Best Nursing Programs in Arizona (2026)

MyNursingSchools lists 166 accredited nursing programs across 38 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 87.4% first-time pass rate. RNs in Arizona earn $84,250/year on average (BLS).

166

Programs

38

Schools

15 mo

Fastest Listed

$13,500

Lowest Tuition

87.4%

Avg NCLEX (10)

94

Online / Hybrid

$84K

Avg RN Salary

Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory

Arizona nursing programs at a glance

  • 166 accredited nursing programs across 38 schools in Arizona (0 LPN, 3 ADN, 14 BSN).
  • Fastest listed program: 15 months (LPN to RN Bridge at Brookline College).
  • Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
  • Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 95.57% (Grand Canyon University).
  • 94 online or hybrid programs serve Arizona students (6 on-campus).
  • Average RN salary in Arizona: $84,250 (BLS) · 9.1% projected job growth through 2032.

Arizona nursing program market snapshot

Programs in directory166 total · 100 on this page
Schools38 accredited institutions
Degree mix (listed)0 LPN · 3 ADN · 14 BSN · 61 MSN · 22 DNP
Fastest listed programLPN to RN Bridge at Brookline College15 months
Tuition range (listed)$13,500$108,000
NCLEX pass rates87.4% average across 10 programs with published data · high: 95.57% (Grand Canyon University)
Delivery formats87 online · 7 hybrid · 6 on-campus
RN salary & outlook$84,250/yr (BLS) · 9.1% projected growth through 2032

ADN Programs in Arizona

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Showing 100 of 166 programs from our directory for Arizona.

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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
$84,250 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
Lowest listed tuition
From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).

Explore Nursing in Arizona

Programs by Degree Type

61

MSN Programs

22

DNP Programs

14

BSN Programs

3

ADN Programs

How many nursing programs are available in Arizona?

There are 166 accredited nursing programs available in Arizona across 38 schools — including 0 LPN, 3 ADN, 14 BSN, 61 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 $84,250 per year ($41/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 (87 fully online, 7 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, Grand Canyon University leads at 95.57% first-time pass rate (Accelerated BSN). Average across 10 programs with data: 87.4%. 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.

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