About Us

Nursing is a professional discipline grounded in the knowledge of the sciences, arts, and humanities, with professional values and ethics at its core. Founded in 2000 as the Nursing Sciences Initiative, the program has grown to include admission in both fall and spring semesters along with an RN to BSN program. Graduates’ NCLEX-RN passing rates are consistently above the national average and are at the top in the State of Minnesota. Programs are approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

About High School Early Acceptance

High School Early Acceptance is a unique program that guarantees participants will be admitted to the Nursing at St. Cloud State. Students begin their studies receiving guidance from the Nursing Student Services Coordinator, and then complete their sophomore (second semester) through senior years of college in the Nursing Major. Students who indicate an interest in nursing on their freshman admission applications are automatically considered for selection to this program. Additional details about selection and eligibility are included below.

How Can I Be Considered for High School Early Acceptance?

There is no separate application for High School Early Acceptance. When you apply for freshman admission, list "Nursing BS" as your intended major.

What factors do you consider when selecting students to participate in High School Early Acceptance?

When we make admission decisions for students applying for freshman admission to St. Cloud State University, we also consider students for participation in High School Early Acceptance.

Admission to St. Cloud State University is competitive, and admission to High School Early Acceptance is particularly competitive. The competitiveness of admission each year is based on the number of applications received, the academic qualifications of the applicants, and the number of spaces available.

Admission decisions are based on a very careful, overall assessment of each student's academic preparation and performance, as well as the additional information provided in the application, based on the primary and secondary factors listed below. The strongest consideration in the decision is given to the primary factors, and no single factor is the deciding factor in the decision. For a complete list of factors that we consider when we make and admission decision, see our admission review and selection process.

How does High School Early Acceptance work?

The Admissions Committee selects a group of incoming freshmen with an interest in nursing and with a record of outstanding achievements. Participants are guaranteed admission into the Nursing major in the second semester of their sophomore year. Students do not need to participate in the competitive admission process at a later date, provided that they meet certain criteria during their first three semesters.

The nursing major begins in the second semester of the sophomore year. Typically, students interested in nursing apply to the major during the first semester of their sophomore year in college. High School Early Acceptance is a great opportunity because you have already been admitted.

Who advises High School Early Acceptance students?

When you attend freshman orientation, you will meet with the Nursing Student Services Coordinator who will serve as your advisor until you formally enter the nursing program.

What college courses do students take the first three semesters? 

High School Early Acceptance students need to meet certain criteria during their first three semesters of college. See your advisor for prerequisite course selection.

In order to maintain your High School Early Acceptance status, each prerequisite course must be completed with a B or better, and an overall grade point average requirement of 3.0 must be maintained in the first three semesters.

How can I learn more about High School Early Acceptance? 

Contact the Office of Admissions to speak with an admissions counselor or a Nursing Faculty to schedule a visit with the Nursing Student Services Coordinator.

Admission review and selection process

We believe that selecting students from a highly talented group of applicants requires an individual assessment of all application materials submitted for each student; every application is read in its entirety.

Admission decisions are based on a very careful, overall assessment of each student's academic preparation and performance, as well as the additional information provided in the application, based on the primary and secondary factors listed below.

REQUIRED FACTORS

• Coursework through high school (Admitted students typically exceed the university's high school requirements).
• Grade point average of 3.6 or higher
• ACT score of 24 or higher

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

HIGH SCHOOL COURSES AND THE SENIOR YEAR

A very strong curriculum during high school will enhance students' success in college, because college courses build on the skills and knowledge taught in high school. The senior year is especially important, and we expect students to continue with math and science for all four years of high school.

Schedule changes and senior year performance: We consider the application to be a contract between the student and the University, with the student agreeing to successfully complete senior year courses listed on the application, and achieve grades consistent with their academic performance through 11th grade.

In August, after final transcripts are received, we review each student's senior year coursework and the grades earned in those courses to confirm course completion and that the performance during the senior year is consistent with the academic performance at the time of application. Unsuccessful completion of senior year coursework and/or a significant decline in academic performance during the senior year may result in the cancellation of the Freshman Early Admission Nursing Program.

Students considering making schedule changes, or those who are concerned about their academic progress in any of their courses, must consult with the Nursing Student Services Coordinator.

Updated 11/2023