How to Get Into Nursing School in Florida (2026 BSN Admissions Guide)

Florida has one of the deepest fields of BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) programs in the country, from flagship public universities like UF, FSU, UCF, USF, and FIU to strong regional and private options. The catch is that Florida programs vary a lot: some are upper-division, limited-access tracks with a hard GPA cutoff and an entrance exam, while at least one is a freshman direct-admit track you enter straight from high school. Knowing which model each school uses is half the battle. Here's how to get in. Want a quick read on where you stand? Check your odds free before you map out applications.

1. Hit the GPA targets

Most Florida BSN programs are upper-division (junior-entry), meaning you apply after finishing prerequisites, and they weigh both your cumulative GPA and prerequisite GPA. Minimums cluster around 3.0, but several schools sit well above that.

• University of Florida and Florida State University both require a 3.0 cumulative GPA, with C or better in each prerequisite.
• Florida International University requires a 3.25 cumulative and prerequisite GPA.
• University of North Florida requires a 3.30 cumulative GPA and a 3.50 prerequisite GPA (priority around 3.60).
• University of South Florida sets the highest bar in the data: a 3.6 overall GPA (3.0 for veterans/active duty) plus a 3.0 prerequisite GPA.
• Florida A&M University requires a 3.1 overall and 3.0 science/math GPA, with a B or better (first attempt) in prerequisites.
• Private options run lower on paper: Jacksonville University lists a 2.5 cumulative minimum and Barry University a 3.0.

All of these can change, so as of 2026, confirm the current number on each school's official page before you count on it.

2. Know which exam each school uses (TEAS, HESI, or none)

Florida is split on entrance exams, so check per school:

• University of Florida requires the HESI A2 (no minimum score published; a cumulative near 85 is competitive).
• University of Central Florida requires a TEAS composite of 78%+ by the application deadline.
• University of West Florida requires a TEAS overall of 75%+ (7th edition; Allied Health version not accepted).
• Florida International University requires a TEAS at 70% total plus a 62% Science-section minimum.
• Barry University requires a TEAS of 62%+ overall with at least 50% per section.
• Florida A&M University requires the TEAS at Level 2 Proficiency in each subject area (no single percent threshold published).
• Florida Gulf Coast University requires a first-attempt TEAS, but publishes no minimum score.
• Florida State University, University of South Florida (upper-division pathway), University of North Florida, and Jacksonville University currently require no entrance exam for the tracks in our data.

Trying to decide how to study? Our TEAS vs HESI A2 guide breaks down the differences. Always reconfirm the exam and cutoff on the official page, since they shift year to year.

3. Complete the Florida prerequisite sequence

Florida uses a fairly consistent common-prerequisite set across the public schools: Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Statistics, Nutrition, and Human Growth & Development (lifespan), with English Composition required at some schools (FAMU, Barry). Chemistry status varies: it is required at UCF, FIU, FGCU, FAMU, Jacksonville, and Barry, but only recommended or one of several "fourth science" options at FSU, UNF, USF, UF, and UWF.

A grade of C or better is standard, though FAMU expects a B or better on the first attempt. Several schools also cap course age (FIU and UWF require sciences within the last 10 years). Our nursing prerequisites checklist helps you track all of this.

4. Watch the direct-admit exception (and plan your timeline)

Not every Florida path is upper-division. Florida Atlantic University has no traditional/upper-division BSN track; its four-year option is a Freshman Direct Admit that admits straight from high school on a recalculated high-school GPA (the department page lists 3.60; the catalog states 3.50) with SAT 1200/ACT 25 and no TEAS or HESI. Nursing courses there are built into the curriculum rather than completed as pre-admission prerequisites. USF also runs a separate Freshman Nursing Pathway alongside its upper-division track.

Timelines vary widely, and many programs apply through NursingCAS:

• UF: Fall admission only; application opens September, closes February.
• UCF (Orlando): Fall app Feb 1-15; Spring Aug 15-31, with TEAS due by the deadline.
• USF: NursingCAS Dec 1-Feb 1; USF deadline Mar 1.
• FSU: three cycles (Spring Jun 1-Jul 1; Summer Oct 1-Nov 1; Fall Jan 1-Feb 1).
• FIU, FGCU, UWF, UNF, FAMU, and the private schools each run their own dates.

Map each deadline early. Missing one cycle can cost you a full term or year. You can see every school's current deadlines on all Florida nursing programs.

5. Round out a competitive file

• Aim above the minimum. With USF at 3.6 and UNF prioritizing 3.6 prerequisite GPAs, admitted students are typically strong.
• A focused personal statement helps in holistic review.
• Healthcare experience (CNA, volunteering) strengthens borderline applications.
• Keep immunizations, background check, and transcripts ready, since many programs require them at or shortly after admission.

Compare your odds across every Florida school

Requirements swing from UF's HESI and 3.0 to USF's 3.6 to FAU's freshman direct-admit model, so a one-size answer doesn't exist. Not sure where you stand? Start with what GPA you need for nursing school, then check your odds free and use the Nursing School Planner to match your GPA, exam scores, and prerequisites against real Florida BSN requirements and see your fit for each program.

*This guide is for planning purposes only. Always confirm current requirements on each school's official admissions page before applying.*