BSN - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Click the buttons below to view different types of frequently asked questions.
BSN General FAQs Direct Admission FAQs Standard Admission FAQs
BSN General FAQs
How do I apply for scholarships?
There is no change in the scholarship application process. Visit the scholarships page for more information.
BSN - Direct Admission FAQs
How many students will be admitted per year in direct admission?
Currently, 168 students will be admitted per academic year–84 will start the fall semester and 84 will start the spring semester.
I have a 4.0 GPA and an excellent ACT score. Am I likely to be admitted via direct admission?
The admissions process will continue to be highly competitive and comprehensive. Grades, application essays, interviews, and more all play a part in admissions decisions.
How will you determine who is assigned to a fall or spring semester start?
This is a relatively recent decision by the University, and we are currently identifying the factors that may be used to determine the starting semester. We will provide that information on our web site once this is finalized.
If I am admitted to the College of Nursing, who will be my advisor?
College of Nursing advisors will work with admitted students throughout their time at UI.
If I am not selected via direct admission, will I be able to apply via the standard admission option as a nursing interest student?
No. The nursing interest designation will no longer be an option for students applying fall 2027 or thereafter.
What options are available to me if I am not admitted?
Applicants who are not admitted and who wish to pursue nursing at the University of Iowa have the following options:
Apply to an ADN program (community college) and later apply to the College of Nursing RN-BSN program. Click here to learn more: Iowa Hospital Association
Enroll at the University of Iowa and earn a degree in another program and apply for the MSN-EIP accelerated program.
Apply to an alternative Iowa Board of Nursing approved program. Click here to learn more: Iowa Nursing Education Programs
Standard admission is not an option for students who are not yet enrolled in the university.
BSN - Standard Admission FAQs
Why is the University of Iowa phasing out the standard admission process?
This change adds a level of fairness for students wanting to join the College of Nursing. With the standard admission model, hundreds of nursing interest students applied for 84 standard admission spots each year. Those who were not accepted had to change plans and find new directions halfway through their university careers. Moving to a fully direct admission model is fairer for all prospective students. Those who are not accepted to the nursing program know right away and can explore other options.
When will this change take place?
For students planning to enroll at the University of Iowa as a first-year student in fall 2027 and beyond, direct admission is the only option to earn a BSN (pre-licensure) from the UI College of Nursing. This includes high school students graduating in spring 2027 or after.
I am currently a nursing interest student at the University of Iowa; how does this impact me?
Current nursing interest students enrolled at the university will not be affected. For current and fall 2026 incoming UI nursing interest students*, the final opportunity to apply for standard admission is February 2028.
* In some situations, incoming fall 2027 students who meet specific criteria.