Top 10 Nursing Schools in Alabama (2026 Rankings)
Last updated: April 2026 · Program details and tuition rates are subject to change.
Alabama is home to some of the most respected nursing programs in the Southeast, with schools offering everything from traditional BSN tracks to accelerated programs and advanced-practice doctoral degrees. Whether you're a first-time nursing student or an experienced RN looking to advance your education, this guide breaks down the best nursing schools in Alabama for 2026.
With Alabama's growing healthcare demand driven by an aging population and rural hospital needs, graduates from these programs are well-positioned for strong career outcomes. The average RN salary in Alabama is approximately $61,920 per year, with advanced-practice nurses earning significantly more.
$61,920
Avg. RN Salary/year
10
Top-ranked programs
90%+
Top schools NCLEX pass rate
Top Nursing Schools in Alabama
Auburn University
Auburn, AL · Public · CCNE
Auburn University's School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the best in Alabama. The BSN program includes two years of pre-nursing coursework followed by two years of nursing education with extensive clinical rotations across Alabama's top healthcare systems. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1 and an acceptance rate of 50%, Auburn provides a competitive yet supportive environment. The nursing program has a separate application process from the university.
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Median Earnings (2 Years Post-BSN): $57,082
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 20:1
Samford University
Birmingham, AL · Private · CCNE
Established in 1841, Samford University has been ranked the #1 school in Alabama by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education since 2016. The Ida Moffett School of Nursing has been educating nurses for nearly 100 years and holds a prestigious designation as a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing. Samford boasts high NCLEX pass rates and above-average job placement rates.
- NLN Center of Excellence
- Online options available
- Nearly 100 years of nursing education
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
Birmingham, AL · Public · CCNE
UAB's School of Nursing is one of the largest and most comprehensive nursing programs in the state. Students have access to UAB Hospital — a Level I trauma center and one of the top academic medical centers in the Southeast. The school is particularly known for its advanced-practice programs, including nurse practitioner and nurse anesthesia tracks.
- Access to Level I trauma center
- Strong research opportunities
- Nurse anesthesia track available
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL · Public · CCNE
The Capstone College of Nursing at the University of Alabama offers a nationally recognized nursing program with multiple entry points. The traditional BSN track is highly competitive, and the school also offers an accelerated second-degree BSN for career changers.
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Accelerated BSN for career changers
- Extensive alumni network
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL · Public · CCNE
The University of South Alabama's College of Nursing is a strong choice for students in the Gulf Coast region. The school's clinical partnerships with USA Health and other regional hospitals give students hands-on experience in diverse patient populations. USA also offers online and hybrid options for working nurses.
- Gulf Coast clinical partnerships
- Online and hybrid options
- Comprehensive degree ladder
Troy University
Troy, AL (multiple campuses) · Public · CCNE
Troy University's School of Nursing offers affordable nursing education with flexible delivery options across multiple campuses. The BSN program emphasizes community health, rural nursing, and preparation for diverse clinical settings.
- Multiple campuses statewide
- Emphasis on rural/community health
- Competitive pricing
Spring Hill College
Mobile, AL · Private (Jesuit) · CCNE
Spring Hill College's Division of Nursing has quickly built a reputation for small class sizes, personalized mentoring, and strong clinical placements. As a Jesuit institution, Spring Hill emphasizes holistic patient care and ethical nursing practice. The student-to-faculty ratio is among the lowest in the state.
- Lowest student-to-faculty ratio in state
- Holistic patient care focus
- Strong clinical placements
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL · Public · CCNE
Jacksonville State's School of Health Professions and Wellness offers a BSN program well-regarded in northeast Alabama. The program features strong clinical partnerships with regional hospitals and a focus on rural and community health nursing.
- Strong rural/community health focus
- RN-to-BSN for working nurses
- Affordable in-state tuition
University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)
Huntsville, AL · Public · CCNE
UAH's College of Nursing is located in one of Alabama's fastest-growing cities. The nursing program benefits from Huntsville's thriving healthcare industry and research-driven economy. UAH offers strong NCLEX pass rates and a focus on evidence-based practice and clinical innovation.
- Located in fastest-growing Alabama city
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Strong NCLEX pass rates
University of North Alabama
Florence, AL · Public · CCNE
The Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions at UNA offers a solid BSN program with an emphasis on preparing nurses for careers in rural and underserved communities. UNA's competitive tuition and strong regional reputation make it an attractive option for students in the Shoals area and beyond.
- Rural & underserved community focus
- Competitive tuition
- Strong regional reputation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average nursing salary in Alabama?
The average RN salary in Alabama is approximately $61,920 per year. Nurses in metropolitan areas like Birmingham and Huntsville tend to earn above the state average, while advanced-practice nurses (NPs, CRNAs) can earn $100,000–$180,000+.
How long does it take to become a nurse in Alabama?
A traditional BSN program takes 4 years. Accelerated BSN programs (for those with a prior bachelor's degree) can be completed in 12–18 months. ADN programs take approximately 2 years, plus additional time for the RN-to-BSN bridge if you want a bachelor's degree.
Which Alabama nursing school has the highest NCLEX pass rate?
NCLEX pass rates fluctuate year to year, but Auburn University, Samford University, and UAB consistently rank among the highest in the state, with pass rates exceeding 90% in most recent reporting periods.
Last updated: April 2026. Program details and tuition rates are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with the school.
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