Compare tuition, NCLEX-PN pass rates, program length, and graduate earnings across every Alabama LPN program.
Alabama’s nursing homes and rural clinics rely on LPNs to deliver most bedside care, keeping demand steady despite national employment growth projected at just 3% through 2034. In many smaller communities, LPNs are the primary licensed staff.
Seventeen practical nursing programs now publish cost, NCLEX pass rates, and graduate earnings. The net price after grants ranges from $1,739 to $25,946 per year, a spread that can determine whether a new nurse builds savings or struggles with debt for a decade.
With Alabama LPN salaries typically ranging from $30,000 to $40,000, that financial gap is significant. Community colleges consistently offer the lowest costs and strongest completion rates, making them the default choice for students who compare value before enrolling.
The 2026 rankings below evaluate Alabama's LPN programs through an affordability-first lens, emphasizing net price, graduation rate, and graduate earnings. Programs with strong completion counts and favorable debt-to-earnings ROI ratios also earn high marks, helping you find an education path that balances cost and career payoff.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Northeast Alabama Community College | Rainsville, AL | $5,000 – $9,000/yr | Apprenticeship-focused nursing candidates | |
Northeast Alabama Community College offers a standout Practical Nursing Certificate that blends rigorous academics with an apprenticeship-style training option, leading to a near-perfect licensure pass rate and a 100% employment rate for graduates. The ACEN-accredited program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing and features hands-on clinical experiences, dedicated faculty, and a fast-track curriculum that builds a direct bridge into the local workforce. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help offset costs.
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| #2 | Wallace Community College-Dothan | Dothan, AL | $5,000 – $9,000/yr | Students needing multiple campus options | |
Wallace Community College-Dothan delivers a Practical Nursing certificate program with ACEN accreditation and Alabama Board of Nursing approval, preparing students for NCLEX-PN licensure in just three terms. The program features two campus locations (Dothan and Eufaula) and competitive admission with fall and spring start dates, blending classroom instruction with supervised clinical experiences. Graduates are equipped for entry-level LPN roles and can stack the credential toward advanced nursing education.
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| #3 | Gadsden State Community College | Gadsden, AL | $4,000/yr | HBCU learners with ADN advancement path | |
Gadsden State Community College, an HBCU, provides a three-semester Practical Nursing program that emphasizes concept-based learning and clinical experiences within a 65-70 mile radius. Students benefit from four nursing campuses, a dedicated Simulation Center, and a stackable pathway into the ADN Mobility Nursing Program. With competitive admission and a 75% minimum in nursing courses, graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-PN and immediate workforce entry.
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| #4 | Northwest Shoals Community College | Muscle Shoals, AL | $5,000 – $9,000/yr | ||
Northwest Shoals Community College offers an ACEN-accredited Practical Nursing certificate that spans three semesters and 45 credit hours, with a single summer start each year. The program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing and provides clinical training at accredited healthcare agencies, with campuses in Muscle Shoals and Phil Campbell. A seamless transfer pathway to the ADN program and a 2.5 GPA admission requirement make it a solid stepping stone for career advancement.
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| #5 | Chattahoochee Valley Community College | Phenix City, AL | $4,000/yr | ||
Chattahoochee Valley Community College's Practical Nursing certificate takes a unique stackable approach: students earn CNA certification after the first semester and MACE eligibility after the second, culminating in PN certification and NCLEX-PN eligibility. The three-semester campus-based program starts each January with a July-to-September application window, and clinical rotations prepare graduates for roles in hospitals, long-term care, and home health.
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| #6 | Bevill State Community College | Jasper, AL | $5,000 – $8,000/yr | ||
Bevill State Community College's Practical Nursing certificate uses a concept-based curriculum adopted in 2016, emphasizing active learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. The three-semester program admits students in spring and summer, requiring a minimum ACT score of 18 and a 2.5 GPA. Clinical rotations with background checks and health insurance are mandatory, and small class sizes ensure focused support from dedicated faculty. The certificate also serves as a bridge to the ADN program.
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| #7 | George C Wallace State Community College-Selma | Selma, AL | $5,000 – $9,000/yr | ||
George C Wallace State Community College-Selma provides an on-campus Practical Nursing certificate grounded in four core nursing courses (NUR 112-115) plus general education requirements. Guided clinical experiences in local healthcare settings build essential patient care skills, aligning with Alabama nursing education standards. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN and pursue LPN positions in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
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| #8 | Lawson State Community College | Birmingham, AL | $6,000/yr (net price) | ||
Lawson State Community College, an HBCU, delivers an ACEN-accredited Licensed Practical Nurse program on its Bessemer campus, boasting a reported 100% licensure pass rate and job placement. The three-semester, 49-credit curriculum features competitive admission based on ACT scores, GPA, and prerequisite coursework, with summer and fall start dates. An LPN-to-RN track, financial aid, and Skills for Success training add further value for aspiring nurses.
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| #9 | Calhoun Community College | Tanner, AL | $5,000 – $9,000/yr | ||
Calhoun Community College's ACEN-accredited Practical Nursing Program Certificate can be completed in three semesters (45 credits) with fall and spring starts at both Decatur and Huntsville campuses. Selective admission requires an ACT or HESI A2 score and a 2.0 cumulative GPA, while small class sizes foster individualized attention. Clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities and a curriculum focused on evidence-based clinical reasoning prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN and immediate employment.
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| #10 | J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College | Huntsville, AL | $5,000 – $9,000/yr | ||
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College, an HBCU in Huntsville, offers a three-semester ACEN-accredited Practical Nursing certificate with fall and spring start dates. The curriculum integrates nursing theory with clinical practice, and graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN. A seamless LPN-to-RN Mobility pathway, a supportive learning environment, and a low student-faculty ratio make this program an accessible entry point into the nursing profession.
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This table compares key metrics for LPN programs in Alabama. 'Net price' is the average annual cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students, giving a clearer picture of affordability than sticker tuition. Graduation rates are institution-wide figures, not specific to the LPN program. Median earnings reflect earnings 10 years after entering the college, and median debt is for graduates who completed programs.
| School | In-State Tuition | Net Price | Graduation Rate | Median Earnings (10 yr) | Median Debt | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Alabama Community College | $5,040 | $2,756 | 56.0% | $34,913 | $6,100 | Campus |
| Wallace Community College-Dothan | $4,980 | $1,170 | 35.0% | $31,399 | N/A | Campus |
| Gadsden State Community College | $4,272 | $3,515 | 38.2% | $32,937 | N/A | Campus |
| Northwest Shoals Community College | $5,131 | $2,838 | 38.7% | $33,828 | $10,000 | Campus |
| Chattahoochee Valley Community College | $5,100 | $4,244 | 36.0% | $36,438 | $10,500 | Campus |
| Bevill State Community College | $4,734 | $5,937 | 38.0% | $34,107 | N/A | Campus |
| George C Wallace State Community College-Selma | $4,740 | $9,272 | 40.6% | $31,598 | N/A | Campus |
| Lawson State Community College | $5,040 | $6,275 | 26.6% | $31,701 | N/A | Campus |
| Calhoun Community College | $5,120 | $7,660 | 41.5% | $38,192 | $12,000 | Campus |
| J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College | $5,190 | $6,005 | 14.0% | $28,281 | N/A | Campus |
| Wallace State-Hanceville | $5,220 | $13,170 | 51.2% | $39,842 | $11,000 | Campus |
| H Councill Trenholm State Community College | $5,190 | $8,325 | 16.1% | $32,183 | N/A | Campus |
| Central Alabama Community College | $5,110 | $15,996 | 32.9% | $33,506 | $9,766 | Campus |
| Coastal Alabama Community College | $5,040 | $13,644 | 31.3% | $34,894 | $11,000 | Campus |
| Shelton State Community College | $5,127 | $14,557 | 29.6% | $35,014 | N/A | Campus |
| Reid State Technical College | $5,454 | $1,739 | 58.9% | $28,982 | N/A | Campus |
| Fortis Institute-Birmingham | $15,335 | $25,946 | 33.7% | $32,886 | $12,346 | Campus |
One-year pass rates show whether a program’s graduates passed on their first attempt, but a school that maintains a high rate over several years demonstrates consistent quality.
The Alabama Board of Nursing (ABON) publishes annual NCLEX-PN pass rates for all approved practical nursing programs. For the 2024 testing cycle, Alabama’s overall first-time pass rate reached 94.81%, well above the national average of approximately 86% for practical nursing candidates. The ABON report for this year did not include the number of test-takers for each school, but the percentages alone offer a clear view of how graduates performed.
The ABON requires each approved program to maintain a minimum first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate of 80% annually. If a program falls below that threshold for two consecutive years, the Board may place it on probation, require a corrective action plan, or withdraw approval entirely. In 2024, every Alabama LPN program exceeded the 80% floor, so no school faced immediate regulatory action. A handful of programs did land in the 85% to 87% range, noticeably lower than the state average but still above the national mean and the Board’s minimum.
Seven Alabama LPN programs posted perfect 100% first-time pass rates: Central Alabama, Chattahoochee Valley, Herzing (Birmingham), Lurleen B. Wallace, Shelton State, Wallace-Dothan, and Wallace-Hanceville. Calhoun (99.15%) and Coastal Alabama (99.24%) were essentially flawless. On the other end, Lawson State’s 85.71% and Trenholm State’s 87.50% represent the lowest figures, yet both remain well above the national average and the state’s minimum. Because the ABON’s public report does not include prior-year rates, prospective students should ask programs directly about multi-year trends, consistently strong pass rates, year after year, are a stronger indicator than a single snapshot. When evaluating a program, pair these numbers with campus visits, curriculum details, and clinical placement records to get the fullest picture of a school’s NCLEX preparation.
The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard reports median earnings of former students one year after they complete a program. These figures reflect what graduates of specific nursing programs actually earn, not broad occupational wage estimates. At this time, program-level earnings data for LPN programs in Alabama has not been published. As soon as the data is released, we will update this comparison.
Healthcare education increasingly embraces online delivery, but becoming a licensed practical nurse remains firmly grounded in hands-on clinical experience. Fully online LPN programs do not exist in Alabama (or anywhere) because state licensing boards require supervised patient care hours that cannot be earned through virtual simulation alone. Every program on this list combines classroom or online theory with mandatory in-person labs and clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities.
The Alabama Board of Nursing mandates that LPN candidates complete a set number of clinical hours in real patient-care settings. Even programs that advertise online components still require shifts at hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics. This guarantees you graduate with the physical assessment, medication administration, and bedside skills employers expect. If a program claims to be “online,” ask directly how many hours you will spend on site: the answer is always a substantial portion of the total program.
While true hybrid delivery (online didactic with in-person clinicals) remains rare, two schools in this directory provide structured evening schedules for working students:
Several other programs list multiple start dates (fall/spring) and campus locations, helping you piece together a manageable schedule. For example, Calhoun Community College and Bevill State Community College each offer two entry points per year, so you can align the start with your work calendar. However, dedicated weekend-only tracks are not currently advertised among the ranked Alabama programs.
A true hybrid LPN program delivers lectures online through a learning management system, reserving in-person time for lab skills and clinical rotations. You might watch prerecorded lectures on your own time, yet still report to a campus simulation lab once or twice a week and complete 12-24 hours of clinicals each week. In Alabama, no ranked school in this guide markets a fully hybrid LPN pathway, but the movement toward flexible scheduling is growing. Before enrolling, always verify with the program coordinator exactly which components are online and which require physical attendance.
The BLS projects 3% national employment growth for LPNs from 2024 to 2034. Alabama-specific projections through 2032, including annual job openings, are available from the Alabama Department of Labor and the Projections Central tool. This steady demand makes practical nursing a stable career choice.
Every Alabama practical nursing program expects applicants to meet a set of baseline academic and non-academic requirements, which align with broader LPN education requirements across the country. While specifics vary by school, the following elements are nearly universal:
Meeting minimums does not guarantee admission. Many Alabama LPN programs use a point-based ranking system that rewards higher grades, stronger TEAS scores, and relevant work or volunteer experience.
The majority of LPN programs in Alabama operate within the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). These schools follow broadly similar academic standards, but admission is often selective. A program may have higher cutoffs than the system-wide minimum, especially at campuses with more applicants than seats. Prospective students should contact each program directly to confirm current score thresholds and any additional requirements, such as an interview or CPR certification. Because curricula are aligned with Alabama Board of Nursing regulations, graduates from ACCS schools are well-prepared for the licensure exam.
After completing an approved practical nursing program, graduates must apply to the Alabama Board of Nursing for licensure by examination. The process involves several steps and fees.
Once the Board receives all materials and clears the applicant, an Authorization to Test (ATT) email is issued. The ATT allows scheduling the NCLEX-PN at a testing center. Processing may take several weeks, so submitting the application as soon as possible after graduation is advisable. Upon passing the exam, the license is issued, and the nurse can begin working as an LPN in Alabama.
The path to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Alabama follows a clear sequence. From meeting admission requirements to landing your first job, each step brings you closer to a rewarding nursing career.
Licensed Practical Nurses in Alabama earn wages that vary by location and employer. The table below shows median annual earnings along with the 25th and 75th percentiles to illustrate the earning range across major metro areas. Registered nurses in the same areas earn significantly higher wages, with median salaries typically $15,000 to $25,000 more per year.
| Metro Area | Median Annual Wage | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | Total Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | $51,580 | $47,300 | $59,770 | $52,760 | 2,580 |
| Huntsville, AL | $54,470 | $45,880 | $63,690 | $53,990 | 950 |
| Montgomery, AL | $51,880 | $43,600 | $59,970 | $50,400 | 840 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $49,110 | $40,200 | $58,250 | $49,590 | 780 |
| Mobile, AL | $50,670 | $47,000 | $59,080 | $51,680 | 730 |
| Dothan, AL | $39,780 | $39,090 | $50,280 | $43,850 | 560 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $49,320 | $43,150 | $57,580 | $49,220 | 340 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $52,160 | $47,900 | $61,160 | $53,330 | 320 |
| Gadsden, AL | $47,730 | $43,250 | $56,600 | $48,450 | 250 |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL | $53,390 | $46,070 | $57,990 | $51,430 | 240 |
| Decatur, AL | $51,170 | $44,540 | $59,040 | $50,340 | 220 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $48,590 | $44,430 | $58,200 | $49,160 | 180 |
What LPN-to-RN bridge programs are available in Alabama, and how do you choose the right one? For many LPNs, the next step is an associate degree in nursing (ADN) that leads to RN licensure, or even a direct path to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Alabama’s community college system and several universities offer structured bridge options designed to credit your existing practical nursing knowledge, shortening the time and cost to advance.
The primary gateway is the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), which maintains a list of member colleges offering LPN-to-ADN mobility tracks. On the ACCS website, you’ll find system-wide policies for credit-for-prior-learning, along with links to individual campuses. Jefferson State Community College and Calhoun Community College, for example, typically offer these programs, but details like program length, start dates, and specific credit awards vary. Always visit each school’s nursing department page directly for the most current application windows, prerequisite updates, and any hybrid or evening options.
Most LPN-to-RN bridge programs grant advanced standing based on your current, unencumbered LPN license and work experience. This may translate to credit for foundational nursing courses, allowing you to enter the ADN program at a designated transition point rather than starting from scratch. However, the exact number of credits you receive depends on the school’s evaluation of your transcripts and, in some cases, a challenge exam or skills validation. Contact program advisors to clarify what portion of your prior learning can be applied before you apply.
The Alabama Board of Nursing approves all pre-licensure nursing programs, including LPN-to-RN tracks. Their website lists every board-approved program in the state so you can verify that a school’s offering meets regulatory standards. The Board also oversees statewide articulation agreements, which can ease transfer between ACCS colleges and four-year institutions if you later decide to pursue a BSN. Checking with the Board directly helps you identify programs with a clear, recognized pathway to RN licensure.
Before committing, research employment outlook and earnings through the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Alabama Career Center System. National data can provide a broad benchmark for RN salaries, but state-level figures from the Alabama Career Center offer a more realistic picture of what you might earn in cities like Birmingham or Huntsville. Review current job postings and projected growth for RNs in Alabama to see whether a bridge program aligns with your career goals and financial expectations.
Prospective nursing students often have questions about LPN program details, cost, and career outlook. Here are straightforward answers to the most common inquiries.
