Arizona program guide
Best Nursing Programs in Arizona (2026)
171 accredited nursing programs are open to Arizona students; the fastest listed takes 15 months. Compare programs accepting applications below.
- Programs listed
- 171
- Open to Arizona students
- Fastest listed
- 15 mo
- Shortest completion time
- Lowest tuition
- $13,500
- Total listed tuition
Programs accepting applications
All Nursing Programs in Arizona
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Showing 100 of 171 programs from our directory for Arizona.
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Arizona nursing program market snapshot
MyNursingSchools lists 171 accredited nursing programs across 37 schools in Arizona. The fastest listed completion time is 15 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 78.6% first-time pass rate. RNs in Arizona earn $95,230/year on average (BLS).
| Programs in directory | 171 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 37 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 3 ADN · 18 BSN · 57 MSN · 22 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | LPN to RN Bridge at Brookline College — 15 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 78.6% average across 2 programs with published data · high: 78.6% (Brookline College) |
| Delivery formats | 83 online · 11 hybrid · 6 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $95,230/yr (BLS) · 9.1% projected growth through 2032 |
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2024 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
How to choose a nursing program in Arizona
Arizona's nursing market has been shaped by rapid in-migration: Phoenix and Tucson health systems are hiring continuously, but program capacity has not fully caught up. Maricopa County's community college ADN system is the lowest-cost reliable route to RN, and the state's NLC participation makes the credential portable to most neighboring states. Heat-season clinical scheduling and rural-site distance are practical questions worth asking admissions before enrolling.
Key takeaways
- Maricopa Community Colleges' nursing program is competitive but remains the highest-value route to RN in the Valley.
- Arizona is a Nurse Licensure Compact state — relevant for nurses living near California (non-compact) or Nevada (compact) borders, but with different implications.
- Banner Health and HonorHealth pipelines often partner directly with specific Phoenix-area programs; ask about hire-from-cohort patterns.
- Online-hybrid programs serving Arizona residents are common; verify Arizona authorization before paying any deposit.
- Accelerated BSNs at Grand Canyon and Arizona State suit career changers who already hold a bachelor's degree.
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- Average RN salary
- $95,230 (BLS, May 2024) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Arizona
Programs by Degree Type
57
MSN Programs
22
DNP Programs
18
BSN Programs
3
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in Arizona
5 accredited institutions with a campus in Arizona.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University | 10 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 5 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Brookline College | 2 | ADN | 78.6% | View |
| University of Phoenix | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
Online Nursing Programs Available to Arizona Residents
32 accredited schools based outside Arizona that enroll Arizona residents online. Confirm clinical-placement arrangements and Arizona 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 | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 6 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| Penn State World Campus | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Walden University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| George Washington University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Liberty University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Texas at Arlington | 5 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Pennsylvania | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Maryville University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Arizona?
There are 171 accredited nursing programs available in Arizona across 37 schools — including 0 LPN, 3 ADN, 18 BSN, 57 MSN, and 22 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Arizona?
Nursing program tuition in Arizona 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 Arizona?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Arizona can be completed in 15 months (LPN to RN Bridge at Brookline College). 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 Arizona?
Registered nurses in Arizona earn an average of $95,230 per year ($46/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Arizona is projected to grow 9.1% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Arizona?
Yes. There are 94 online and hybrid nursing programs (83 fully online, 11 hybrid) available to Arizona residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Arizona.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Arizona?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Brookline College leads at 78.6% first-time pass rate (ADN). Average across 2 programs with data: 78.6%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Arizona?
To practice nursing in Arizona, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Arizona Board of Nursing. Arizona is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 4 years.
Is there a nursing shortage in Arizona?
Yes. Like most states, Arizona is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 9.1% 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 Arizona?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Arizona 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 Arizona
- Most affordable 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.
