Nursing school GPA requirements are one of the most critical factors in your application. Understanding what GPA you need—and how to achieve it through online prerequisites—is essential for competitive admission to top nursing programs.
The GPA Reality
Minimum GPA requirements range from 2.75 to 3.0, but competitive programs expect 3.5+. Nursing schools evaluate your prerequisite GPA specifically, not your overall cumulative GPA. Online prerequisites are graded identically to in-person courses—there's no distinction in how nursing programs evaluate them.
Understanding Nursing School GPA Requirements
Nursing programs use GPA as a primary screening tool because prerequisite performance predicts nursing school success. Your prerequisite GPA carries more weight than your overall cumulative GPA.
Why Prerequisite GPA Matters Most
Nursing schools focus on prerequisite GPA because:
- Predictive validity - Prerequisite grades correlate strongly with nursing school performance
- Course rigor - Prerequisites (anatomy, chemistry, microbiology) are challenging science courses
- Standardization - All applicants complete similar prerequisite courses, making GPA comparable
- Admission fairness - Prerequisite GPA provides an objective measure across diverse applicant backgrounds
A student with a 3.8 overall GPA but 2.9 prerequisite GPA will likely be rejected by competitive programs. Conversely, a 3.2 overall GPA with 3.7 prerequisite GPA is much more competitive.
GPA Requirements by Program Type
ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) Programs
Minimum GPA: 2.75 - 3.0
Competitive GPA: 3.2 - 3.5
ADN programs are generally more accessible than BSN programs, with lower minimum GPA requirements. However, competitive ADN programs still expect strong prerequisite performance. Many ADN programs use a point-based admission system where higher GPAs earn more points.
BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Programs
Minimum GPA: 3.0 - 3.2
Competitive GPA: 3.5 - 3.8
BSN programs are more selective and expect higher prerequisite GPAs. Top-tier programs like UCLA require 3.5+ GPAs, while highly selective programs may expect 3.6-4.0. For example:
- UCLA School of Nursing: 3.5 minimum GPA in transferable courses
- San Jose State University: 3.3 combined GPA in prerequisite courses
- Cal State East Bay: 3.0 minimum, 3.6 competitive
Accelerated BSN Programs
Minimum GPA: 2.8 - 3.0
Competitive GPA: 3.2 - 3.5
Accelerated BSN programs (for students with bachelor's degrees in other fields) typically have similar GPA requirements to traditional BSN programs, though some are slightly more flexible.
The Competitive GPA Standard
While minimum GPAs are important, understand that meeting the minimum doesn't guarantee admission. Nursing school is highly competitive, and most admitted students exceed minimum requirements.
GPA Competitiveness Breakdown
3.8 - 4.0 GPA
Highly Competitive - Strong candidate for any program, including top-tier schools. Likely to be admitted to multiple programs.
3.5 - 3.7 GPA
Very Competitive - Strong candidate for selective BSN programs. Good chances at top schools with other strong application components.
3.2 - 3.4 GPA
Competitive - Good candidate for most BSN programs and competitive ADN programs. May need strong TEAS scores or other application strengths.
3.0 - 3.1 GPA
Meets Minimum - Meets minimum for most programs but below competitive range. Needs strong TEAS scores and other application components.
Below 3.0 GPA
Limited Options - Below minimum for many programs. Focus on ADN programs or consider retaking courses to improve GPA.
How Online Prerequisite Grades Are Evaluated
One common concern: will nursing programs view online prerequisite grades differently than in-person grades?
The Answer: No Distinction
Nursing programs do not distinguish between online and in-person prerequisite grades. A grade earned in an online anatomy course from an accredited institution is evaluated identically to a grade earned in a traditional classroom anatomy course.
What matters to nursing programs:
- Accreditation status - Your prerequisite provider must be regionally accredited
- Grade earned - The letter grade (A, B, C, etc.) you received
- Course content - That the course covers required material
- Academic rigor - That the course meets college-level standards
Delivery method (online vs. in-person) is irrelevant to nursing program admissions decisions.
Minimum Grade Requirements
Most nursing programs require a minimum grade of "C" or better in each prerequisite course. However, understand the difference between "acceptable" and "competitive":
- C grades: Meet minimum requirements but hurt your overall GPA
- B grades: Acceptable but below competitive range for selective programs
- A grades: Competitive and demonstrate mastery
If you earn a C in a prerequisite, consider retaking the course to improve your GPA. Many nursing programs allow course retakes, and some use the highest grade earned.
Calculating Your Prerequisite GPA
Your prerequisite GPA is calculated from specific courses required by your nursing program. Typical prerequisites include:
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- Microbiology
- Chemistry (General or Intro)
- Psychology
- Statistics or College Math
- English Composition
- Nutrition (some programs)
Important: Different programs calculate prerequisite GPA differently. Some include all science courses, others focus only on core prerequisites. Always verify which courses your target program uses for GPA calculation.
Strategies for Achieving Competitive GPAs in Online Prerequisites
1. Choose Rigorous Online Providers
Not all online prerequisites are equally rigorous. Select providers known for academic rigor and nursing program partnerships. StraighterLine, for example, is known for rigorous courses and has 180+ nursing program partnerships.
2. Treat Online Courses Seriously
Online doesn't mean easier. Approach online prerequisites with the same rigor as traditional courses:
- Dedicate consistent study time daily
- Engage with course materials thoroughly
- Utilize tutoring and academic support
- Start assignments early, not at the last minute
- Ask questions when concepts are unclear
3. Leverage Academic Support Services
Quality online providers offer tutoring, academic advising, and study resources. Use these services:
- Schedule tutoring sessions for challenging topics
- Meet with academic advisors to discuss progress
- Access study guides and practice materials
- Join study groups with other students
4. Plan Your Course Load Strategically
Taking too many challenging courses simultaneously increases failure risk. Consider:
- Taking one or two science courses per term
- Balancing difficult courses with easier ones
- Allowing adequate time for each course
- Avoiding overcommitment with work or other obligations
5. Retake Courses If Necessary
If you earn a grade below your target GPA, consider retaking the course. Many nursing programs:
- Allow course retakes
- Use the highest grade earned
- Recalculate GPA with new grades
A retake shows commitment to academic excellence and can significantly improve your competitiveness.
GPA and Your Overall Nursing School Application
While GPA is critical, it's one component of your nursing school application. A competitive application includes:
- Prerequisite GPA: 3.5+ for competitive BSN programs
- TEAS Score: 80+ percentile for competitive programs
- Healthcare Experience: Volunteer work, CNA certification, or healthcare employment
- Personal Statement: Clear articulation of nursing goals
- References: Strong letters from instructors or healthcare professionals
- Interview Performance: Articulate communication and genuine interest
A strong GPA combined with competitive TEAS scores and healthcare experience makes you a compelling candidate.
Moving Forward with Your GPA Goals
Understanding GPA requirements empowers you to plan strategically. Whether you're just starting prerequisites or improving your GPA through retakes, remember:
- Online prerequisites are evaluated identically to in-person courses
- Prerequisite GPA matters more than overall cumulative GPA
- Competitive programs expect 3.5+ GPAs
- Academic rigor and consistent effort drive strong grades
- Retakes can significantly improve your competitiveness
By choosing rigorous online providers, treating prerequisites seriously, and leveraging academic support, you can achieve the GPA needed for admission to your target nursing program.
Ready to Start Your Nursing Journey?
Get personalized guidance and expert support every step of the way
References
- Nurse.org. (2025). "Nursing School Prerequisites."
- NurseJournal.org. (2025). "Prerequisites for Nursing School."
- UCLA School of Nursing. (2025). "Nursing Admission Requirements."
- San Jose State University. (2025). "BSN Admissions."
- Cal State East Bay. (2025). "BSN Programs - Prospective Students."
- StraighterLine. (2025). "Nursing Career Pathways."
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2025). "Nursing Education Standards."
- NCSBN. (2025). "NCLEX-RN Examination."