Brian PhilipsPursuing a nursing degree at Texas State University is a dream for many students who want to build a rewarding career in healthcare. The program, offered through the St. David’s School of Nursing, is one of the most competitive and respected nursing schools in Texas. Whether you’re a first-year college student or a transfer applicant, understanding the Texas State nursing acceptance rate and requirements will help you plan strategically and improve your chances of admission.
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know — from the acceptance rate and prerequisites to application deadlines, GPA expectations, and insider tips for success.
Texas State Nursing Acceptance Rate
Texas State University, located in San Marcos, Texas, is known for its vibrant student life and academic excellence. While the university’s overall undergraduate acceptance rate hovers around 88%, the nursing program is far more selective due to its limited number of seats and high academic standards.
The St. David’s School of Nursing admits students once per year, in the fall, for its traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Applicants first gain general admission to the university and then apply separately to the nursing school — a process that ensures only the most qualified candidates are selected.
How Competitive Is It?
Recent admission data show how selective the program can be:
- In 2024, there were 336 completed applications, with only 150 students accepted.
- In previous years, the school accepted 100 students out of approximately 240–255 applicants.
Based on these figures, the Texas State nursing acceptance rate typically ranges between 35% and 50%, depending on the year and applicant pool.
This means that while you have a fair chance if you meet all academic requirements, you’ll still need to stand out through your GPA, TEAS score, experience, and interview performance.
Factors Influencing Acceptance Rate
Several key factors affect the competitiveness of the program each year:
- Number of applicants – The more people apply, the lower the acceptance rate.
- Available seats – Usually between 100 and 150 students per cohort.
- Priority vs. general application phases – Students who apply during the priority phase and meet stricter requirements have a better chance of admission.
- Academic strength of the applicant pool – Higher average GPAs and TEAS scores raise competition.
Summary
In short, while Texas State University’s overall admissions are relatively open, its nursing program is highly selective, accepting fewer than half of all applicants. Students aiming to enter this program should plan early, excel academically, and prepare thoroughly for every stage of the application process.
Texas State Nursing Requirements
The St. David’s School of Nursing has clear and rigorous admission requirements to ensure that all students entering the program are well-prepared for its demanding curriculum. Below is a comprehensive guide to what you’ll need to qualify.
Step 1: Apply to Texas State University
Before you can apply to the nursing program, you must first be admitted to Texas State University. This requires completing the general university application, paying the standard application fee, and submitting official transcripts.
Once accepted to the university, you can then move on to the nursing-specific application process.
Step 2: Apply Separately to the Nursing Program
Applications for the BSN program are submitted through NursingCAS, an online centralized application system used by many nursing schools across the country. You must also pay:
- $60 NursingCAS application fee, and
- $25 Texas State processing fee.
The application period opens in September and closes by January 15 each year.
There are two key phases to consider:
1. Priority Admission Phase
- Deadline: December 15
- Requires a higher science GPA (3.4 or above) and TEAS score (80% or above)
- Priority applicants are reviewed first and often have a stronger chance of being admitted
2. General Admission Phase
- Deadline: January 15
- Minimum science GPA of 3.0 and TEAS score of 65%
- Applicants not meeting priority standards can still apply here
GPA Requirements
Academic performance is one of the most crucial components of your nursing application. Texas State evaluates your GPA in multiple ways:
- Overall Nursing Prerequisite GPA: Minimum 3.0 required
- Science GPA:
- 3.4 or above for priority admission
- 3.0 or above for general admission
- Minimum grade: You must earn at least a C in every prerequisite course
There’s also a limit to how many times you can retake courses. Students can attempt each science prerequisite a maximum of two times, with a total of eight attempts allowed across all five science courses.
Prerequisite Courses
You must complete all prerequisite courses before starting the nursing program. These include both general education and science courses.
General Education Prerequisites
- MATH 1315 – College Algebra (or equivalent)
- HIST 1310 & 1320 – U.S. History I & II
- POSI 2310 & 2320 – U.S. Government
- PSY 1300 – Introduction to Psychology
- PSY 3300 or HDFS 1351 – Lifespan Development
- NUTR 2360 – Nutrition Science
Science Prerequisites
- BIO 1330 – Functional Biology
- BIO 2451 – Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- BIO 2452 – Human Anatomy & Physiology II
- BIO 2440 – Microbiology
- CHEM 1341 – General Chemistry I
Important note: At least three of the five science prerequisites must be completed by the application deadline. Anatomy and Physiology courses must have been taken within the last five years.
TEAS Exam (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
All applicants must take the ATI TEAS exam, which tests academic readiness in reading, math, science, and English.
- Priority applicants must score 80% or higher (Advanced)
- General applicants must score 65% or higher (Proficient)
You can take the TEAS test up to two times during the application period. Both scores must be uploaded for review. Since this test weighs heavily in admission decisions, preparing early is strongly recommended.
Additional Application Materials
In addition to academic records and test scores, you must submit:
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended
- Personal statement or short-answer essays about your motivation and goals
- Documentation of work or volunteer experience, especially in healthcare
- Interview participation, if selected
The interview is a critical part of the process and helps the admissions team assess your communication skills, professionalism, and passion for nursing.
Post-Admission Requirements
If accepted, nursing students must meet several health and safety standards before beginning clinical coursework, including:
- Immunization and health certification
- Background check and drug screening
- Liability insurance and CPR (BLS) certification
- Purchase of uniforms, textbooks, and lab supplies
These requirements ensure that students are fully prepared for both classroom learning and clinical practice in hospital and healthcare settings.
What to Expect After Admission
Once you’re accepted into the BSN program, you’ll enter a five-semester sequence of nursing courses and clinical rotations. The full degree totals 120 credit hours, with about half dedicated to nursing-specific coursework.
The program blends classroom instruction, simulation lab experiences, and clinical practice in real healthcare environments. Students gain hands-on experience in patient care, community health, mental health, pediatrics, and advanced medical-surgical nursing.
To graduate, students must maintain:
- A minimum 2.0 GPA at Texas State University, and
- A minimum 2.5 GPA in all nursing courses.
Graduates are then eligible to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) — the final step toward becoming a licensed registered nurse.
Alternative Nursing Pathways at Texas State
If you’re already a registered nurse or looking for an advanced degree, Texas State also offers flexible options beyond the traditional BSN track.
1. RN-to-BSN (Online Program)
For licensed RNs who hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing, the online RN-to-BSN completion program is a perfect option.
Requirements include:
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Proof of a valid, unencumbered RN license
- Official transcripts
Students can receive 30 credit hours for their nursing license and complete the remainder online, allowing them to balance work and education seamlessly.
2. Graduate Nursing Programs
Texas State also offers graduate programs such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold a BSN degree from an accredited program
- Have a minimum 3.25 GPA in upper-division nursing courses
- Possess at least one year of full-time RN experience
These programs prepare nurses for leadership, advanced practice, and specialized healthcare roles.
Tips to Improve Your Admission Chances
Getting into Texas State’s nursing program takes dedication and preparation. Here are practical tips to strengthen your application:
- Maintain a strong GPA — Aim for higher than the minimum 3.4 in science courses.
- Prepare early for the TEAS exam — Consider professional prep courses or study groups.
- Complete prerequisites early — Especially anatomy and physiology, which must be recent.
- Apply during the priority phase — Meeting higher standards early can give you an advantage.
- Gain healthcare experience — Volunteer or work in hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes.
- Write a compelling personal statement — Highlight your motivation, empathy, and goals in nursing.
- Practice interview skills — Confidence and communication can set you apart.
- Keep track of deadlines — Late or incomplete applications are automatically disqualified.
With careful planning and focus, you can become one of the few students admitted into this competitive program.
Why Choose Texas State for Nursing?
The St. David’s School of Nursing offers a comprehensive and respected education that emphasizes both academic excellence and compassionate care. Students benefit from:
- Modern simulation labs and high-tech learning environments
- Experienced faculty who are practicing healthcare professionals
- Strong clinical partnerships across Texas
- High NCLEX pass rates and strong job placement
Graduates of Texas State’s nursing program are well-equipped to work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, and public health organizations throughout the country.
Conclusion
The Texas State University Nursing Program is one of the most reputable and competitive in Texas. While its acceptance rate (around 35–50%) might seem challenging, students who prepare early, maintain high GPAs, and perform well on the TEAS exam have a strong chance of success.
By understanding the Texas State nursing acceptance rate and requirements, you can create a clear roadmap toward your nursing career. Whether you’re just starting college or considering a career change, Texas State’s St. David’s School of Nursing offers the skills, values, and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s healthcare industry.