions.

What is the acceptance rate for nursing schools?

There is no meaningful single national acceptance rate for nursing schools, because the figure varies enormously by program type and no body publishes an authoritative all-programs average. AACN reported that 93,176 qualified applications to baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs were turned away in 2025, mostly at the baccalaureate level, citing shortages of faculty, clinical sites, and budget. Community college ADN and LPN programs mainly screen applicants on prerequisites and published minimums. Check each program’s own admission data, and note that a university’s institution-wide acceptance rate is usually higher than its nursing program’s rate.

Can I get into nursing school with a 2.5 GPA?

Yes. A 2.5 GPA is the stated minimum for many community college ADN programs and some state university BSN programs. LPN programs typically accept 2.0–2.5. At community college ADN programs using competitive ranking, a 2.5 in prerequisites is often eligible but not strongly competitive – a 2.75–3.0 in science prerequisites improves your position. At programs using lottery or waitlist systems, a 2.5 that meets the minimum is sufficient to enter the pool.

Are there nursing programs that don’t require the TEAS?

Yes, though many of them use a different entrance exam instead. Lone Star College System in Texas requires the HESI A2 (a minimum of 80 on each section for its ADN tracks), Minnesota West Community and Technical College uses the NLN NACE Foundations of Nursing exam, and Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Mississippi uses an ACT composite of 18 alongside a 2.50 cumulative GPA. Programs with no entrance exam at all are mostly RN-to-BSN completion programs for nurses who already hold an RN license.

What are the least competitive nursing schools?

Programs with documented high acceptance rates or low GPA floors include Western Governors University (open admission for qualified RN-to-BSN applicants), Dickinson State University in North Dakota (BSN, 2.5 cumulative with a 2.25 alternate route), Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho (BSN, 2.5 overall and 2.75 sciences, though admission there is competitive with limited seats), and Fort Hays State University in Kansas (2.75 floor). Community college ADN programs in most states have high acceptance rates relative to university BSN programs. Note that institution-wide acceptance rates are usually higher than the nursing program’s own rate, so check the program’s published figure rather than the university’s.

Do community colleges have easier nursing school admissions?

Yes, for most applicants. Community college ADN programs have lower GPA floors (2.0–2.5 vs. 2.5–3.0 at universities), lower TEAS minimums, and higher acceptance rates. Several states use lottery or waitlist systems that emphasize meeting minimum eligibility over competitive ranking. The tradeoff is that community college programs admit in cohorts with limited seats, so even high-acceptance programs may have waitlists.

What happens if I don’t get into nursing school?

Several paths forward exist. You can apply to a community college ADN program instead of a university BSN, which has a different and more accessible admissions profile. You can start with an LPN program (12–18 months, lower admission bar) and bridge to RN later. You can retake prerequisites to improve your GPA, particularly in science courses. You can begin working as a CNA, which strengthens nursing school applications and provides clinical context. Some programs use waitlists – you may already be accepted and waiting for a cohort spot.

Is LPN school easier to get into than RN school?

Yes, in most cases. LPN programs at vocational schools and community colleges commonly publish GPA floors as low as 2.0, and many do not require the TEAS. ADN programs that lead directly to RN licensure generally have higher GPA and entrance exam requirements, and BSN programs at universities are more selective still. LPN programs are also shorter (12–18 months) and less expensive, though the scope of practice is narrower than an RN license.

References

1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), “2025-2026 Enrollment and Graduations in Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs in Nursing,” AACN, published May 2026.
2. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), “Nursing Faculty Shortage Fact Sheet,” AACN, 2026.
3. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), “2025 NCLEX Examination Statistics,” NCSBN Research Brief Vol. 96, June 2026.
4. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), “2023 Standards and Criteria,” ACEN Accreditation Manual, 2023 (required for all programs seeking initial or continuing accreditation from January 2024).
5. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), “Standards for Accreditation of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Programs,” CCNE, 2024. CCNE approved a revised 2026 edition of these Standards on 7 July 2026, realigning them with the AACN Essentials (2026 edition); the 2024 Standards remain in effect through 31 December 2026 and the 2026 Standards take effect 1 January 2027 (CCNE press release, https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/CCNE/CCNE-Press-Release-2026-Education-Standards.pdf).
6. National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), “Standards of Accreditation,” NLN CNEA.
7. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI), “How soon can I retake the ATI TEAS Exam?” ATI Help Center, accessed September 2026.
8. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), “NCLEX Pass/Fail Standard and Eligibility Requirements,” 2025.
9. Dickinson State University, “Nursing – Admission, Progression, and Graduation Requirements,” DSU General Catalog. Minimum 2.50 cumulative college GPA and 2.50 cumulative nursing GPA, with an alternate route at a 2.25 nursing GPA conditional on NLN exam completion; minimum grade of C (2.00) in each prerequisite course.
10. Lewis-Clark State College, “Selection Criteria – Pre-licensure BSN,” Nursing and Health Sciences Division. Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and 2.75 science prerequisite GPA; admission is competitive with a limited number of seats each semester.
11. Northcentral Technical College (WI), “Nursing Associate Degree Admission Requirements and Selection Process.” Admission by application date and academic-preparedness completion; waitlist administered under Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter TCS 10.
12. Lone Star College System (TX), “Additional Nursing Program Requirements”: HESI A2 minimum 80 on each section (750 for critical thinking) for Basic Track and Transition applicants; cumulative 2.0 GPA on LSCS credit courses; 2.7 GPA across ADN degree-plan courses. Accessed October 2026. lonestar.edu
13. Minnesota West Community and Technical College, “AS Nursing Application Process”: minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.0; NLN NACE Foundations of Nursing exam required. Accessed October 2026. mnwest.edu
14. Community College of Rhode Island, “Practical Nursing Admission Guidelines”: HESI A2 benchmark of 70 percent; cumulative GPA point system beginning at 2.0. Accessed October 2026. ccri.edu
15. Copiah-Lincoln Community College (MS), “ADN Admission Criteria 2025”: cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher and ACT composite of 18 or higher; selection on GPA, ACT composite, references, written interview, and Co-Lin enrollment. Accessed October 2026. colin.edu
16. Miami Dade College (FL), “Nursing RN Admission Requirements”: minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5; natural science GPA of 2.0; ATI TEAS composite greater than 60%. Accessed October 2026. mdc.edu
17. East Central Community College (MS), “Associate Degree Nursing Admission Requirements”: 2.0 cumulative GPA for the traditional program; ACT composite of 18. Accessed September 2026. eccc.edu