Admission Information for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program
Loyola University Maryland’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program will prepare you for a dynamic career in nursing from the moment you step onto campus. Distinguished by direct entry, our program ensures that you dive into nursing-specific didactic courses right from your first year, setting us apart from programs that start in the junior year. Clinical rotations begin in your sophomore year, giving you an early and extensive hands-on experience with nearly 900 hours of clinical practice, significantly more than many other BSN programs. At the heart of our program is the Jesuit, Catholic, and liberal arts education, emphasizing not just academic excellence but also personal formation and a commitment to serving others. Join us to embark on a nursing journey that is as compassionate as it is comprehensive.
Eligibility and Admission Criteria for the BSN Degree Program
Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is exclusively available to students applying as full-time undergraduate students for the fall semester. Currently, transfer students and those seeking spring semester enrollment are not eligible to participate in the Nursing program. The university is set to launch its first cohort of approximately 30 students for the Nursing major in Fall 2025. Over time, the cohort size will expand to approximately 110 students in each entering class.
Admission into the Nursing program is strictly limited to first-year applicants who are directly accepted into this specific program. Due to the highly limited availability of spaces, students accepted to Loyola University Maryland under any other intended major will not have the option to transfer into the Nursing program.
Admission Plans & Timelines
Students applying to the Nursing (BSN) program should apply by November 15 through either our binding Early Decision I or non-binding Early Action admission plans. Applications received after this deadline will only be considered if space remains available in the program.
| Application Plan | Application Deadline | Notification | Reply Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 15 | by late December | January 15 |
| Early Action | November 15 | by mid-January | May 1 |
Early Decision I
Early Decision I is the ideal option for academically strong students who view Loyola as their top college choice. Applying Early Decision enables students to learn of their admission status months before other applicants. Early Decision is binding, meaning that students who apply and are accepted to Loyola are expected to enroll. Students accepted via Early Decision I must withdraw all other applications and submit their enrollment deposit to Loyola by January 15.
Learn more about applying early decision to Loyola
Timeline
| Application Deadline | November 15 |
|---|---|
| Admission & Scholarship Notification | by late December |
| Deposit Deadline | January 15 |
Early Action
Early Action is non-binding at Loyola and enables students with strong interest in attending to learn of their admission status months before the Regular Decision round. Students accepted through Early Action have until May 1, the National Candidates’ Reply Date, to make their enrollment decision.
Timeline
| Application Deadline | November 15 |
|---|---|
| Admission and Scholarship Notification | Mid-January |
| Deposit Deadline | May 1 |
Nursing Major Admission Review Process & Criteria
Admission into Loyola University Maryland's Nursing (BSN) program is highly selective, reflecting the program's pre-licensure status and the limited number of spaces available. We employ a holistic review process, but given the program's specifics, applicants are subjected to an additional, detailed assessment.
To be well-positioned for admission, applicants are advised to exceed minimal general high school requirements, keeping in mind that fulfilling these enhanced criteria does not guarantee admission:
- Math: A minimum of three years. Four years of coursework completed through pre-calculus is strongly preferred.
- Science: A minimum of three years, with four years strongly preferred. This should include one year of laboratory chemistry, one year of laboratory biology, and a preferred third laboratory science course.
- Demonstrated Interest: Evidence of a keen interest in nursing or related fields through relevant coursework or extracurricular activities.
- Test Scores (Optional): Loyola is test-optional for all majors, including Nursing.
Choice of Nursing Major’s Impact on Admission Review
Given the limited number of seats available for the Nursing program compared to the overall class, admission to the Nursing program is significantly more competitive. We strongly encourage students interested in our Nursing program to apply by November 15 under our Early Decision I or Early Action decision plan. While we do accept Nursing applications during the regular decision round, admission will be contingent on space availability.
Students who apply for Nursing under the Early Decision I or Early Action decision plans by November 15 (strongly recommended) can be accepted, denied, or placed on the Nursing Wait List for the program. Students who are offered a place on the Nursing Wait List will have the option to remain active on the Wait List in case space becomes available. They will also have the opportunity to select a new major and be deferred to the Regular Decision round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum GPA required to stay in the program?
Specific progression requirements are under development but there will be established academic progression requirements for overall GPA, Nursing prerequisite courses, and nursing-specific didactic and clinical courses. Students receive academic advising that supports their success. Each student’s progression is carefully monitored and failure to keep up with the BSN degree program requirements will result in a dismissal from the major. Other pathways for continuing undergraduate study will be carefully explored with the student.
What health-related options do I have at Loyola if I do not get accepted in the Nursing program?
If a student is not accepted to BSN program, Loyola’s Pre-Health Programs offers guidance and opportunities for students interested in a wide range of health professions pathways, including pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-physician assistant, and pre-nursing studies. Students in these popular health professions pathways prepare for graduate-level study in a health profession of their choice. They may choose from many different majors. In distinction to the BSN students, the pre-nursing students complete a degree in a field other than nursing along with a set of nursing pre-requisite courses. They then apply to continue into an accelerated Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing program upon graduation from Loyola. Loyola has an established and highly successful tradition of preparing pre-nursing students for success. For Pre-Health Programs Information, please visit: loyola.edu/prehealth.
Can Nursing students study abroad?
The BSN students are invited to consider Loyola’s summer study abroad programs, which come with course credit and allow about a month-long immersion. We are also working on developing special study abroad opportunities specifically for Nursing students that are shorter than a full semester. At this point, studying abroad for a full semester during the school year is not possible due to the BSN program’s progression requirements.
Can I do a BSN and pre-med at the same time?
The BSN program builds upon your interest and determination to specifically become a registered nurse. If you are exploring your health professions career interests more broadly when you should plan to become a pre-health student in one of our many pre-health pathways, which enable you to build your health professions future while also exploring what profession is the best fit for you.
Is the program state-approved and accredited? If not, what is our timeline for this?
Loyola University Maryland’s upcoming Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has been approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON). We are preparing to welcome our first BSN cohort in Fall 2025.
Will the nursing licensure have reciprocity in my home state?
Maryland is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact for RN licensure. You are encouraged to review more information on multi-state compact licensure.