Nursing (B.S.) Admission Information

The School of Nursing is a competitive five-semester program. We accept qualified applicants based on comprehensive admission profiles which include grades on prerequisite courses. You must have prerequisite GPA and an overall/cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.

Applications are accepted between September 1 and January 15.

You will will hear back from the university regarding general acceptance before the School of Nursing makes final decisions in early March.

The School of Nursing will not review incomplete or late applications.

Freshman Applicants

If you have fewer than 24 college semester hours before January 15, you will apply as freshman.

1. Apply to NIU; indicate nursing as your intended major.
2. Submit application and required documents to the Office of Admissions by January 15.

Admission is based on your high school rank and/or GPA. Highly qualified applicants may receive early admission prior to January 15.

Transfer Applicants

If you have more than 24 college semester hours and/or are transferring from another university or college: 

1. Apply to NIU; indicate nursing as your intended major.
2. Submit application and required documents to the Office of Admissions by January 15.

Transfer students must complete and submit an online application. Before starting your online application, please read instructions on completing (PDF). All applications must be submitted by January 15.

Priority will be given to students who have completed the following prerequisite courses with a C or better by the January 15 deadline:

• BIOS 103 and BIOS 105
• BIOS 357
• CHEM 110 and CHEM 111 or CHEM 210 and CHEM 212
• ENGL 203
• STAT 100

Admission is competitive and based primarily on your GPA in those prerequisite courses. It is also based on your overall GPA, and number of prerequisite courses completed.

Current NIU Students

Current NIU students must complete and submit an online application. Before starting your online application, please read instructions on completing (PDF). All applications must be submitted by January 15.

Priority will be given to students who have completed the following prerequisite courses with a C or better by the January 15 deadline:

• BIOS 103 and BIOS 105
• BIOS 357
• CHEM 110 and CHEM 111 or CHEM 210 and CHEM 212
• ENGL 203
• STAT 100

Admission is competitive and based primarily on your GPA in those prerequisite courses. It is also based on your overall GPA, and number of prerequisite courses completed.

Prerequisite Requirements

Admitted students must have all prerequisite courses completed prior to beginning their nursing coursework.

If you took prerequisite classes at a local community college, refer to the Limited Admission Program Transfer Course Equivalencies page to verify transferability.

Be sure to read our frequently asked questions page for more information.

Core Performance Standards

There are core performance standards for all nursing majors. Please see the student handbook (PDF) for further information.