How is Nursing GPA Calculated?
To calculate your nursing GPA, calculate the Total Quality Points earned and divide by the Total Credit Hours attempted.
GPA = (Grade Value × Credits) ÷ Total Credits
Example: You got an 'A' (4.0) in Anatomy (4 credits) and a 'B' (3.0) in English (3 credits).
- Points: (4.0 × 4) + (3.0 × 3) = 16 + 9 = 25 Points.
- Credits: 4 + 3 = 7 Credits.
- GPA: 25 ÷ 7 = 3.57
Nursing GPA Calculator
School Name
Year
Qtr?
Class Name
Credits
Grade
Prereq?
Overall GPA
0.00
Nursing Prereq GPA
0.00
Cumulative GPA Trend
| Year | Quality Points | Credits | Term GPA | Cumulative GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Add classes to view trends | ||||
Understanding the NursingCAS GPA Methodology
Nursing schools often use a centralized service called NursingCAS to process applications. It is critical to understand that your university GPA might differ from your NursingCAS GPA.
Key Differences:
- Retakes: Most universities replace a bad grade if you retake the class. NursingCAS usually averages both grades.
- Quarter vs. Semester: NursingCAS automatically converts Quarter hours to Semester hours (multiply by 0.667).
- WF (Withdrawal Fail): Counts as an 'F' (0.0) in nursing calculations.
Minimum GPA Requirements (2025-2026)
While requirements vary by school, the competitive landscape for 2026 admissions generally follows these tiers:
- ADN Programs: Typically 2.5 - 2.8 Minimum (Competitive: 3.2+)
- BSN Programs: Typically 3.0 Minimum (Competitive: 3.6+)
- Top Tier Universities (e.g., Johns Hopkins, UPenn): Competitive range is often 3.7 - 4.0
Top 3 Admissions Factors Beyond GPA
- Science Prerequisite Performance: A high GPA in Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology is often weighed more heavily than your English or History grades.
- TEAS/HESI Scores: Standardized entrance exam scores validation your academic readiness.
- Clinical Exposure: CNA experience or shadowing hours demonstrate commitment to the field.