Nursing Acceptance Rates at UNH, UVM & University of Kentucky (2026)
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
April 11, 2026
UNH, University of Vermont, and University of Kentucky nursing programs have competitive admission. Here are the acceptance rates, requirements, and how to get in.
Getting into a university nursing program is significantly harder than getting into the university itself. If you are searching for nursing acceptance rates at UNH, UVM, or the University of Kentucky, here is what you need to know.
Getting into a university nursing program is significantly harder than getting into the university itself. If you are searching for nursing acceptance rates at UNH, UVM, or the University of Kentucky, here is what you need to know.
Why Nursing Acceptance Rates Are Different
Most universities publish an overall acceptance rate, but the nursing program acceptance rate is almost always lower — sometimes dramatically. Nursing programs have limited clinical spots, strict faculty-to-student ratios, and accreditation requirements that cap enrollment.
University of New Hampshire (UNH) Nursing
- University overall acceptance rate: Approximately 78%
- Nursing program acceptance rate: Approximately 40–50% (estimated based on program capacity)
- Program: BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), 4-year direct admit and transfer options
- Minimum GPA for nursing courses: 2.7+ (varies by course)
- NCLEX pass rate: Check UNH's nursing department for current rates
- Tuition: ~$19,000/year in-state, ~$36,000 out-of-state
- UNH retention rate: Strong overall, nursing students tend to have higher retention
- Financial aid: Granite State Grant (up to $2,500), Pell Grant, institutional scholarships
UNH's nursing program is competitive because it is the only public university BSN program in New Hampshire. Limited seats and high demand from in-state students make early application essential.
University of Vermont (UVM) Nursing
- University overall acceptance rate: Approximately 60%
- Nursing program acceptance rate: Approximately 30–45% (the College of Nursing and Health Sciences is selective)
- Program: BSN, 4-year with clinical placements at UVM Medical Center
- Prerequisite GPA: 3.0+ recommended for competitive admission
- Tuition: ~$18,000/year in-state, ~$43,000 out-of-state
- Clinical advantage: UVM Medical Center is a Level 1 trauma center — nursing students get exposure to complex cases
- Financial aid: Vermont Incentive Grant (up to $12,400 — one of the most generous state grants), Pell Grant
UVM's nursing program benefits from its partnership with UVM Medical Center, one of the top hospitals in New England. The acceptance rate for nursing is roughly half the university's overall rate.
You might also like
Not sure which path is right? Compare colleges and trade schools near you with real salary data.
Try the Calculator →University of Kentucky (UK) Nursing
- University overall acceptance rate: Approximately 90% (relatively open)
- College of Nursing acceptance rate: Approximately 35–50% (much more competitive)
- Program: BSN (traditional 4-year and accelerated options)
- Prerequisite GPA: 2.5 minimum, but competitive GPA is 3.2+
- NCLEX pass rates: Historically above national average
- Tuition: ~$12,000/year in-state, ~$30,000 out-of-state
- Financial aid: CAP Grant (up to $2,900), Kentucky Tuition Grant (up to $3,000 for private schools — not applicable here), Pell Grant
- BLS: RN median salary in Kentucky: $72,600/year
UK's overall acceptance rate of 90% is misleading for nursing applicants. The College of Nursing is one of the most competitive programs on campus with a 35–50% acceptance rate.
How to Improve Your Chances
For all three programs:
- GPA matters most: Aim for 3.2+ in prerequisite sciences (anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology)
- Apply early: Nursing programs fill quickly and may have separate application deadlines
- Healthcare experience: CNA certification, hospital volunteering, or shadowing strengthens your application
- Letters of recommendation: From science professors who know your work
- Have a backup plan: Apply to multiple nursing programs. If you do not get into your first choice, community college ADN programs (2 years) lead to the same RN license
ADN as an Alternative Path
If university nursing programs are too competitive or too expensive, community college ADN programs offer the same RN license at a fraction of the cost:
- Community college ADN tuition: $4,000–$12,000 total
- University BSN tuition: $36,000–$80,000 total
- Same NCLEX exam: Both ADN and BSN graduates take the same licensing exam
- RN-to-BSN bridge: You can earn your BSN online later while working as an RN
Compare nursing schools near you on GradeToGrad.