Baylor Nursing Acceptance Rate and Requirements (2025)

This guide covers the Baylor nursing acceptance rate, admission requirements, pathways (traditional, transfer, accelerated), FAQs, and tips to boost your chances of getting accepted in 2025.

BC Nursing Acceptance Rate

When students ask about “BC Nursing acceptance rate”, they’re usually referring to Baylor College / Baylor University Nursing (LHSON). It’s important to understand that nursing admissions are more competitive than Baylor’s general university admissions.

Baylor University Overall Acceptance Rate

• Baylor University’s general undergraduate acceptance rate typically falls between 45% and 57%, depending on the year.

• This figure represents students accepted into the university as a whole, not specifically the nursing school.

Baylor Nursing (LHSON) Acceptance Rate

The nursing acceptance rate is more selective than the overall university rate because:

• Nursing has limited faculty and clinical placements.

• Only a set number of students can be admitted to the upper-division nursing major in Dallas.

While Baylor does not officially publish a fixed undergraduate nursing acceptance rate, estimates suggest the acceptance range is 25–40%, depending on the pathway (traditional, transfer, or accelerated FastBacc®).

For graduate nursing, Baylor reported:

• 273 applied, 188 accepted, 141 enrolled (≈ 69% yield).
  This highlights that while Baylor’s nursing programs are competitive, they remain accessible for strong candidates who meet the requirements.

BC Nursing Requirements

The requirements differ depending on whether you’re a traditional Baylor student, a transfer student, or a second-degree / accelerated applicant.

1. Traditional Pre-Nursing to Nursing Pathway

Students admitted to Baylor University in Waco can declare Pre-Nursing and complete their first two years on the Waco campus. After completing prerequisites, students apply for admission into the Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) in Dallas.

Academic Requirements

• 60 credit hours of general education and prerequisite courses at Baylor’s Waco campus.

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher is strongly recommended.

• Solid grades (C or better) in all science and prerequisite courses.

Key Prerequisites

• Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs

• Microbiology with lab

• General Chemistry with lab

• Nutrition

• Statistics

• Psychology and Sociology

• English Composition

Evaluation Criteria

• Cumulative and science GPA

• Academic trends (upward GPA movement is a plus)

• Performance in science courses

• Possible interview or essay (depending on cycle)

2. Transfer Applicants

Students transferring from another institution must meet strict requirements to join Baylor’s BSN program.

Transfer Eligibility

• Completion of at least 44 of the 61 prerequisite hours, including two science courses (minimum 8 credit hours).

• All 61 prerequisites must be completed before enrolling in LHSON.

GPA Requirements

• 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses.

• 2.75 GPA minimum in science prerequisites.

• 2.75 cumulative GPA overall.

Testing Requirements

• HESI A2 Exam:

  • English Composite: 80 or higher

  • Math: 80 or higher

• TOEFL (if English is not your first language): Minimum 83 iBT or equivalent.

Additional Points

• Transfer students can only enter in spring semester (not fall).

• Applications are competitive because transfer spots are limited.

3. Accelerated / Second-Degree (FastBacc®)

Baylor’s FastBacc® program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to transition into nursing. It’s a 12-month intensive program that combines classroom, hybrid, lab, and clinical experiences.

Requirements for FastBacc®

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

• Completion of 33 out of 52 prerequisite hours (including two science courses) to apply.

• All 52 prerequisite hours must be completed before program start.

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in prerequisites.

• Science GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Testing & Application

• HESI A2 Exam: Minimum score of 80 in English and Math.

• Resume and faculty interview required.

• TOEFL required for non-native English speakers.

• Application via NursingCAS.

FastBacc NCLEX Success

• Baylor’s FastBacc® graduates consistently report NCLEX pass rates above 95%, with recent cohorts reaching 97%.

4. Graduate Nursing (DNP, NP, CRNA, etc.)

For advanced nursing programs such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Nurse Practitioner tracks:

Graduate Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program.

• Active RN license.

• Minimum GPA of 3.0.

• Letters of recommendation.

• Personal statement / writing sample.

• Clinical nursing experience (for advanced roles).

• TOEFL for international students.

Some programs may also require GRE scores, though this varies by specialization.

Key Challenges in Baylor Nursing Admissions

1. Limited Clinical Placements

Unlike other majors, nursing programs cannot admit unlimited students. Clinical site availability in Dallas limits class sizes.

2. Strong Competition

Even if you meet minimum requirements, admission isn’t guaranteed. Many applicants exceed the GPA and HESI minimums.

3. Emphasis on Science GPA

Nursing is science-heavy, so anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology grades weigh heavily in the decision process.

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Admission

1. Aim Higher than the Minimum GPA – Target at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA for competitiveness.

2. Excel in Science Courses – Get A’s in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.

3. Prepare for the HESI A2 – Score well above 80 in both English and Math.

4. Apply Early – Baylor has strict deadlines. Late or incomplete applications won’t be reviewed.

5. Highlight Service & Leadership – Nursing schools value well-rounded students with community service and healthcare exposure.

6. Prepare for Interviews – Be ready to articulate your motivation for nursing and alignment with Baylor’s Christian mission.

7. Have a Backup Plan – Apply to multiple nursing schools in case Baylor’s limited spots fill.

FAQs on Baylor Nursing Acceptance Rate and Requirements (2025)

Q1: Is Baylor direct-entry nursing from high school?
No. Students start with pre-nursing at Baylor Waco, then apply to the nursing major at LHSON in Dallas.

Q2: How competitive is the Baylor nursing program?
Highly competitive. While Baylor University admits around 50% of applicants overall, nursing acceptance is closer to 25–40%, depending on the pathway.

Q3: Can I transfer into Baylor nursing from a community college?
Yes. As long as you complete 44 of the 61 prerequisites and meet GPA/HESI standards, you may transfer.

Q4: How long is Baylor’s BSN program?
The BSN typically takes four years (two years of prerequisites + two years of nursing coursework).

Q5: Does Baylor nursing require the TEAS exam?
No, Baylor uses the HESI A2 exam for admissions.

Q6: What is Baylor’s NCLEX pass rate?
Recent FastBacc cohorts achieved 97% NCLEX pass rates, well above the national average.

Q7: Can international students apply to Baylor nursing?
Yes, but they must meet TOEFL requirements and submit official transcripts for evaluation.

Conclusion

Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing is one of the most respected nursing programs in Texas and the U.S. With its high NCLEX pass rates, strong Christian foundation, and location in Dallas — a healthcare hub — it offers excellent opportunities for aspiring nurses.

However, admission is competitive, with acceptance rates estimated at 25–40% for undergraduate and accelerated programs. Meeting the minimum requirements (GPA, HESI, prerequisites) is essential, but excelling in science courses, preparing thoroughly for the HESI exam, and submitting a strong application package are key to maximizing your chances.

If you’re serious about nursing, Baylor is an excellent choice — but apply early, prepare well, and always have a backup plan in place