If you already know nursing is your calling, why wait to start your journey? Emporia State’s Priority Admission Option 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 now open! 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.

Priority Admission Checklist

To secure and maintain your Priority Admission to the ESU Nursing Program, be sure to complete each of the following steps:

1. Apply to Emporia State University
   Submit your application for admission to ESU and receive your official acceptance to ESU Pre-Nursing.
2. Complete the Nursing Priority Admission Letter of Intent
   Confirm your interest in the ESU Nursing Program by submitting your Letter of Intent.
3. Receive Official Priority Placement Acceptance Letter
   Once your materials are received, you will receive written confirmation of your priority placement in the program.
4. Pay the $200 Seat Deposit
   Your deposit holds your priority seat. Note: This deposit is applied toward your first tuition payment.
5. Maintain Priority Admission Requirements
   Continue to meet all academic and program requirements, including prerequisite coursework and GPA standards.
6. 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)