If you aspire to attain a Master of Science in Nursing but didn’t achieve a high GPA during your undergraduate studies, fret not! Numerous nursing schools with lenient GPA requirements actively seek applicants in your situation.
The nursing master’s program equips registered nurses for elevated responsibilities in patient care, leadership, administration, or education. Browse the affiliated institutions listed for online, hybrid, and on-campus MSN alternatives that consider applicants with a modest undergraduate GPA, including those recognized as low GPA nursing schools.
Nursing Scholarships With Low GPA Requirements
The online Master’s in Nursing program at USC Scholarship:
MSN GPA Requirement: There is no specified minimum GPA for admission.
The University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, is a private research institution with a Health Sciences campus renowned for its specialized expertise in cancer research.
Details about the MSN program at the University of Southern California:
The online Master’s in Nursing program at USC focuses on imparting comprehensive nursing skills, research and policy aspects, and social work concepts. This aims to help students establish a robust foundation in social factors associated with health.
Program specifics include online delivery, completion within 21 to 33 months, two on-campus intensive faculty skill assessments, a requirement for RN and BSN qualifications, a mandatory one-year clinical experience, and an ongoing pursuit of initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The MSN Program At Saint Xavier University Scholarship:
MSN GPA Requirement: 2.75 to 3.0 GPA (Varies based on Program)
Saint Xavier University of Chicago, a prominent Midwest institution and one of the largest nursing schools in Illinois, holds the prestigious designation of a Center of Excellence in Nurse Education by the National League for Nursing.
Details about the MSN Program at Saint Xavier University:
The Master of Science in Nursing programs at Saint Xavier University are designed to equip students with the knowledge of enhancing patient care through the application of the latest evidence-based practices, cutting-edge technologies, and effective communication strategies. The MSN programs at SXU focus on imparting business, management, and clinical skills, preparing students for potential leadership roles within their respective departments or units.
For individuals with a lower GPA aspiring to enter the nursing field, the Executive Nurse Leadership program sets a GPA requirement of only 2.75. Additionally, other programs at SXU may consider applicants with a lower GPA. Here are some program details:
- Online format
- RN and BSN prerequisites
The MSN Program At Cumberland University:
MSN GPA Requirement at Cumberland University: A minimum GPA of 2.5 is necessary for admission. Cumberland University, situated 30 miles outside Nashville, Tennessee, is a private liberal arts institution that offers seven graduate degree programs.
Details about the MSN Program at Cumberland University:
The online master’s in nursing program at Cumberland University is designed to impart communication, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills to nurses aiming for management roles or seeking career advancement and the ability to educate other nurses. Cumberland University welcomes applicants with lower GPAs, as the minimum requirement is 2.5, and in some cases, lower GPAs may be accepted. For example, students with less than a 2.5 GPA may gain acceptance by successfully completing two graduate courses with a grade of B or higher. Program specifics include:
- Online format
- RN and BSN prerequisites
- GRE scores are mandatory
- Two start dates annually
- Completion within 18 months
Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, with ongoing pursuit of initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The MSN Program At Benedictine University:
MSN GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 2.5 is necessary for admission.
Benedictine University aims to be a leading institution in Catholic higher education, fostering an inclusive academic community.
The MSN program at Benedictine University is crafted to equip nurses with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of today’s healthcare landscape and to facilitate career advancement. Program Specifics:
- Possession of a current, unencumbered Illinois RN license
- Submission of official college transcripts validating 83 designated semester credit hours
- Successful completion of all prerequisite courses
- Proficiency in basic word processing, internet usage, and email skills.
The MSN program at Liberty University:
Liberty University sets a GPA requirement of 3.0 for admission to its MSN program. Renowned for providing a top-tier education rooted in Christian values, the university imparts essential values, knowledge, and skills crucial for success in various life domains. Liberty University has been a trailblazer in distance education since 1985, offering exceptional resources tailored to online students.
As for the MSN program at Liberty University, it is designed to accelerate the careers of registered nurses (RNs). This 100% online program facilitates the transfer of up to 75 hours of prior college credit. Key program details include a blended format comprising online courses with occasional on-campus seminars, a prerequisite of being an RN with a Bachelor’s degree, a mandatory two years of nursing experience, and accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The MSN program at Sacred Heart University Scholarship:
The GPA requirement for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Sacred Heart University is 3.2. Rooted in liberal arts and Catholic intellectual traditions, Sacred Heart University aims to educate individuals holistically, preparing them to lead and serve others, uphold the dignity of every person, and contribute to the common good. The university welcomes students from diverse faiths and cultures.
Sacred Heart University Online is the online division of the independent, Catholic institution, which was founded in 1963 and is the second-largest Catholic university in New England. Offering over 70 academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs, Sacred Heart University seeks to provide academic opportunities for students with potential, ability, and promise, both on campus in Fairfield, Connecticut, and online.
The MSN program at Sacred Heart University is designed to equip students with leadership skills for success at clinical, managerial, and educational levels, enabling them to thrive as nurse leaders, educators, or managers. The program features a blended format with online courses and on-campus practicum, and it does not require a BSN or GRE. The GPA requirement may vary, and clinical practicum hours are also flexible.
The Online Master’s In Nursing Program At Walden University Scholarship:
Walden University’s MSN program has no specific GPA requirement. It operates as an online learning community with a diverse student body, including individuals from all 50 U.S. states and over 150 countries, along with faculty, alumni, national experts, and visiting scholars. The university’s overarching mission is to graduate individuals dedicated to creating positive social change.
The online master’s in nursing program at Walden University is designed to equip students for advanced practice nursing and various leadership roles in healthcare. The program accommodates registered nurses with a BSN, individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, and those with only a high school diploma, all without a specified minimum GPA requirement.
The program mandates online participation, requires RN status, and stipulates two years of work experience for nurse practitioner specializations. Moreover, it holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Simmons College Scholarship:
Situated in the vibrant city of Boston, Simmons is a private, non-profit institution with a four-year academic structure. While its undergraduate college caters exclusively to women, Simmons University extends its programs, spanning nursing, social work, and business, to both men and women. Specifically addressing the MSN program at Simmons College, the Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is designed for board-certified ARPNs who possess an MSN degree.
Here are important aspects of the program:
- Online format
- Face-to-face online classes with faculty and peers
- Access to coursework 24/7 through a mobile app
- Requirement of an MSN degree from a postsecondary institution
- Possession of a current RN license
- Board certification in an advanced practice specialty in good standing in the U.S.
- Minimum of 2 years of professional experience as an RN
The MSN Program At Utica College:
Utica College mandates a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 for admission to its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. The college offers fully accredited online degree programs in various fields, including Nursing, Health Care, Cybersecurity, Business Management, Fraud, and Economic Crime. These programs are taught by experienced faculty members with significant industry expertise.
The MSN program at Utica College focuses on the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization. As an FNP, individuals gain the ability to deliver advanced patient care, including the diagnosis and treatment of patients, the establishment of community programs, and participation in transformative healthcare research. The FNP specialization involves a 2-day immersion experience and 720 practicum hours, which can be credited towards the 1,000 hours required for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program, possess an unencumbered RN license in their residing state, and have accumulated 2,000 hours of relevant work experience.
Conclusion:
Having a GPA below 3.0 during undergraduate studies is suboptimal but doesn’t necessarily preclude individuals from entering nursing school. Moreover, although conventional nursing schools mandate both RN licensure and a BSN degree, numerous programs provide accelerated MSN options for registered nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or even just a high school diploma. These nursing graduate programs are usually tailored for working professionals possessing clinical experience.
