How to Get Into Nursing School in New Jersey (2026 Guide)

New Jersey offers a wide spread of BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) programs, from the public flagship at Rutgers to direct-admit options at TCNJ, Stockton, and Seton Hall, plus regional and private schools. One thing makes New Jersey distinct: many programs admit you as a freshman, not after two years of prerequisites. Knowing which path 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.

1. Understand direct-admit vs. upper-division programs

New Jersey leans heavily on freshman direct-admit, where you apply to the major straight out of high school rather than completing college prerequisites first.

• The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in Ewing direct-admits freshmen into its 4-year BSN; the only published requirement is acceptance to the College.
• Stockton University (Galloway) and Seton Hall University (Nutley) also direct-admit freshmen, with no separate nursing application for first-year entry.
• Montclair State University admits freshmen only, for fall only, using a holistic high school review.
• Rowan University (Glassboro) runs a different model entirely: a cooperative diploma-plus-BSN path where prerequisites gate entry into the clinical phase during year one, not initial admission.

Because the structure varies this much, confirm each program's path on its official page before you build a plan.

2. Hit the GPA targets

GPA expectations in New Jersey are split between high school GPA (for direct-admit schools) and college GPA (for programs with a prerequisite gate). Where a number is published:

• Saint Peter's University (Jersey City) requires a 3.0 freshman-year and cumulative GPA.
• Rowan University requires a minimum 2.5 GPA across prerequisite courses.
• Monmouth University (West Long Branch) lists a 2.75 overall GPA, which is also its progression threshold.
• Felician University (Lodi) requires a minimum 3.2 overall GPA.
• For direct-admit schools, high school targets are common: William Paterson lists a 3.5 (test-optional) or 3.0 with SAT 1130, Kean University a 3.5, Seton Hall a 3.6 target, and Stockton a desired 3.5 or higher.

Notably, Rutgers University School of Nursing (Newark) does not publish a minimum overall or science GPA for first-year entry. As of 2026, confirm every cutoff on the school's official page, since these change.

3. Check the entrance exam (many waive it)

Unlike some states, a large share of New Jersey programs do not require a nursing entrance exam.

• Saint Peter's University requires the TEAS with a minimum 78% (described as Advanced Proficient).
• Felician University accepts a TEAS Basic Proficiency level (or SAT 1040 / ACT 20), with testing waived for a high school GPA of 3.4 or higher.
• Kean University uses a Nursing Entrance Exam with a minimum score of 60 as part of its year-one cohort selection.
• Rowan University does not require the TEAS (effective Nov 1, 2023), and Rutgers, Stockton, Monmouth, and William Paterson publish no nursing entrance exam, leaning on GPA and SAT/ACT instead.

If your target school does require a test, our TEAS vs HESI A2 guide breaks down what to expect.

4. Complete the prerequisite sequence

For programs with a college prerequisite gate, common New Jersey requirements include Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, and English Composition.

• Rutgers lists anatomy and physiology, chemistry, statistics, microbiology, and nutrition.
• Rowan and Felician require a fuller sequence including A&P I/II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, Lifespan Development, and English Composition.
• Saint Peter's focuses on A&P I/II and Microbiology.

A grade of C or better in each prerequisite is the standard expectation. Direct-admit schools like TCNJ, Stockton, and Seton Hall instead emphasize strong high school science (especially Chemistry and Biology). For a full breakdown, see our nursing prerequisites checklist.

5. Plan your application timeline

New Jersey deadlines cluster in late fall and early winter:

• Rutgers: November 1 early action, December 1 regular decision, rolling thereafter.
• William Paterson: December 1 nursing priority deadline for fall.
• Monmouth: December 1 of the year prior to enrollment for freshman applicants.
• Rowan: apply by January 15, 2026, with all materials by January 31, 2026.
• Kean: March 1 application deadline.
• Stockton: application postmarked by May 15, 2026.

Map these early. Missing a single annual cycle can cost you a full year, and direct-admit schools especially reward applying ahead of priority dates.

6. Round out a competitive file

• A focused essay matters: Monmouth requires an application essay on the nursing profession, and Kean uses a video essay in cohort selection.
• 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 New Jersey school

Requirements swing widely from Rutgers to Rowan to Saint Peter's, and direct-admit vs. prerequisite paths change your whole strategy. Not sure where you stand? Start with what GPA you need for nursing school, then check your odds free. Use the Nursing School Planner to match your GPA and prerequisites against real requirements, or browse all New Jersey nursing programs together.

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