The University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing offers a competitive, full-time, on-campus pre-licensure BSN in Fayetteville. Applicants complete prerequisite coursework and submit a separate nursing application, a TEAS composite score and a valid Casper score. The program combines classroom learning, simulation and clinical placements to prepare graduates to apply for the NCLEX-RN.
- Program
- Pre-Licensure Traditional B.S.N.
- Credential
- BSN
- Location
- Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States
- Casper
- Required
- Next deadline
- February 1, 2027 (Fall BSN application and external transcript deadline (11:59 p.m.))
- Interview
- No interview
- Length
- Four years: three prerequisite semesters followed by five nursing semesters.
Casper Requirement for University of Arkansas Nursing BSN
University of Arkansas Nursing BSN requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Languages
- English
Upcoming Casper test dates
- October 20, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Central
- November 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Central
- December 3, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Central
Test dates can change: confirm availability in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Casper format
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.
Practice with Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank, featuring 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert responses.
University of Arkansas Nursing BSN Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- University of Arkansas admission and separate Eleanor Mann School of Nursing BSN application
- Applications open
- December 15, 2026
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Fall BSN application and external transcript deadline (11:59 p.m.) | February 1, 2027upcoming |
Use your official @uark.edu email for the nursing application. Send official transcripts from other universities to the Registrar's Office by the nursing application deadline.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Arkansas Nursing BSN
- Degree / credits
University of Arkansas pre-nursing applicants need sophomore standing or at least 29 credit hours. Complete at least 29 prerequisite credit hours and all but one science prerequisite by the application deadline; earn C or above in prerequisites and finish remaining prerequisites by the end of the first nursing semester.
- Citizenship
International students may apply if admissible to the University of Arkansas.
- Language proficiency
International applicants must meet any TOEFL-related requirements of their University of Arkansas admission.
Admission pathways
- Transfer students: Transfer coursework is evaluated for University of Arkansas equivalency. Admission to nursing depends on admissibility to the university; applicants transferring from another nursing program must provide a good-standing letter.
- Pre-nursing students: Admission to the university as a pre-nursing student does not guarantee admission to the nursing program.
Verify all prerequisites on the program's official site. Completing requirements early strengthens positioning for transfers.
Other requirements
- University admission and nursing application: Apply to the University of Arkansas and separately to the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing using an official @uark.edu email address.
- Transfer from another nursing program: Provide a letter stating that you left your previous nursing program in good standing.
- Background-check disclosure: Disclose anything that might appear on a background check when applying; a positive check may affect nursing licensure.
Selection Factors University of Arkansas Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| ENGL 10103 - English Composition I | required |
| ENGL 10203 - English Composition II | required |
| MATH 11003 - College Algebra | required |
| CHEM 12103/CHEM 12101 - Fundamentals of Chemistry with lab, or higher-level chemistry | required |
| BIOL 24003/BIOL 24001 - Human Anatomy with lab | required |
| BIOL 24103/BIOL 24101 - Human Physiology with lab | required |
| BIOL 20003/BIOL 20001 - General Microbiology with lab | required |
| U.S. History or Government - 3 credit hours | required |
| Social Sciences - 9 credit hours | required |
| Fine Arts - 3 credit hours | required |
| Humanities - 3 credit hours | required |
| Electives - 5 credit hours | required |
GPA
- How it is calculated
Total cumulative GPA includes University of Arkansas coursework and accepted equivalent transfer courses posted for credit in Workday. AP credit does not affect GPA.
- Minimum
- 3.0 cumulative GPA to be considered
Admissions tests
- ATI TEAS (required): Submit a composite score by the application deadline. Choose the online ATI Remote Proctor - Nursing exam and send the official transcript directly to 'U of AR Fayetteville.' Scores are valid for one year before the deadline; at most four attempts are allowed in 12 months.
How applicants are ranked
Nursing faculty determine admission after reviewing complete applications. The published factors include cumulative GPA, TEAS composite score and Casper score.
Interview Format at University of Arkansas
Format: No interview
Prepare for Casper and Your Interview
Access Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank with 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert-crafted responses, AI Interview Simulator with realistic practice conditions, and personalized mentorship from current medical students, all on one web-based platform.
Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at University of Arkansas Nursing BSN
- Program length
- Four years: three prerequisite semesters followed by five nursing semesters.
- Structure
Full-time, on-campus pre-licensure BSN with prerequisite coursework followed by sequenced nursing courses and clinical placements. The published plan has no summer-semester coursework.
Students balance didactic courses with hands-on practice, emphasizing evidence-based care. Program culture stresses academic rigor alongside work-life balance. Clinical opportunities receive positive feedback for quality and variety, preparing students for diverse healthcare settings.
Campus and facilities
Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing benefits from University of Arkansas resources, including libraries and quiet campus areas. New students access academic success tools such as tutoring centers and advising sessions. Key facilities include simulation labs for clinical skills, designated quiet zones and group spaces, and advising on work-study integration. Matriculated students highlight strong clinical affiliations and a supportive environment for transfers and first-years alike.
Tuition and Funding at University of Arkansas
- In-state undergraduate nursing tuition: $339.22 per credit hour
- Out-of-state undergraduate nursing tuition: $1,187.52 per credit hour
Additional program expenses include an ATI testing fee of $722 each semester and estimated annual clinical-compliance expenses of about $300.
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students describe the process as extremely difficult, with success tied to top scores on required assessments. Students report that clear, concise answers during the interview separate top candidates. Matriculated students highlight strong clinical affiliations and a supportive environment for transfers and first-years alike. Transfer students note a preference for four-year track entrants. Clinical opportunities receive positive feedback for quality and variety.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your University of Arkansas Nursing BSN Application
- Plan for at least 29 prerequisite credit hours and all but one science prerequisite by the application deadline.
- Review your cumulative GPA, including accepted transfer coursework.
- Book a valid Casper sitting for your application cycle.
- Complete ATI TEAS within its one-year validity period and have ATI send the official score to U of AR Fayetteville.
- Use your @uark.edu email for the nursing application and arrange external transcripts for the Registrar by the deadline.
More About University of Arkansas Nursing BSN
- School
Eleanor Mann School of Nursing
- Program type
Pre-licensure BSN for aspiring registered nurses
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Arkansas Nursing BSN
Is Casper required for University of Arkansas Nursing BSN?
Yes. Submit a valid Casper score for the application cycle.
What GPA do I need for University of Arkansas Nursing undergraduate admission?
The program-specific admissions page considers applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Does University of Arkansas Nursing require TEAS?
Yes. Submit an ATI TEAS composite score by the application deadline.
What is the interview format at University of Arkansas Nursing BSN?
The published BSN admission requirements do not list an interview.
How competitive is University of Arkansas Nursing undergraduate program?
Admission is competitive; faculty review eligible applicants' cumulative GPA, TEAS score and Casper score.
Can transfer students apply to University of Arkansas Nursing BSN?
Yes. Transfer coursework must be evaluated for equivalency, and admission depends on admissibility to the university.
When does University of Arkansas Nursing BSN start?
The next published application period is for a fall nursing-course start. The program does not schedule summer coursework.
Are international students eligible for University of Arkansas Nursing undergraduate?
Yes, if admissible to the university. Any TOEFL-related admission requirements also apply.
Sources
- nursing.uark.edu: bsn options
- nursing.uark.edu: admission requirements
- admissions.uark.edu: new freshman
- nursing.uark.edu: faqs new students
- catalog.uark.edu: eleanormannschoolofnursingnurs
- nursing.uark.edu: admission requirements
- ualr.edu: admissions
- catalog.uark.edu: nurs
- catalog.uark.edu: nursingeleanormannschoolofnurs
- nursing.uark.edu: prelicensure bsn
- oeoc.uark.edu: recruitment manual conducting interviews
- blackstonetutors.com: nursing university interviews the complete guide
- glassdoor.com: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences RN I Interview Questions EI IE121332.0,43 KO44,48
Last updated: September 26, 2026