Most Affordable Nursing Programs in Arizona (2026)
28 nursing programs at Arizona schools and campuses list tuition — the lowest is Arizona State University's RN to BSN at $10,570 total. Online programs from 38 more out-of-state schools also enroll Arizona residents, from $8,100.
Key takeaways for Arizona tuition
- Tuition at Arizona schools and campuses ranges from $10,570 to $69,000 total.
- Compare tuition against the school's board-reported NCLEX pass rate — the cheapest program is not always the best value.
Partner programs in Arizona.
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Compare tuition and financial aid for Arizona nursing programs
Source: MyNursingSchools program directory totals as of 2026-08-21. Programs without published tuition are omitted. Net price after aid may differ — confirm with each school.
Cheapest online programs open to Arizona residents
These schools are based outside Arizona but enroll residents online. Clinical hours are still completed locally, and some programs charge out-of-state rates — confirm with the school.
| Program | Delivery | Length | Total tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Public University SystemRN to BSNOnline · 15 months | Online | 15 mo | $8,100 |
| Florida State UniversityRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $9,000 |
| University of Alabama at BirminghamRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $9,600 |
| University of South FloridaRN to BSNOnline · 15 months | Online | 15 mo | $9,600 |
| American Public University SystemMSN — Nursing LeadershipOnline · 24 months | Online | 24 mo | $9,720 |
| Ohio State UniversityRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $9,900 |
| Capella UniversityRN to BSN (FlexPath)Online · 18 months | Online | 18 mo | $10,400 |
| University of CincinnatiRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $10,800 |
| University of Maryland — BaltimoreRN to BSNOnline · 15 months | Online | 15 mo | $11,400 |
| University of Michigan — FlintRN to BSNOnline · 12 months | Online | 12 mo | $11,520 |
Getting the Best Value from Nursing School in Arizona
Affordable is not the same as cheapest. The best-value program in Arizona is the one with the lowest cost per outcome — weigh tuition against the NCLEX first-time pass rate and job placement, not sticker price alone. A public in-state BSN or a community-college ADN with a strong pass rate often beats a rock-bottom program that graduates fewer of its students.
Net price is what matters, so stack aid against the sticker. Pell Grants, Arizona state nursing scholarships, and hospital tuition reimbursement (RN-to-BSN is frequently employer-funded) move the real cost far more than a small difference in listed tuition. File the FAFSA before you enroll to see your true out-of-pocket number.
Measure payback, not price. At Arizona’s average RN wage a well-chosen program typically pays for itself within a few years — so a mid-priced degree that gets you licensed and hired quickly can be the better financial decision than the cheapest option on the page.
Career Outlook for Arizona Nurses
Affordability is only half the equation — demand and earning ceiling determine how quickly a program pays for itself.
Above the 6% national average — strong hiring conditions for new graduates.
Per hour (BLS). Overtime and travel nursing contracts pay a significant premium above this base.
Arizona grants full independent practice to NPs — no physician oversight required, maximizing earning potential for MSN/DNP graduates.
Job growth and hourly rate: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. NP practice authority: AANP 2024.
Already licensed? Next credentials for Arizona nurses
Pass rates and sticker price are for the first license. Working RNs in Arizona often stack an online RN-to-BSN, then an NP specialty. Online RN-to-BSN options serving Arizona include Walden University at $27,710 listed total tuition in our directory. Arizona grants nurse practitioners full practice authority: NPs can evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications — including controlled substances — under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing, without a required physician collaboration agreement.
- Bridge for working RNsRN-to-BSN programs in Arizona
Employer-funded bridges are common. Directory listed totals include Walden University at $27,710.
- Nurse practitionerFNP programs in Arizona
Arizona is a full-practice NP state (AANP). Family NP is the mainstream primary-care specialty.
- NP specialtyPMHNP programs in Arizona
Psychiatric-mental health NP tracks for BSN-prepared nurses planning advanced practice in Arizona.
Related Pages
How much does nursing school cost in Arizona?
What are the cheapest nursing schools in Arizona with financial aid?
Are affordable nursing programs in Arizona as good as expensive ones?
How strong is the nursing job market in Arizona?
What are the prerequisite requirements for nursing programs in Arizona?
Compare nursing programs in Arizona
- All nursing programs in Arizona
- Online nursing programs in ArizonaPrograms delivered primarily online for students who can't relocate.
- No-waitlist nursing schools in ArizonaPrograms reporting open seats rather than a waitlist queue.
- Accelerated BSN programs in ArizonaSecond-degree tracks for applicants who already hold a bachelor's.
- Fastest programs in Arizona
- ADN programs in ArizonaAssociate-degree and community-college routes to RN licensure.
- BSN programs in ArizonaFour-year pre-licensure bachelor's degrees for first-time RNs.