BSN - FAQs
General
How many students are admitted per year through direct admission?
168 students are admitted per academic year. 84 will start their nursing coursework in the fall semester of their junior year, and 84 will start in the spring semester of their junior year.
How will you determine who is assigned to a fall or spring semester start?
This is a relatively recent decision by the University, and we are currently identifying the factors that may be used to determine the starting semester. We will provide that information on our website once this is finalized.
Is it beneficial for me to have CNA certification?
The University of Iowa College of Nursing does not require CNA certification. Having CNA certification will broaden your options for employment in the Iowa City area as well as increase your exposure to nursing.
I have a 4.0 GPA and an excellent ACT score. Am I likely to be admitted via direct admission?
The admissions process is highly competitive and comprehensive. Grades, application essays, interviews, and more all play a part in admissions decisions.
Can I go to school part-time and earn my BSN at Iowa?
No. The BSN program requires a full-time commitment on campus.
Credits/Requirements
Do you accept AP credit?
The College of Nursing accepts AP credit meeting the same standards as our College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with the exception of Biology and Chemistry, where a score of 5 is required. View the university scores and evaluations for AP credit here.
Will my general courses transfer from a community college or other university?
A maximum of 64 s.h. of community college credit is accepted toward the BSN at the University of Iowa. Most courses from an accredited four-year institution will transfer to the University of Iowa. Students can access our Transfer Equivalency Database to identify if and how a course will transfer. Visit myui.uiowa.edu , select Courses, then select Transfer Courses on the right side of the screen.
Will my nursing course work transfer from a community college or other university?
No, all nursing course work must be completed at the College of Nursing.
Do I have to have all my non-major requirements completed in order to begin nursing courses?
Yes. All prerequisites, general education requirements, and elective course work must be completed prior to starting the nursing major. This includes the high school world language and Physics requirements.
Application/Admissions
Can I submit updates to my application?
No, out of fairness to all applicants, the College of Nursing does not accept updates to the supplemental application after it has been submitted. Direct admission applicants may submit an updated transcript until the deadline.
Do you accept letters of recommendation?
No, the College of Nursing does not accept letters of recommendation for applicants to the BSN program.
Do you require an entrance exam?
We do not require an entrance exam, but we do require a minimum ACT composite or SAT total score for admission eligibility.
ACT minimum composite score:
Iowa residents: 24
Non-residents: 26
SAT minimum total score:
Iowa residents: 1160
Non-residents: 1230
Options
If I am not selected via direct admission, will I be able to apply via the standard admission option as a nursing interest student?
No. The nursing interest designation is not an option for students applying fall 2027 or thereafter.
What options are available to me if I am not admitted but still want to pursue nursing at UI?
Applicants who are not admitted and who wish to pursue nursing at the University of Iowa have the following options:
Complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at a community college and then apply to the College of Nursing RN-BSN program. Visit the Iowa Health Education Portal to learn about ADN programs in Iowa.
Enroll at the University of Iowa and earn a bachelor's degree in a program other than nursing. Then apply for our accelerated Master of Science in Nursing - Entry into Practice program.
Apply to an alternative Iowa Board of Nursing approved program. Visit Iowa Nursing Education Programs to learn more.
Standard admission is not an option for students who enroll in the university after fall 2026.
Standard Admission
Why is the University of Iowa phasing out the standard admission process?
This change adds a level of fairness for students wanting to join the College of Nursing. With the standard admission model, hundreds of nursing interest students applied for 84 standard admission spots each year. Those who were not accepted had to change plans and find new directions halfway through their university careers. Moving to a fully direct admission model is fairer for all prospective students. Those who are not accepted to the nursing program know right away and can explore other options.
When will this change take place?
For students with a high school diploma planning to enroll at the University of Iowa as a first-year student in fall 2027 and beyond, direct admission is the only option to earn a BSN from the UI College of Nursing. This includes high school students graduating in spring 2027 or after.
I am currently a nursing interest student at the University of Iowa; how does this impact me?
Current nursing interest students enrolled at the university will not be affected. For current and fall 2026 incoming UI nursing interest students*, the final opportunity to apply for standard admission is February 2028.
* In some situations, incoming fall 2027 students who meet specific criteria.
Can I be in progress with required prerequisites when I apply via standard admission?
Yes, please refer to limitations on what is required at the time of application and time of matriculation (enrollment) outlined on the standard admission webpage: BSN-Standard Admission.
Do you accept letters of recommendation?
No, the College of Nursing does not accept letters of recommendation for applicants to the BSN prelicensure program.