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The High School Direct Entry program is for high school seniors applying to college who know that they want to have a career in nursing. Students accepted into the direct admit program are guaranteed a spot in the nursing program once they complete the initial general studies and prerequisite requirements. The general studies and prerequisite requirements are completed during the first few semesters of college. Students who complete the program will earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Students will be notified if they are accepted into the High School Direct Admit program in late March to early April.
Benefits
Confidence in the future.
Many students know that they want a career in nursing right away, but nursing school is competitive and not always guaranteed. The direct admit program gives students and parents confidence from day one that their efforts and resources will lead to their desired outcome by removing some the uncertainty of nursing school applications that usually come after the first two years of college.
Peer and Professional support.
Going to college is a big transition! Students accepted into the High School Direct Admit program will begin college as a cohort with an established group of peers. There will also be specific professional advising from our Pre-Nursing advising team, as well as professional development offered by the nursing department faculty. The result is a smooth transition into college and a successful experience to the end.
Program Requirements for Accepted Students
Students accepted into the High School Direct Admit Program must meet the following requirements to maintain their future spot in the nursing program:
- Complete the general study and prerequisite courses within 5 semesters from their first term
- Finish the nursing pre-requisite courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.5
- Participate in the advising and development series hosted by Pre-nursing advising team and the nursing faculty.
If a student fails to complete any of these requirements their guaranteed spot will be forfeited. However, the student is encouraged to apply to the program through the customary route and will be supported by the Pre-Nursing Advising team and the Nursing Admissions Manager. More information on the customary application process can be found on our Traditional and Accelerated Nursing website.
Program Summary
Your Bachelor of Science will be completed in two distinct segments.
Nursing Major (BSN) Plan of StudyCoursework
Segment 1
Students typically spend four or five semesters working on their general studies and prerequisite courses, which prepare them for the nursing program. Our pre-nursing advisors will support students with registration plans to ensure they are meeting all of the general studies and prerequisite coursework within the required timeline.
Segment 2
Once Segment One is completed, students can officially begin Segment Two, which is the nursing program. The nursing program is four semesters long and does not operate over summer terms.
Tuition
The tuition structure changes based on the segment the student is in.
Segment 1
Tuition for the general studies and prerequisite coursework follows the university’s standard tuition and fees structure. Please visit the university’s tuition and fees table to explore your estimated tuition based on your resident status and COF eligibility. Students may need around 65 credits in this segment, but it can vary based on transferred coursework.
Segment 2
Tuition and fees for the nursing program are currently estimated around $40,500 for the 2025/2026 Academic year. The tuition and fees in Segment 2 are the same for every student, regardless of their residency status.
Please Note
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Please visit the university’s Office of the Bursar website for additional information and questions. We also encourage you to explore the Financial Aid and Scholarship website.
Application Requirements and Process
The information below outlines the two-step application process and the materials you will need.
Two Step Application Process
Application Step 1
Apply to the university and select Pre-Nursing as your major. An admissions counselor will help you with the university application process. Admitted students will receive a Student ID number and a university email address. Complete this step by mid January.
Once a student receives these, they are ready to move onto Step 2.
Application Step 2
Apply to the direct admit program. The application is currently planned to open in December.
Important Clarification
Being accepted to the university as a Pre-Nursing student does NOT mean you have been accepted into the High School Direct Admit program or the nursing program. It means you have completed the first step towards applying to the nursing program. Pre-Nursing students need to do a secondary application when they are qualified.
High school seniors can apply to the High School Direct Admit program as their next step. Students who are not sure if they want to be a nurse, or students who are not accepted into the High School Direct Admit program, can still apply to the nursing program at a later date when they become eligible. Please visit our Traditional or Accelerated website for more information on applying later in your college career.
Application Overview
Spots for the direct admit program are limited. Applicants will be assessed using a combination of three criteria:
1. Unweighted high school GPA (required)
2. Hours dedicated to the health profession during high school through volunteer/employment/health organizations or clubs (not required)
3. Casper Assessment (required)
Applicants will be awarded up to 10 points using the following criteria. We will use GPAs as a tiebreaker.
1. GPA in the eight nursing prerequisites:
- 3.75 – 4.0 = 4 points
- 3.5 – 3.749 = 3 points
- 3.25 – 3.499 = 2 points
- 3.00 – 3.249 = 1 point
- 2.75 – 2.99 = 0 points (but may apply still apply to program)
2. Hours dedicated to the health profession during high school (volunteer/employment/health organizations or clubs):
- 100+ hours = 2 points
- 31-99 hours = 1 point
- 0-30 hours = 0 points (but may apply still apply to program)
3. Casper Assessment:
- Points are awarded based on the z-score ranking provided by Acuity. Applicants can earn up to 4 points.
Application Materials
All applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts. Submit these during Application Step 1.
Some applicants may also have AP scores, or college transcripts. AP and college transcripts are not required, but if you have them, you should submit them too.
Information on submitting transcripts is found on the Send It page.
Students who have worked or volunteered in medical settings, or participated in health care education programs, are eligible to receive up to 2 points on their application.
Hours will be verified using letters from camp counselors, program managers, or other supervisors, depending the location. These letters must show your work and volunteer hours.
Submit these during Application Step 2.
You will receive information on the Casper Assessment after you have completed Application Step 2. The nursing admissions manager will send you specific instructions and next steps.
We will receive your test scores directly from the testing company.
We recommend waiting to sign up for a testing date until the Nursing Admissions Manager sends you instructions, however, you are encouraged to explore information on the Casper Assessment online before you take the assessment. .
Frequently Asked Questions
You can still apply to the program through the customary route in the future. You will still work with a pre-nursing advisor to complete your general studies and prerequisite requirements. When you are eligible, you can apply to the program.
Please visit our Traditional and Accelerated website for more information.
Yes! You must submit your transcripts to get credit. Please visit the Send It page.
Students are likely able to work while they are completing their general studies and prerequisite coursework during their first semesters of college.
Working full-time once a student starts the nursing program is not recommended. The program is very time intensive between, courses, lab, simulation, and clinicals.
Some students do work during the program, but it requires strong time management skills, communication skills with their employer, and a flexible job. The nursing program must come first.
Students who fail to meet the requirements after being accepted are highly encouraged to apply through the customary route, as they may still have a competitive application.
Please visit our Traditional and Accelerated website for more information.
We aim to let students know if they are accepted in late March to early April. We usually have to wait to receive the final Casper scores as the final step, so our schedule is set by the Casper testing dates.
Our goal is to let you know as soon as possible so you can make your college destination decision knowing all your options.
Yes. Please view our accreditation page.
Additional Questions
If you have additional questions please reach out to [email protected]