How to Apply

First-Time Freshmen

For first-time freshmen, designated as students enrolling from high school, please follow these steps:

• Submit your Application for Admission online:

  • Use the Rockhurst University Application, or
  • Rockhurst University is also a member of the Common Application
  • Eligible Service members should receive approval from an Educational Service Officer (ESO) or counselor within the Military Service prior to enrolling. Learn more about Military Tuition Assistance.

• Send us your official high school transcript. This can be sent electronically or mailed to: Rockhurst University, Office of Admission, 1100 Rockhurst Road, Kansas City, MO 64110.

• For students graduating from a U.S.-based, accredited high school, Rockhurst University is a test optional institution for the majority of our majors (test-required majors are listed below).
• Students applying to test optional majors/programs will first be reviewed for admission and initial scholarships based only on their academic performance from their high school transcript, and a holistic review of any involvement, service, recommendations, and personal statements provided by the student.
• If a student sends us their ACT/SAT test score, we will only use the score in admission and scholarship decisions if the score helps the student, i.e. if the inclusion of a test score increases the student’s overall admission criteria and/or scholarship level. If the ACT or SAT score does not benefit the student, it is not included/considered in admission and scholarship decisions. 
• An ACT or SAT test score will never reduce the general admissibility or scholarship eligibility of a student who meets criteria based on their high school performance from their official transcript. 

*Because the Rockhurst University mission and values encourage the pursuit of academic inquiry, service and social justice, applicants and admitted students will not be penalized as the result of any disciplinary action by their high school resulting from lawful, peaceful protests organized to make a stand regarding critical societal issues.

Freshman Direct Entry Admission Requirements

• 3.3 GPA with a 21 ACT score OR
• 3.2 GPA with a 22 ACT score OR
• 3.8 GPA (test-optional pathway)

Note: BSN program tuition is not reduced by merit scholarship aid, but students in the program are eligible to apply for need-based scholarships.

Transfer Students

Step 1: Check to make sure you have met the requirements to begin your application.

• Have at least 50 of the 60 prerequisite credit hours
• Have completed two of the four required natural science courses (Anatomy with lab, Chemistry with lab, Microbiology with lab, Physiology with lab) with a minimum of four credit hours in each science course
• Have the required science courses that are no older than five years
• Have not repeated required natural science courses more than one time
• Have a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite coursework
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.7 in all prerequisite coursework
• Have graduated from an accredited high school  (GED and HiSET also accepted)
• Are U.S. citizen or a U.S. permanent resident
• If you have not met all of the above requirements, please complete the general Rockhurst application to begin the process.

Step 2: If you meet those requirements, complete your application through NursingCAS. The following items are required to complete the application:

• A $50 NursingCAS application fee are required to complete the application
• Up-to-date transcripts should include Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits, uploaded to NursingCAS or sent directly to admission@rockhurst.edu
• Home-schooled students must provide proof of a GED or HiSET exam
• A resume reflecting qualifications, work, and volunteer experience
• If you have been enrolled in another nursing program, you must provide a letter from the dean/nursing program director on official college letterhead verifying reasons for withdrawal/dismissal and eligibility for readmission

Note: BSN program tuition is not reduced by merit scholarship aid, but students in the program are eligible to apply for need-based scholarships.

Prerequisites for Upper Division Nursing Coursework