HESI A2 Score Requirements by Nursing School (2026)

By Priya Sharma, M.S. · Updated April 11, 2026

Nursing student checking HESI A2 score requirements on laptop

"What HESI score do I need?" is the most common question we get from nursing applicants. The answer depends entirely on your school — and some schools have section-specific minimums that are even harder to hit than the composite. Here's the most comprehensive guide available.

How HESI A2 Scoring Works

Unlike the TEAS (which uses weighted scoring), the HESI A2 is straightforward:

  • Each section is scored 0–100% independently
  • Your composite score is the simple average of all sections your school requires
  • Many schools require individual section minimums (e.g., 75% in each section) in addition to a composite minimum
  • Scores are valid for 1–2 years depending on the school

Score Requirements by Program Type

Program Type Typical Composite Section Minimums Notes
ADN (Community College)70–78%Often noneMost flexible requirements
BSN (Traditional)78–85%75% per sectionGPA also heavily weighted
ABSN (Accelerated)80–88%80% per sectionMost competitive category
MSN Entry85–90%80%+ per sectionElite programs only

Requirements by School (40+ Programs)

⚠️ Important: Requirements change each admissions cycle. Always verify with your school's admissions office. This list was last updated April 2026.

Texas

SchoolProgramCompositeSection Min
UT ArlingtonBSN80%75%
Texas A&M Corpus ChristiBSN78%75%
Tarrant County CollegeADN75%
Collin CollegeADN75%
Prairie View A&MBSN80%75%

Georgia

SchoolProgramCompositeSection Min
Georgia Southern UniversityBSN80%75%
Mercer UniversityBSN80%75%
Augusta UniversityBSN78%75%
Clayton State UniversityBSN75%

Florida

SchoolProgramCompositeSection Min
University of FloridaBSN85%80%
Florida Atlantic UniversityBSN80%75%
Florida Gulf Coast UniversityBSN78%75%
Seminole State CollegeADN75%
Palm Beach State CollegeADN75%

North Carolina

SchoolProgramCompositeSection Min
East Carolina UniversityBSN80%75%
UNC WilmingtonBSN80%75%
Cabarrus CollegeBSN78%
Forsyth Technical CCADN75%

Tennessee, Illinois & Other States

SchoolStateProgramCompositeSection Min
Vanderbilt UniversityTNMSN90%85%
Lipscomb UniversityTNBSN80%75%
DePaul UniversityILABSN82%78%
Johns Hopkins UniversityMDABSN85%80%
University of LouisvilleKYBSN80%75%
University of Alabama BirminghamALBSN78%75%
University of South CarolinaSCBSN80%75%

HESI A2 vs. TEAS: Which Does Your School Use?

About 40% of nursing programs use the HESI A2 and about 50% use the TEAS 7. Some accept either. If your school accepts both, read our HESI vs. TEAS comparison → to decide which is better for you. If they use the TEAS, check our TEAS 7 Score Requirements Database →

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Self-Study Portal — HESI A2 Prep Coming Soon

Our TEAS 7 portal already includes 28 lessons and full practice tests. HESI A2 modules are in development. Try the portal now — many A&P and Math concepts overlap.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good HESI A2 score?
Most nursing programs require 75–80% composite. Competitive BSN programs want 80–85%+. Some require 75%+ in each individual section as well. Aim for 10% above your school's minimum to be competitive.
How is the HESI A2 scored?
Each section is scored 0–100% individually. Your composite is the simple average of all sections your school requires. Unlike the TEAS, there is no weighted scoring — all required sections count equally.
Can I retake the HESI A2?
Yes, but policies vary. Most programs allow 2–3 attempts per cycle with a 60–90 day waiting period. Some schools average all attempts rather than taking the highest score. Always check your school's specific retake policy.
Do all schools require the same HESI A2 sections?
No. Math, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, and A&P are most common. Some also require Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics. Check your school's specific testing requirements before registering.

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