Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for Montgomery-area nursing programs side by side.
Montgomery’s healthcare sector is anchored by Baptist Health, Jackson Hospital, and the VA Medical Center, creating steady demand for RNs. Yet the city has no public BSN program. The closest is Auburn University, 55 miles away; other options, including the University of Alabama, UAB, and Samford University, require a commute or relocation.
Cost, NCLEX pass rates, and program format (traditional, online RN-to-BSN, or accelerated) vary widely. In-state tuition at public universities sits under $13,000, while private Samford charges more than $40,000. For many Montgomery students, the decision hinges on whether to pursue a lower-cost public degree with competitive admission or pay a premium for the resources of a private school.
Montgomery, Alabama offers a mix of public and private nursing programs at the associate and bachelor's levels, each with distinct strengths. Whether you prefer a traditional university experience, a community college pathway, or a faith-based education, you'll find accredited options right here in the capital city.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | Traditional students targeting top NCLEX performance | |
Auburn University at Montgomery's BSN program combines rigorous academics with hands-on clinical training. With CCNE accreditation and a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate in Spring 2024, the program boasts strong outcomes. Students gain real-world experience through state-of-the-art labs and community outreach initiatives like the Healthy Kids Initiative, preparing them for diverse nursing roles.
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| #2 | H Councill Trenholm State Community College | Montgomery, AL | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | Cost-conscious learners wanting an HBCU ADN option | |
H Councill Trenholm State Community College, a designated HBCU, provides an affordable ADN pathway with a distinctive LPN exit option after three semesters. The ACEN-accredited program includes 675 clinical hours and a 94% job placement rate. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and can enter the workforce quickly.
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| #3 | Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | $22,000/yr | Faith-oriented students pursuing holistic nursing care | |
Faulkner University's BSN program integrates nursing education with a Christ-centered curriculum, emphasizing holistic, patient-centered care and servant leadership. The 126-credit program features small class sizes and personalized support. As a candidate for ACEN accreditation, Faulkner provides a faith-driven environment for aspiring nurses.
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All nursing programs in this comparison are offered by public community colleges in Alabama. The net price shown is the institution-wide average after financial aid, not specific to the BSN program. Median graduate debt is reported only for schools where College Scorecard data is available.
| Institution | In-State Tuition ($) | Out-of-State Tuition ($) | Net Price (Avg, $) | Median Graduate Debt ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wallace Community College-Dothan | 4,980 | 8,850 | 1,170 | |
| Northeast Alabama Community College | 5,040 | 8,910 | 2,756 | 6,100 |
| Lurleen B Wallace Community College | 5,190 | 9,060 | 2,792 | |
| Northwest Shoals Community College | 5,131 | 9,001 | 2,838 | 10,000 |
| Snead State Community College | 5,278 | 9,148 | 3,249 | 9,000 |
| Chattahoochee Valley Community College | 5,100 | 8,970 | 4,244 | 10,500 |
| Bevill State Community College | 4,734 | 8,346 | 5,937 | |
| Lawson State Community College | 5,040 | 8,910 | 6,275 | |
| Calhoun Community College | 5,120 | 8,990 | 7,660 | 12,000 |
| H Councill Trenholm State Community College | 5,190 | 9,060 | 8,325 |
Which nursing programs in Montgomery, AL produce graduates who pass the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt?
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing, three baccalaureate programs within commuting distance of Montgomery reported first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates in 2024.1
These figures represent first-time test-takers from BSN programs who sat for the exam in 2024.
The Alabama state average for BSN programs typically lands in the mid-to-high 80% range. National NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates for all U.S.-educated candidates sit around 80-81% in recent years (2023 figures are approximately 80.6%). Two Montgomery-area programs comfortably exceed both benchmarks. Auburn University at Montgomery and Troy University’s main campus each posted rates well above the state and national norms, while Tuskegee’s rate fell below those averages in 2024.
Troy University’s main campus in Troy, AL, about 50 miles from Montgomery, achieved a 99.04% first-time pass rate, the strongest showing among programs in the region. Auburn University at Montgomery followed closely at 97.06%. Both reflect rigorous preparation, but Troy’s near-perfect mark is a standout. Prospective students might weigh these outcomes alongside factors like program length, clinical placement variety, and total cost when evaluating nursing programs in Alabama.
Current RNs and career changers take different roads to a BSN. Online RN-to-BSN programs cater to working nurses who need a flexible schedule, while accelerated BSN tracks compress coursework for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and can attend full time. Knowing which type fits your situation makes the search for a Montgomery-area option more focused.
Start with the Alabama Board of Nursing’s official list of approved nursing programs. Their website identifies every state-approved RN-to-BSN track, including several that serve Montgomery students entirely or mostly online. Auburn University at Montgomery offers an online RN-to-BSN that requires 30 credit hours and typically takes 12 months to finish. The program includes a local practicum placement, so you build clinical skills close to home. The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) runs a fully online RN-to-BSN with 30 credits and accepts up to 40 transfer credits, which can shorten the timeline. Auburn University’s main campus also offers an online RN-to-BSN; its 27-credit curriculum often completes in 12 months.
Accelerated BSN programs are less common in the immediate Montgomery area. The University of South Alabama in Mobile offers a campus-based accelerated BSN pathway that admits students with a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree. It requires 26 prerequisite credits and starts new cohorts each January and July. For other accelerated possibilities, check the nursing department pages of schools like Alabama State University, Troy University Montgomery campus, and Faulkner University, program availability can shift year to year. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) program directory lets you search for accredited BSN programs by location and delivery method, which is handy for finding accelerated options statewide.
Program formats, credit loads, and timelines change, so contact admissions offices directly. Phone or email the nursing department to ask whether a program is fully online, hybrid, or campus-based, and confirm the typical completion timeline. A quick check with the AACN directory can verify accreditation and delivery mode before you commit.
Gaining admission to a BSN program in Montgomery requires careful planning. Each school sets its own benchmarks for GPA, test scores, and prerequisite coursework, and most programs are cohort-based with specific application windows. Understanding these requirements early can help you prepare a competitive application.
Most Montgomery-area nursing schools require a minimum cumulative GPA to be considered. Faulkner University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) both set a 2.75 GPA minimum, while the University of South Alabama expects a 3.0. Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) does not publish a single GPA floor but emphasizes strong performance in math and science prerequisites. Many programs also require the ATI TEAS exam; AUM explicitly uses TEAS scores as part of its selection process, and competitive applicants typically score well above the national average.
Before applying to upper-division nursing coursework, you’ll need to complete a set of foundational classes. Common prerequisites include anatomy and physiology (with labs), microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and statistics. UAB, for example, lists anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nutrition as required pre-nursing courses. Faulkner and South Alabama also require a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses. AUM weighs your performance in these lower-division classes heavily and may also consider an interview and the amount of credit you’ve earned at AUM.
Deadlines vary by institution and term. UAB’s traditional BSN opens applications on April 1, 2026, with a firm deadline of May 4, 2026. The University of South Alabama accepts applications for three start terms: Spring (deadline July 15), Summer (January 15), and Fall (March 15). Many programs, including those at AUM and Faulkner, operate on a cohort model with a single annual start date; check each program’s website for the most current timeline. South University Montgomery uses a quarter-credit system and offers multiple start dates throughout the year.
Nursing admission is selective across the region. Auburn University’s main campus admits about 46% of all undergraduate applicants, but its nursing program is significantly more competitive. Similarly, AUM and Faulkner describe their BSN tracks as “competitive and capacity-limited,” meaning meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee a seat. Strong TEAS scores, solid prerequisite grades, and a well-prepared application are essential to stand out.
Montgomery, Alabama’s healthcare sector is anchored by major employers like Baptist Medical Center South and Jackson Hospital, creating steady demand for registered nurses. The typical RN salary in the region exceeds the Alabama state median of $63,670, offering strong earning potential for graduates of local nursing programs.
Prospective nursing students often have practical questions about programs, costs, and financial aid. Below are answers to common queries about nursing education in Montgomery, Alabama, using the latest available data.
