Best Nursing Programs in Alabama (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 185 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in Alabama. The fastest listed completion time is 12 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 95.1% first-time pass rate. RNs in Alabama earn $63,670/year on average (BLS).
185
Programs
39
Schools
12 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
95.1%
Avg NCLEX (6)
93
Online / Hybrid
$64K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Alabama nursing programs at a glance
- 185 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in Alabama (0 LPN, 1 ADN, 12 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 12 months (Accelerated BSN at Vanderbilt University).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 100% (Auburn University College of Nursing).
- 93 online or hybrid programs serve Alabama students (7 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Alabama: $63,670 (BLS) · 5.2% projected job growth through 2032.
Alabama nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 185 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 39 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 1 ADN · 12 BSN · 60 MSN · 27 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Accelerated BSN at Vanderbilt University — 12 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 95.1% average across 6 programs with published data · high: 100% (Auburn University College of Nursing) |
| Delivery formats | 82 online · 11 hybrid · 7 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $63,670/yr (BLS) · 5.2% projected growth through 2032 |
Online Nursing Programs in Alabama
Online and distance-friendly nursing programs for Alabama residents. Partner matches respect your filter; sort the directory by tuition, duration, or school.
Showing 100 of 185 programs from our directory for Alabama.
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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 ($63,670/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 12 months. We track 185 accredited nursing programs in Alabama — including 13 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 13 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.
- 93 online or hybrid programs serve Alabama students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- CE at renewal
- 24 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $63,670 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Alabama
Programs by Degree Type
60
MSN Programs
27
DNP Programs
12
BSN Programs
1
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in Alabama
39 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 97.0% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Auburn University College of Nursing | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 100.0% | View |
| Samford University – Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 94.0% | View |
| Western Governors University | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| Aspen University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| Herzing University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | 96.7% | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Pennsylvania | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Florida State 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, 12 BSN, 60 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 12 months (Accelerated BSN at Vanderbilt 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 $63,670 per year ($31/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 93 online and hybrid nursing programs (82 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.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Alabama?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Auburn University College of Nursing leads at 100% first-time pass rate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)). Average across 6 programs with data: 95.1%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
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.
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