Compare ranked BSN, ADN, and RN programs across Arkansas by cost, outcomes, and format.
Arkansas’s demand for registered nurses is projected to grow 9.2% from 2022 to 2032, fueling a strong job market for new graduates. The state’s nursing education landscape spans two-year ADN programs at community colleges, traditional four-year BSNs, and accelerated or direct-entry MSN tracks for career changers. Formats range from campus-based to hybrid and online options, and some schools, like John Brown University, report a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate. Public universities and community colleges keep in-state tuition low: BSN programs often cost under $11,000 per year, and ADN tuition can be below $5,000. Cost remains a defining factor for many students.
Here are the top 10 nursing programs in Arkansas for 2026, ordered by institutional quality and program-level fit. Each school card includes net price, institution-wide graduation rate, format, and degree level. Program strengths and NCLEX performance are highlighted where available.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | $20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.) | Faith-focused undergrads wanting clinical partnerships | |
Ouachita Baptist University offers a campus-based BSN that blends liberal arts and Christian values. The program features a modern nursing education center, multiple clinical partners, and dual-degree options in psychology or Spanish. Graduates benefit from a strong licensure pass rate and a supportive faith-based community.
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| #2 | University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | ~$18,000/yr (est.) | Working nurses advancing through online RN programs | |
University of Arkansas provides multiple nursing pathways, including a traditional pre-licensure BSN, an online RN to BSN, and an online LPN to BSN. The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing uses simulations, standardized patients, and clinical placements across Arkansas. The university's flagship Fayetteville campus also offers broad student support and in-state tuition advantages for many students.
CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #3 | University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville | Batesville, AR | $8,000/yr (est. net price) | Budget-conscious students needing flexible scheduling | |
University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville offers an associate degree in nursing that can be completed in person, online, or via hybrid formats. The program combines classroom instruction, simulation, and clinical experience, and it emphasizes affordability, small classes, and advising for working adults.
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| #4 | John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | $20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.) | ||
John Brown University offers a faith-based, on-campus BSN with simulation labs and a senior capstone that includes precepted clinical hours. The program is known for a high licensure pass rate and a patient-centered curriculum grounded in Christian perspective. CCNE accredited
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| #5 | Harding University | Searcy, AR | ~$15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Harding University offers a campus-based BSN with a 50-credit upper-level nursing core and an accelerated hybrid track. The university also hosts a hybrid Direct Entry MSN for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and want to become registered nurses.
CCNE accredited
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| #6 | Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | $25,000 – $30,000/yr (est.) | ||
Baptist Health College Little Rock offers an associate degree nursing track embedded in the Baptist Health system. The traditional track can be completed in 18 months with four-day instructional weeks, rolling admissions, and two start dates per year. ACEN accredited
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| #7 | University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College | Forrest City, AR | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | ||
University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College offers an associate of applied science in nursing with traditional and accelerated LPN/LPTN to RN options. The 62-credit program emphasizes hands-on clinical practice and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN.
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| #8 | Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | $8,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Arkansas State University offers both a campus-based BSN and an associate degree in nursing. The BSN requires 122 credits and includes clinical rotations in intensive care, emergency, and clinic settings. The AASN is a faster pathway for students seeking entry-level RN roles.
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| #9 | Southern Arkansas University Tech | Camden, AR | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southern Arkansas University Tech offers an associate of applied science in nursing with in-person instruction and clinical experiences. The program includes stackable credentials, an LPN-to-RN transition pathway, and competitive admission based on TEAS scores.
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| #10 | University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | $15,000 – $20,000/yr (est.) | ||
University of Central Arkansas offers a campus-based BSN accredited by CCNE and approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. The program combines classroom and clinical learning to prepare students for professional nursing practice and advanced study. | |||||
Choosing a nursing program means weighing cost, location, and reputation, but one factor overshadows the rest: will you pass the NCLEX and earn your license? First-time pass rates are the clearest public measure of how well a school prepares students for that pivotal exam. Yet rates can swing from year to year, vary between program types, and differ across reporting sources, so relying on a single number without context can mislead.
Start with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) annual reports. These break down program-specific first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by year and by degree level, updated when new data is released. Visit asbn.arkansas.gov and look for the latest NCLEX performance summaries, often listed under the education or reports section. The ASBN provides the most authoritative picture for Arkansas, because schools report results directly to the board.
For a national benchmark, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) publishes aggregated first-time pass rates for every state and for the U.S. as a whole. Their website includes downloadable summaries that cover years like 2023 and 2024, with 2025 data typically added after fall testing cycles conclude. Comparing a specific Arkansas program’s rate against the national average for the same year tells you whether that school is keeping pace with peers across the country.
First-time pass rate means the percentage of graduates who passed the NCLEX on their first attempt. This matters because retakes are allowed only after a waiting period, and repeated failures can delay licensure. A rate consistently above 90% is a strong signal, but don’t dismiss a program for one lower year without checking context: small cohort sizes can make percentages erratic. Also note that pass rates can differ markedly between associate-degree (ADN) and bachelor’s-degree (BSN) programs, so compare within the same degree type whenever possible.
Many nursing schools post their most recent NCLEX results directly on their program pages. Look under sections like 'Admissions,' 'Outcomes,' or 'Accreditation.' Some departments publish multi-year trends, which can show whether improvement is sustained or a one-time spike. If rates aren't visible, contact the program coordinator. Transparency here often reflects a program’s confidence in its curriculum.
Pass rates gauge test readiness, not long-term career success. For job outlook and salary benchmarks, consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) or professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association. Just remember: NCLEX performance data comes from state boards and the NCSBN, not from labor market reports. Keep those sources separate, and you will build a clearer picture of where a program stands.
Nursing education in Arkansas is predominantly offered through public institutions, which helps keep tuition lower than at private schools. The net price listed here represents the average cost after grants and scholarships, though individual circumstances vary. Community colleges often provide the most affordable pathways, with several associate-degree programs costing under $5,000 per year net of aid.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) | Median Federal Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas | $4,740 | $5,190 | $4,385 | N/A |
| Ozarka College | $3,820 | $6,820 | $4,543 | $9,818 |
| Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas | $3,800 | $4,550 | $4,848 | N/A |
| Black River Technical College | $4,776 | $7,488 | $5,095 | $9,500 |
| NorthWest Arkansas Community College | $4,926 | $5,238 | $7,196 | $9,506 |
| Arkansas State University-Newport | $3,312 | $4,752 | $8,444 | $8,002 |
| Arkansas State University-Mountain Home | $3,312 | $4,776 | $8,847 | $10,500 |
| North Arkansas College | $3,864 | $5,592 | $10,180 | $9,000 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | $7,334 | $12,182 | $10,574 | $18,250 |
| Arkansas State University | $8,090 | $14,522 | $12,366 | $20,500 |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | $9,375 | $17,955 | $12,653 | $24,202 |
| National Park College | $6,050 | $7,280 | $12,720 | $10,500 |
| Arkansas Tech University | $8,674 | $14,668 | $12,970 | $21,000 |
| Southern Arkansas University | $9,960 | $15,690 | $14,027 | $18,750 |
| University of Arkansas at Monticello | $9,292 | $14,857 | $14,287 | $19,971 |
What do nursing graduates in Arkansas actually earn after school? The answer depends heavily on the program, but data from the College Scorecard shows that completers of several Arkansas programs achieve median earnings well above statewide averages. While program-level early-career figures (one or four years out) are not yet reported for these schools, the long-term median earnings at 10 years after entry offer a reliable snapshot of earning power. Figures below reflect the latest available data, typically from 2023.
Among the top-ranked programs, Jefferson Regional School of Nursing leads with a median earnings figure of $73,975. Graduates of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences BSN earn nearly as much, at $73,827. Baptist Health College Little Rock’s ADN completers see $62,244, while University of Arkansas Fayetteville BSN graduates earn $58,191. Even programs with lower median earnings, such as NorthWest Arkansas Community College at $43,505, still position graduates above many other fields.
These outcomes underscore a clear pattern: hospital-based diploma programs and well-established university BSN tracks tend to deliver higher long-term earnings than some smaller private schools. However, earnings are just one piece of the puzzle.
A program’s return on investment (ROI) combines earnings with student debt. The ROI ratio, median earnings divided by median debt, gives a quick gauge of value. For example: - Jefferson Regional: Median debt of $12,000 and earnings of $73,975 yield an ROI of 6.2, meaning each dollar of debt maps to over $6 in earnings. - Baptist Health College (ADN): $10,000 median debt and similar earnings produce an ROI of 6.2. - UAMS BSN: $14,000 median debt and ROI of 5.3. - NorthWest Arkansas CC: With only $9,506 in median debt, its ROI reaches 4.6. - University of Arkansas Fayetteville: Higher debt of $21,500 still yields a solid ROI of 2.7. - Private options like Harding University and Ouachita Baptist carry median debts above $20,000 and ROIs around 2.0 to 2.5.
While monthly payment estimates aren’t available, the ROI ratios suggest that graduates of ADN and public BSN programs in particular face very manageable debt loads relative to income. Even the lowest ROI in the top 10, about 2.0, still indicates earnings are roughly double the debt.
It is important to distinguish these College Scorecard outcomes from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) occupational wages. The BLS reports a statewide median annual wage for all registered nurses in Arkansas that is often lower than the median earnings of graduates from the programs above. This gap reflects the premium associated with completing a reputable nursing program and the fact that the Scorecard data tracks actual completers, not all RNs regardless of education path. Not all graduates will earn at the median, but the data suggests that choosing a strong program can push earnings well above the typical Arkansas RN salary.
Since the figures come from federal financial aid recipients, they may not reflect every student’s experience. Moreover, specific quality signals like the share of completers earning above 150% of the poverty line are not yet available for these programs. Still, the available metrics paint an encouraging picture: for most programs in the top 10, the long-term earnings justify the educational investment and point to a solid financial future in nursing.
Finding a program’s clinical partnerships often comes down to two routes: browsing a school’s website or picking up the phone. The former gives you a polished snapshot, but the latter reveals the real story of where you’ll practice and who might hire you after graduation.
Most top BSN programs in Arkansas, such as the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), the University of Arkansas, and Harding University, publish information about clinical placements or affiliations on their official pages. Look for sections labeled “Clinical Experiences,” “Partnerships,” or “Affiliated Hospitals” within the nursing school or college of health. You may find references to major names like UAMS Medical Center, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, or Arkansas Children’s Hospital. These pages often outline general placement regions and the types of units you might rotate through. However, remember that website listings can be broad or outdated, and they rarely describe the exact hospitals assigned to each cohort.
The most reliable way to get current clinical partnership details is to contact the nursing department directly. Admissions staff and program coordinators can provide a list of active hospital affiliates for the upcoming year. When you reach out, explicitly ask which hospitals in Arkansas host students for core rotations. Listen for mentions of UAMS Medical Center, Baptist Health facilities in Little Rock or Fort Smith, CHI St. Vincent, or Arkansas Children’s Hospital, as these often serve as anchor sites. Clarify whether students rotate through all of them or are placed at a subset, and whether location preferences are considered. Because partnerships can shift with hospital staffing and faculty availability, information from a phone call or email is always more current than a catalog description.
The Arkansas Nursing Association and the Arkansas Board of Nursing don’t publish real‑time clinical partnership lists, but they offer valuable resources. The board maintains a directory of approved nursing programs in the state, including accreditation status and NCLEX pass rates. While that directory won’t name hospital affiliates, board staff can often direct you to program coordinators who handle clinical placements. The nursing association may further provide guidance on what constitutes a robust clinical experience, helping you evaluate whether a school’s partnerships align with your career goals. These organizations can also clarify any regulatory minimums for clinical hours, giving you a benchmark when comparing programs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) supplies employment figures and wage estimates for registered nurses in Arkansas. This data helps you gauge long‑term return on investment, but it does not reflect the quality or depth of a program’s clinical training. Use BLS numbers to confirm regional demand, then circle back to your direct inquiry list. A school that places students in renowned systems like Arkansas Children’s Hospital or CHI St. Vincent may offer stronger hands‑on learning and better networking. Ultimately, clinical partnerships shape your competency and your first job prospects, so verify them through the channels that give you the most current, cohort‑specific information: a conversation with the people who coordinate those placements every semester.
Employment of registered nurses in Arkansas is projected to grow 9.2% from 2022 to 2032, adding hundreds of new positions statewide, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Becoming a registered nurse in Arkansas follows a clear, step-by-step process. From program completion to multistate practice, here is what to expect.
Choosing a nursing program in Arkansas raises many questions. Below we answer the most common inquiries about schools, costs, licensure, and career outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
The schools below round out the picture of nursing education in Arkansas, grouped by region rather than by rank. Each entry notes the degree level, delivery format, and location so you can compare programs close to home. Some of these campuses anchor rural nursing pipelines, while others feed the state's metro hospital systems.
