25+ TEAS Score Requirements by Nursing School
Most nursing schools need a TEAS score between 58.7% and 80%. Community colleges often accept 58.7-65%. State universities usually want 65-70%. Top private schools may need 75-80% or higher.
What TEAS Score Do You Need?
The TEAS score you need depends on your school. Each nursing program sets its own rules. Some schools are easier to get into than others.
Here’s what most schools expect:
- Community colleges: 58.7% to 65%
- State universities: 65% to 70%
- Competitive programs: 70% to 80%
- Top private schools: 75% to 85%
The average TEAS score is about 65%. This puts most students in the “Proficient” category.
TEAS Score Requirements by 25+ Nursing Schools
Here are real TEAS score requirements from nursing schools across the country. We organized them from lowest to highest scores needed.
Community Colleges (Lower Requirements)
| School | Location | TEAS Score Required |
|---|---|---|
| West Coast University | Multiple states | 58.7% |
| University of New Mexico | New Mexico | 58.7% |
| Harford Community College | Maryland | 58.7% |
| Towson University | Maryland | 58.7% (Proficient level) |
| University of Houston | Texas | 60% |
| Hagerstown Community College | Maryland | 60% overall + 69% reading |
| UAMS College of Nursing | Arkansas | 60-65% (pilot program) |
| UTHealth Houston | Texas | 60% |
| Sacramento City College | California | 62% |
| Southwestern College | California | 62% |
Mid-Level State Universities
| School | Location | TEAS Score Required |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Woman’s University | Texas | 64% in each section |
| University of Texas Austin | Texas | 65% |
| Indiana University | Indiana | 65% |
| Collin College | Texas | 65% |
| Georgia College | Georgia | 70% |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Virginia | 70% |
| HACC (Harrisburg Area Community College) | Pennsylvania | 70% for RN |
Competitive Programs (Higher Requirements)
| School | Location | TEAS Score Required |
|---|---|---|
| North Shore Community College | Massachusetts | Reading: 69%, Math: 73%, Science: 50%, English: 66.7% |
| University of Arizona | Arizona | 75% |
| University of Central Florida | Florida | 78% |
| University of San Diego | California | 80% |
Schools That Don’t Require TEAS
Some great nursing schools don’t require the TEAS exam at all:
- California State University, Fullerton
- University of South Florida
- West Chester University (Pennsylvania)
- Drexel University (Pennsylvania)
- Western Governors University
Understanding TEAS Score Categories
The TEAS uses five score levels. Here’s what each means:
Developmental (0% to 40%) You need more study time. Most schools won’t accept this score.
Basic (40.7% to 58%) You’re getting there but need more prep. Very few schools accept this level.
Proficient (58.7% to 79.3%) This is good! Most community colleges and many universities accept this level.
Advanced (80% to 91.3%) Excellent score! You can get into competitive programs with this score.
Exemplary (92% to 100%) Outstanding! You can apply to any nursing program with confidence.
What Makes a “Good” TEAS Score?
A good TEAS score gets you into your chosen school. This varies a lot by program type.
For community college ADN programs: A score of 60-65% is often enough. These programs are usually less competitive.
For state university BSN programs: You typically need 65-70%. Some popular schools want higher scores.
For private or competitive programs: Aim for 75-80% or higher. These schools get many applicants.
For top-tier programs: Some want 80-85%. These are very competitive schools.
How Schools Use TEAS Scores
Different schools use TEAS scores in different ways:
Minimum cutoff: Some schools just need you to hit their minimum score. A 61% and 99% get the same consideration.
Points system: Other schools give you more points for higher scores. Every point matters for admission.
Section requirements: A few schools want specific scores in each section. You might need 65% overall plus 70% in reading.
Ranking system: Some schools rank all applicants by TEAS scores. Higher scores get in first.
Tips to Meet Score Requirements
Research your target schools early. Each school is different. Know what score you need before you study.
Take practice tests. Find out your weak areas. Focus your study time on these subjects.
Allow enough study time. ATI recommends at least 6 weeks of prep. Don’t rush.
Consider retaking if needed. Most schools allow 2-3 attempts. Use your highest score.
Apply to multiple schools. Have backup options with different score requirements.
Retake Policies by School Type
Community colleges: Usually allow 2-3 attempts per year. Often have a 30-day waiting period.
State universities: Typically allow 2 attempts per application cycle. Some have no waiting period.
Private schools: Vary widely. Some allow unlimited retakes, others limit to 2-3.
Popular programs: May limit retakes more strictly due to high demand.
When to Take the TEAS
Best timing: Take it 2-3 months before application deadlines. This gives you time to retake if needed.
After prerequisites: Wait until you finish science courses. The TEAS covers biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
Multiple schools: If applying to several schools, check all their deadlines. Some are earlier than others.
Score validity: Most schools accept scores for 1-2 years. Check each school’s policy.
What If You Don’t Meet Requirements?
Retake the exam: Most schools let you try again. Study your weak areas and retake.
Look at other schools: Find programs with lower requirements that still meet your goals.
Consider pre-nursing programs: Some schools offer bridge programs to help you prepare.
Improve prerequisites: Strong grades in science courses can help offset lower TEAS scores.
Wait a cycle: Take time to really prepare. A strong score is better than rushing.
Regional Differences in Requirements
West Coast: California schools often need 60-65%. Competition varies by area.
East Coast: Requirements range from 58.7% to 80%. Urban areas tend to be more competitive.
Midwest: Many state schools want 65-70%. Rural areas may have lower requirements.
South: Requirements vary widely from 58.7% to 75%. Texas has many options.
Mountain states: Often need 60-70%. Less competition in rural areas.
Planning Your Nursing School Applications
Start with research. Make a list of 5-10 schools you’re interested in. Look up their exact TEAS requirements.
Create a target score. Aim for the highest requirement among your schools. This keeps all options open.
Have backup plans. Include some schools with lower requirements. Don’t put all hopes on one program.
Consider program types. ADN programs are often easier to enter than BSN programs. Both lead to RN licensure.
Think about location. In-state schools usually cost less. Out-of-state may have different requirements.
Bottom Line
The TEAS score you need depends entirely on where you want to go to nursing school. Community colleges often accept scores in the 60s. Competitive university programs may want 75% or higher.
Research your target schools early. Know their exact requirements. Give yourself plenty of time to study and prepare.
Remember, the TEAS is just one part of your application. Good grades, experience, and a strong personal statement also matter. Focus on doing your best on the TEAS while building a well-rounded application.
With proper preparation and the right school choices, you can achieve your goal of becoming a nurse. Start preparing today and take the first step toward your nursing career.