Brian PhilipsIf you’re dreaming of becoming a nurse through one of the most respected programs in the Midwest, the University of Iowa College of Nursing is an excellent choice. Known for its rigorous academics, modern facilities, and strong clinical partnerships, the program consistently ranks among the top nursing schools in the United States.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the University of Iowa nursing acceptance rate, requirements, and tips for increasing your chances of admission.
University of Iowa Nursing Acceptance Rate
The University of Iowa has an overall undergraduate acceptance rate of about 86%, meaning most students who apply to the university are admitted. However, the College of Nursing operates on a much smaller scale, and admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is highly selective.
Why the Nursing Program is Hard to Get Into
Unlike many majors at Iowa, nursing students can’t simply declare the major. Instead, they must apply for one of two admission routes:
- Direct Admission Program (for high school students entering as freshmen)
- Standard Admission Program (for current Iowa or transfer students)
Each year, the College of Nursing admits only 168 students total — 84 through Direct Admission and 84 through Standard Admission. Because of this small number, the acceptance rate is much lower than the overall university rate.
While the University of Iowa doesn’t publish exact figures for nursing admissions, data and student reports suggest the Direct Admission acceptance rate can be as low as 18–20% in competitive years. This means that fewer than one in five applicants are offered a seat.
So, while Iowa’s overall university acceptance rate is friendly, you’ll need to stand out academically and personally to secure a place in the nursing program.
University of Iowa Nursing Requirements
The University of Iowa College of Nursing offers several entry points into its BSN program, as well as graduate and RN-to-BSN options. Below, we’ll focus on the undergraduate (pre-licensure) pathways and what each requires.
1. Direct Admission Requirements
The Direct Admission route is for high-achieving high school students who want to secure a spot in the nursing program immediately after high school.
Eligibility
- High School GPA: Minimum 3.80 GPA or higher.
- Coursework:
Applicants must complete or plan to complete the following by graduation:- 4 years of English
- 1 year each of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry
- 3 years of Social Studies
- 2 years (or equivalent) of a world language
Other Application Materials
- Supplemental Application: After applying to the University of Iowa, nursing applicants must submit a supplemental application that includes essays and questions about motivation, goals, and healthcare experience.
- Interview: Selected applicants are invited to an interview with the College of Nursing faculty.
- Test Scores: ACT/SAT are not required for the nursing program.
- Early Action Deadline: To be considered for Direct Admission, apply to the University of Iowa by November 3 and submit the nursing application by December 11. Interviews take place in January, and decisions are released in February.
Maintaining Eligibility
Once admitted, Direct Admission students must:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Complete all prerequisite courses with grades of “C” or better.
- Remain in good academic and disciplinary standing.
This pathway is ideal for students who are confident in their academic preparation and want to begin nursing coursework early in their undergraduate years.
2. Standard Admission Requirements
The Standard Admission route is for students who:
- Were not admitted through Direct Admission,
- Are currently enrolled at the University of Iowa, or
- Are transferring from another college.
Eligibility Criteria
- Cumulative GPA: Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Completed Coursework: Applicants must have completed at least 48 semester hours before applying.
- Prerequisite Courses (with C or higher):
- CHEM 1070 – General Chemistry I
- CHEM 1080 – General Chemistry II
- BIOL 1141 – Human Biology: Health Professions
- Anatomy (ACB 3110), Physiology (HHP 1300), or Microbiology (MICR 3164)
- PSY 1001 – Introduction to Psychology
- SOC 1010 or SOC 1030 – Introduction to Sociology
- STAT 1020 – Elementary Statistics
- RHET 1030 – Rhetoric
- Nutrition (HHP 2310)
All science prerequisites must have been completed within the last 10 years.
Application Process
- Submit a Standard Admission application to the College of Nursing.
- Provide essays detailing your interest in nursing, healthcare experience, and career goals.
- Complete an interview (if invited).
- Meet the English proficiency requirement if you’re an international student:
- TOEFL iBT: 80 minimum (no subscore below 17).
Transfer Students
Transfer students can apply via Standard Admission but must:
- Complete at least one semester at an Iowa institution before applying.
- Ensure previous coursework aligns with Iowa’s nursing prerequisites through transcript evaluation.
3. RN-to-BSN and Graduate Options
If you’re already a licensed Registered Nurse (RN), the University of Iowa offers an RN-to-BSN program designed to help nurses advance their education and career.
Requirements include:
- Active RN license.
- Minimum 2.75 GPA.
- Completion of prerequisite courses (Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition, and Statistics).
- Transcripts from all previous colleges.
The program is offered online, allowing working nurses to study flexibly.
For graduate-level education, Iowa also offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhD programs, each with separate admission requirements.
Additional Requirements and Program Details
Aside from GPA and prerequisite courses, the College of Nursing expects students to demonstrate strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills.
General Education and Prerequisites
Before entering the nursing major, students must have completed:
- All university core general education requirements.
- Required world language proficiency.
- Science and math prerequisites.
Clinical Hours
Students in the BSN program complete around 700 clinical hours in real healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. These experiences give students practical skills and exposure to different nursing specialties.
Equipment and Fees
Nursing students are required to purchase:
- Uniforms and shoes,
- Stethoscope,
- Watch with a second hand,
- Health screenings and insurance coverage,
- Clinical supplies and testing materials.
These additional expenses should be factored into your education budget.
No Letters of Recommendation or Entrance Exams
The Iowa BSN program does not require letters of recommendation or standardized entrance exams like the TEAS test. Admission is holistic, focusing on academic record, personal qualities, and healthcare experience.
How Competitive Is the University of Iowa Nursing Program?
The competition level depends on the admission pathway and applicant pool. Generally, the Direct Admission route is more competitive because fewer seats are available and most applicants are top-performing high school students.
Even students who meet all minimum requirements may not be admitted, as selection is based on overall merit, essays, and interviews.
Meeting the minimum GPA or prerequisites is just the starting point—successful applicants typically exceed them.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting In
If you’re serious about getting into the University of Iowa’s nursing program, follow these strategic tips:
1. Excel Academically
Maintain a GPA well above the minimum requirement. Most successful applicants to Direct Admission have GPAs of 3.9 or higher.
2. Get Healthcare Experience
Volunteer in hospitals, clinics, or assisted living facilities. Real-world experience shows you understand the challenges and rewards of nursing.
3. Write a Strong Essay
Your essay is a chance to share your motivation, compassion, and understanding of the nursing profession. Be authentic and specific about why you want to study nursing at Iowa.
4. Prepare for the Interview
Practice common nursing interview questions. Highlight teamwork, empathy, and your ability to handle stress—qualities essential for nurses.
5. Take Challenging Science Courses
Enroll in AP Biology, Chemistry, or Anatomy if available in high school. These courses demonstrate academic readiness and make college-level science less daunting.
6. Plan Early
Apply by the Early Action deadline (November 3) to be eligible for Direct Admission. Late applications are rarely considered.
7. Keep a Clean Record
Professional behavior and integrity are essential. Any academic misconduct or disciplinary history can affect your eligibility.
Sample Admission Pathways
Example 1: Direct Admission (High School Senior)
Emma, a senior with a 3.95 GPA, completes all high school science requirements, writes a strong essay, and volunteers at her local hospital. She applies by November 3 and receives her acceptance in February. Emma enters Iowa’s nursing program directly as a freshman.
Example 2: Standard Admission (Current Student)
Ben begins as a “Nursing Interest” student in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. After completing his first year with a 3.6 GPA and finishing his prerequisites, he applies for Standard Admission. He’s accepted into the BSN major for his third year and graduates in about 4.5 years.
Both paths lead to the same BSN degree—only the entry points differ.
Challenges and Realities of Nursing Admission
- Limited Seats: Only 168 total spots are available each year.
- High Standards: Meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee admission.
- Course Recency: Science prerequisites older than ten years won’t count.
- Intense Coursework: Nursing involves both classroom and clinical challenges.
- International Applicants: Must meet English proficiency and visa requirements.
Despite the competitiveness, many students find Iowa’s nursing program rewarding thanks to its top-tier training, research facilities, and strong job placement record.
Why Choose the University of Iowa for Nursing
The University of Iowa’s College of Nursing is consistently ranked among the top 10 public nursing schools in the nation. Graduates are highly sought after by employers for their clinical skills, ethical grounding, and leadership abilities.
Key advantages include:
- High NCLEX pass rates
- Strong clinical partnerships with hospitals and community health organizations
- Research and simulation facilities that prepare students for modern healthcare challenges
- Flexible graduate programs for professional advancement
Whether you’re pursuing a BSN, MSN, or DNP, the University of Iowa provides the education and clinical experience you need to succeed in nursing.
Conclusion
Getting into the University of Iowa College of Nursing is challenging—but absolutely achievable with the right preparation.
While the university’s overall acceptance rate is around 86%, the nursing program’s acceptance rate hovers between 18–25%, making it one of the most competitive programs in the state.
To stand out, focus on:
- Achieving a high GPA
- Excelling in science courses
- Writing a compelling personal statement
- Gaining healthcare experience
- Applying early and meeting all deadlines
With commitment and planning, you can join the ranks of skilled, compassionate nurses who began their careers at the University of Iowa.