The Top Nursing Schools In Arkansas

Arkansas has more than 40 state-approved nursing programs, a low cost of living, and steady demand for registered nurses (RNs). As an original Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, it lets graduates apply for a multistate license valid across the more than 40 participating states and jurisdictions. Here are the programs, the licensing steps, and what nurses earn.

The Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas

Arkansas runs a wide mix of private and public programs, from Christian liberal arts BSNs to community college LPN-to-RN bridges. Use the data below to match a program to your goals.

Christian-based Harding University offers a traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and a hybrid accelerated BSN, along with master of science in nursing (MSN) tracks. Graduate students can pursue an MSN-master's entry into professional nursing or an MSN-family nurse practitioner.

• Program(s): BSN; MSN
• Campus: Searcy, AR
• Type: Private
• Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $750 per credit hour for undergraduate students; $783-$1,131 per credit hour for graduate students
• Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree or RN license, depending on track; online application; transcripts
• Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.2% first-time pass rate
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $58,220 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard

Liberal arts-focused Ouachita Baptist University offers three paths to a BSN: an on-campus four-year BSN, an online RN-to-BSN, and a dual-enrolled associate/BSN partnership with Baptist Health College Little Rock. Courses include community health, pathophysiology, leadership and management, and transcultural nursing.

• Program(s): BSN; RN-to-BSN
• Campus: Arkadelphia, AR
• Type: Private
• Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Tuition: $15,250 per year; $275 per credit hour RN-to-BSN
• Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; online application; transcripts; RN license for RN-to-BSN
• Minimum Time Commitment: 9-12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes

Ozarka College offers an associate of applied science (AAS) in registered nursing for licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The 66-credit program covers the nursing process, NCLEX-RN preparation, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology, with evening lectures and weekend clinical practicums. Ozarka also offers LPN and nursing assistant certificates.

• Program(s): AAS (LPN-to-RN)
• Campus: Melbourne, AR
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition: $90 per credit hour for in-state students; $188 per credit hour for out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: LPN credential; high school or GED transcript; online application
• Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,730 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard

Students at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain can earn an AAS in registered nursing for LPNs through interactive evening video courses and weekend clinical hours. Certificate options include practical nursing and nursing assistant.

• Program(s): AAS (LPN-to-RN)
• Campus: Mena, AR
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition: $99 per credit hour for in-district students; $114 per credit hour for out-of-district students; $147 per credit hour for out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: LPN license; 2.5 GPA in general education courses; high school or GED transcript; NLN nursing entrance exam scores
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: No

The University of Arkansas Fayetteville offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a traditional BSN and bridge programs for RNs and LPNs. MSN students focus on nurse education, and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) candidates concentrate on clinical practice.

• Program(s): BSN; LPN-to-BSN; RN-to-BSN; MSN; DNP
• Campus: Fayetteville, AR
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $302-$964 per credit hour undergraduate; $438-$1,190 graduate
• Admission Requirements:
• BSN: transcripts; 3.0 GPA; personal statement; interview
• LPN-to-BSN: current license; graduate of accredited LPN program; 2,000 hours of work experience
• RN-to-BSN: RN license; AAS or diploma program; 1,000 hours of work experience or clinical proficiency score
• MSN: BSN from accredited program; RN license; coursework in health assessment and statistics
• DNP: graduate of accredited nursing program; 3.0 GPA; RN license; GRE scores
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes (traditional BSN only)
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.1% first-time pass rate
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $59,310 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard

East Arkansas Community College offers a 62-credit AAS-to-RN degree covering anatomy and physiology, medical-surgical nursing, fundamentals of nursing, and mental health nursing, with an accelerated LPN track. EACC also trains LPNs and nursing assistants.

• Program(s): AAS (LPN-to-RN)
• Campus: Forrest City, AR
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition: $88 per credit hour for in-county students; $98 per credit hour for out-of-county students; $118 per credit hour for out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: Nursing application; official transcripts; 2.8 GPA; HESI exam scores; for LPN-to-RN, an LPN license and at least six months of work experience past graduation
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 63.6% first-time pass rate
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,320 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard

Nursing programs at Arkansas State University run online and on campus. Students can enroll in an associate of applied science in nursing (AASN), a BSN, or an MSN with nurse practitioner, administration, or educator tracks. A-State also offers a DNP and a doctorate in nurse anesthesia.

• Program(s): AASN; LPN-to-AASN; RN-to-AASN; BSN; RN-to-BSN; MSN; DNP
• Campus: Jonesboro, AR
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs
• Tuition:
• Undergraduate: $218 per credit hour for in-state and online students; $450 per credit hour for out-of-state students; $265 accelerated tracks
• MSN: $277 per credit hour for in-state and online students; $554 per credit hour for out-of-state students
• DNP: $333 per credit hour
• DNP-nurse anesthesia: $10,000 per fall and spring semester; $5,000 for summer semester
• Admission Requirements: Degree or diploma, depending on program; RN license/certification (except for traditional AASN and BSN); transcripts
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes for on-campus programs and immersions
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.1% first-time pass rate
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $54,770 for associate graduates, $58,140 for bachelor's graduates, and $135,610 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton offers a 66-credit AAS in registered nursing for LPNs, combining nursing process coursework with clinical practicums. UACCM also offers a nursing assistant certificate, an LPN, and, with the University of Central Arkansas, an RN-to-BSN.

• Program(s): AAS (LPN-to-RN)
• Campus: Morrilton, AR
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition: $92 per credit hour for in-county students; $102 per credit hour for out-of-county students; $130 per credit hour for out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: LPN license; ACT score of 15 or ACCUPLACER score of 230; NACE score of 60; high school or GED and college transcripts; 2.5 GPA
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $55,290 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard

Arkansas State University Mountain Home offers a 60-credit bridge for LPNs and paramedics to earn an AAS in registered nursing, combining online learning with in-person instruction and clinical hours. ASUMH also awards certificates for nursing assistants, LPNs, and prenursing students.

• Program(s): AAS - LPN/paramedic-to-RN
• Campus: Mountain Home, AR
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition: $98 per credit hour for in-state students; $165 per credit hour for out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: HESI and ACCUPLACER reading scores; a "C" in prerequisites; cumulative 2.5 GPA; LPN or EMT-P license
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.9% first-time pass rate
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $47,260 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard

Southern Arkansas University offers a 120-credit BSN covering nursing research for evidence-based practice, leadership and management, and pharmacology. The program emphasizes experiential learning in its simulation lab and community facilities, with focus areas in acute care, community health, maternal/newborn, and pediatrics.

• Program(s): BSN
• Campus: Magnolia, AR
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Tuition: $225 per credit hour for in-state students; $399 per credit hour for out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: High school or GED transcripts; HESI exam scores; 2.0 GPA
• Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.3% first-time pass rate
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $55,150 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Arkansas

Weigh tuition and fees, the NCLEX-RN pass rate (a useful proxy for program quality), and admission requirements. Also consider financial aid, program format for online options, clinical placement support, and the curriculum. Confirm accreditation first; every program listed here is accredited.

Why Become a Nurse in Arkansas

Arkansas is an NLC state, so a license earned here works across the compact. Most counties qualify as medically underserved areas, which opens up scholarships and loan forgiveness for nurses who work in them. The Arkansas Nurses Foundation and the Arkansas Department of Health both list aid programs. Demand for RNs runs above the national pace, and the low cost of living stretches every paycheck further.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Arkansas

Arkansas registered nurses average about $78,900 a year, below the national median of $93,600, and nurse practitioners average about $116,000, below the national NP median of roughly $132,000 [BLS, May 2024]. Cost of living closes the gap: the Arkansas index sits around 91, well under the national 100, so those wages go further than the raw numbers suggest.

RN demand is projected to grow faster than the national rate over the coming decade, and APRN roles are growing faster still. Little Rock, the largest metro, pays the highest average RN wages; rural and unincorporated areas pay less. Because so much of the state is medically underserved, many of those areas qualify for state loan-forgiveness programs.

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Arkansas

To earn an RN license in any state, you graduate from nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and clear a background check. APRNs additionally need an RN license, board certification, and a background check, plus the Arkansas-specific requirements below.

RN Requirements

Complete an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program and pass the NCLEX-RN. If you train in Arkansas and qualify for licensure by examination, apply to the state board of nursing about 60 days before you graduate.

APRN Requirements

APRNs need a master of science in nursing or doctor of nursing practice, board certification, an unencumbered RN license, and at least 2,000 hours of RN experience. Arkansas is a reduced-practice state: NPs work under a collaborative practice agreement on file with the board and apply separately for prescriptive authority. Under Act 412 of 2021, an NP can earn full independent practice after documenting 6,240 hours under a collaborative agreement, with the certificate renewed every three years.