Finding nursing schools with high acceptance rates is no easy task. As the healthcare industry continues to experience growth, more students are searching for degrees at all levels of the field, including nursing degrees. This makes some schools, and the field in general, extremely competitive.
Don’t worry though! There are still many nursing schools with high acceptance rates. Check out the list below to find the perfect school for you.
Did You Know?
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the percentage of change in employment for registered nurses to increase 16% from the years 2014 to 2024.i
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11 Nursing Schools With High Acceptance Rates
As opposed to some of the nursing programs with low acceptance rates, there are still nursing schools out there with high acceptance rates. Many of these schools are actively seeking nursing students and usually offer a number of degree levels in their nursing program.
Below is a list of some of these nursing schools with highest acceptance rates, a short description about each one, and some of the nursing degrees offered. Be sure to check with a number of different schools to find the perfect program for you.
1. Clemson University
Nursing Program Acceptance Rate: 100%
Clemson University is committed to world-class teaching, research, public service, student development, and continuing education. By combining the scientific and technological aspects of a major college with the highly engaged academic and social environment of a small college, Clemson is redefining the term “top-tier research university”.
Some of the nursing degrees offered at Clemson University are:
- Nursing Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Nursing Master of Science (MS)
- Nursing – Adult / Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (MS)
- Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MS)
2. Regis University
Nursing Program Acceptance Rate: 100%
Established in 1877, Regis University encourages students to become leaders that make a positive impact in society through a vision-centered education and commitment to community service.
In Fact
U.S. News and World Report has ranked Regis as a Top University in the West for 18 consecutive years.
Some of the nursing programs include:
- Nursing RN (Registered Nurse) to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
- Nursing – Leadership in Health Care Systems: Management Focus
- Nursing – Leadership in Health Care Systems: Education Focus
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
3. University of Texas-El Paso
Nursing Program Acceptance Rate: 100%
Striving to redefine excellence in education for more than a century, the University of Texas El-Paso has developed into a powerful public research university. The school has grown exponentially over the years because of its affordability, accessibility, and commitment to academic excellence.
As one of the nursing schools with high acceptance rates, UTEP offers bachelors, masters, doctorates, and graduate certificate programs in nursing. Some of these degrees include:
- Traditional BSN
- Nursing Systems Management Masters
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Post-Masters Nurse Practitioner Certificate
4. Lubbock Christian University
Nursing Program Acceptance Rate: 96%
Lubbock Christian University offers students expert faculty and instructors who are excited to help you learn. LCU prepares you for Christian service to your family, church, and community by fostering academic achievement, spiritual fulfillment, personal responsibility, and leadership development.
Some of the nursing programs at Lubbock Christian University are:
- Pre-Nursing Program
- Partnership Program with the Covenant School of Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
5. Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Nursing Program Acceptance Rate: 96%
Founded in 1867, Clarion University of Pennsylvania is a public state university with an annual enrollment of 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students. By combining a tradition of academic excellence with online technology, Clarion offers a range of high-quality degree and certificate programs.
Some of the nursing degrees offered at Clarion include:
- Associate of Science in Nursing (AS)
- BSN in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- MSN in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
6. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Nursing Program Acceptance Rate: 95%
As one of the nursing schools with high acceptance rates, Oklahoma Wesleyan University offers students a challenging, evolving, and caring Christian atmosphere. Whether you are starting or finishing, OKWU can help you achieve your goals by integrating faith, learning, and living.
The nursing degrees offered at Oklahoma Wesleyan University are:
- Nursing – BSN
- RN to BSN
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
7. University of Toledo
Nursing Program Acceptance Rate: 93%
The mission of the University of Toledo is to improve the human condition; to advance knowledge through excellence in learning, discovery, and engagement; and to serve as a diverse, student-centered public metropolitan research university.
In order to bring that mission to its more than 12,000 students enrolled in distance learning courses, most UT online courses are taught by the same tenured faculty that teach the on-campus courses.
Some of the nursing degrees at the University of Toledo include:
- Nursing – RN to BSN
- MSN in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN in Nurse Educator
8. Lamar University
Nursing Program Acceptance Rate: 88%
Lamar University is part of the Texas State University System and has been educating students since 1923. As a comprehensive public institution educating a diverse student population, Lamar University prepares students for leadership and lifelong learning.
Some of the nursing degrees at Lamar University are:
- Nursing – BSN
- Nursing – RN to MSN
- MSN – Nursing Education
- MSN – Nursing Administration
9. Youngstown State University
Nursing Program Acceptance Rate: 87%
Youngstown State University places students at the center of its world-class programs to assist you in the pursuit of career enhancement. As an urban research university, YSU emphasizes a creative and integrated approach to education.
One of the ways that Youngstown State keeps students at the center of its programs is by being one of the nursing schools with high acceptance rates. Some of the nursing programs at Youngstown State are:
- Nursing – BSN
- MSN – Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Nurse Anesthetist
10. West Virginia University
Nursing Program Acceptance Rate: 85%
Like the resourceful people who first settled West Virginia’s hills, West Virginia University finds creative solutions and blazes trails to new discoveries. Through WVU Healthcare’s online patient portal, more than 50,000 patients can access their records and view lab results.
Some of the nursing degrees at West Virginia University are:
- Nursing – RN to BSN
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- BSN to DNP
11. University of Missouri
Nursing Program Acceptance Rate: 82%
As the first public university west of the Mississippi River and the first state university in the Louisiana Purchase territory, the University of Missouri was founded in 1839. Considered one of the nation’s top-tier institutions, UM has a reputation of excellence in teaching and research.
The University of Missouri offers a number of nursing degrees, such as:
- Nursing – BSN
- MSN in Leadership in Nursing and Healthcare Systems
- MSN in Nurse Educator
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Why Do Many Nursing Programs Not Have High Acceptance Rates?
The American Journal of Medical Quality projects a shortage of nurses will spread across the United States through 2030. Even still, many nursing schools still have low acceptance rates.
In fact, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nursing schools turned away 68,938 qualified applicants from bachelors and graduate programs in 2014.
If there’s an approaching shortage of nurses, why do schools still have a low acceptance rate? It’s because these schools don’t have enough:
- Faculty
- Clinical Sites
- Classroom Space
- Clinical Preceptors
However, that doesn’t mean that all nursing programs have a low acceptance rate or that it’s impossible for you to get into a nursing school. It simply means that you have to do more research to find the nursing schools with high acceptance rates.
Find the Perfect Nursing School for You
Finding the perfect nursing school for you can be challenging, as there are so many options available, including direct entry msn programs. Though many programs have low acceptance rates, there are many nursing schools with high acceptance rates that are actively seeking students.
Check out any of the sponsored listings on this page, including those mentioned in the list, to learn more about each school. Click on any of the links to read program descriptions, browse courses, and even reach out to your favorites directly to request more information and learn how to apply today.
[i] bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-6