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

Georgia has one of the deepest sets of BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) programs in the Southeast, from nationally ranked Emory to large public schools like Georgia State, Kennesaw State, and Augusta University, plus a wide bench of regional and private colleges. Because requirements vary so much from school to school, knowing each one's specifics gives you a real edge. Here's how to get in. Want a shortcut? Check your odds free against real Georgia programs in a couple of minutes.

1. Hit the GPA targets

Most Georgia BSN programs set a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, though admitted students usually land well above the floor. Several schools also compute a separate science or nursing-core GPA.

• Georgia State University (Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing) requires a 3.0 overall and a 3.0 science/program GPA, with accepted averages running higher.
• Augusta University and Mercer University (Georgia Baptist College of Nursing) both require a 3.0 overall and a 3.0 math/science (or science) GPA.
• A handful of schools set the floor a bit lower: Valdosta State, Clayton State, Middle Georgia State, Georgia Southwestern, and College of Coastal Georgia use a 2.8 cumulative minimum, while Gordon State, South University (Savannah), and LaGrange College sit around 2.75.
• A grade of C or better in each prerequisite is the standard across nearly every Georgia program.

Because cutoffs and accepted averages can change, confirm the current numbers on each school's official page as of 2026.

2. Prepare for the right entrance exam (TEAS vs HESI A2)

Georgia is split between the two major nursing entrance exams, so the test you take depends on where you apply. If you're deciding how to prepare, see TEAS vs HESI A2: which nursing entrance exam.

• TEAS schools include Georgia State, Kennesaw State, Augusta University, Georgia College & State University, Mercer, Middle Georgia State, Georgia Gwinnett, Piedmont, Shorter, South University, and LaGrange.
• HESI A2 schools include Georgia Southern, University of West Georgia, Columbus State, Valdosta State, University of North Georgia, Brenau, Georgia Southwestern, College of Coastal Georgia, and Truett McConnell.

Published score minimums (confirm current figures on each official page):

• Augusta University requires a TEAS Adjusted Individual Total Score of 75; Mercer requires a 76 composite; Georgia College & State University and LaGrange require 70; Middle Georgia State requires 68.
• On the HESI A2 side, Georgia Southern, Columbus State, Valdosta State, University of North Georgia, Brenau, and Georgia Southwestern require 75 (often per section), while College of Coastal Georgia sets a higher 80 per section and Truett McConnell asks for a 78 composite.

A few schools stand out. Emory does not require an entrance exam for its freshman/sophomore pathway (though the TEAS is recommended at 90% for some external transfers). Clayton State uses the Kaplan Nursing Admission Test (KNAT) rather than the TEAS or HESI and accepts all scores. Berry College requires no standardized nursing entrance exam at all. Several schools, like Georgia State, Kennesaw State, and Gordon State, require the TEAS but publish no firm numeric minimum, so a strong score still matters. No Georgia program in our data requires CASPer.

3. Complete the prerequisite sequence

Across Georgia, the most common required courses are Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Statistics, and English Composition, often with Human Growth & Development (lifespan) and sometimes Chemistry or Nutrition.

• Mercer has one of the fuller lists: A&P I and II, Microbiology, Statistics, Nutrition, Human Growth and Development, and English Composition I & II.
• Augusta, Georgia State, and University of North Georgia include Chemistry in the sequence; others, like Kennesaw State, Georgia Southern, and Mercer, do not list it as a fixed prerequisite.
• Many schools cap how old your science courses can be, often 5 years (Georgia Southwestern, Gordon State, University of North Georgia) and up to 7 years at Emory and Columbus State.

Use our nursing prerequisites checklist to track what each of your target schools requires, since the lists differ more than you'd expect.

4. Plan your application timeline

Georgia programs run on a mix of cycles. Many admit each Fall and Spring, while a few admit only once a year.

• Annual cycles: Albany State admits for Fall only, and the University of West Georgia runs a single annual cycle (applications October 1 to February 1).
• Fall/Spring schools include Kennesaw State, Georgia Southern, Valdosta State, Middle Georgia State, and Columbus State, each with separate deadlines per term.
• Some use rolling or early-decision options: Emory is rolling, while Georgia State, Mercer, and Piedmont offer early-action or early-decision deadlines ahead of the regular cycle.
• Augusta University and University of West Georgia route applications through NursingCAS.

Map out each school's deadline early. Missing a single annual cycle can cost you a full year.

5. Round out a competitive file

Meeting the minimums rarely guarantees a seat at Georgia's more competitive programs, so build depth around the numbers.

• A focused personal statement helps in holistic review.
• Healthcare experience (CNA, volunteering, or patient-care hours) strengthens borderline applications.
• Keep immunizations, a background check, and transcripts ready, since many programs require them at or shortly after admission.
• Note the structure: Emory and Berry College offer direct-admit or early-pathway options for strong applicants, while most public schools are upper-division or limited-access, meaning you complete prerequisites first and then compete for a cohort seat.

Compare your odds across every Georgia school

Requirements vary widely from Emory to Georgia State to the regional and private campuses. Not sure where you stand? Start with what GPA you need for nursing school, then check your odds free against real Georgia BSN requirements. You can also use the Nursing School Planner to match your GPA and prerequisites to each program, or browse all Georgia nursing programs together.

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