Best Nursing Programs in Alaska (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 161 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in Alaska. The fastest listed completion time is 18 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 90.7% first-time pass rate. RNs in Alaska earn $97,230/year on average (BLS).
161
Programs
39
Schools
18 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
90.7%
Avg NCLEX (3)
98
Online / Hybrid
$97K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Alaska nursing programs at a glance
- 161 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in Alaska (0 LPN, 3 ADN, 8 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 18 months (Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at Alaska Pacific University).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 91.79% (Western Governors University).
- 98 online or hybrid programs serve Alaska students (2 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Alaska: $97,230 (BLS) · 4.8% projected job growth through 2032.
Alaska nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 161 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 39 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 3 ADN · 8 BSN · 67 MSN · 22 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at Alaska Pacific University — 18 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 90.7% average across 3 programs with published data · high: 91.79% (Western Governors University) |
| Delivery formats | 93 online · 5 hybrid · 2 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $97,230/yr (BLS) · 4.8% projected growth through 2032 |
LPN / LVN Programs in Alaska
Compare geo-targeted LPN and LVN partner matches for Alaska near ZIP 43215. The directory below stays in sync and hides schools already shown in the partner strip.
Showing 100 of 161 programs from our directory for Alaska.
Find nursing programs in Alaska
Enter your ZIP to see partner matches and accredited programs near you in Alaska.
How to choose a nursing program in Alaska
Alaska is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (161 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Alaska ($97,230/year, BLS) run about 13% above the national average — tuition payback can be faster than in lower-wage states. RN employment in Alaska is projected to grow 4.8% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Alaska 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 Alaska directory, the fastest listed completion time is 18 months. We track 161 accredited nursing programs in Alaska — including 11 entry-level RN pathways. Alaska is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state — plan to license in Alaska directly for in-state practice.
Key takeaways
- Screen Alaska 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 Alaska.
- License in Alaska directly — endorsement from another state is available, but Alaska does not issue multistate compact privileges.
- Alaska lists 11 entry-level RN programs; community college ADN plus employer-funded RN-to-BSN is often the lowest total-cost path.
- Listed tuition in Alaska spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 98 online or hybrid programs serve Alaska students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- No — license in this state directly or via endorsement.
- Average RN salary
- $97,230 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Alaska
Programs by Degree Type
67
MSN Programs
22
DNP Programs
8
BSN Programs
3
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in Alaska
39 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Pacific University | 1 | ADN | N/A | View |
| Charter College | 1 | ADN | N/A | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| University of Alaska Anchorage – School of Nursing | 1 | BSN | 89.0% | View |
| Western Governors University | 3 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Drexel University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Alaska?
There are 161 accredited nursing programs available in Alaska across 39 schools — including 0 LPN, 3 ADN, 8 BSN, 67 MSN, and 22 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Alaska?
Nursing program tuition in Alaska 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 Alaska?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Alaska can be completed in 18 months (Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at Alaska Pacific 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 Alaska?
Registered nurses in Alaska earn an average of $97,230 per year ($47/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Alaska is projected to grow 4.8% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Alaska?
Yes. There are 98 online and hybrid nursing programs (93 fully online, 5 hybrid) available to Alaska residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Alaska.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Alaska?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Western Governors University leads at 91.79% first-time pass rate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)). Average across 3 programs with data: 90.7%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Alaska?
To practice nursing in Alaska, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Alaska Board of Nursing. Alaska is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so you will need separate licensure for each state you wish to practice in. License renewal is every 2 years.
Is there a nursing shortage in Alaska?
Yes. Like most states, Alaska is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 4.8% 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 Alaska?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Alaska 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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