Alabama program guide
Best Nursing Programs in Alabama (2026)
185 accredited nursing programs are open to Alabama students; the fastest listed takes 18 months. Compare programs accepting applications below.
- Programs listed
- 185
- Open to Alabama students
- Fastest listed
- 18 mo
- Shortest completion time
- Lowest tuition
- $13,500
- Total listed tuition
Programs accepting applications
All Nursing Programs in Alabama
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Showing 100 of 185 programs from our directory for Alabama.
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Alabama nursing program market snapshot
MyNursingSchools lists 185 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in Alabama. The fastest listed completion time is 18 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. RNs in Alabama earn $74,970/year on average (BLS).
| Programs in directory | 185 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 39 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 1 ADN · 11 BSN · 61 MSN · 27 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | MSN — Health Systems Administration at Arizona State University — 18 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| Delivery formats | 83 online · 11 hybrid · 6 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $74,970/yr (BLS) · 5.2% projected growth through 2032 |
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2024 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
How to choose a nursing program in Alabama
Alabama is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (185 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Alabama ($74,970/year, BLS) sit below the national average, so minimizing tuition and time-to-start (waitlists) matters more than brand-name private programs. RN employment in Alabama is projected to grow 5.2% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Alabama means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Alabama directory, the fastest listed completion time is 18 months. We track 185 accredited nursing programs in Alabama — including 12 entry-level RN pathways. Alabama is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once Alabama is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Florida, Georgia, Mississippi.
Key takeaways
- Screen Alabama programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Alabama.
- Alabama is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- Alabama lists 12 entry-level RN programs; community college ADN plus employer-funded RN-to-BSN is often the lowest total-cost path.
- Listed tuition in Alabama spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 94 online or hybrid programs serve Alabama students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- CE at renewal
- 24 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $74,970 (BLS, May 2024) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Alabama
Programs by Degree Type
61
MSN Programs
27
DNP Programs
11
BSN Programs
1
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in Alabama
3 accredited institutions with a campus in Alabama.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samford University – Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Auburn University College of Nursing | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
Online Nursing Programs Available to Alabama Residents
36 accredited schools based outside Alabama that enroll Alabama residents online. Confirm clinical-placement arrangements and Alabama Board of Nursing approval before enrolling in any pre-licensure RN program.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Herzing University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Florida State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| George Washington University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Pennsylvania | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Maryville University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Alabama?
There are 185 accredited nursing programs available in Alabama across 39 schools — including 0 LPN, 1 ADN, 11 BSN, 61 MSN, and 27 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Alabama?
Nursing program tuition in Alabama starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $108,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Alabama?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Alabama can be completed in 18 months (MSN — Health Systems Administration at Arizona State University). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Alabama?
Registered nurses in Alabama earn an average of $74,970 per year ($36/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Alabama is projected to grow 5.2% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Alabama?
Yes. There are 94 online and hybrid nursing programs (83 fully online, 11 hybrid) available to Alabama residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Alabama.
What are the nursing license requirements in Alabama?
To practice nursing in Alabama, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Alabama Board of Nursing. Alabama is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years with 24 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in Alabama?
Yes. Like most states, Alabama is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 5.2% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Alabama?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Alabama vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
Nursing Programs in Nearby States
Compare nursing programs in Alabama
- Most affordable programs in Alabama
- Online nursing programs in AlabamaPrograms delivered primarily online for students who can't relocate.
- No-waitlist nursing schools in AlabamaPrograms reporting open seats rather than a waitlist queue.
- Accelerated BSN programs in AlabamaSecond-degree tracks for applicants who already hold a bachelor's.
- Fastest programs in Alabama
- ADN programs in AlabamaAssociate-degree and community-college routes to RN licensure.
- BSN programs in AlabamaFour-year pre-licensure bachelor's degrees for first-time RNs.
