UNI Nursing Admissions
Thank you for your interest in the University of Northern Iowa's Nursing programs! Please see details on the UNI Nursing Admissions process below, which will differ if you're a current UNI student or incoming freshman or transfer. Applications are now available for both the Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN).
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to admissions@uni.edu or the Department of Nursing & Public Health at nursing@uni.edu.
We are still accepting applications for Fall 2026! Contact us at nursing@uni.edu with any questions.
New Students
Incoming freshmen and transfer students are admitted to UNI as "pre-nursing majors" and will complete their nursing prerequisite coursework and general education (UNIFI) requirements during their first two years at UNI.
Once prerequisite courses are complete, students officially apply to the nursing program.
See the current UNI student process for next steps.
Current UNI Students
Current UNI students with an interest in nursing should submit a nursing application to the Department of Nursing & Public Health, who will make admissions decisions for the program.
Prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to the start of
the program. Students are admitted each semester (fall & spring cohorts).
See nursing prerequisites and application deadlines listed below.
NOTE: prerequisite coursework is the same for the ABSN as the traditional BSN with the following exceptions:
- ABSN students will need a minimum of 70 credits prior to admission.
- Courses noted below (**) may be completed in the first semester of the traditional BSN, but must be completed before beginning the ABSN.
Must be completed before beginning the Nursing program.
A 3.0 or higher extracted GPA (average on a 4.0 scale) is required in the following classes:
- CHEM 1010: Principles of Chemistry
- BIOL 1101: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology I *
- BIOL 1102: Principles of Anatomy and Physiology II *
- STAT 1772: Intro to Statistical Methods - OR - SOC SCI 2020: Social Science Statistics
- PH 2160: Medical Terminology
- PSYCH 2202: Developmental Psychology - OR - FAM SERV 1055 Lifespan Development
A grade of C or better is required in the following classes:
- BIOL 1033: Principles of Microbiology
- PH 1410 Basic Nutrition
- BIOL1103 Pathophysiology **
* Students transferring in BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1102 should take both course equivalents at the same institution. Click the transfer equivalency button below for more info.
** This course may be completed in the first semester of the traditional BSN, but must be completed before beginning the ABSN.
BSN Application
UNI’s Traditional BSN is designed for students beginning their nursing education as part of their undergraduate degree. Students are required to complete the prerequisite coursework prior to applying to the program.
ABSN Application
UNI’s Accelerated BSN is a full-time, 12-month pathway for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree OR have completed 70+ undergraduate credits. Prerequisite coursework is the same as the traditional BSN, but the ABSN is designed for students entering with substantial prior college experience who want a faster route into nursing.
Preparing to Apply
Students intending to enroll in the University of Northern Iowa’s BSN or ABSN program will be admitted to UNI as a Pre-Nursing student. Pre-Nursing students work with an academic advisor to complete all prerequisite coursework required to be admitted to the BSN program. Academic advisors help students select courses, connect students to academic support resources, explore involvement opportunities, and provide support with academic concerns.
When to Apply
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Apply by January 5 (early consideration) for the fall cohort. Decisions sent out around February 5.
- Apply by February 15 (standard consideration) for the fall cohort. Decisions sent out around March 15.
- Apply by September 16 for the spring cohort. Decisions sent out around October 7.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
- Apply by May 15 for the fall cohort. Decisions sent out around Friday, May 29.
We are still accepting applications for Fall 2026 (both BSN and ABSN)! Contact us at nursing@uni.edu with any questions.
FAQ’s
Do I need to reapply to the nursing program if I’ve not been admitted?
If you weren’t admitted to the term you applied for, you will need to reapply to the nursing program. Please submit a new application for the upcoming term using the "Apply to UNI Nursing" link above.
Will everyone who is eligible be admitted?
Admissions is competitive. Cohort sizes may vary based on available clinical facilities and staffing.
Is there additional tuition costs for nursing?
Yes, nursing students are charged a supplemental tuition rate. Supplemental tuition will be charged beginning in a student’s first semester admitted to the nursing program. Students are not charged supplemental tuition as pre-nursing students who have not yet been admitted and are still completing prerequisite coursework. Tuition rates.
English Proficiency
Undergraduate international students who are not native speakers of English must provide evidence of English language proficiency per University standards. For more information, visit admissions.uni.edu/international/english-proficiency.