Compare accredited BSN programs across Arizona by cost, outcomes, NCLEX prep, and more.
With Phoenix and Tucson healthcare systems expanding rapidly, Arizona’s demand for BSN-prepared nurses continues to intensify. The median annual RN wage statewide sits at $85,530, though salaries in the Phoenix metro area top $87,280.
Our 2026 rankings evaluate nursing schools using three criteria that determine real value: net price after aid, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings. These numbers, drawn from federal data, cut through marketing claims to show which BSN programs deliver the strongest return.
The same data set underpins the NCLEX pass rates and cost comparisons that follow. For students weighing six-figure tuition against a decade of loan payments, selecting a school with transparent outcomes isn’t optional: it’s survival.
Our 2026 rankings weigh affordability, student success, and career outcomes to spotlight the BSN programs that offer the strongest value for Arizona nursing students. Each entry includes the school's overall graduation rate as a benchmark, though individual program results may differ.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | ~$17,000/yr (est.) | Outcome-driven nursing candidates | |
The University of Arizona's College of Nursing combines public-university value with a 94% first-time NCLEX pass rate, and its BSN programs are consistently recognized as top performers in the state. Students can choose between a conventional 24-month pathway in Tucson or an accelerated 15-16 month integrative health track in Gilbert with clinical rotations across the Phoenix metro. Post-graduation, alumni report the highest median earnings among ranked Arizona BSN programs, at $59,979 nationally after 10 years.
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| #2 | Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe | Tempe, AZ | $32,000/yr (net price) | Time-conscious career changers | |
Arizona College of Nursing-Tempe delivers a focused, career-oriented 3-year BSN program with CCNE accreditation and a notably high 89% overall graduation rate. The campus prioritizes personalized attention and night class options, making it accessible for students balancing work or family obligations. With a median graduate debt of just $9,500, the program offers an exceptionally low financial entry point for a private nursing education.
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| #3 | Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, AZ | $14,000/yr | Working adults seeking hybrid flexibility | |
Northern Arizona University's BSN program stands out with its hybrid delivery model and emphasis on holistic, patient-centered care across multiple campuses. The school serves a high share of Pell Grant recipients and reports strong 10-year median earnings of $54,384. An accelerated 12-month pathway is available for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, making it a practical choice for career-switchers who want a public-university education.
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| #4 | Pima Medical Institute-Mesa | Mesa, AZ | $21,000/yr (net price) | ||
Pima Medical Institute-Mesa offers an accelerated nursing pathway through its campus-based associate degree, designed to get students into the workforce quickly. The program's 20-month length and 67% overall graduation rate reflect a practical, hands-on approach with clinical externships. Graduates carry a median debt of $9,500 and earn a median of $38,673 ten years out, presenting a solid return for an affordable investment.
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| #5 | Carrington College-Tucson | Tucson, AZ | $34,000/yr | ||
Carrington College-Tucson provides a campus-based associate degree in nursing that emphasizes practical skill development and NCLEX-RN readiness. With an overall graduation rate of 66% and a retention rate of 79%, the program supports students through to completion. Graduates see a median 10-year earnings of $36,718, and the school serves a high proportion of Pell Grant recipients, indicating broad access for students with financial need.
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| #6 | Aspen University | Phoenix, AZ | $7,000/yr | ||
Aspen University focuses exclusively on graduate nursing education, with online MSN programs that cater to working professionals seeking administrative or specialized roles. The school maintains an ultra-low 3:1 student-faculty ratio and affordable tuition at $5,910 per year, appealing to cost-conscious nurses aiming to move into leadership. Its overall graduation rate of 27% reflects a non-traditional student body, while median graduate debt remains moderate at $15,756.
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| #7 | Estrella Mountain Community College | Avondale, AZ | $2,000 – $9,000/yr | ||
Estrella Mountain Community College offers a highly affordable nursing pathway with an in-district tuition under $2,400 and a net price of $12,254. The campus-based Associate in Applied Science in Nursing prepares students for RN licensure in just four semesters, and its Concurrent Enrollment Program lets motivated learners earn both an AAS and a BSN simultaneously. With a recent three-year average NCLEX pass rate above 97%, graduates enter the workforce with minimal debt and solid job prospects.
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| #8 | Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix | Phoenix, AZ | ~$37,000/yr (est.) | ||
Arizona College of Nursing-Phoenix mirrors the Tempe campus in offering a rapid 3-year BSN program, but its net price of $36,660 is the highest among ranked schools. The program remains accredited by CCNE and provides strong student support with night classes and advanced simulation technology. It may be best suited for students who value speed and a clear, structured schedule and are willing to invest more upfront for a private education.
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| #9 | Mohave Community College | Kingman, AZ | ~$6,000/yr (est.) | ||
Mohave Community College provides the lowest net price in the ranking at $5,974, making it exceptionally affordable for in-district students. The campus-based AAS program serves a high Pell Grant population and includes clinical training that may extend into Las Vegas, broadening practical experience. Graduates earn a median of $35,522 after 10 years with a typical debt load of just $9,700, offering one of the strongest value propositions in Arizona.
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| #10 | Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | ~$22,000/yr (est.) | ||
Grand Canyon University's pre-licensure BSN program is built on a evidence-based, holistic nursing philosophy with a strong emphasis on ethical practice and leadership. The campus-based program in Phoenix prepares students for the NCLEX-RN through immersive simulations and clinical practice. With a net price of $22,472 and 10-year median earnings of $42,186, it represents a balanced private-university option, though its 43% overall graduation rate signals that student support remains an area of focus.
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A ranking based on reputation might admire a school’s history. Ours measures what students actually pay and earn.
We built a composite score from four equally weighted factors, each pulled from the latest federal data:
Each metric is standardized, so no single factor runs away with the ranking. We then rank schools by their total score.
You will notice that NCLEX pass rates, clinical hour totals, and admissions selectivity are not part of our formula. Those are critical for licensure readiness, but they are discussed separately in each school’s profile and in our NCLEX comparison table. A sky‑high pass rate at an expensive private school might not serve a student who needs a low‑cost, high‑return pathway. We treat NCLEX as a threshold (schools must be accredited) rather than a scoring input.
Scan the search results for “best nursing schools in Arizona” and you will seldom find a clear explanation of how rankings were built. That lack of transparency erodes trust. By laying out every weighting, data source, and exclusion, we give you the tools to decide if our priorities align with yours. All figures come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS, using the most recent snapshot available as of May 2026. No school pays for placement, and no subjective reputational surveys influence the order.
Among the ranked nursing schools in Arizona, the average net price after financial aid is about $11,100, but costs span from as low as $4,714 at Central Arizona College to $16,674 at University of Arizona. These net price figures are institution-wide averages, so what you actually pay as a nursing student could be higher or lower depending on your financial aid package.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Arizona College | $2,250 | $4,500 | $4,714 | Public |
| Mohave Community College | $2,208 | $7,968 | $5,974 | Public |
| Yavapai College | $2,948 | $9,486 | $8,683 | Public |
| Arizona Western College | $3,060 | $9,870 | $8,983 | Public |
| Eastern Arizona College | $2,352 | $9,552 | $9,197 | Public |
| Northland Pioneer College | $2,664 | $10,320 | $9,240 | Public |
| Glendale Community College | $2,358 | $8,959 | $11,650 | Public |
| Phoenix College | $2,358 | $8,959 | $12,055 | Public |
| Mesa Community College | $2,358 | $8,959 | $12,132 | Public |
| Estrella Mountain Community College | $2,358 | $8,959 | $12,254 | Public |
| Scottsdale Community College | $2,358 | $8,959 | $13,336 | Public |
| GateWay Community College | $2,358 | $8,959 | $13,339 | Public |
| Coconino Community College | $3,473 | $9,987 | $13,996 | Public |
| Northern Arizona University | $12,619 | $20,044 | $14,158 | Public |
| University of Arizona | $13,573 | $39,903 | $16,674 | Public |
What do NCLEX pass rates tell you about an Arizona nursing program's quality and your future success?
NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates are the most transparent quality indicator for nursing schools. They measure the percentage of a program's graduates who pass the licensing exam on their first attempt. Since you cannot work as a registered nurse without this license, a school's pass rate directly reflects how well it prepares students for the test and for entry-level nursing practice.
A consistently high pass rate suggests strong instruction, robust clinical training, and effective exam preparation. Conversely, a low or declining rate can signal gaps in curriculum, inadequate student support, or admission standards that do not align with the program's rigor.
In 2024, the national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated students was 91.16%.1 This benchmark helps you evaluate individual programs. While no single number defines excellence, many quality programs consistently exceed 90%. Some reach 95% or higher.
A pass rate below 80% is a red flag. It indicates that at least one in five graduates fails the licensing exam on the first try, potentially delaying their career and adding retake fees. When assessing a school, look for stable or improving pass rates over multiple years, not just one good cohort.
The Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBON) publishes annual NCLEX pass rate reports for all approved nursing programs in the state. Their publications break down results by school and degree type, including BSN programs. To check the latest figures, visit the AZBON website and look for the most recent NCLEX Performance Report, typically released in the first quarter of the year for the previous year's data.
Because pass rates can fluctuate, review at least two years of data when possible. Some schools publish their own pass rates on their websites, but always verify against the official AZBON reports for accuracy.
AZBON's reporting cycle may lag by a few months as they validate results. When you research programs, confirm the data year and whether the figures represent all first-time test-takers or only those who graduated within a specific timeframe. Always use the most recent state board data available to make informed comparisons.
When evaluating nursing school value, two earnings pictures matter. The first is program-specific graduate data, which shows what completers of a particular BSN program earn in their first years after school. The second is occupational wage data, which reflects what all RNs in a state make, no matter where they trained. For Arizona BSN programs, graduate-level earnings data are not currently available, but statewide RN wage figures offer a reliable earnings baseline.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Arizona earned a median annual wage of $96,890 in 2024. Pay spans a wide range: the lowest 10% of earners made about $69,930, while the highest 10% exceeded $123,480. For comparison, the national median for RNs sat at $93,600, making Arizona’s figure roughly 3% higher than the U.S. midpoint.
Earnings also shift by metro area. The Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler and Tucson regions, which employ the bulk of Arizona’s nurses, typically report median wages above the state average, reflecting higher demand and cost of living. Exact metro figures vary with each BLS release, but graduates targeting those markets can expect pay on the higher side of the range.
Entry-level RNs often land near the lower end of the pay scale. A new BSN graduate in Arizona might start in the $70,000 to $80,000 range, with rapid growth as they gain experience or pursue specialties like critical care or perioperative nursing. Those who move into advanced roles, such as nurse management or clinical nurse specialist positions, can push earnings toward the 90th percentile and beyond.
It is also worth remembering that BLS figures capture base salary only. Shift differentials, overtime, on-call pay, and signing bonuses, all common in nursing, can add thousands to annual take-home pay and are not reflected in these medians.
As you weigh Arizona nursing schools, treat these statewide numbers as a floor for your career earning potential. When program-level graduate earnings data become available, they will allow a finer comparison of how specific schools influence short-term pay outcomes.
In Arizona, RNs earn a median annual wage of $85,530, with Phoenix metro topping $87,280 and Tucson at $82,410. Nationally, the median is $86,070, and the field is projected to grow 6% through 2033.
Arizona nursing schools offer several paths to a BSN, from traditional on-campus programs to accelerated and hybrid formats. While fully online BSN options are scarce, many programs incorporate online coursework, but all require in-person clinical hours to meet state licensing requirements.
| Traditional On-Campus BSN | Accelerated BSN | Hybrid BSN | Fully Online BSN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Duration | 2-4 years depending on transfer credits | 12-16 months (for students with a previous bachelor's degree) | 4-4.5 years (includes pre-professional courses) |
| Flexibility | Fixed on-campus schedule; little remote coursework | Intensive, full-time format with little flexibility; often cohort-based | Mix of online coursework and periodic on-campus sessions |
| In-Person Clinical Hours | 600+ hours (e.g., University of Arizona requires over 600 hours) | Varies by program (Grand Canyon University: 56 hours; others may have more) | Similar to traditional BSN hours |
| Best For | Students who prefer structured, hands-on learning on campus | Career changers with a bachelor's degree who want to transition quickly | Working adults or students who need some flexibility but value occasional in-person instruction |
| Example Arizona Schools | University of Arizona, Grand Canyon University, Arizona College of Nursing | Arizona State University (12 months), Grand Canyon University (16 months) | Northern Arizona University |
A traditional BSN takes about four years, while accelerated programs for those with a prior degree can be finished in 12 to 18 months. Every pathway ends with the same state requirements: pass the NCLEX-RN and secure an Arizona RN license, which includes a mandatory fingerprint clearance card.
Gaining admission to a BSN program in Arizona is often far more competitive than the university’s overall acceptance numbers suggest. While the University of Arizona reports an institution-wide acceptance rate around 86%, its nursing cohorts are significantly more selective. Northern Arizona University’s overall acceptance rate hovers near 90%, yet the nursing major requires a separate, competitive application. This disconnect means students must prepare for a process that goes well beyond general university admission standards.
BSN programs across the state require a strong foundation in science and math. Nearly all expect completion (with a grade of C or higher) of prerequisites including anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and statistics. Some also mandate nutrition, lifespan development, or psychology. GPA requirements vary widely: some private schools like Arizona College of Nursing may consider applicants with a minimum 2.75 GPA, while public universities set higher bars. Arizona State University’s direct-admit BSN program typically requires a 3.80 core GPA, though applicants with a 3.50 and a top-10% class rank (or ACT 25 / SAT 1230) may qualify. The University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University publish similar prerequisite GPAs in the 3.2 to 3.5 range for competitive consideration, though official minimums may be lower.
Many programs require the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI exam. Minimum scores vary; a TEAS composite of 65% to 75% is common, but applicants with stronger GPAs may edge out lower scores. Additional requirements often include a criminal background check, drug screening, CPR certification, and proof of immunizations. Some schools (like Arizona College) maintain a 100% acceptance rate for qualified applicants who meet all admissions criteria, but this does not reflect the selectivity of the nursing core once enrolled. Transfer students should note that space is limited, and many programs only accept a small cohort each fall or spring.
Not all nursing programs are accredited equally. The two main national accreditors are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University all hold CCNE accreditation. Graduating from an accredited program is essential for RN licensure and may affect employment or graduate school eligibility. Additionally, verify that the Arizona Board of Nursing has approved the program; this is a separate, required step. Clinical site partnerships can elevate a program’s quality. Schools affiliated with major healthcare systems like Banner Health, Dignity Health, or Tucson Medical Center often offer more robust clinical rotations and preceptorships, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.
Arizona is projected to face a shortage of 30,000 nurses by 2025, according to Nightingale College's nursing shortage analysis.
Choosing a nursing school is a big decision. Below, we answer the most common questions prospective students in Arizona ask about accredited BSN programs, costs, timelines, prerequisites, and more. For detailed comparisons, check the rankings and cost tables earlier in this article.
Beyond the top 10 programs, Arizona has many additional nursing schools worth exploring. The directory below lists all remaining RN programs across the state, organized by city to help you find options near you.
