Frequently asked questions

Applying to the School of Nursing

When can I apply?

The application is open from August 1 through February 1 each year. Students who are entering or have completed their senior year of high school are eligible to apply, as long as they have not pursued any post-secondary credit outside of high school dual enrollment. Students who started college after high school graduation, regardless of current enrollment status, should apply as a sophomore transfer.

Does the School of Nursing offer Early Decision?

Yes, the School of Nursing participates in all three of the U-M First-year Application Plans. We encourage prospective students to pick the application plan that is the best fit for them.

Do I have to be accepted to the University of Michigan before I can apply to the School of Nursing?

Students apply to one specific school or college at the University of Michigan, so your application to the School of Nursing is your application to U-M. 

Can I apply to another school at U-M and the School of Nursing?

First-year applicants to the School of Nursing have the option to submit a dual application with the Stamps School of Art and Design. Students should be aware of the admission and academic requirements of each program to make a reasonable assessment of which pathway will be best for them. Due to the clinical requirements of the BSN program, it is typically encouraged that students only pursue one degree program at a time. 

I want to attend the University of Michigan, but I am still deciding if I want to be a nurse. Should I apply to the School of Nursing?

Our direct-entry BSN program is intended for students who are confident in their decision to pursue a nursing career. Students who are still exploring their early interest in nursing or other healthcare fields might prefer to submit their U-M application to another unit that admits first-year students, such as the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and decide later if they want to pursue admission to the BSN program as a sophomore transfer student. 

Can students admitted to the School of Nursing through Early Decision or Early Action have their applications considered for Regular Decision with another school or college at U-M?

No, students can only apply to U-M once in the admissions cycle. Students who accept their offer at the School of Nursing will be enrolled as nursing students pursuing the BSN degree at U-M.

Are standardized test scores required? 

For the 2025-2026 application cycle, U-M will be test-optional. Prospective students will continue to have the choice to submit standardized test scores (ACT/SAT), if they desire, as part of their application. Official test scores must be received by the University of Michigan before the application deadline. Please see below for exam codes:

SAT Code: 1839

ACT Code: 2062

For additional information, please view the "Testing" section on the Application Changes webpage. 

Where do I send my transcripts? 

Transcripts may be sent via e-transcript vendors or directly from the issuing institution to [email protected]. Alternatively, application materials can be mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions:
1220 Student Activities Building
515 East Jefferson Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316

What is the acceptance rate for the School of Nursing?

The acceptance rate for the School of Nursing BSN program is consistent with the overall selectivity for undergraduate admissions at the University of Michigan.

BSN Academics

Can I receive college credit for dual enrollment or AP exams?

Yes, first-year students may transfer a maximum of 25 credits into the University of Michigan. Credits earned during dual enrollment, enrollment in an early or middle college program, or through Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate testing may potentially transfer to the BSN curriculum. Please review the Transfer Credit Policy for first-year students for specific details. 

Can the four-year traditional Bachelor of Science (BSN) program be accelerated?

No, the BSN program is a lock-step, four-year program. In other words, students must complete one level before proceeding to the next. Due to the required clinical sequencing of the program, it cannot be accelerated, even for students entering with dual enrollment or AP/IB credit. 

Can I pursue a minor? 

Yes, nursing students may choose to declare a minor. The School of Nursing offers a Global Health minor, or students can choose from other minors offered by the University of Michigan. Students work regularly with their academic advisors in order to plan their schedule and complete all required coursework.

What courses will I take during my four years as a nursing student?

See the academic program plan for Bachelor of Science in Nursing First-Year Entry for details about degree requirements.

Nursing Student Experience

Where do nursing students live?

Nursing students live in a variety of University Housing locations on campus, including residence halls. Off-campus housing (non-university) options include apartments, rental houses, fraternities, sororities, and co-ops.

When will my clinical experiences begin?

Clinical and observational experiences will begin during sophomore year, and take place in a wide range of health agencies both in and outside of Ann Arbor. Clinical placements may include hospitals, extended care facilities, city and county health departments, schools, child health centers, community mental health agencies, and senior citizen centers. 

Will I need my own transportation to get to my clinicals?

At some point during a student’s undergraduate career, students will need access to transportation to travel to and from clinicals. In the past, students have used public transportation, had their own vehicle, or have arranged to carpool with classmates. 

Can I study abroad?

Yes, the School of Nursing offers a variety of global experiences for nursing students to pursue in the spring/summer. Students can also explore study abroad opportunities open to all U-M students, but are typically limited to spring/summer participation due to the clinical requirements of the BSN program.

Costs and Financial Aid

Does the School of Nursing offer the Go Blue Guarantee?

Yes, beginning Fall 2025, Michigan families with incomes $125,000 and under & assets below $125,000 will qualify for free tuition. Continuing and incoming undergraduate students who qualify for free tuition through the Go Blue Guarantee and are enrolled in the School of Nursing will receive coverage for the full cost of attendance, including housing costs and fees.

Does the School of Nursing offer scholarships?

Yes, the School of Nursing offers merit-based scholarships. All students admitted to the School of Nursing will be automatically considered for scholarships, without any additional application. Students will be notified if they are chosen for a School of Nursing scholarship. For full consideration of need-based aid, students must complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile. However, completion of the FAFSA is not required to be considered for School of Nursing merit-based scholarships. See the Financial aid page for more details.

What is the cost of tuition?

For information on tuition and fees, please refer to the Office of the Registrar website. For questions regarding financial aid and scholarships, please contact the Office of Financial Aid. 

Applying to the transfer to the School of Nursing

When can I apply?

The application opens on August 1 each year. All sophomore transfer application materials are due by February 1. 

Where do I send my transcripts? 

Transcripts may be sent via e-transcript vendors or directly from the issuing institution to [email protected]. Alternatively, application materials can be mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions:
1220 Student Activities Building
515 East Jefferson Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316

Can I take prerequisite coursework at U-M if I am not currently a student? 

If you are not currently a U-M student and would like to complete any prerequisite coursework at the University of Michigan, you will need to apply as a guest student. You can access the guest application through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. 

Can I get an override into a nursing class as a U-M student? 

Email [email protected] to request overrides for NURS 210 and NURS 211, which are offered during the Winter term. 

Enrollment in NURS 192, NURS 194, and NURS 196 is only available to current School of Nursing students. Newly admitted sophomore transfer students are required to complete these courses during the Summer term. Potential cross-campus transfer students are ineligible to enroll in NURS 192, NURS 194, or NURS 196 until their initial term of enrollment in the School of Nursing.

Can I use the AP or IB credit to fulfill prerequisite coursework?

AP/IB Psychology can be used to satisfy the Introductory Psychology prerequisite dependent on score. Students should review AP/IB score requirements for U-M and submit official score reports (U-M code is 1839). The English Composition and Statistics prerequisites must be taken at a college level and test credit cannot be used to satisfy these prerequisites, even if your current institution has accepted them. 

I have questions about my transcripts and the prerequisite coursework. Would I be able to speak with someone to review my transcripts?

We strongly recommend attending a Sophomore Transfer BSN Information Session before requesting an individual meeting. We will be offering Transfer Tuesday & Thursday 1:1 Appointments in Fall 2025, which can be found on our Visit Us page. We can help you verify if your individual coursework meets the prerequisite requirements, but we are unable to provide individual feedback on your current or previous application materials or admissions outcome.

When will I receive my decision? 

Admissions decisions are expected to be released by the end of April. All sophomore transfer applications are considered in one round after the February 1 application deadline.

BSN Academics and Student Experience

How many credits can I transfer into the University of Michigan School of Nursing?

U-M School of Nursing accepts a maximum of 36-40 transferable credits for sophomore transfer students, including the required prerequisite coursework, from another institution. Please review the Sophomore Transfer Steps to Success page for more information. 

When do classes begin?

Classes for sophomore transfers start in the Summer Half Term, typically late June, beginning with NURS 192, NURS 194 and NURS 196.

How many days per week should I plan to be on campus?

Classes typically consist of a lecture, lab and a simulation. Please plan to be on campus 3-4 days per week.

Can I pursue a minor? 

Yes, nursing students may choose to declare a minor. The School of Nursing offers a Global Health minor, or students can choose from other minors offered by the University of Michigan. Students work regularly with advisors in order to plan their schedule and complete all required coursework.

Is housing available for nursing transfer students?

On-campus housing for transfer students is limited and not available for the Summer Half Term. Students should explore off-campus housing options through resources such as Beyond the Diag.

Costs and Financial Aid

Does the School of Nursing offer the Go Blue Guarantee to transfer students?

Yes, beginning Fall 2025, Michigan families with incomes $125,000 and under & assets below $125,000 will qualify for free tuition. Continuing and incoming undergraduate students who qualify for free tuition through the Go Blue Guarantee and are enrolled in the School of Nursing will receive coverage for the full cost of attendance, including housing costs and fees.

What is the cost of tuition?

For information on tuition and fees, please see the Office of the Registrar. For questions regarding financial aid and scholarships, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Is the DNP required to be a nurse practitioner?

No. DNP curricula build on traditional master's programs by providing education in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership, among other key areas. Many DNP programs offered throughout the United States are a post-master's curriculum. The DNP is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice and offers an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs. DNP-prepared nurses are well-equipped to fully implement the science developed by nurse researchers prepared in Ph.D., DNSc, and other research-focused nursing doctorates. Please see the AACN DNP fact sheet for more details.

What is the focus of the DNP?

Translational and information science for evidence based practice. The program will not offer the skill set to become an independent researcher. The program was mapped around the competencies set forth by CCNE.

Will the program be online?

The post-master's DNP curriculum is offered with a blend of online (web, video conferencing) and on-campus coursework; students are required to attend a campus lecture each month. 

I have a BSN and a master's in a non-health care related area. Can I still apply for the DNP?

The DNP was designed for graduates of a nursing master's (MS in Nursing, MSN or MN).

I have earned a Direct-Entry Master’s in Nursing (MSN) / Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN). Can I apply for a post-master’s opportunity?

Individuals in these programs typically sit for their NCLEX certification upon completion, which would qualify them to apply for either our MSN or Post-Baccalaureate DNP programs. However, the lack of advanced practice clinical hours in a specialty area of focus would not satisfy the requirements needed to pursue a Post-Master's opportunity.

Are interviews required for admission? 

All completed applications will be reviewed holistically by the Admissions Committee. Applicants will also be required to complete a one-way asynchronous video assessment in Kira Talent prior to submitting their NursingCAS application. Some candidates may also be invited to complete a live virtual interview with faculty via Zoom. The purpose of these interviews is to assess each applicant's fit for the program to which they applied and evaluate their understanding of the scope of practice. Applicants selected for a live Zoom interview will be notified via email.

As a part of the NursingCAS application, do I need to submit transcripts from every institution I've studied at?

Yes, official transcripts are required regardless of the number of credits taken or if the credits were transferred to another school. Non-U.S. international transcripts must be translated by World Education Service, Inc. or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. and are required for your application to be considered complete. For additional information, refer to the NursingCAS section on Sending Official Transcripts to NursingCAS.

I would like to reapply. Do I need to submit a new application through NursingCAS? 

Prior applicants have the option to reapply for the same or a different program for subsequent admissions terms. NursingCAS allows individuals who already have a profile set up to either edit their information from the previous year or to copy existing information. It is recommended that applicants update their resume, personal statement, and recommendations for the new application year and new program (if applicable). More information on the reapplication process can be found on the NursingCAS website. 

Are there funding options for the DNP?

The School of Nursing awards a limited number of scholarships each year. The NursingCAS application is used to determine scholarships; applicants do not need to submit additional applications. Students are also welcome to apply for federal financial aid and seek additional funding from private scholarships. Tuition and fee information can be found through the Office of the Registrar.

Are there application fee waivers? 

NursingCAS offers a limited number of fee waivers. Please visit the NursingCAS Fee Waiver website for more information.

How can I learn more about the program? 

Webinars are held during the fall. These live webinars are hosted by faculty and provide a great opportunity to receive information and ask questions. See our Visit Us page for more information.