Priority Nursing Admission
Secure your place in the ESU Nursing Program!
If you already know nursing is your calling, why wait to start your journey? Emporia State’s Priority Admission Program gives top-performing high school students the chance to reserve their spot in the ESU nursing program before graduation, so you can move forward with confidence and focus on what truly matters: preparing to make a difference.
With priority admission, you’ll have the advantage of a guaranteed pathway into one of Kansas’s most trusted nursing programs. You’ll start building connections early, and meet nursing faculty, advisors and current students who are ready to help you succeed from day one.
And there’s never been a better time to join ESU nursing! Our new Nursing and Wellness Center is opening soon. As a priority admit, you’ll be among the first to experience this incredible state-of-the-art learning environment designed for hands-on training, collaboration and innovation.
Compare Pathways to ESU Nursing Program
Traditional Route
Traditional Nursing Admission (Competitive Pathway). Best for students who want to apply later, need more time, or are transferring to ESU.
Who Is Eligible?
- Current ESU pre-nursing students who did not choose Priority Admission
- Transfer students
- Students changing majors to nursing
Why Choose Traditional Admission?
- Flexibility to explore majors before committing
- Open to transfer students and those entering later
- Follows the standard competitive selection model
How Traditional Admission Works
- Complete Prerequisite Coursework
- 60 pre-nursing prerequisite hours
- Can be completed at ESU or transferred from another institution
- Maintain Required GPA Standards
- 3.0 Admission GPA
- 3.0 Cumulative GPA
- “C” or higher in all non-nursing coursework
- Submit Your Application
- Apply through the standard application process
- Deadlines:
- February 1 for fall admission
- September 1 for spring admission
- Competitive Review
Applications are evaluated based on:- GPA
- Completion of required courses
- Academic performance
- Additional admission criteria outlined in the Nursing Admission Policies
Priority Admission Route
Priority Admission Option (early, guaranteed pathway). Best for students who want a secure, early place in the nursing program and want to avoid the competitive selection process later.
Who Is Eligible?
- Incoming ESU freshmen who meet academic requirements and apply as pre-nursing students.
Why Choose Priority Admission?
- Secure a guaranteed seat early (only 40 available)
- Avoid the traditional competitive admission cycle
- Stay on track with clear requirements and protected placement
How Priority Admission Works
- Apply to Emporia State University
- Apply and be officially admitted as an ESU pre-nursing student
- Complete the Nursing Priority Admission Letter of Intent
- Tell us why you want to take part in the Priority Admission Option
- Receive Your Priority Placement Acceptance Letter
- Confirm that you are officially a priority student
- Pay the $200 Seat Deposit
- Non-refundable; holds one of 40 available priority seats
- Applied toward your first tuition payment
- Maintain Priority Requirements
- Complete all pre-nursing prerequisites
- Maintain GPA standards:
- 3.5 ESU institutional GPA
- “C” or higher in all non-nursing courses
- 3.0 Admission GPA
- 3.0 Cumulative GPA
- Complete 60 pre-nursing credit hours (24 must be from ESU)
Secure Your Future in Nursing!
Priority Admission Checklist
To secure and maintain your Priority Admission to the ESU Nursing Program, be sure to complete each of the following steps:
- Apply to Emporia State University
Submit your application for admission to ESU and receive your official acceptance to ESU Pre-Nursing. - Complete the Nursing Priority Admission Letter of Intent
Confirm your interest in the ESU Nursing Program by submitting your Letter of Intent. - Receive Official Priority Placement Acceptance Letter
Once your materials are received, you will receive written confirmation of your priority placement in the program. - Pay the $200 Seat Deposit
Secure your spot! Only the first 40 students to submit the non-refundable deposit will hold a priority seat. Note: This deposit is applied toward your first tuition payment. - Maintain Priority Admission Requirements
Continue to meet all academic and program requirements, including prerequisite coursework and GPA standards. - Schedule an Advising Appointment
Meet with your academic advisor to plan your coursework and next steps toward full admission into the BSN program.
Additional Notes
Please note that standard progression requirements apply to maintain your Priority Admission seat:
This seat is offered when admitted to Emporia State University (as an incoming freshman). Complete the 60 prerequisite credit hours (or transfer in from college credit earned during high school) for full admission to the BSN program. A minimum of 24 hours must be earned at Emporia State University.
Once You Start at Emporia State University
Review current ESU Nursing Admission Policies carefully and contact the ESU Nursing office regarding questions about admission requirements or the Priority Admission Option.
Complete all the admission requirements listed in the ESU Nursing Admission Policies. Watch deadlines carefully:
- February 1 – Fall Admission Priority Deadline
- September 1 – Spring Admission Priority Deadline
By June 1 and/or January 1 of the Admission Year
- Complete the 60 required non-nursing credit hours from the list of non-nursing courses located in the “Curriculum” section of the ESU Nursing Admission Policies
- Achieve at least a 3.5 GPA for all courses taken at ESU (institutional GPA)
- Achieve a “C” or higher in non-nursing coursework regardless of overall cumulative GPA
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 admission to nursing program GPA (admission GPA)
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (overall GPA)