Best Nursing Programs in Arkansas (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 172 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in Arkansas. The fastest listed completion time is 12 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 93.6% first-time pass rate. RNs in Arkansas earn $65,810/year on average (BLS).
172
Programs
40
Schools
12 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
93.6%
Avg NCLEX (7)
95
Online / Hybrid
$66K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Arkansas nursing programs at a glance
- 172 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in Arkansas (1 LPN, 3 ADN, 9 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 12 months (Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certificate at North Arkansas College).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 97.8% (Harding University – Carr College of Nursing).
- 95 online or hybrid programs serve Arkansas students (5 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Arkansas: $65,810 (BLS) · 4.6% projected job growth through 2032.
Arkansas nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 172 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 40 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 1 LPN · 3 ADN · 9 BSN · 64 MSN · 23 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certificate at North Arkansas College — 12 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 93.6% average across 7 programs with published data · high: 97.8% (Harding University – Carr College of Nursing) |
| Delivery formats | 91 online · 4 hybrid · 5 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $65,810/yr (BLS) · 4.6% projected growth through 2032 |
ADN Programs in Arkansas
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Showing 100 of 172 programs from our directory for Arkansas.
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How to choose a nursing program in Arkansas
Arkansas is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (172 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Arkansas ($65,810/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 Arkansas is projected to grow 4.6% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Arkansas 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 Arkansas directory, the fastest listed completion time is 12 months. We track 172 accredited nursing programs in Arkansas — including 12 entry-level RN, 1 LPN/LVN pathways. Arkansas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once Arkansas is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi.
Key takeaways
- Screen Arkansas 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 Arkansas.
- Arkansas is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- Arkansas offers both LPN (1) and entry-level RN (12) pathways — match the credential to your timeline and whether you need full RN scope immediately.
- Listed tuition in Arkansas spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 95 online or hybrid programs serve Arkansas 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
- 15 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $65,810 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Arkansas
Programs by Degree Type
64
MSN Programs
23
DNP Programs
9
BSN Programs
3
ADN Programs
1
LPN Programs
Nursing Schools in Arkansas
40 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Arkansas Northeastern College | 1 | ADN | 89.6% | View |
| North Arkansas College | 2 | ADNLPN | 95.3% | View |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – College of Nursing | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 94.4% | View |
| Harding University – Carr College of Nursing | 2 | BSNMSN | 97.8% | View |
| Western Governors University | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| University of Michigan — Flint | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Maryville University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Simmons University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Arkansas?
There are 172 accredited nursing programs available in Arkansas across 40 schools — including 1 LPN, 3 ADN, 9 BSN, 64 MSN, and 23 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Arkansas?
Nursing program tuition in Arkansas 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 Arkansas?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Arkansas can be completed in 12 months (Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certificate at North Arkansas 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 Arkansas?
Registered nurses in Arkansas earn an average of $65,810 per year ($32/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Arkansas is projected to grow 4.6% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Arkansas?
Yes. There are 95 online and hybrid nursing programs (91 fully online, 4 hybrid) available to Arkansas residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Arkansas.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Arkansas?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Harding University – Carr College of Nursing leads at 97.8% first-time pass rate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)). Average across 7 programs with data: 93.6%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Arkansas?
To practice nursing in Arkansas, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Arkansas Board of Nursing. Arkansas 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 15 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in Arkansas?
Yes. Like most states, Arkansas is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 4.6% 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 Arkansas?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Arkansas 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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